A new face for an old vase

Published 1:30 pm Friday, June 28, 2019

By Angela Moller

Angela Moller is a local graphic designer, artist and avid gardener. She works alongside her husband, Matt, in their handmade business, Homestead Design, specializing in meaningful gifts and custom home decor. Angela and Matt offer craft workshops and sell their work locally at The Boutique at Dinah’s Style at 405 E. William St. in Albert Lea and online at www.homesteaddesignmn.com. The Moller family spends their summer enjoying Albert Lea’s local recreation and exploring Minnesota.

Flowers are a classic “thinking-of-you” gift, whether it’s to commemorate a special occasion or to thank a host for a summertime party invitation. Elevate the simple gift of flowers with a charming upcycled vase and handcrafted tag. Gathering flowers from your yard and a few items from around the house makes it easy and affordable to make friends and family smile.

What you will need:

Glass jar or vase
Chalk paint
Paintbrush
Scrapbook paper
Greeting card and/or cardboard
Twine
Hot glue gun or double-sided tape
Flowers

: Choose a jar from your recycling bin or a vase from your cabinet (vases are abundant in garage sale free boxes. Collect a few to have on hand).

: Paint the jar or vase with chalk paint, which adheres easily to glass with no prep work. Lightly brush a second color over the dry base coat for a distressed effect.

: Create a gift tag for the occasion using craft paper, a previously used greeting card or even a bit of upcycled cardboard from a pretty tissue box.

: Add a strip of patterned scrapbook paper to the jar or vase, securing with a dot of hot glue or double-sided tape.

: Punch a hole in the corner of the gift tag and thread a length of ribbon or twine through it. Tie around the jar and secure with hot glue if desired.

: Choose flowers from your garden or purchase an inexpensive bouquet. Pair fresh blooms with a few clippings of shrubbery, greens or hosta leaves to create an interesting arrangement. It’s the thought that counts, and this memorable gift is sure to be appreciated.