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.
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~