Hello, fellow creative spirits! I’m Diana from Dreams Factory, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share my first DIY project of the year with you! We’re kicking off 2019 in style, transforming everyday items into extraordinary pieces that will add a touch of timeless elegance to your home. If you’ve followed my previous tutorials, you know my passion for discovering unique decorative possibilities within common household objects. Today, we’re taking those ordinary, unassuming glass pitchers – the kind you might already have tucked away in your pantry – and elevating them into stunning, super chic DIY Aged French Pitchers!
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You heard that right – these beautiful, vintage-inspired pieces began their life as simple glass pitchers. I’m going to guide you through a surprisingly easy makeover process that will infuse them with an antique, French farmhouse charm. Get ready for some creative fun, as this project involves delightful painting and artful distressing to achieve that coveted faux enamel, chippy effect. And, of course, a dash of quintessential French decorating is essential to complete the transformation!
To make this creative journey even smoother for you, I’m delighted to share a free printable featuring all the exquisite French graphics I’ve carefully curated for this project. The selection of these French ephemera designs was anything but arbitrary; I meticulously “hand-picked” each graphic to ensure it would gracefully complement the elegant, curvy silhouettes characteristic of most pitchers. This attention to detail will ensure your finished pieces look authentically vintage and perfectly balanced.
—-> Click HERE to Download the Full Size Printable PDF <—-
You’ll be amazed at how each unique French graphic flawlessly enhances the contours of your pitchers, no matter their specific shape. This thoughtful design ensures a professional and cohesive look for every creation. While antique glass pitchers are absolutely ideal for this project, don’t worry if you don’t have any lying around. If you need to acquire some (perhaps from a local thrift store, a flea market, or even by “borrowing” from a beloved family member!), aim for pitchers with beautifully curved lines and interesting design details. These subtle features will truly shine through the aging process and add to the overall character of your finished pieces.
Essential Supplies for Your Aged French Pitchers
Gathering your materials is the first step to any successful DIY project. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to create your beautiful aged French pitchers:
- Glass pitchers: One or several, in varying sizes if you prefer a collection. Look for interesting shapes!
- White acrylic paint: A versatile craft paint that adheres well.
- Black acrylic paint: Essential for the contrasting base layer.
- Assorted brushes: A set with different sizes will be helpful for various steps.
- Sandpaper: 120 or 180 grit for effective distressing.
- Candle wax: A regular white candle works perfectly to create the chippy effect.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors for precise cutting of your decals.
- Waterslide decal paper: Specifically the type compatible with your printer (laserjet for this tutorial, but inkjet is also an option with its own instructions).
- Printer: An ink or laserjet printer to print your French graphics.
- Small bowl with water: Crucial for the application of waterslide decals.
- Matte finish spray or a clear gloss spray: To seal and protect your finished work.
- Paper towels: For cleaning, drying, and protecting your work surface.
Crafting Your DIY Aged French Pitchers: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing Your Pitcher and Applying the Base Layer
Let’s dive into the core of this transformation: the painting and distressing process. I’ll be using my favorite “go-to technique” for creating an authentically aged finish – layering two contrasting colors with the ingenious addition of candle wax. This method is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully on various surfaces, and glass is certainly no exception. Remember these critical points when working with glass:
- Always use **undiluted** paint for optimal coverage and adhesion.
- Allow each coat of paint to **completely dry** before moving to the next step. Patience is key!
Step 1: Clean and Prepare. Begin by thoroughly washing your glass pitcher (or pitchers!) using dish soap and hot water. This essential step removes any oils, dust, or residues that might prevent paint adhesion. Once clean, let it air dry completely. Starting with a perfectly clean surface ensures a durable and beautiful finish. Feel free to tackle one pitcher or several at once – batch crafting can be very efficient!
Step 2: Apply the Black Base Coat. Using a clean brush, apply a layer of undiluted black acrylic paint to the exterior surface of your pitcher. One coat should provide a good base, but if your paint is thin or doesn’t offer full opacity, a second layer may be necessary. If adding a second coat, allow the first layer of black paint to fully dry before proceeding. Avoid overworking wet paint in one area, as this can create streaking or lift the paint.
2. Creating the Chippy Effect with Candle Wax
Step 3: Introduce the Candle Wax. Once the black paint has completely dried, take a regular white candle and gently rub the wax onto the surface of the pitcher. The candle wax acts as a resist, which will later allow us to achieve that gorgeous chippy, distressed look. Focus on areas where natural wear and tear would occur – edges, rims, and handles – to create a truly authentic “naturally distressed” appearance. If you’re unsure where you’ll distress, you can lightly rub wax over the entire surface. Be gentle during this step; the goal is to deposit wax, not to scratch off the underlying black paint.
3. The White Top Coat and Artistic Distressing
Step 4: Apply the White Top Coat. Now, using a separate clean brush, apply the next layer: undiluted white acrylic paint. Ensure full coverage. Similar to the black coat, if your pitcher requires additional coverage, let the initial white layer dry completely before adding another. This ensures an even, opaque finish that will contrast beautifully with the black peeking through later.
