how to make plastic look like pewter

 Make  faux pewter bird and pedestal bowl with this technique.Turn dollar store items into faux pewter decor.

Can you believe that this rich looking pedestal bowl cost less than $5 to make?  And that it’s made of glass, not silver?  Read on to learn how you can recreate this look yourself!

How to make a faux pewter bowl

I started with three items from the Dollar Tree:  the bird (I removed it’s wire legs), the candle holder, and the candle stick.  I also used Rockin Beads Brand, 700 Frosted Mix Lily Flower Acrylic Beads, E-6000, white spray paint, Krylon Shimmer Metallic Spray Paint Silver Shimmer, and Deco Art crafters acrylic paint in black.

supplies used for faux pewter bowl
First I glued the plate, candle stick, and bird together using E6000.
how to glue resin to glass with E-6000

The next day I glued on the flowers, also using E6000.
I let it dry for one day and then primed the entire project with inexpensive white spray paint (not pictured).

silver spray paint on glass

I used the Krylon metallic paint to cover the entire project.

dry brush black paint onto silver bird

Use a sponge brush or a dry bristle brush to cover one section at a time with black acrylic paint.

how to rub off excess paint

Gently rub off the excess paint with a dry washcloth.  Work in small sections.  If you make a mistake, just add more paint and then rub it off again.  Repeat this process to cover the entire project (bird, bowl, and pedestal).

close up of faux pewter bird

Here is a close up of the finished bird.  Doesn’t it look like aged silver?

a side view of faux pewter dish
dollar tree faux pewter DIY
 I truly love the end result of this faux pewter bird bowl and cannot wait to make more of these!  I hope you’ll give this fast, frugal, FABULOUS project a try!
If you like this project then you might also enjoy my PLASTIC TO PEWTER tutorial.
Check out my tutorials page for more dollar store  crafting and glass painting projects.
how to make plastic look like pewter

This project was inspired by this piece at One King’s Lane.


78 responses to “Faux Pewter Bird and Flowers Pedestal Bowl”

  1. marie Avatar

    Very clever and so lovely!! I saw this on Pinterest.

  2. Thank you for the compliment!

  3. This is impressive!

  4. Thank you!  It came out even better than I had envisioned!

  5. Hi! I'm Shannon Avatar

    That is so very cute! I would have never thought to build it myself? I love it!!

  6. Kerry Avatar

    So craft and it looks very nice too! Sometimes my stuff ends up looking…well, like stuff glued together!

  7. Thank you!  I have had my share of craft fails so I was thrilled that this project turned out better than I’d imagined it would!

  8. reFresh reStyle Avatar

    Love it! Congrats on the Newbie Spotlight!

  9. Im so doing this. Gonna take it one step further. I just finished (other than painting) my new sewing/craft room today. This would be amazing with an insert to make it a pin cushion.

    🙂

  10. Debbiedoo's Avatar

    One Kings lane has nothing on this one. Fantastic job and oh so cute. Thanks for sharing witht he copy cat party.

  11. Ricki Jill Treleaven Avatar

    Wow, I think this is so cool…it reminds me of an Arthur Court design!

    Linking from Debbiedoo’s,
    Ricki Jill

  12. Probably the cutest craft project I have seen in a LONG time. Love it!!! Thank you for sharing.

  13. How cute! You did an awesome job!! I will have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration. Hope you are having a wonderful day, Gail

  14. Kathe Avatar

    Totally love this! Would have never known it started with Dollar Tree items! I would love it if you popped over and shred this at my party going on now at
    http://www.ashbeedesign.com/2012/05/organizing-tools-with-pvc.html

  15. Jenny@NorthwestLovelies Avatar

    Wow! It looks fabulous!! I think I need to try this! Thanks for sharing! I’m following you now- can’t wait to see more projects. 🙂

  16. Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas Avatar

    SO CUTE!!! I love this!!

    Lou Cinda 🙂

  17. I just had to visit to see how you made this amazing piece. I just can’t believe how super it looks. Just popping over from One Artsy Mama to see this little birdie:) I would love for you to share this at Freedom Fridays. So hoping to see you and your cookies there!
    PS Still enjoying following you.

