This week, I got a tip from a girlfriend about a terrarium and plant shop that was going out of business in our area. They were emptying out their entire store. As my girlfriend left with a trailer full of goodies, I grabbed these two plastic urns for $15.
I had no idea what I was going to do with them, and I already liked the patina look each one had. Until I got them home…
Thrifted Plastic Urns
On the way home, I picked up some mums to go in the urns. And as you can see, each plastic urn is different in color, shape, and size. I really like each one as it stands, but they look a bit funny together with the two different looks.
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Porch Renovation
This past summer, we replaced major support beam columns and refinished the floors and steps on our porch here in Vermont. And I’ve been crushing on dark greens and blues to decorate it all with this fall.
That’s when I decided on the look of the Essex Green that we used on the trim at our home in Coastal Maine to paint these plastic urns with. It’s the richest-looking dark green I have ever seen!
How to Upcycle Plastic Urns
Wash Thoroughly
First, I washed the plastic urns thoroughly with soap and water and let them dry completely.
Paint Plastic Urn
I then painted the plastic urns with the Essex Green paint that I had mixed at our local hardware store. You may also purchase it here.
It was really difficult, honestly, to paint over that beautiful-looking chippiness. But I was really going for a more elegant look for our newly renovated porch. And it was only plastic, after all…
I applied two coats of paint to be sure that everything was covered on the urns.
Dry Time
I let the plastic urns sit overnight to dry.
They are now a beautiful addition to our porch here in Vermont, even though they are not matching urns.
Distress Plastic Urns
I thought I would try distressing the urns a bit with an antique glaze now that they were all painted to add more character and definition. However, as I got into the distressing, I found it just didn’t add much to the look of the urns at all.
I think this was simply because the urns are plastic, and the antique glaze didn’t adhere as nicely to the plastic as it does to wood.
I love how they turned out, adding a touch more elegance now that they are paired, along with their uniqueness of being different.
Do you like easy DIYs like this one? Check out my friend Rachel over at The Ponds Farmhouse! She has so many fall-inspiring DIYs.
Next, on the porch, we will be adding a dark green ratton furniture set that is due to ship sometime in January or February. See it today in the post, How To Create An Inviting Front Porch with Wicker Furniture.
Catch up on all fall decor and designs here in one place.
My goal of adding dark greens and blues will finally all be coming together!
I’ll be heading out to Vermont Vintage Market Days this weekend while “Thrifting with the Gals“! Where I hope to find some more wonderful goodies. I hope you’ll join me!
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Mums
Now, I will sit patiently and wait for the purple mums in our new upcycled plastic urns to bloom.
Do you like Mums? Check out my friend Kim’s “How to Warm up Your Fall Table with Pumpkins and Mums“! And “9 Fall Plants That are Perfect for Container Gardens“.
I hope you have an amazing Autumn, my friend!
If you liked this post, you may also like How to Decoupage Old Treasures.
I’m so glad you dropped by, and if you are new to my blog, welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit with us today at our Home in Vermont.
Be sure to check out our Home in Coastal Maine, too, where we spend summers and weekends when we are craving a walk on the beach or a visit with old friends.
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I love that rich green color and made the urns so much better. Your porch is a lovely place to hang out, thanks and have a great week.
Thank you Marlene it means so much to me when you drop by😘
Ann,
These urns look great with their new green color.
Thanks so much Rachel🙌🏻
Love, love, love the porch, the urns, the table…..everything is stunning and so welcoming!! hugs to Ella!!👍👍❤️❤️
Thank you so much Kathy😃
That color is really beautiful and rich. What a great idea and a beautiful porch.
Roseann, I’m so glad you enjoyed it my friend🍃🍂
Your porch transformation is just beautiful! The urns definitely look like they belong, even though they are different. I can’t wait to see your new furniture. It’s fun watching you transform this porch. Beautiful job!
Thank you so kindly Kim. I always enjoy when you drop by🌺🌺🎃
I love your porch and especially the wicker chairs. Where are they from?
Keep thrifting! Love your Wednesdays.
Thank you so much, Julie! I found the chairs at a local estate sale a couple of years ago as part of a set… Vermont Vintage Market Days are coming up this weekend!
Your porch is beautiful and I like it in all the different ways you styled it. The most recent with the table and wicker chairs is the best!! Must be so nice enjoying meals with family and friends on that wonderful porch which is so cozy. Ella looks like a sweet girl!
Thank you so much. We are excited how it all came out. And have lots more planned for this space. Thank you kindly Linda👏🏻👏🏻