I think I got this pretty urn several years ago at one of my favorite spots in Atlanta, House Parts, but don’t really remember how much it was, probably $5 or so, since the handle was broken. I used it on top of a high shelf in my other house, but always thought I’d repair the handle eventually. I’ve never let a little thing like a broken handle stop me from buying something.
It’s a large urn, about 18″ tall and since I’m not all that crazy about the gold on it, decided it would be a good piece to paint white & use it in my diningroom. So, I bought some of that modeling clay at Hobby Lobby that air dries. Neat stuff! It worked great. I molded it by hand & tried to match the other handle as best I could. Let it dry for a good 2 days and then it was ready to paint.
This is just a can of creamy white paint from Lowes that I had on hand. Painted it with 2 coats of paint and it was as good as new. 
Got this mirror for my diningroom at Tuesday AM several years ago and I’ve enjoyed it for a long time, but decided that with my new light fixture in the DR, that I should change the finish on this mirror to a little darker tone. So, I used my Sophisticated Finishes and painted Blackened Bronze over the whole thing, then went back over & highlighted the raised areas with Blonde Bronze with a sea sponge. You can get these craft paints at Michaels. Use the 40% off coupon! You use a paint brush or sponge with them.
So, here’s the diningroom with the newly painted mirror and the repaired urn sitting front and center. A fresh new arrangement for Spring.
Filled with some dried hydrangeas from my mom’s garden and mine last year, I love how it looks. I added some pretty white marble stones that I picked up from Tuesday Morning and it’s sitting on a silver tray.
One new handle
Add some seashells for a fresh new look.
And the diningroom is ready for spring. I’m having fun with my new camera trying out all sort of new things, like not using the flash.
Ahhhh, nothing better than a finished project.
Just a little update on my decorating business venture. I’m still working on getting some new clients and that is going to be the biggest challenge, marketing myself. I’ve got some ideas on that and will keep moving ahead with it all. I knew this first year would be a learning experience and I think once I get some clients, it will grow with word of mouth. Thought you’d like to know how it’s going.
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yardsales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me? 
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
That handle looks great! What a clever idea. I love how your side board looks too.
Jen R
Looks great Rhoda, I have a mirror and that’s just what she needs. I can’t find the 40% off coupon were you offering or mentioning there was one?
The first year in any start up is tough, hang in there. I am guessing with the economy being what it is it may be a little tougher.
Hope you had a nice Easter, we sure did !!
Kathy
Hey, Kathy, Michaels usually runs 40% off coupons in and ad in the Sunday paper & I imagine that’s true in all cities that have Michaels. I just checked online & it looks like they run their weekly ad online too, you put in your zip code & it will tell you if there is an ad that week. I did find out that you can ask for the discount at the register (only if they have a coupon out that week) and they will let you sign for it & get the discount. So ask if they have a coupon out that week when you go to Michaels if you don’t have a coupon from the paper!
Rhoda
WOW! I love projects too. I love salvaging something and keeping it from the dumpster!
Also, on the business – free advertising on Craigslist!
Oh Rhoda what a lovely job you’ve done! I didn’t know you could mend things like that… but look at what you’ve done! I’m really impressed. Your vignette with the mirror (lovely) and the mended urn is just beautiful….
Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us…
Have a great day
cielo
Rhoda, that is amazing! I love how you saved the urn.
To market your business, you might try finding some local publications like a little mom magazine, and offer to write an article.
Good luck. I know your business will pick up speed, because you are a giving person and that will come back to you.
~Heather
You are so clever to fix that handle with clay! It turned out great.
It looks beautiful around there!
Oh, yes, the first year is most often spent setting up the business with few to no clients!
Fortunately, I have had quite a few clients already this year, three of which I am working with right now (all at the same time!) to completely start over with all of their furnishings, starting in their living rooms. Big jobs!
Things will pick up for you as people see you’ve been in business for awhile or news of your availability travels. You can donate gift certificates to auctions to jump start things as well, that seems to work well for people.
Good work!
happy day,
Melissa
How clever! I’m enjoying this new blog I’ve found.
Michele
You are indeed a very clever gal! I love it painted white along with all your other lovely white pieces.
It was so fun to catch the glimpses of your other rooms in the repainted mirror. Your home is gorgeous. Looks like a perfect Southern Lady’s home!
((hugs)) Rosie
Thanks for showing us your projects. You did a wonderful job, and your dining room looks great.
I love the pictures of the mirror reflections.
Good luck on your new adventure. Hang in there, I’m sure the word will get around.
Beautiful finished product Rhoda! You must really be enjoying being back at home
Happy Spring!
You are so talented. Love the urn and the mirror. Great job.
I’ve used plumbers putty to repairs things like the urn too. Plumber’s putty is also waterproof so keep that in mind for future projects. You can get it in the plumbing aisle at Lowes/Home Depot.
Stunning job on your mirror. Just stunning. . . along with your beautiful home
Blessings,
Sher
I so enjoy your blog. The sideboard is beautiful. The white urn turned out fantastic and the seashells give it a natural beauty. My favorite view is the looking through the updated mirror into your stunning home. You have a amazing talent and clients will be privileged to have you work for them. Good Luck.
Heather
Absolutely beautiful!
How talented you are to be able to do that so well!
You have a wonderful blog!
Wishing you a blessed day!
Rhoda ~ Everything is just beautiful and I just love looking at all of your home decor pictures! Thanks for the update on your business ~ I was actually going to e-mail you to see how it was coming along
You’ve got talent, girl and I’m sure you’ll be quite busy before too long! (I’ll be praying for ya, ok?!)
Have a lovely day, Rhoda!
Love what you did to the mirror. I seem to be drawn to the blackened bronze myself these days.