  18. Wow!! That is so pretty! I can’t believe that is glass! I totally thought it was sliver to begin with. Amazing!!! Thanks so much for entering this into the Project Pinterest Challenge! Best of luck to you!
    Jill
    twoyellwobirdsdecor.blogspot.com

  19. Lorrie Avatar

    What can I say that hasn’t been said? I’ll just say it again, this is just so cute! What a great project, and it would make a wonderful gift, thanks for sharing! I’m never sure what glue to use, do you use this one often? Where did you get it? Thanks!

  20. Thank you for the compliment!! I use E6000 quite a bit…it really holds!!  You can find it at craft and home improvement stores.

  21. I cannot believe how amazing this looks. Can’t wait to try this technique. wow!

  22. Terry and Danella Avatar

    AMAZING! thank you so much for sharing AND for the great ‘how to’!!! found you via pinterest…now to check out the REST of your blog!!!

  23. Wow!! Very cool! I can’t believe that originally really ugly bird turned out looking so good, lol. It really does look like silver! Nicely done, Morena. 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Shine on Fridays!

  24. Carol Avatar

    This is so cute~~and what a great idea! Question….where did you find the resin flowers? I have to make one of these…just perfect for tea party decorations! Thank you so much for sharing this cute little project.
    Carol

  25. Great idea, Carol! I bought the flowers at The Plaid Barn, a deal a day site.

  26. This is about my fourth or fifth visit, I still can not believe how perfect this came out! It is amazing that a plain little bird and bowl was redone into that beautiful silver piece. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays. Have a fabulous week!

  27. Patty (Patty's Pretty Things) Avatar

    Oh my – this is wonderful! Thanks for the tutorial. I would love to make one!

  28. Etcetorize Avatar

    Such a great project! I’d love to use this technique for something out in my garden. If you’re looking for another place to share your awesome tutorials, head on over to Etcetorize. Would love to see you there!

  29. You are a clever lady! I came over from Debbie Doo’s newbie party. I am going to have to try this for myself.

  30. PitterAndGlink Avatar

    I really love this! It’s so pretty and fancy looking! 😉

  31. Bonnie @ Uncommon Avatar

    Oh my…that finished product is amazing!! Whole new take on dollar store items!! 🙂

  32. Christina at I Gotta Create! Avatar

    OH. MY. GOODNESS. Fantastic!!! One of those projects that makes you go: why didn’t I think of that??? bravo!!!
    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original Round Up party is open!

  33. lisbonlioness Avatar

    No way! This is fantastic. For the sake of continuity in our colour scheme I’d have to go with white if I was to try this project (who am I kidding? WHEN I try this project asap, obviously), but your silver version looks a million bucks. Way to go from cheap and kitschy to pretty and stylish! Onto my pinterest right after posting this comment.

  34. Amanda @ Ninth Street Notions Avatar

    The look is great! Good job.

  35. Anonymous Avatar

    What a clever idea! It turned out so well and I never would have thought it began life as inexpensive, mismatched items.

  36. Tracie OB Avatar

    Hi – I saw this on Knock Off Decor. I have to tell you how absolutely darling, not to mention cleaver that is. AND yours is much nicer than the piece on One King’s Lane. I’m just saying 🙂

  37. menmike1974 Avatar

    I actually like yours better than the inspiration piece. Lovely.

  38. Mama Peck Avatar

    Wow! I’m so impressed. Love the results you got! Thanks for sharing this one.

  39. Anonymous Avatar

    Your project is more substantial and looks much better than the EXPENSIVE one!

    Cookie in Wilmington, DE

  40. That was amazing…thanks for sharing.

  41. ~ Laura Avatar

    I just saw your project on Knock off Decor and had to visit to tell you that yours is _way_ better than the original!! Given the opportunity to have either, I would choose yours any day!! I love it and will be giving it a try myself! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity!!

  42. kim3108 Avatar

    I love this! If it wasn’t poring down rain I would go to the Dollar Tree right now! I found you through Knock off Decor, thank you for sharing. I agree yours is way better!

    A new follower,
    Kim

  43. Linda Southworth Avatar

    This little pedestal is a hit! Who would ever guess the beginning of the project. And I love the fact anyone can grab this idea and go with it. Thank you so much of sharing. Off to the store…

  44. shabbygals Avatar

    This is unbelievable!! Love this! New follower of your blog…please visit me at shabbgals.blogspot.com too.

