Turn old glass milk bottles and others into new home decor with matte spray paint.
Get that vintage stoneware look with this quick, crafty and inexpensive DIY.
Normally, when I whip up a pretty DIY, I can't wait to get online to share it with you.
However, lately, real life has been so busy, finding a quiet moment to sit down in front of the computer has been a challenge.
So while, these lovely glass bottles are new to you, they've actually been decorating my kitchen for some time now.
And I couldn't be happier with the makeover, even if it didn't start out the way I planned.
Earlier this spring, on yet another rainy weekend morning, my husband and I hit the thrift stores after a big breakfast at the diner.
We just couldn't go home to sit inside all day. Again.
We just couldn't go home to sit inside all day. Again.
I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but when I spotted these cute glass bottles, I knew right away that with a little bit of white spray paint they would look like milk glass.
Even better, they were the perfect size to fit inside my vintage milk bottle carrier.
Even better, they were the perfect size to fit inside my vintage milk bottle carrier.
It was a super lucky thrift store score from a few years ago. It was so cheap I couldn't refuse, but I could never find the right bottles to put inside.
I tried potted plants and little baskets, but nothing looked right. It had been empty for far too long.
When we got home, eager to get started, I carefully removed the price tags from each one with a razor blade.
That plus the peanut butter trick helped to remove the entire sticker.
Thrift stores are notorious for putting those sticky tags on everything and the glue is a total pain.
However, for $2.99 plus 50% off each one, I was willing to deal with a bit of that gumminess. And...after a good scrub, inside and out, they were all ready for paint.
Of course, Mother Nature had other plans. So we waited.
And waited and waited weeks for the clouds to clear.
When they finally did, I begged my husband to set up his painting station and get spraying since my lungs don't allow me to.
Besides, he's a much more experienced spray painter than I am. No drips.
He was such a good sport and so quick and efficient about it, that before I knew it, they were painted and dry.
IN A MATTE FINISH. What!?!
Milk glass isn't matte...it's shiny! I said. Ok, I may have whined...but just a little bit.
Well, I didn't have any shiny spray paint left, so I used the matte one I had on hand. I think they look great. They're white...shiny or matte, I don't see a difference.
Nope, most guys wouldn't.
What does he know about milk glass.
In fact, when I tried to explain my plight, he said, This bottle says orange juice, not milk. Indeed.
Well, with no high gloss paint on hand and a husband who was already in clean up mode, my forlorn expression and I gathered my flat bottles and headed inside.
But a funny thing happened on that short walk to the kitchen, the more I looked at those bottles, the more I began to appreciate them.
They vaguely resembled stoneware and I didn't own any of that. It was new.
And kind of fun.
The magic was back.
I grabbed a handful of tulips that I had picked up at the grocery store and began arranging.
I almost think the milk glass luster would've been too much against the rusted and pitted metal bottle holder.
They fit my cottage style aesthetic well.
A happy detour after all.
My husband gets free rein now when it comes to spray paint.
I mean, I can't do it anyway and the guy was right.
Shiny or matte, they are white.
But I definitely see a difference.
What do you think of our matte glass makeover mistake?
I love it! It's what I call a happy mistake. I can't imagine them any other way now :)
ReplyDeleteMe either, Sara! And thanks so much!
DeleteI think are great and look wonderful with the Tulips. I like that they're not shiny like milk glass especially with the crate.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Thanks Cindy! I have to say, I think it worked out really well after all.
DeleteI love them!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! 🥰
DeleteI love them just the way they are. They look so cute in the crate with the tulips.
ReplyDeleteKris
Thanks Kris! I have to say, the tulips really do make it. 🙂
DeleteThey look great! And even better with the tulips and in your carrier. Love it!
ReplyDeleteTulips are my favorite! And thanks!!
DeleteThe bottle mistake came out great looking. I really like the matte look of the bottles and looks so nice with the flowers in the wire crate. It’s great you two work on projects together.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! He's a great DIY partner in crime. I was laughing that I guess I should've been more specific, but in the end it all worked out well.
