How to Transform an Old Vase Into a Beautiful Looking Antique Treasure

Ann | Dabbling & Decorating
by Ann | Dabbling & Decorating
4 Materials
$12
24 Hours
Easy
This is a very simple DIY that will have you hooked using Mod Podge and paper napkins to transform old vases, etc. into beautiful looking vintage treasures!
Choose your vase!


If you are like me you have a bunch of those cheap vases that come with supermarket flowers, flower deliveries, etc. I never really knew what to do with them and they were just taking up so much space in my cabinets. In an effort to collect more blue and white antique pieces this year, I realized I could speed up this process by purchasing some paper napkins and Mod Podge and create my own pieces with those old cheap vases I had hanging around. Friends, this is such a simple DIY, you will become addicted and start looking all-around your home for things to transform using paper napkins and Mod Podge!What you will need: Mod Podge Small Paint Brush Paper Napkins Your own Vase, Pitcher, Platter, Bowl, etc.
Gather the Supplies


Choose your favorite color and style of paper napkins. I'm trying to add more blues and white to my decor so I chose these classic blue and white napkins from Amazon. I also chose this particular Mod Podge, as it is dishwasher safe!
Paper Napkin Layout


You'll want to start by laying the napkin flat and choosing how you want the pattern positioned on the vase. I chose to have the medallion on this pattern centered on the vase. This medium-sized vase used only two paper napkins.
Apply the Mod Podge and Paper Napkin


Apply the Mod Podge with the paintbrush to the first side of the vase then position the napkin onto the vase, spreading and smoothing it out evenly. You can also use the wet paintbrush to help flatten it all out. Mod Podge is so easy to work with, you really can't make a mistake. Just be careful not to tear the napkins as you are spreading it on and painting over it.
Repeat to the Second Side.


Next spread the Mod Podge onto the second side and repeat.
Apply 3 Coats of the Mod Podge over the Paper Napkins


Here is the vase after both sides have been applied with the paper napkins. Now you'll want to paint over the applied napkins with the Mod Podge three times, waiting about 2 hours between applications. Apply more if you like. Directions are also provided on the back of the jar. I found this type of Mod Podge took much longer to dry than the usual Mod Podge that is not dishwasher safe, as an FYI. It definitely needed to procure over night after three coats.
Watch the Video!


Check out my video covering this project!
Dry Overnight and It's ready to Go!


Now let's take a look at the vase styled with flowers on the table for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!
Styling the Vase


I added flowers from our local market to the vase along with some thrifted brass candlesticks, blue plate, pitcher, and tea cup. What do you think?
Happy Holidays!


I just luv how it turned out and it was so simple to make. Next time I would purchase a variety of paper napkin patterns to create a fun blue and white collection with the various patterns.
Enjoyed the project?
Resources for this project:
Mod Podge
Mod Podge
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Paper Napkins
Paper Napkins
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Cheap Glass Vase
Cheap Glass Vase
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Ann | Dabbling & Decorating
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Shari Fryrear Shari Fryrear on Nov 21, 2020

    How do you keep the inside of the vase even? Or is it rugged on the inside?

    It is very pretty and I would like to do it if I can make the inside neat.

    5
  • Renetta Meddick Renetta Meddick on Nov 24, 2020

    Did you have to take the layers of the napkin apart? or did you use all the layers?
    1
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  • 34354174 34354174 on Nov 24, 2021

    I bought these same print napkins to use on a table top. I absolutely love this design.

    So, I have never Mod Podged napkins before. Apparently my napkins were not very good quality as they tore with every gentle stroke of applying Mod Podge. I even tried pouring it on and gently spreading it out. Still tore. I have a lot of these napkins left, so I might give it another try on a few vases I have sitting in a cabinet!!
    • See 1 previous
    • 34354174 34354174 on Nov 25, 2021

      Thank you. I will look all of these up.

  • Carla Carla on Nov 13, 2023

    I’ve decoupaged a lot of things and love doing it but just wanted to take a minute to say very nicely done❣️❣️❣️❣️
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