You’ve probably got some in the back of your cabinet or under the sink — those clear, rather nondescript vases that come with flower deliveries. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there’s nothing really fun about them once the blossoms have faded. Yet for most of us, they’re too good to throw away. If you don’t have any, look for some at your local thrift or dollar store. Then it’s time to put on your creative hat to give them a new persona.

Painting glass

Even though it’s a nonporous surface, glass can be easily painted with the right choice of paint. Whether you want something transparent and stained-glass looking, a little frosty, mirror-like, metallic or simply full-color coverage, there’s a paint just right for the job. You can even use chalkboard paint if you want to write on the surface to label the flowers in the vase or offer up a greeting in chalk. Look for a spray paint for easy coverage, although you can apply glass paint using a brush or even a sponge for added texture.

Read the paint label before purchasing to be sure it is applicable to glass; otherwise it may simply chip off.

Preparation

No matter how you plan to beautify the vases, it’s important to thoroughly clean the glass using soap and water and let the vases dry completely before you apply paint. Vases can also be run through the dishwasher, but if there’s any residue, use alcohol or glass cleaner to create a sparkly shine.

Create a protected work surface covered in plastic or paper. For spray-painting, consider taking the project outdoors. All paint should be applied in a well-ventilated area.

When spray-painting, stuff the vase with paper or plastic to avoid having any overspray land on the inside of the opening. For easier holding, insert a dowel into the open end to hold onto as you invert the vase and paint it upside down. Or, simply place the vase upside down on your work surface.

Creative options

There are several ways to transform these ho-hum wonders into something special. The featured vases show using rubber bands and stickers as a resist while you paint.

Rubber bands

These handy office supplies come in a variety of widths, and they’re perfect for creating patterns on a glass vase. Or use elastic ponytail bands as a thicker option. Note that neither will be reusable after being used for this project. Simply stretch the bands around the vase at various angles, overlapping as desired to make crisscrossing stripes. Be sure the bands are all flat against the glass and not twisted, otherwise paint will seep underneath as you work and the stripes will not be as distinct.

Once all the bands are in place, invert the vase on a protected work surface and spray-paint all around. Spray light coats from about 10 to 12 inches away, turning the vase as you spray for even coverage. If the paint is applied too heavily, permanent drip marks will result. Spray two or three coats to obtain a color you like.

When the paint is thoroughly dry, carefully peel off the rubber bands, leaving clear lines of the pattern. Note: If you try to remove the bands before the paint is completely dry, some of the paint may peel off in chunks, ruining your creation. Double-check the paint label for suggested drying time.

Stickers

To create an all-over pattern on the glass, apply stickers in a random pattern. Check the scrapbooking department of a craft store for myriad shapes, from simple dots to stars, flowers, etc. Apply the stickers to the outside of the glass, then spray-paint as noted above for the rubber band version. Once the paint is thoroughly dry, peel off the stickers to showcase the shapes.

Another option for resists is to use painter’s tape. Simply wrap it around the vase and adhere to create either regular or irregular stripes once the vase is painted. Peel off the tape when the paint is dry and voila — perfect stripes!

Paint and roll

This application uses a liquid paint poured into the vase and swirled around, creating a fun splash of color. Pour in enough paint to flow smoothly, but not too much that it will pool and not dry properly. It’s easy — simply twist and twirl the vase with the paint inside until you get a fun pattern, then allow the vase to dry thoroughly before use.

Dipping

If you prefer the paint on the outside of the vase, pour some into a small container that’s slightly bigger than the bottom of the vase, then dip the vase into it to a depth you like. Allow the extra paint to drip off the bottom of the vase to avoid any drip marks on the upper portion, then prop the vase on something to keep it off the protected work surface while it dries. A bottle cap or lid works great to keep the vase just slightly elevated and allows any extra paint to find its way down. For a different twist, dip the top of the vase instead and allow the paint to dribble down the glass.

Clear coating

For durability on vases coated on the outside with paint, spray a clear acrylic coat over the colored surface. Take care to hand wash painted vases, as opposed to putting them in the dishwasher.

— Reporter: gwizdesigns@aol.com