DeleteI absolutely love them. The man is a genius....hahahahaha...even if it is by accident. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteHe is a genius, Diana, I'll give him that. Especially since when it comes to DIY he does anything I ask...😉
DeleteKim, I've seen milk bottles on Pinterest painted with chalk paint and then distressed, and they have that matte look. I think you're right on trend. Love how you've arranged them in the vintage milk crate with the tulips and lemons. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThey really are pretty, Nancy. I can see why they're hot right now. Turns out the guy was on the money, after all!
DeleteHugs to you!
I for one think the bottles look great. I'm not a big fan of milk glass anyway:) I wish so much there were good thrift stores near me. There is a Goodwill about 30 mi. away but it never seems to have anything worth having...guess I don't get there on the right days! Your post reminds me I have several/many! projects that I need to tackle, but first I've got to finish my closet redo (what a chore!!!) Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteAlways a project to do in this house, too, Cheri...whether it's a craft or a home decor DIY. Good luck with yours!!
DeleteThey turned out great!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny!!
DeleteThey turned out completely different than you thought they would and it's a huge WIN! Let's hear it for Plan B - or C - or D - as is usually the case for me! Lol
ReplyDeleteExactly, Ann!! I love that philosophy…and I’m usually right there with you at D!!
DeleteI think they turned out great! Sometimes our prettiest craft projects start with a mistake, so to speak. They look great in the bottle holder and the tulips look beautiful in them! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely one of my happier "oops" moments, Benita...and trust me, I've had many!! Hugs to you!
DeleteI like it! Glad the "oops" worked out in the long run.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie! They're just silly bottles, but I really do like them this way.
DeleteI LOVE the matte finish! You need your own craft TV show. Or do you already do them on YouTube?
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Brenda, thank you, you are super sweet. I do not do YouTube videos and TV would freak me out. I'm happy hanging out behind my keyboard. 😉
DeleteYou might be on to something! I like the matte finish! <3
ReplyDeleteI really do, too, Susan...but hubby gets all the credit! And the blame...ha!!
DeleteLooks beautiful! great idea to paint them white.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria! When in doubt, I always default to white paint.
DeletePerfect I think :-) and even more so with flowers in them.
ReplyDeleteFlowers make everything better!!
DeleteThey turned out very pretty...like stoneware decanters!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! That's what I thought, too. Lucky mistake! Thanks so much for the visit and the comment. Happy weekend!
DeleteKim they are too cute and you are so right, they would look good either way but I have seen so many mason jars on Pinterest done with chalk paint, which is more matte than not, and have always meant to do some but just never got around to it. With the tulips and in your carrier, they look so perfect. Thanks for your visit. I am anxious for the morning glories to bloom, supposed to be large and blue, so hope so. But I just love them anyway so, like your bottles, they will be perfect right or wrong!..Happy Thursday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI've seen the chalk paint mason jars, too, Judy. Funny, I had forgotten about them until you reminded me. I have a bunch of them pinned! I really do like the way these bottles turned out. They have a sweet country look that blends in well with my cottage decor. Thank goodness for those magical oops moments. Some of them work out very well!
DeleteHappy weekend!
Thanks so much, Kim, for your last visit. You are really so kind and I appreciate it..Happy 4th my friend..xxoJudy
DeleteAnd to you, too, Judy! xoxo
DeleteI love your story Kim. It illustrates so nicely how the power of perspective is ours.
ReplyDeleteThe power of perspective, indeed! Hoping you are enjoying your new surroundings Ronda!
DeleteI think it's pretty, I don't notice any difference. Looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela! I can't imagine them any other way now.
DeleteWhat a stunning oopsie Kim. Those milk bottles turned out lovely
ReplyDeleteA stunning oopsie indeed, Michelle!! And thanks!
DeleteIf you hadn't told me, I would never have seen it. They look lovely Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence! I really thought I wanted milk glass...I guess he knew better!
DeleteThey look amazing, Kim - hubby did good!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!! I really do like their rustic look now.
DeleteWell, I like them and they do look wonderful with the Tulips :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks so much, Jan! I really appreciate your visits and sweet comments. Enjoy the weekend.
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