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How I Made My Own Pitcher and Basin Set

September 11, 2025

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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.

Let's upcycle this plastic bowl

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. 

Thrift Store Cups Platters and Pitchers

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.

Clear 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.

Can of Behr White Gloss Spray Paint

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.

White spray painted plastic bowl on top of a box on the lawn

Then I placed the pitcher inside.

Not only was it a perfect color match...

Pitcher and Basin Set DIY in the kitchen

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?

DIY White Pitcher And Basin Set on display

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:


Happy Crafting, Friends!

Kim Signature


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  1. That looks like a fabulous DIY dupe! I have spray painted plastic before.. I can't remember what I painted but I remember when they first came out with spray paint that would adhere to plastic and I know I bought several cans for projects I had. I'm betting I painted flower pots and probably some cute yard decorations.

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    1. Thanks so much, Joanne! I'm really happy with the way this one turned out. Spray painting plastic has come a long way...the paints are so good now. Painted flower pots are my favorite. You can really doll them up with some color!!

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  2. I love the way your brain works. This would never occur to me, but it's awesome.

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    1. Thank you so much! ☺️ I'm completely humbled by your comment.

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  3. I would never have thought of that. It's perfect - looks like they were made together!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mari. I have to say it definitely turned out even better than I expected. I thought it would look good, but it actually looks like a truly matching pair up close. I hope you have a nice evening.

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  4. That bowl looks beautiful, great job!!

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    1. Thanks so much! It was a very quick makeover.

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  5. Absolutely perfect! I love it!! - Briana from Texas

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    1. Why thank you, Briana!! You are the sweetest!

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  6. Genius! You had me totally fooled, I honestly wasn't thinking a plastic bowl could turn into something I would want to duplicate in my house...but I totally do! I have a large antique pitcher on my dining room hutch that could totally use this! I'm going to steal your idea! Thanks!

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    1. I'm so happy that you're inspired to try this, Stephanie!! I'm also happy that I fooled you. 😉 If you try it, you'll have to let me know. I'd love to see what you pair with your antique pitcher.

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  7. How awesome that you could make this plastic bowl look like ceramic. You my dear have such a vision when it comes to crafting something into something lovely and new again. Quick and easy too. Looks wonderful with your pitcher. Great job my friend. Hugs. Kris

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    1. Quick and easy is my favorite phrase, Kris! I'm so glad you like this one. It's a bit out of the box, but it really was a fun way to get what I wanted...the DIY way! Have a great weekend!

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  8. Kim, you really did it again. I love it. I have 1 of those white pitchers and bowls with the black rim, there were buckets and basins with the same thing. I know they are antiques because I am 69, and remember them being in my grandma's basement. not sure what they are made of and the black at the top is a little chipped, but that's ok I love them. Kim

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    1. Wow, you have some real treasure on your hands, Kim!! I am pea green over here picturing it all. Plus, it was from your grandma's house, so sentimental too? How sweet. I bet you could make a lovely pairing with or without the paint. Sounds like they'd be fantastic as is...and thank you for your kind words. What a nice way to kick off the weekend. ❤️

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  9. Very pretty project. I love spray paint for all kinds of projects. No one will ever know.

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    1. That's what I was hoping! Thanks so much, Linda.

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  10. PERFECT! It looks great and maybe someday you will find the real deal at a good price. The joke in our family was that if you stood still long enough Mom would spray paint you. I was/am the spray paint Queen around here. lol. Have a great almost Fall weekend- xo- Diana

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    1. Haha…oh my gosh you just made me laugh, which isn't easy, since I just came from the dentist and my face is numb. Spray paint IS awesome and I think I might be a runner up in the mom would paint you category, since lately it’s been my makeover tool of choice! So funny and thank you! I hope you enjoy the almost fall weekend too. It’s sunny here, but chilly. It’s a comin’… 😉

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  11. Hi, it looks perfect. I love how the display all comes together. :-)

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    1. Thank you, Carla! It really does make me smile. 💕

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  12. I love the way the clear plate looks painted white and it goes great with the basin. Spray paint is so much easier than painting an item.

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    1. Thank you, Julie! As soon as I saw it I knew it would work...and yes, spray paint is the best!

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    1. Thanks so much, Deanna! I'm really pleased with it.

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  14. Now ... that does look good :)
    Very nicely done and well done too.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you very much, Jan. I'm so glad I tried this one.

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  15. Oh Kim, your project turned out so amazing! The plastic painted bowl matches your sweet pitcher so perfectly. Thank goodness you went through your sister’s discards! Great job!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kitty! It was definitely a lucky find at my sister's house. ☺️

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  16. Kim...what a fabulous DYI project that you made to look like it cost $$$. It turned out great and looks beautiful in the exact place you have it displayed.

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    1. Thanks so much, Shug! I'm so glad I gave it a try. It really does look like the real thing. I hope you're having a lovely week. ☺️

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  17. So clever, Kim! I never would have thought of doing this and it came out so nice. Another treasure.
    Amalia
    xo

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  18. Wow! Color me, impressed! I cannot believe how good this looks. I have painted plastic in the past, but generally just plant pots for the out of doors. It never would have occurred to me to do something like this, but it looks fabulous. You are a clever girl!

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  19. Oh, how wonderfully fantastic! Genius!!!! It looks so good.

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    1. Thanks so much, Chrissy! You just made my day. 🥰

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  20. Kim,
    Absolutely genius!! Love it!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! I am playing catch up again!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

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