Step 5-7: The Art of Distressing. With the white paint fully dried, it’s time for the fun part – distressing! Lay down paper towels or newspaper to protect your work surface, as this step can be a little messy. Grab your sandpaper (120 or 180 grit) and begin gently sanding. Start with the areas where you applied more candle wax – the edges, rims, and handles. The wax will help the white paint lift away more easily, revealing the black layer underneath and creating that desirable chippy effect. This is where you truly dictate the “age” of your pitcher; the more you distress, the more worn and antique it will appear. Use your imagination to create your desired level of aging!
A helpful tip: I usually prefer to avoid distressing the exact spot where I plan to add the French graphics. This ensures that the beautiful typography remains perfectly readable and prominent. However, if you’re still undecided on graphic placement, you can pause the distressing process now and continue after the decals are applied.
4. Cutting Your French Graphics and Preparing Waterslide Decals
Before we proceed, a quick note on waterslide decal paper: I’ll be using laserjet compatible paper for this tutorial. If you are using inkjet decal paper, please follow the specific instructions provided with your package, as the process for sealing and handling can differ slightly.
Step 8: Print and Roughly Cut. Print the beautiful French graphics from the free printable, specifically designed to complement these pitchers. Once printed, roughly cut around each image, leaving a small border of white space.
Step 9: Precise Cutting. Choose one graphic you want to apply first – this might be the hardest decision, as they are all lovely! Carefully trim away as much of the white space as possible, cutting close to the edge of the design. The cleaner your cut, the more seamlessly the decal will blend into the pitcher’s surface.
Step 10-11: Deconstructing for Curved Surfaces. Now, for a crucial technique when working with curved surfaces: use your scissors to cut your chosen French ephemera graphic into several smaller, horizontal strips or lines. We are essentially “deconstructing” the graphic before application. This step is incredibly important because it will allow the graphic to curve perfectly around the pitcher’s shape without wrinkling or bubbling. If applied as a single, large piece, decals struggle to conform to extreme curves. (Note: If your pitcher is perfectly flat, you can skip this deconstruction step and apply the image as a whole, similar to how it was initially cut in Step 9).
5. Applying Waterslide Decals to Curved Surfaces
Step 12-13: Reassembling Your Decal. Individually apply each small piece of decal paper onto the pitcher, carefully reassembling the complete image as you go. Follow the instructions for your specific waterslide paper – typically, this involves dipping the cut piece in water for a few seconds until the decal slides off the backing paper, then positioning it onto your surface. Once placed, use paper towels or a soft cloth to gently smooth out any air bubbles and absorb excess water. Work patiently, piece by piece, to reconstruct the full graphic. Allow the decals to dry completely after application. I chose to place my graphics on the lower part of the pitchers, but feel free to experiment with placement that appeals most to your aesthetic!
I found myself so enamored with the results that I decided to decorate both sides of my pitchers, and I instantly fell in love with each and every one of them! The double-sided design adds another layer of visual interest and allows for versatility in display.
6. Final Touches and Sealing Your Masterpiece
If you feel your DIY Aged French Pitchers could benefit from a little more distressing to achieve that perfect vintage look, now is the opportune moment! Gently sand any additional areas, but be extremely careful to avoid touching the newly applied decals. We’re so close to the finish line, and we wouldn’t want to mess up our beautiful graphics now, would we?
As our final, crucial step, take your matte or gloss Krylon spray sealant (ensuring you are in a well-ventilated area) and apply an even coat over the entire surface of your pitchers – both the painted areas and the decals. This protective layer will seal in your hard work, protect the paint from chipping, and make the decals durable. Allow them to dry completely according to the product instructions, and voilà! Your simply amazing and stylish DIY Aged French Pitchers are officially complete!
Embrace Your Creations: Decorating with Aged French Pitchers
I understand that all these instructions might seem a bit daunting at first glance, but please don’t be intimidated! The entire process is incredibly straightforward, enjoyable, and genuinely relaxing. You’ll experience an immense sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you hold one of these beautiful, handmade creations in your hands.
Once you’ve completed your DIY Aged French Pitchers, you’ll undoubtedly discover countless places in your home that are just crying out for one of these charming beauties! Their versatile vintage aesthetic makes them perfect for almost any room, adding a touch of rustic elegance and personalized flair.
These pitchers can be seasonally adapted with ease to complement your changing home decor. Fill them with fresh blooms from your garden, elegant dried flowers, lush greenery, or natural branches to create stunning centerpieces or accent pieces. The possibilities for creative display are truly infinite!
For a quintessential farmhouse neutral or vintage look, pair them with understated elements like eucalyptus branches – easily found at stores like Ikea or your local florist. The soft green hues will beautifully complement the aged finish of the pitchers, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Alternatively, for a more romantic, Shabby Chic ambiance, simply add a bouquet of fresh or dried roses. The delicate petals and soft colors will create a charming contrast with the distressed texture of the pitchers, evoking a sense of nostalgic beauty and timeless grace.
Beyond decorating your own space, these DIY Aged French Pitchers also make absolutely perfect gifts! Imagine turning one of your beautifully crafted pitchers into a stunning, personalized present for family and friends. Filled with a thoughtful arrangement, they become unique keepsakes that will be cherished for years to come, reflecting your creativity and care.
Now, it’s your turn to embark on this delightful crafting adventure! Gather your glass pitchers, prepare your supplies, and get ready to give them the makeover of their lives. I can’t wait to see the beautiful, aged French masterpieces you create!
Have fun creating!
Diana / Dreams Factory