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:

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.