I get asked about the clay vase I did for the Hartville Hardware 20/20 Challenge
all the time. It is what spurred me to start a blog because I got tired of explaining how to do it.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_c41c4a29646c4b0591d6c3ded9946ed7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_c41c4a29646c4b0591d6c3ded9946ed7~mv2.jpg)
Lets get started.
Find a whatever object you want to make awesome. I have used this technique on glass, ceramic and stoneware.
Prime first. This is crucial, the paint will not adhere properly without it. Let Dry.
Find some paint. I used old sample colors I had laying around. This one is Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee. (side bar: BM still does samples!)
Once you have the base, now you can layer. Let Dry
Mix paint with baking soda. I usually start with a TBLS, and then add more if I want it to be thicker.
Use a cheap paint brush and apply in short criss-cross strokes. Let Dry.
Pick another color to make it look dirty and aged. I have used black, brown and gray paint. Add Baking Soda to it, this one you want to be very thick. Don't get too much paint on the brush, just a little bit at a time. Apply using the same criss-cross strokes, in random parts of the object. Let Dry.,
Now here is the best part, if you are happy with result. Seal with a spray sealer. If you aren't happy, add another layer of your base mixture and try again. I think the more layers you do, the better it looks!
You can not screw this up! It is supposed to be old and weathered. Have fun with it!!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_49c71760a4274ba4b76428d643d38252~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_49c71760a4274ba4b76428d643d38252~mv2.jpeg)
Found this huge vase at the Hartville Marketplace Fleemarket https://hartvillemarketplace.com/ for $20!!! I almost didn't paint it because I loved the green. But it was pretty chipped up on the other side. Plus that would have made for a very boring 20/20 challenge.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_ac785fc10c134296a1da651dd58106c6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1446,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_ac785fc10c134296a1da651dd58106c6~mv2.jpg)
Prime: This is what I use https://www.hartvillehardware.com/product/sku-796095/Spray-Primers
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_c4aa065b1d4f46529a9e674eef4a38b4~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_c4aa065b1d4f46529a9e674eef4a38b4~mv2.jpeg)
Apply your paint mixture to the vase in short criss cross strokes. I used Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_fd23ebe1d4204b2495032d86f070380e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_fd23ebe1d4204b2495032d86f070380e~mv2.jpeg)
Now layer with your darker color paint mixture. Same stroke pattern, but just use a very small amount of paint.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_ff405d1f1ce641fa8040b9d59eb0d152~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_ff405d1f1ce641fa8040b9d59eb0d152~mv2.jpg)
Once you are happy with your vase, make sure to seal it! Here is the one I use.
https://www.hartvillehardware.com/product/sku-796057/General-Purpose-Spray-Paint
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_1afd1c52bcbc4fd59dcbffbf515de3aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_1afd1c52bcbc4fd59dcbffbf515de3aa~mv2.jpg)
Here it is with my fall decor. Faux Pampas Grass from Hobby Lobby.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_c41c4a29646c4b0591d6c3ded9946ed7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_c41c4a29646c4b0591d6c3ded9946ed7~mv2.jpg)
It looks different in every room! Dried Pampas Grass from Hobby Lobby.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/023615_8129ec1bdcd244bc931a22cda3be170a~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/023615_8129ec1bdcd244bc931a22cda3be170a~mv2.jpeg)
Here is another pitcher I did. This one I added more baking soda for a thicker texture.
Ok, Now it is your turn!!
Check out the Rine Revisions and Hartville Hardware 20/20 Challenge! Its on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5071394166208655
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