Many years ago I volunteered at our local town thrift store. The store was starting as a part of a community program to help provide jobs and funds for the community outreach program. I think that’s what started my love of thrifting and upcycling cast-offs. Which means, I can’t turn down an upcycle challenge. The perfect opportunity to create the Farmhouse Pitcher I’ve been looking for as an addition to my mantle.
Inspiration
Farmhouse style is so appealing to me because of the classic look. I love mixing old and new, eclectically combining things I’ve collected over the years with current trends. Incorporating thrift store finds and my own creations to create a look that represents our family.
Several months ago I fell in love with this beautiful white pitcher full of greenery while shopping in a boutique. Until I saw the price tag!
Spending over $100 for something I can’t guarantee won’t get broken in a Nerf battle, just doesn’t work for me.
My crafting to-do list is pretty lengthy so I actually checked a few of my favorite online shops for unique pieces before deciding to add another project to my list.
Antique Farm House has this beautiful primitive pitcher at a great price, but I wanted something a bit larger.
Decor Steals is another fun place I love to check out. They have a few specials every day and when you find something great there, it’s always worth snagging!
Still not finding a unique white pitcher, I hit up two local places. First, a weekly barn sale not far from my house. I actually have to rein myself in when I go.
The second place is our local thrift store where I snagged this stunning pitcher for only $1.00!
Can you believe that no one else wanted this beauty?
The backside of the pitcher actually works well enough for me, except it just was too yellow for the look I wanted.
DIY Farmhouse Pitcher
Chalk paint to the rescue!
I try to avoid going to the craft store unless I NEED something I can only get there, to finish a project. Otherwise, I can’t be trusted. Plus, there isn’t a craft store in my town.
Thankfully, when I’m doing my regular running around town, my local Walmart always has the best prices on craft paint, including my standard Waverly Chalk Paint.
The whole pitcher was coated with a few layers of white chalk paint until the original color could no longer be seen (which I forgot to photograph!).
But a chalky look wasn’t what I had in mind. The chalk paint was a great base layer, but I knew I needed a different finish.
My local Target was totally re-doing the craft department and I picked up a few of their Hane Made Modern paints. Shimmer eggshell is perfect!
I blended a little gray I had on hand at the top and the bottom of the pitcher. For the handle, I dry brushed the gray paint and then later dry brushed more of the shimmery eggshell paint.
The stamp/seal on the back adds to the rustic look I like, so that’s the side of the pitcher I now have facing forward on the mantel.
I try not to spend too much on faux flowers and greenery since I’m always changing things out. But, sometimes I want them to look nicer than the Dollar Tree (which I do love for making wreaths, low cost and if the weather takes a tole, I make something new).
Faux eucalyptus stems in bulk never go out of style! Eighteen stems for $20 is a bargain in my world.
Upcycle Challenge
I’m excited to see what everyone else creates for the upcycle challenge!
Across the Blvd | Stone Cottage Adventures
Purple Hues & Me | Domestic Deadline
Chas’ Crazy Creations | Sew Crafty Crochet
Cookies, Coffee, & Crafts | Coastal Bohemian
Be sure to hop over to the other projects and check them out! Do you enjoy upcycling? What’s your favorite project, tell me in the comments!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
