DIY: Ballard Designs Knock Off

April 26, 2012

Good morning,


How many of you shop Ballard Designs?  Or, at minimum, browse their décor and make a mental list of what you want in your home? 


I have been thinking about the outdoors for a while now and something caught my eye:


Aged Terracotta Jar


When I saw these, it was one of those “I can do that” moments.  As fleeting as some of those moments may be, I was convinced.   Here is my version:

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Keep in mind, a lot of my on-a-whim projects are just that.  I really don’t have any intention in going out and buying all kinds of products to make it happen unless it is something I really, really want, plan to sell, or gift to someone.  This was a “ just because” project so I created it out of everything I had on hand.  I’m sure it could be “bigger and better” if one was to take the time to purchase products that are made to truly create this type of thing.

Because I was using what I had on hand,  I used a bottle rather than a true terra cotta vessel.  Ha!  Are you surprised?  Another bottle?  What can I say!

IMG_6553
{Yes, I was impatient and didn’t  let it dry completely before I took my picture.}


The bottle I used happened to have the little doo-dad handles on the side so it was a good mimic even though it clearly doesn’t have the same type of opening. 
Here is what I used and how I did it:
  • ASCP in Versailles, Old Ochre, Olive, Graphite (not pictured) and my own mix for Terra Cotta.
  • Rub N Buff in Autumn Gold
  • Wood filler
  • Wood glue
  • Spray primer

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I was out of primer in a spray can and did not fill like using my sprayer for such a small object so I opted to use regular spray paint to prime it.  This worked great and I liked the darker color as the base anyway.


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1.  Choose your vessel.

2.  Spray with your primer.

3.  Dry brush the Terra Cotta on.

4.  Dry brush the Old Ochre – but do not use strokes. Just slap or tap it on in a random pattern.


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5.  When you apply the Old Ochre, do it when the Terra Cotta is about 95% dry.  You want to pull a little of the color off to expose the underlying dark primer in places.
 
6.  After applying the Old Ochre, rub lightly with a cloth to blend.

7.  The blended color should appear “soft.”

8.  Take the Rub N Buff and apply it randomly on the upper half of the vessel.  I chose the rim, the handles and the curve for the most exposure.  Be careful not to go too heavy. Once you are finished, very lightly dry-smudge a little more Old Ochre for more blending. 
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9.  Mix 3 tablespoons of Versailles, 1 tablespoon of wood glue and 1-2 tablespoons of the wood filler.  You want to mix it so that is is almost paste-like, leaving it a little lump from the wood filler. 
10.  Using a brush, apply it using the same smudge/tap technique.  No strokes!  Apply a random pattern on the bottom.  I chose to creep up one side as if the moss and patina was spreading after being left outdoors for a long time.

11.  This is what it should look like after you finish applying the first coat. 

12.  This is what it should look like after drying for 24 hours.  The warmer the room, the better to create the crackle look.   I actually had mine in front of a small heater for a few hours but I don’t think it is necessary since the filler and glue should naturally create a little cracking – as long as it is warm. 
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13.  For the second layer, dip just the tips of your brush in Olive.  It is important that you do not overload on paint!

14.  Dab the excess paint off.

15.  Repeat the application technique.

16.  Be careful to only apply the Olive in smaller areas.  You do not want to cover the Versailles.  I chose to do just a tiny bit of Graphite as well near the bottom for variance.  I then did one final – very light – application of the Versailles here and there to create more blending.  

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See how easy it is? !  And it didn’t cost me a thing. 


I used chalk paint but I do not see why you couldn’t substitute it with latex in similar colors and maybe add a little baking soda, cornstarch or sand to it to give the latex a little more texture.  You can also make your own chalk paint (search Pinterest for tutorials on that) using Plaster Of Paris.


NOTE:  I will be sharing the “recipe” for the Terra Cotta color I created tomorrow so c’mon back to check it out!


Also, just a note that Anna, from Ask Anna, is talking about my garbage disposal cleaning tabs today.  If you missed the tute the first time around, hop over to her site to get the scoop!


See you tomorrow with the Terra Cotta paint details!


Be inspired,





See how easy it is? !  And it didn’t cost me a thing. 


I used chalk paint but I do not see why you couldn’t substitute it with latex in similar colors and maybe add a little baking soda, cornstarch or sand to it to give the latex a little more texture.  You can also make your own chalk paint (search Pinterest for tutorials on that) using Plaster Of Paris.


NOTE:  I will be sharing the “recipe” for the Terra Cotta color I created tomorrow so c’mon back to check it out!


