DIY Decal Pitcher Makeover

I'm a huge fan of upcycling.

There's something about taking an old, thrifted or discarded item and giving it new purpose.

New form.

And new life.


Of course, that's not new news.

I share my thrift store transformations often.

However, what may not be as obvious, is the fact that, very often, the same item will receive multiple makeovers while in my possession.

I get bored or come up with a fresh take and I dive in. Again.

For example, last fall, I took this old, plastic bowl, spray painted it to create a matching pitcher and wash basin set.


It looked lovely in my kitchen and unless you picked it up, you'd never know it wasn't china.

However, since I'm slightly obsessed with white pitchers, I actually have a lot of them hanging around.

And I thought it might be fun to pair one of them with my new basin, add some transfers to both to create a matching set.

So I grabbed this pitcher with its ridged sides, and flat area near the top, that was just screaming out for some sort of decoration.


To be honest, I wasn't really sure how this one was going to work out, since I'd never attempted adding transfers to ceramic before.

I'd added them to glass often.

Over the years, I've:

• Made a Funny Transfer Flower Vase
• Decorated a Colored Glass Vase With Floral Transfers
• Dressed up Plain Wine Glasses With Press On Transfers
• Created Adorable Bunny Dishes 

Turns out the process was just the same.

I began by choosing a pattern that I thought would work well on the shape of the pitcher and the basin.

I settled on some green vines and cut them out in small sections.

See The Transfers I Used Here

Next, I removed the backing paper from the design and stuck them onto the pitcher.


In some spots I did need to snip the clear top film a bit so the vines laid flat on the curves of the pitcher.


Instead of my trusty transfer tool, I used my thumb nail to rub the top of that clear film, until the vines were released from it.

And transferred onto the pitcher.

If there were any spots where it the vines were still stuck to the film, when I tried to remove it, I just laid it down over the vines again and used the tool again until it was fully released.

I worked my way around the top of the pitcher until that empty space was covered.

I repeated the process on the basin, in exactly the same way.


Once I was done adding the vines, I decided to embellish my set a little more, by adding some tiny red flowers. 

I mean, no Exquisitely Unremarkable DIY is truly complete without a little red. 😉


And since I was making a matched set, I added them to the basin, as well.


The last step in my process involved carefully using a razor blade to scrape away any of the transfer that overlapped the edge of the bowl.


Completing its second upcycle in 6 months.


A floral one that looks right at home in my cottage kitchen.

Dressed in those lovely transfers.

Just in time to share for this month's Thrift Store Decor Team Hop.


Now, before you run away to check out the hop, I want to share another way to get a similar look.

After securing another plastic bowl and giving it a quick spray, I used the same temporary tattoos I decorated my homegrown pumpkins with this past fall.

It was a 10 second "paint job" and it looked fabulous paired with a crisp white pitcher.

See The Tattoos I Used Here

I could've added another to the pitcher itself, and might someday, but for the moment, I love the simple addition.

Also, as a final aside, I recently removed an old glass ceiling light fixture and thought, hmmm...now this would make a really great faux pitcher basin.

Perfect size, deeper bowl shape and glass.


The real thing is always best, but if you're going to fake it, this may be the way to go.

And your secret will be safe with me.

🤫

Ok...NOW it's time to hop. 

Check out these great befores and click on the links to see the afters.


Shop at Blu Metal Outdoor Side Table Upcycle

Exquisitely Unremarkable DIY Decal Pitcher Makeover

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Easy Decorative Moss Balls for Spring

Redhead Can Decorate How I Transformed Our Foyer with a Thrift Store Room Divider

Sadie Seasongoods Geometric Abstract Art from a Collage Frame

Our Southern Home Piano Bench Makeover with New Color and Fabric

My Repurposed Life Can This Become a Lamp?

Funky Junk Interiors Rustic TV Stand Dresser Makeover with Easy Wood Strip Drawers

Our Crafty Mom DIY Rope Vase Pottery Barn Dupe

Songbird Vintage Tool Decor Idea

Happy Hopping, Friends!