We are a young couple remodeling our first house...one outdated / ugly thing at a time. This blog documents our remodel projects and ideas.
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1.30.2011

You Are Mine...

I have a confession...I am a copy-cat. Not the bad cheat-off-your-neighbor's-test type of copy-cat. I'm more like a knockoff-copy-cat. In other words, I try to make it before buying. Now this doesn't apply to everything, but if there is even a chance that I could whip up something like the item of my affection for a fraction of the cost, then consider me a bonafide copy-cat.

So while drooling over the Z Gallerie online catalog, I spied this $80 (on sale) little gem of a vase just begging to be copy-catted:
Click here to view larger image

And I am always up to the challenge. Especially when the gem is from a store that I can't visit in the flesh - I'm a touchy-feely buyer and want to get my hands on it before committing. Anyways, I can easily get something similar without having to travel out-of-state to visit the store.

To make your own eucalyptus vase, you will need eucalyptus, a vase, hot glue sticks and gun, and spray paint.

First you need to pluck the leave off the eucalyptus. Just grab a branch between your index and middle finger and pull up, stripping the branch of the leaves. Next, glue the leaves to the vase. I started at the bottom of the vase and worked my way to the top. Do one side at a time. Don't glue the leaves completely flat to the vase, try to just glue a piece down so the vase will have some texture to it. And don't be perfect with the leaves, just glue and go.
After you have all four sides leaved (just made that word up), inspect the vase to see if there are any bare spots. If you want, add a extra leaf to the bare spot.

Final step in this knock-off is to spray paint, aka my addiction.

Project cost breakdown:
Vase             $1
Eucalyptus    $3
Hot Glue       $0, already owned
Spray Paint   $2.49 on sale
Total            $6.49

Cha-ching! Just saved me $73.50 by copy-catting this vase. Granted, mine is a lot smaller than the 24" inspiration and more fish-scale like instead of suction cup like. But it is mine. The eucalyptus vase also comes in a bowl...might have to make one of those next.  I am starting to become the queen of knockoffs.

20 comments:

Emily said...

looks great and i think i like yours better due to the shape of the vase = )

Nancy said...

Great idea. I think I should follow along. I like the tag line "one outdated/ugly thing at a time". We are renting for the first time ever! and I'm going one wall at a time around the room as we continue to settle in. And, I love knock off ideas.

Katie @ EyeSpyDIY said...

Wow, what a cute idea! Wish I wasn't allergic to eucalyptus because that is cute and actually do like the smell of eucalyptus.

TheCraftInMe said...

Awesome knock off, looks great!

Unknown said...

Such an amazing knock-off! You should enter it in the "Knock It Off" Party :)

http://theelephantstrunk42.blogspot.com/2011/01/knock-it-off-party.html

Titti @ Shoestring Pavilion said...

Have you thought about trying pistachio nuts instead of the leaves? I don't know how well they would adhere to a slick vase but the shapes would be a little smaller than the leaves you used. Just a thought, the original looked like pistachio nuts to me :) Take care!

Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims said...

What a cool idea! The spray paint really makes a great impact.

KimMalk said...

The spray paint made a world of difference. What a nice use of eucalyptus. Hugs, Kim

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said...

I have a Z near me...and I love that store.

Great knock-off!

Unknown said...

Very, VERY cool! What a great knock-off! I'm giggling because I know eucalyptus is used (in oil form) for something - mice? fleas? well, something! But after spray paint, I guess it wouldn't work, lol!

Would love to have you drop by this weekend and link up to Passion for Paint! Links open Friday @ 6 pm PST thru Sunday nite.

abeachcottage said...

You did a great job with this vase. Love what you did!

Sew Can Do said...

Gorgeous & you can't beat the price!!!

Rachael@Lovely Crafty Home said...

Wow, what a great hack!! I hope you will share at my linky party this weekend :)

Maggie Lamarre said...

oh my i luv luv the knock off.
Don't forget to link it in our linking party this week.

http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/02/fun-ideas-for-valentine-day-2011be.html

Maggie

Michelle@ A Full Cottage said...

How very cool you did a great job. Once we thaw out I think that I may give this a try.

Be sure to come by my blog for a visit I am having a big giveaway.

:) Michelle

Unknown said...

The texture on the vase is great! Love your inspiration, too.

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Very cool... great knockoff!

Ginger said...

How neat! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

DANA said...

That is very cool! Good job! If you have not been by yet, I would love for you to come link up! Every month the best link gets prizes!

http://www.thesaturdaymorningsblog.com/2011/02/strut-your-stuff-for-february-round-2.html

Anonymous said...

I like it better before the spray paint. But I understand why you did it. Good Job

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