Not Just For Shower Curtains: This DIY Uses The Rings To Create A Cute Vase

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Hooked on budget-friendly DIY ideas? You'll definitely want to grab a pack of clear plastic shower rings from Dollar Tree for projects like turning the rings into elegant wall decor. But the plastic rings also work as accents for lots of different DIYs, including a decorative vase project from TropicalEssenceHome. The creator attaches the rings to a slender glass vase and paints the piece black for a modern, sculptural upgrade to a basic floral container.

This is an affordable way to dress up a vase you already have, though you can also head to the thrift store to repurpose an inexpensive option there. You want a container that's narrower than the rings, which are usually around 2 inches in diameter. The vase can flare at the bottom, as long as the neck allows the rings to fit over it.

You can find basic plastic shower rings in lots of places, but Dollar Tree offers a 12-pack of Home Collection Clear Plastic Shower Curtain Rings for just $1.50. You won't need all 12, so you can save them for other projects, like using curtain rings for an affordable DIY to organize blankets. The Dollar Tree rings sometimes have ridged texturing on them; if you want a completely smooth accent, these Amazer Plastic Shower Rings give you that option. Another option is this pack of Amazer C-Shaped Plastic Rings — the oblong shape changes up the look on the vase. You'll also need some hot glue and spray paint, along with any other accents you want to add.

While there are many ways to give vases a trendy upgrade, this one adds dimension with the rings. In the original, the creator glues four shower rings spaced out near the top of the vase. They're slightly angled to rest against the vase. Arrange them so the closures face the back, creating a smooth, uninterrupted design on the front. Use a dot of hot glue in the back to hold the rings in place. You can adjust the design by changing the number of rings, the positioning, and how close you put the rings together. While the original leaves gaps between them, you might stack the rings so they're touching.

Once you have the rings attached in an arrangement you like, spray paint the entire piece. Black is a dramatic, sophisticated color choice, but you might prefer a light neutral or a more colorful finish. A high-gloss paint finish amps up the sleek modern effect, while a matte spray paint infuses more subtle sophistication. If you want more contrast, spray paint the rings in a different color than the vase before attaching them. You can also brush on a metallic finish along the edges for more definition. 

The rings naturally add dimension to the vase, but you can amplify that by adding accents to the rings. For example, wrap the shower rings in air-dry clay to make them thicker. You can also use the clay to change the shape of the rings or incorporate a rough texture on them. Another idea is to use air-dry clay to create a thicker ring to sit on the top rim of the vase. Create another one to go around the base of the vase.