It’s funny, I’m kind of a junk hoarder but I make my mom purge out her stuff a ton, lol. It seems like every time I go to here house for a visit we are redecorating this room or that and she has a pile of things she has cleaned out and saved for me to go through. I’m always pushing her to get rid of stuff she doesn’t need or use. But I hang on to all kind of stuff. ???????? Oh well. Lately her trash has been my treasure and this little pot vase thing came home with me on my last visit.
I love the shape of this pot, but the colors don’t go in my mom’s house anymore or mine. I wasn’t sure what to use it for until my Kroger had a plant sale. Then I knew. Complete side note, I have the most amazing Kroger grocery store. It’s gigantic, complete with clothes and holiday decor. ????????????
Y’all. TONS and TONS of succulents for $1 each. I couldn’t resist. I will likely kill half of them in no time but until then they make me happy. Although I have a new trick that has been improving my plant survival rate! (Will share soon.) I had to give their new home a little makeover.
Friend – don’t forget that you can paint just about anything for a quick and budget friendly update. And remember if it was headed for the trash or donation pile anyway, if you mess it up you are no worse off! Don’t be scared!!!
To update this old pot I used black FolkArt Chalk Paint. This pot/vase is a smooth ceramic finish, so I used about three coats to get a nice even finish. When painting a glass like surface the first coat will usually go on very thin and be the base that allows the next coat to stick well. I used a soft bristle paint brush for a smooth finish as well. No streaks here!
To finish off the pot I used FolkArt enamel paint in Metallic Gold. This is a great paint for glass and ceramic surfaces. I dry brushed it around the top edge and then used a soft brush for the handle. Viola, a nice update in a matter or hours. The painting was quick, but the dry time to a bit. Next I stuffed it with my new baby succulents and put them in a bright sunny window. On a side note, this little kitty was my grandmother’s. It reminds me of her and her house. I sure miss her. Anyway – cross your fingers friends, I’m hoping for a plant miracle! What home decor do you have that could benefit from a quick painting update?
Vicki says
If your succulents don’t survive, go to $Tree and get fake ones!????. That’s what I did!
Kim at Salvaged Living says
For sure, sometimes I mix fake and real but couldn’t pass up this deal!!
Claire says
Genius. I forget about paint sometimes.
Kim at Salvaged Living says
I know right!? It is a miracle worker!!!
Yvonne says
What a great job! You really have a gift!
Kim at Salvaged Living says
aww thanks, I’m also really cheap which forces creativity!! lol
Melodie Russell says
I enjoyed this projects so much as I may or may not have a tiny obsession for succulents. Thanks for sharing!
Kim at Salvaged Living says
lol – I am obsessed too, they are the cutest things ever!
Jackie Duke says
Looks so great! Good luck with the succulents, I’m good at killing those, too!????
Kim at Salvaged Living says
yep – they are so fun and yet I still kill them lol!
Jill says
The pot/container look great in its new color. You are so right – if the object has a great shape and crummy color – paint it. The thrift stores/Goodwill/ReStore are full of ceramic items like this and they are cheap, so just give them a chance. As for succulents, 4 things are needed – correct soil (succulent mix), good drainage (holes in the pot), low watering and good light (but not necessarily direct sun). Your bath window is a great example. If your ceramic piece does’t have drainage holes and you can’t drill any, your can use another pot as a liner and remove to water the plants. I bring my succulents to the kitchen sink and water generously several times with tepid water til it runs out. I finish with a gentle spray of water and leave them in the sink till the leaves are dry (this removes any dust that house plants are likely to accumulate). Let the soil dry out about 1″ deep before watering again. More succulents are killed by overwatering than underwatering. I agree the faux ones look great and work in places that live plants won’t and can certainly be mixed in with live plants to “fill things out”. Just match your live plants to the correct amount of light.
Kim at Salvaged Living says
you are awesome – thank you so much for the amazing tips!!!!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
It’s just perfect, Kim. I adore succulents ????
Kim at Salvaged Living says
Thanks Larissa – me too, especially when I can keep them alive 🙂