Turn A Few Unexpected Materials Into A Luxe Vase For Unique Home Decor On A Budget

If 10th grade chemistry class was the last time you held a test tube, then it's time to reacquaint yourself with this versatile object. The slim vessel lends itself beautifully as a flower vase. Typically made of glass, but also available in plastic, you can nab a set of test tubes for under $15. Then all you need to do is gather at least six tubes, glue them together at eye-catching angles, and give them some paint. The result is a unique, upscale, and stylish vase.

Start by giving the test tubes a good cleaning. Undiluted white vinegar is a secret weapon when it comes to painting glass since it cuts through grease and grime that can keep paint and glue from bonding to the surface. Next, arrange the tubes at different angles. They should form a sturdy base once they are connected. You can use tape to hold the tubes together until you lay out the final design. Then, remove the tape pieces one at a time, gluing the spot immediately so that your angle stays as close to your mockup as possible. To ensure a lasting hold, try Loctite Glass Glue for glass test tubes and Gorilla Super Glue for plastic ones.

Finishing your vase with gold or silver metallic spray paint creates a luxe look. You can even make a beautiful textured vase using the cornstarch paint hack. Give your design a few coats, add in some blooms, and place the vase where everyone can enjoy it. However, upscale luxe isn't the only style for this vase. The unique shape also works well with a colorful, funky look.

A gold finish melds beautifully into nearly any aesthetic, but you can give your vase a one-of-a-kind look with colorful drip and dip painting techniques. For the following methods, it's best to paint the individual tubes before gluing them together. With the paint drip method, grab two or more colors of acrylic paint and dilute them with a little bit of water. Then, drop small amounts of paint along the inner edge of each tube, letting the liquid drip down the outside. Repeat with all the colors until you have a result you're happy with.

Painting the inside of the tubes instead is an easy way to elevate the design. Clean the interiors with acetone, let them dry, and drip or spray the paint inside the tubes. Apply a few coats before tipping the test tubes downward to redistribute any pooling paint.

If you're feeling ambitious, this is a great time to try hydro dipping. This paint style involves mixing layers of oil-based spray paint on the surface of water to create a swirly, abstract design similar to a DIY marbled vase. Simply add warm water to a large container and spray the water's surface with your paint. Dip each test tube into the water, lightly stirring them around. Spray more paint before dipping each new tube. Then, dry the containers by inverting them over chopsticks set inside a short, heavy-based glass. Now you have colorful test tubes for your vase!