Also, just a note that Anna, from Ask Anna, is talking about my garbage disposal cleaning tabs today.  If you missed the tute the first time around, hop over to her site to get the scoop!


See you tomorrow with the Terra Cotta paint details!


Be inspired,

Linking to:

MONDAY


Cowgirl Up! at Crafty Texas Girls
HOme Savvy A To Z
The Southern Institute:Creative Me Monday
Everything Under The Moon – Bedazzle Me Monday
More the Merrier at DIY Home Sweet Home
Get Your Craft On – Today’s Creative Blog
Metamorphosis Monday
Crafts Keep Me Sane at Keeping It Simple
Home Stories A To Z
Time To Shine at Diamond In The Stuff
How To Nest For Less
Thrifty Decor Chick - First Monday of Every Month
TUESDAY
Tip Junkie handmade projects
Shades Of Amber Chalk Paint Party
A Bowl Full of Lemons
DIY By Design
Trash 2 Treasures at Kammy’s Korner
Project Queen
Tip Junkie
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/
Elizabeth & Co.
Not Just A Housewife
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
House of Grace – Twice Owned Tuesday
http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
WEDNESDAY
Live Laugh Rowe

Embracing Change
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Primitive and Proper
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Restore Interiors
Primp
Its Overflowing
domestically speaking: power of paint party
blue cricket design
THURSDAY
From My Front Porch To Yours
Whipperberry
The Brambleberry Cottage
No Minimalist Here – Open House Party
Somewhat Simple
bloggaritaville
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch
My Repurposed Life
beyond the picket fence
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Delightful Order
A Glimpse Inside
house of hepworths  
36th avenue
FRIDAY
The Rooster And The Hen – First & Third Fridays
Serenity Now
Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Frugalicious Fridays at Finding Fabulous
Fingerprints On The Fridge
Chic On A Shoestring
Miss Mustard Seed
Remodelaholic
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Freckled Laundry
Tater Tots and Jello
Addicted2Decorating
sassysites
stuff and nonsense

SATURDAY
Funky Junk Interiors
The DIY Showoff
Be Different Act Normal
SUNDAY
My1929Charmer: Sunday Best
Homemaker On A Dime
 Sisters of the Wild West – Sister Sunday Link Party

http://www.niftythriftythings.blogspot.com/
Under The Table And Dreaming
Simply Klassic Home
Southern Hospitality – Thrifty Treasures

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Filed Under: Before and After, DIY, Exteriors, Tutorials |

Comments

  1. ~ Tami says:
    April 26, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Wow! That turned out fabulous, a very clever copycat :)
    Tami @ Curb Alert!

  2. Our Pinteresting Family says:
    April 26, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Looks fantastic!! Megan

  3. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says:
    April 26, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    How fun. I love to paint jars and different kinds of things. You did an amazing job. Great tutorial also. Love it. Hugs, Marty

  4. Debbiedoo's says:
    April 26, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Girl that is awesome awesome awesome. I love that it cost you nadda and I love the texture. I was wondering how you achieved that and thought at first you used mortar or something. Excellent idea. Thanks for sharing with the copy cat party.

  5. Miss Kitty says:
    April 26, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    Wow! I just love that look! Thank you so much for sharing how you achieved it. I have my husband drinking some really cheap wine from the grocery store because it comes in a bottle similar to the one you used for this project. I want to use the bottle to attempt to make it look antique-y kinda like you did. I saw your post at Debbie Doos and House of Hepworths.

  6. Amanda Jones says:
    April 26, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    That is amazing! You are so creative!

  7. Cynthia says:
    April 26, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Might I say, that I like your version better? I do! And I will be back tomorrow to check out your Terra Cotta tutorial. Thanks for sharing this.

  8. Brenda says:
    April 26, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Great idea. Isn't it super what can be done with imagination, creativity and a mind for smarts. Love it!

  9. Etcetorize says:
    April 26, 2012 at 4:52 pm

    WOW! I don't think I ever would've looked at that and thought I could replicate it but you did an amazing job. Your version looks wonderful! If you'd like another place to share your awesome tutorial head on over to Etcetorize (http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_22.html). Party is still on~

  10. miss flibbertigibbet says:
    April 26, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    That looks fantastic! Great copycat!
    Blessings, Lorraine

  11. Becca @ The Sassy Penguin says:
    April 26, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    This is an awesome copy cat. You really did a great job! I'll be sure to come back and check out the terra cotta tut. :)

  12. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says:
    April 26, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    Nicely done! I would never have known that was a glass bottle originally. I did a Ballard's copy cat, as well, so yes I do love looking through the catalog. Most times as soon as I bring it in the house!

