Grab Some Ribbon To Give Your Boring Glass Vase An Elegant Upgrade

You might have just found a perfectly-sized vase at your local secondhand shop, but it's a little bland. Luckily, there's a simple way to turn your thrift store vase into a gorgeous decor piece in minutes. Simply wrap some ribbon around it in a "corset" fashion to give it an instant upgrade.

Don't worry; it's not as restricting as it sounds. After all, a vase isn't as pliable as a human's waist. Plus, it's a non-living entity so you won't have to worry about it being unable to breathe. Better yet, the DIY won't take more than a few minutes of your precious day; it might take you even less if you're familiar with French braids. Moreover, you don't need to spend any money for this if you have a roll of satin or grosgrain ribbon lying somewhere in your house — the thickness doesn't matter much if you like the color and design.

That being said, keep in mind that a double-sided ribbon is preferable since both sides look the same. This means you won't have to stress about the pattern or the glossy side getting hidden while you tie the ribbon corset-style around your vase's length. Additionally, you can try it with any vase you have. And if you don't have one, turn old pasta sauce jars into useful home gems in a jiffy. Besides these, you'll need a sharp pair of scissors and potentially some adhesive.

Give your vase a quick wipe down and let it air dry. Now, unspool your ribbon and tie it loosely around the vase to get a rough idea of the amount you'll need for this DIY. Be generous before making a cut, as it'd ruin the effect if you run out while wrapping it around. You can even use some leftover twine or jute rope for this. Once you're done, move a lighter (or lit match) along your ribbon's ends to keep them from fraying later on (do this in a well-ventilated area as the burning smell can be a bit overwhelming). A few seconds will be enough. Next, fold your ribbon in half to find its exact center. This way, both your sides will be even.

Then, hold it toward your vase's top (or middle if you want) and wrap it tightly in place. Despite this, if your ribbon keeps slipping, apply a few drops of glue or another adhesive in a couple of spots on the vase to ensure the ribbon stays in place. Holding the two sides, cross them over and give them a slight twist before wrapping them around your vase's back. Keep going till the entire surface is covered; just be cognizant of two things. One, your loops shouldn't overlap since you don't want a layered look instead of a clean braid. Two, there shouldn't be any slack in the loops, or your ribbon will crumple gracelessly as soon as you let go. When you're satisfied, tie the ends together in a knot prior to making a bow — keep it in the front or back as you like. Style your now-elegant vase with flowers or LED candles and display it around your house.