DIY: Upcycled Sweater Vases

Under the Table and Dreaming has such a unique DIY we just couldn't pass it up!  This is such a brilliant idea for upcycling an old sweater.  Check them out for more!

I have a little thing for cable knit sweaters {the chunkier, the better}. Now that I can feel the crisp chill in the air...it's the perfect time to re-visit this incredibly easy craft that I'm sure most of you already have the supplies to make.


The original March tutorial {here} was nothing short of cutting off the sleeve of a sweater and sliding it onto a glass vase. So easy peasy anyone armed with a glue gun could handle it. You can easily get two covered vases using both of the sleeves from one sweater. So what do you do after that; well here are a few options for the scraps before you go searching for another sweater to recycle.

The body portion of any sweater can be easily cut and sewn to cover larger vases that do not fit into a sleeve.

Larger Vase How to:
{1} Cut a sweater just below the arms, turn inside out. {2} Slide over the container you are wishing to cover; finished edge on the top side. Pull the sweater taut until the ribbing starts to curve in {as shown in the picture - You want this to fit snug} Pin in place. {3} Sew a straight seam {very easy, just a straight line - backstitching at each end} Flip right side out. {4} Slide over your container, hot glue the bottom edge down and trim off any excess fabric on the bottom.


The left over sections of sleeve that are too short to cover a full vase can simply be slid over a tall glass vase and folded at the top, leaving half of the vase exposed.


I used a few flameless candles to fill these vessels, as the candle light is so pretty shining through the cable knits.


The round vase looks like a challenge but it is just as easy as the rest.


Round Vase How to:
{1} Cut a single piece of sweater to fit around the desired round container. {2} Hot glue the finished edge of the sweater around the top of the vessel. {3} Work your way around the entire top, until you reach the beginning; leave the edges hang. {4} Flip the container over and begin to hot glue the bottom in small sections. {See the March tutorial {here} for tips} Be sure to keep the bottom as flat as possible.


{5} Work your way around the bottom leaving the 'open' seam section undone. {6} Using hot glue, glue one of the 'open' sides down. Trim the other sweater side so you have a nice clean edge. {This is super easy to achieve with cable knit as the guide lines are already there}. {7} Pulling the sweater taut, start to hot glue the remaining side; overlap to make sure you have the container completely covered. {8} Finish the bottom as shown in the March tutorial {here}.


I really like the unique round shape...and of course the variety of adding different cable knits.


Using these simple covering techniques you can instantly transform any type or sized container into warm and cozy fall decor.


I think I have found a start to my fall centerpiece.

DIY: Easy Decorative Vases

Natural Home & Garden's blog has a great way to upcycle a plain glass vase - or even one that has a design, but you are looking for something new.

These graceful vases take about 60 seconds to make: 20 seconds to cut the paper, 20 to brush it with glue and 20 to wrap it around a glass. Fill the finished vases with cut flowers, dried arrangements, maybe even celery stalks or lemongrass. If you like, place a votive candle in the bottom of the glass and watch the intricate shapes and unusual textures of these delicate vegetable (and fruit!) papers flicker to life.

Why toss old corks when you can use them to create fun wine cork crafts? Try this project for a DIY...

1. Measure and cut handmade paper (available at specialty paper and craft stores or online) to the right height for your tall, straight-sided glass with a craft blade or scissors. You can leave the top edge irregular or cut it straight.

2. Thoroughly paint the back of the paper with white glue or Mod Podge, a nontoxic acrylic découpage medium sold at craft stores. Be sure the adhesive goes all the way to the edge.

3. Smooth the paper around the glass vase. Press firmly as you go to remove air bubbles. Let dry before using.

DIY: Upcycle Glass Vases

What a great and inexpensive way to upcycle a glass vase!  We love this idea from Starshine using just some glass vases and a touch of cheap paint from the local craft store.  We are sure you can find vases in pretty much any Goodwill in your area!  So, go grab one and jazz up your living room on the cheap!

I picked up 3 clear glass vases from my local thrift store for 50 cents each.

Then I bought the cheapest craft paint from Michael's. This was 59 cents a bottle. I got Robin's Egg Blue.
Squirt some paint inside the bottle & keep turning the bottle until the inside is coated with paint. Just squirt a little bit of paint at a time. You don't want to use too much or you'll have a ton at the bottom. I did turn upside down & poured out the extra paint. Be sure to wipe the paint off the lip of the vase. And no, this is not my hand. I had hubby demonstrate while I took the photo.

After each vase was coated with the paint, I placed on their side to dry. I kept turning them every 5 minutes or so for an hour. You don't want them to lay on one side for very long or all the paint will go to that one side. Darn that gravity. Keep turning them every few minutes. After an hour or so I felt it was dry enough to stand up.