  13. Tammy Partin Spangler says:
    April 26, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    Great job! I love looking, and looking,and looking through the Ballard catalog. Thanks for sharing!

  14. Mimi@blueroofcabin says:
    April 27, 2012 at 12:52 am

    Well that is just brilliant! I love the finish you created! visiting from My Repurposed Life ;) .

  15. Eclectically Vintage says:
    April 27, 2012 at 1:53 am

    Would never guess it's a bottle – it truly looks like terra cotta – great knock off!!
    Kelly

  16. Vintage Paints says:
    April 27, 2012 at 3:33 am

    This is so very cool! I am so fascinated by the creeping moss/patina—how on earth did you think to do that?1 You are beyond crafty–it's genius! Love it!

  17. Joselyn @ The DIY Spot says:
    April 27, 2012 at 4:04 am

    The texture is phenomenal! Love it!

  18. Ricki Jill Treleaven says:
    April 27, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    I cannot believe that you can get that patina and texture with the paint products….AMAZING! :D

    Linking from Debbiedoos,
    Ricki Jill

  19. Gail says:
    April 27, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    OMGoodness, that looks great! LOVE your copy cat project!!!

  20. Weathered Treasure says:
    April 27, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    This is so cool! I love love love it!

  21. Sue says:
    April 27, 2012 at 4:56 pm

    How fun and creative, Shari! I even like the way the bottle looks in steps 7 and 8! Amazing texture in the finished product. :-) Sue

  22. Julie says:
    April 27, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    I am inviting you to come and be part of my blog hop:
    http://juliejewels1.blogspot.com/2012/04/show-your-stuff-21-sloppy-dave-recipe.html

  23. The Other Me Is Sane says:
    April 28, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Wow, that turned out well. I think I would stick a slim candle in it and let the wax melt down the top a little, then have it ready for an outdoors party this summer.

  24. Betty@SouthernGrace says:
    April 28, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    What a neat and informative blog you have. Happy to have found you through Cozy Little House. Hope you'll visit me.
    betty@southerngrace

  25. RaNaeLuvsEwes says:
    April 29, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    So AWESOME thanks for taking the time to create a tut and for sharing it with us This is definitly going into my keeper file.
    RaNae

  26. Kathy says:
    April 29, 2012 at 6:09 pm

    WOW!! I'm totally in awe at your creativity & talent! A truly wonderful tutorial of this most awesome transformation! Your bottle looks better than Ballard's!!!! <3 Blessings!

  27. Cherie says:
    April 30, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    I love the inspiration in adding all kinds of things to the paint to create the texture. A very cool outcome!

  28. Stacy says:
    April 30, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    That is a great "inspired" copy Shari! I LOVE Ballard Designs, but not the prices. I have the same philosophy as you…at least try to make it yourself.

  29. Tricia says:
    April 30, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Yes, I love looking through (and very occasionally ordering from) the Ballard Catalog. They have such great tips, and many of the ideas are easily adapted with things I already have. Great tutorial!

  30. kitty says:
    April 30, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    Wow, that bottle looks great…what a fabulous makeover and copy cat!!

  31. amy of the salvage collection says:
    May 1, 2012 at 1:59 am

    at the risk of being too "cliche", you never cease to amaze me.

    really.

  32. Vanessa says:
    May 1, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    Hi, Shari

    This is amazing. I just love how you did this with what you had on hand. It turned out great. I am a new follower to and just enjoyed visiting your lovely blog. Love for you to stop by http://www.homesweetbutterfly.com. Have a great week.

    Vanessa

  33. gail wilson says:
    May 1, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    shari-unbelievable transformation on your bottle! great tute.

    gail

  34. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says:
    May 3, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Loving it and sharing it at the party tonight!! Thanks for linking up at Feathered Nest Friday!

  35. Ivy and Elephants says:
    May 3, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    I honestly think yours looks wayyyyyyy better then the Ballard one. Awesome job! I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful post. I would love it if you could share this wonderful post at our WIW linky party. I hope you can join us.

    Paula
    Ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

  36. Debby says:
    May 3, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    This looks great! I totally do things "on a whim" myself…
    sometimes it works out and sometimes not so much.
    happy I'm not the only one :)

  37. Rosemary@villabarnes says:
    May 3, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    I'm really, really, loving it. I think your version gives Ballard a run for their money. Thanks for complimenting my silvered bottles, btw.

Trackbacks

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    [...] Aged Terra Cotta Bottle (Ballard Designs Knock Off) [...]