When it comes to decorating my home, I'm always on the search for creative ways to spruce up my decor — without spending a lot of money. Luckily, as an avid DIY-er, I just love transforming inexpensive household items into beautiful, upcycled home additions.
Recently, I spotted a gorgeous beaded bowl at a high-end retail store. Instead of buying it, I went home and gathered up a small glass mixing bowl and some gorgeous white gems from my craft closet and got to work making my own. Not only was it a very easy project, it looks gorgeous in my home, too!
You wouldn't believe all the compliments I'm getting from family and friends who are totally floored when I tell them I made this bead bowl all by myself — and now you can, too! Also, because this is a DIY project, you can experiment with all kinds of colors, and put your own personal touch on it.
1. Gather all your supplies.
What you need:
- 1-pound bag of flat-bottom glass gems
- Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
- 1-quart glass Pyrex bowl
- Nontoxic gold spray paint
(*Prior to using the spray paint, please read the safety tips provided on the label of the can.)
2. Place the bowl on cardboard. Then, in a well-ventilated area, coat the glass bowl in gold spray paint until it is completely covered.
You may want to use gloves or a paper towel to avoid getting any paint on your hands.
3. Let the bowl sit for approximately one hour or until dry. (In some cases, you may need to apply an extra coat.)
4. Apply hot glue to the back of the gems, and apply to the bowl.
Continue until you have finished the row.
5. Start the next row, and continue until you have covered the entire bowl in gems.
Optional: to make the bowl look vintage, rub steel wool scratch pad across the rim. This is such an easy way to give an inexpensive piece some of the charm and character of a fine antique.
Once finished, the bowl is a decorative piece that can be used in a number of ways around the home.
I decided to turn mine into a yarn bowl.
The possibilities are endless, though. While some could use it as a jewelry dish, I think it's also ideal to sit the bowl near your entryway, as a place that will hold keys and provide a space that's designated as a catchall for out-the-door necessities.
Will you be trying this craft out at home? If so, tell us what you'd use it for.
If you love this amazing (and super-easy!) DIY craft idea, please SHARE with all your friends and family!