All your “whites” look so pretty against the red walls. I’ve been collecting white pieces when out thrifting but I don’t have as many as you have. It’s hit and miss, but pretty exciting when I find a good one.
Have a great day!
How cool! I’ve done that with paintings (if I needed two but could only afford one) but I never thought about doing some thing like that with an urn. Great idea! And it looks like that living room is to die for (judging by the peek in the mirror)!! Have a lovely Wednesday. Blessings… Polly
Painting the urn white was sheer genius!!! Looks great, Hugs, DebraK
The mirror and the urn turned out fantastic! They look like they’ve always been that way. Your dining room looks so inviting. Wish I lived close enough to stop by and chat. ~Adrienne~
Great job! It looks great! Don’t you love to fix something and have it look better than when you started! The mantle looks perfect!
Great job repairing the handle on the urn, and I like its new color. I really like the new mirror color, too. The new arrangement looks nice!
Joy
Great job with the urn and the mirror, Rhoda! I’ll have to remember how you did the handle on the urn. Your sideboard looks beautiful!
Pat
Wow, the urn and mirror look wonderful! I’m going to have to get some of that bronze paint, but I don’t get those regular 40% off coupons! Your dining room looks beautiful, great color combinations. And the pictures with the new camera look great!
I could live in your house
and I really like what you did with the mirror!!
ooooooooh, that mirror just refelects all the lusciousness of this room…so pretty!
xxxooo Ruth
Rhoda, your projects turned out absolutely gorgeous! And your home looks so beautiful!
Hugs,
Donna
looks great!
Your picture are great! Props for the free form handle…well done.
All the white looks terrific together.
My husband started his own business a year and a half ago. It’s been a little tight but so worth it!
Wow Rhoda, the urn looks great!!
You did a wonderful job, and the mirror is so pretty too. The whole vignette looks perfect.
You are so clever!!
Have a nice night,
Rosemary
Looks just Gorgeous. You amaze me Rhoda you really have such style. Love everything. The dried Hydrangea are beautiful in the urn also. Jamie
You are amazing!!! Have a beatuiful night!!!!
So, a decorator AND you repairer broken beauties…who knew? I love the look of the new finish on the mirror…
Sandi
Rhoda you are soo talented! I love the urn and the mirror It looks fabulous! Hang in there you have so much talent and I know things will pick up! I agree with the person who suggested the gift cert. and donations. It is such a good way to advertise without spending anything other than your time.
That turned out gorgeous Rhoda. I can’t believe you were able to fix the handle! Completely amazing
Thank you for the kitchen complements. I really admire you and your work, so it means a lot to me. Good luck in your business adventure. I know you’ll be a hit
Have a wonderful day,
Rue
I am totally calling it Tuesday AM from now on!!!
Love the idea of repairing the handle and painting it white–yes, yes, a million times yes!!!
Hi Rhoda,
What a great idea you did with that handle. It’s so funy because I just saw an urn at my fav local thrift store and I left it there because the handle was broken!
You are too clever!
Love how you got a handle on that project…could not resist a pun! Glad you are turning off that flash too- natural light is a good thing. Flash is not always the enemy though when it’s used properly-those on-camera auto flashes are harsh. I will have to try the blackened bronze finish- love that!
I just love the new looks of the repaired and painted urn and the painted mirror. You whole room looks great! I loved seeing all the reflections in the mirror.
Hugs,
Penny
What a beautiful job! You would never know that urn had a broken handle. The display of items on the sideboard look wonderful and really says “spring” to me.
Rhoda, you did an amazing job on that Urn! I would have never even attempted to try and fix that broken handle and you made it look perfect! Aren’t you the talented one. The mirror looks fantastic too!
Rhoda, the urn looks absolutely fabulous. I need to update a mirror I have now that I have a bronze with silver highlights light fixture going in. I will have to write down what you used and pick some up next time I am at Michaels or AC Moore. You have the best ideas and your dining room looks beautiful.
Don’t worry about your business…word of mouth will spread as well as here on the web as you are very talented!!
Best wishes,
Jennifer
Rhonda,
Thanks for your nice comments on my chairs. I am really enjoying them. Gotta love a bargain.
Heather
Oh Rhoda, how wonderful it all looks! The dining room is beautiful, and your photos are great! I love the ones of the room reflected in the mirror.
I’m sure as soon as a few people see your beautiful rooms, your business will really take off!
xoxo,
Mary
Hi Rhoda
, it seems f-o-r-e-v-e-r since I’ve been able to visit you. You’ve been very very busy (as usual) and I’ve enjoyed each and every post I’ve missed. And the photos too. I always enjoy seeing your projects and the great ideas you have.
We had a ball on our California trip, but it’s always nice to return home. I’m still gradually catching up on things around here. (Just in time before company comes next week…our daughter and my Mom and Aunt.)
Hugs!
Kat
Girl you are just as creative as can be! You have got such a great eye for all this decorating…now I would not have even bought the urn because I would have had a hard time imagining I could have fixed the thing. I need to start shopping differently. And girl you just wait you’re gonna have folks beating down your door soon with needing help decorating.
WOW! What an amazing job on that set up! I love it! The white looks so elegant and stands out so nicely against the warmer red tone of the paint on the wall. Very elegant too!
That mirror is insanely gorgeous! I am green with envy, I LOVE it!!!!
Wow, you’re amazing! Fixing that handle with the clay is so smart! It all looks really pretty and your camera takes such clear photos! Your sideboard is just gorgeous!
Manuela
it is all beautiful,but I love the bunny on the basket.
Wow, amazing surgery on the urn. Photos and new banner are stunning.
Dana
Kymber sent me over.She’s right.You do have the answer to most anything…Ann