How to Make a Vase With Masking Tape and Shoe Polish

Save any decorative bottles that held condiments or oils. Tall, slender glass bottles work best. Ketchup or salad-dressing bottles often have a tapered mouth that makes them ideal as vases. Wash empty bottles in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Tear small, irregular sections of tape, no more that three-quarters of an inch in length, from a roll of masking tape. The smaller the sections, the more dramatic the effect.

Attach the sections of masking tape to the bottle, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. Place the pieces randomly , overlapping each other in areas to cover the entire surface of the bottle. Cover the rim and overlap ends into the mouth of the bottle to create a smooth finish on the mouth of the vase.

Check all sides and edges to be sure the surface is smooth. Rub the outside of the bottle with your hands to flatten and smooth any wrinkles.

Apply shoe polish liberally to the outside of the vase with a soft rag. Rub the polish in well to coat all edges of the tape. Allow the dye to set for a few minutes, but do not let it dry completely.

Remove excess polish with a clean, soft rag. Work gently, but firmly, until the rag no longer picks up dye. The torn edges of the masking tape will absorb more dye and produce richly colored lines, while the flat surface of the tape will be a lighter shade. The resulting vase will be two-toned, with a rustic, cracked appearance.

Allow the vase to dry thoroughly and apply a coat of clear spray paint to seal in the color and protect the finish. Display with a bouquet of dried or fresh flowers.