  45. lcm @ Those Crafty Sisters Avatar

    This is awesome, and so timely, since I just spray painted something with silver and I don’t like the too bright finish. Will definitely try this! FYI, I saw you at http://knockoffdecor.com

  46. Peace & Love.. Avatar

    That’s awesome and you done such a professional job on it. Congrats on winning the $Tree challenge, you definitely deserve it.

  47. Leslie Marquez Avatar

    So cute!!! I saw this on the DIY club’s monthly contest. I am going to try this! Thanks!

  48. Tutus & Tea Parties Avatar

    This is super cute! I love the transformation. Thank you so much for entering in the Craftastic Competition. Good luck!

  49. SweetPepperRose Avatar

    This is too beautiful for words! Such creativeness! LOVE! and DOING THIS!
    Congrats on your Pinterest Challenge nomination for this project 🙂
    JoAnn
    sweetpepperrose.blogspot.com

  50. SweetPepperRose Avatar

    Morena, congratulations on being in the top 3 for the Pinterest Challenge. That little bird is just too sweet!
    JoAnn

  51. Molly Avatar

    L O V E this! I saw those birds at Dollar Tree, but didn’t think of removing the legs. This is going to send me on a trip tomorrow to go get some 🙂 Excellent project!
    -Molly
    http://www.justalittlecreativity.com
    {Craftastic Competition judge}

  52. CarolAnn Avatar

    Oh I love this! Congratulations on winning, you certainly done the $ Store proud.

  53. Beautiful! And no, it does not look like glass or that it came from Dollar Tree! Awesome craft.

  54. Wow! That turned out so cute! Can’t believe that it came from the dollar store!!! Visiting from CSI Project! Thanks for sharing! 😀

    ~Stephanie @ Ladywiththeredrocker.com

  55. Wow it looks just great! I love how you have been so creative and taking three different -notsonice- pieces and turning it into one beautidul piece! And I love the en result on the bird! Looks so “proffesional”.

  56. Mary-Alice Avatar

    I saw this on Pinterest. LOVED it. So clever. Will definitely give it a try.

  57. Ashley Avatar

    what a difference!! I love the possibilities with this. I’m going to be looking at items at the dollar store much differently now 😉

  58. cropmom66 Avatar

    I love this technique! May have to give it a try!

  59. Anonymous Avatar

    Just . . . WOW!!
    Kathryn

  60. Love this. Couldn’t imagine how you made it when I saw it on Pinterest. Figured it was a yard sale find or something. Just wondering, was the birdie plastic? And how has the paint held up since you made this? Did any of it flake or chip off? I so hope not because I would love to make something like this too.

  61. OMG this is crazy!!!!! I could not BELIEVE the before!!!!! LOVE IT!
    Thanks for much for linking up to support Habitat! Good luck and hope to see you back Thursday night. 🙂

  62. The finish still looks great! I use this everyday… I put my rings in it every night…and no paint chipping!

  63. I’m in love with this project, too! 🙂

  64. […] be one of the ugliest dishes I have seen.  I would have walked right past this – but not Morena – she saw potential and created […]

  65. […] A simply amazing Faux silver Bird and flowers pedestal bowl from Morena’s Corner […]

  66. […] first faux pewter project involved glass items.  You can see that tutorial HERE.  Four years later, I still use that lovely bowl and the finish hasn’t chipped or tarnished […]

  67. […] Faux Silver Birds and Flowers Pedestal Bowl bird + taper glass candleholder + white spray paint + Krylon Shimmer Metallic Spray Paint  + silver shimmer +  black acrylic paint + flower beads […]

  68. Is this bird from the floral department or a ceramic bird! You did a great job!

    1. Morena Avatar

      Thank you! It’s a ceramic bird.

  69. I found your post on Pinterest, and I absolutely love it. I’m going to try to replicate. Thanks for sharing, it’s lovely. Great job.

  70. Bobbi Avatar

    Beautiful. Thx for sharing.

    1. Morena Avatar

      Thank you very much!

  71. Katie Avatar

    I am so glad I found this! I found one photo on Pinterest of the finished product but really no photos of the process or information or a link. Even 12 years later this is a great craft and I plan on finding the items so I can make one for myself! So cute!

    1. Morena Avatar

      Thank you! I still use this bowl!

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