Milk Jug Vase Knockoff

Are you like me and browse online stores for inspiration? Doing this is one of my favorite pastimes! So you can imagine how excited I was to see milk jug vases in various colors at West Elm! Just take a look:

To me, the cool thing about these vases is that #1 - I have a milk jug in my refrigerator that looks very similar and #2 - the vases show what looks like imperfections! My kind of upcycle crafts, lol! Just in time for this month's Monthly Blog Hop Challenge!

So let's get started with gathering the materials used:

• Milk jug
• Acetone/nail polish remover/cotton ball
• Mod Podge (matt) brush/sponge
• Parchment paper/paper towels
• Plaster of Paris/bowl/stirring spoons/measuring cup
• Water
• Spreading tools
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic Paint/brush

First, make sure the milk jug is clean both inside and out, removing all labels, tabs and .  .  . 

markings. Use a cotton ball soaked with acetone or nail polish to remove the lettering and any sticky residue on the jug. 

I wasn't quite sure if Plaster of Paris would adhere to plastic so I thought I would apply a layer of mod podge and tissue paper first. 

But that seemed like an unnecessary messy chore so I washed it off before I added more.

And applied a layer of Mod Podge as a sealant instead and let that dry.

 

Following the Plaster of Paris directions, mixed two parts (cups) of plaster with one part (cup) of water .  .  .

stirring together until reaching a smooth consistency.

Applied over jug, smoothing out with spoon or spreading tools.

I probably could have smooth the plaster out a bit better, but . .  .

this was the best I could do. It took about 30 minutes for the plaster to set But needs twenty-four hours to dry completely before .  .  .

sanding. After that, I applied another layer of Mod Podge to seal the plaster before .  .  .

painting.

The West Elm description mentioned that it was a one of a kind vase .  .  .

and I tend to agree! Especially done in purple, lol!

For this project, I've joined a group of creative bloggers each month to bring you a themed blog hop challenge on the 2nd Monday of the month, hosted by Beverly @Across the Blvd. This month, it's all about creating a project/craft using items that you have upcycled, repurposed, or made-over!

Be sure to check out all the awesome bloggers and their projects listed below:

Beverly | Across the Blvd | Easter Bunny Decor DIY

Gail | Purple Hues and Me | Milk Jug Vase Knockoff

Niki | Life as as LEO Wife | Farmhouse Bunny Sign 

Marci | Stone Cottage Adventures | DIY Double Duty Door Hanger

Julie | Sum of Their Stories | Upcycled Jar Spring Terrarium