How I Made My Own Pitcher and Basin Set

I adore thrift shopping, but I'll admit, it can be a dangerous game.

I walk into stores, see something I absolutely love, but totally do not need...or have the room for...and decide I have to have it.

Immediately.


Luckily, my one saving grace is that I was raised to be a very frugal girl.

My mother and father were both depression era babies.

Born in the 1920's and 1930's, they grew up smack in the middle of it, and while they were never cheap, they did teach us the value of a dollar.

That's usually what saves me from walking out of second hand shops with an armful.

My latest case in point, happened last weekend.

I went to the sweetest place, and I did leave with a few treasures, but there was one I, sadly, left behind.

It was something that's been on my wish list forever.

A charming, vintage style white pitcher and wash basin set.

You know the ones. 


Well, there was one at the shop, solid white, plain lines, very basic, but that meant it would go with everything.

Unfortunately, when I picked it up, I noticed that the basin had a huge crack in it. I also realized that it wasn't an antique. It had a very modern marking on the bottom, right next to the Made in China stamp.

Even so, I would've been willing to take it, if the owner was willing to meet me halfway on the price, but for what she was asking, it was a definite no go.

Bummer.

Well, not quite. You see, a few hours later I ended up at my sister's house, where I found this plastic bowl.

It was in her donation pile and I happily rescued it to ease my earlier shopping pain. I knew it would make the perfect basin for one of my existing ceramic pitchers.

Now before you think I'm crazy, I've done this before. I've turned a clear plastic pitcher into a show stopping ceramic look alike.

With the bonus of being unbreakable.

So I knew I could do it again.

Honestly, it was the quickest makeover and one I know you could accomplish to get that same look. If you so choose.

Keep in mind, you don't need a clear bowl or a plastic one. Any colored basin-like container will do and glass would work, as well.

How To Upcycle A Plastic Bowl...and turn it onto a pitcher basin

Ok, here are the simple steps.

First, I washed the bowl and let it dry.

Then my husband took it outside and gave it a few coats of spray paint. We used Behr White Gloss.


I compared a lot of different whites at the store and this one was closest to the color of the pitcher. Of course, you can create a set in any color you like.

When it was done, I let it dry for a day.

Then I placed the pitcher inside.

Not only was it a perfect color match...


But, that silly plastic bowl really did look like pottery.

And unless you picked it up, you'd never know.

Is it the dream vintage set I've always wanted?

Clearly not. It's actually the epitome of fake it 'til you make it.

But for about six bucks worth of paint, it's a total DIY win.

And has quelled my craving for the real thing.

At least for now.

😉

Would you paint plastic?

Here are a few more times I used paint to upcycle tabletop items:

• Painted Vase Makeover
• Faking Milk Glass Pieces
• Creating Stoneware With Paint
• Ceramic Candle Shade Makeover

Happy Crafting, Friends!