How To Turn An Old Pot Lid Into An Adorable Centerpiece On A Budget

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A centerpiece on your dining table does a lot of aesthetic heavy-lifting. It creates a focal point for the eye to land on, adds texture and contrast, and creates visual balance in the room. While you could splurge on a colorful and valuable flower vase to achieve this look, you could also use something a lot more accessible: an old pot lid! With the help of a makeshift base made from other kitchen rejects (like a drinking glass you never use) and decorative elements like paint or decoupage, you can create quirky home decor that doubles as a perfect conversation starter.

Picture a display pedestal in the exact color and size you'd prefer, showcasing seasonal decor like pumpkins, or a ring of flowers from your backyard garden. To create your own centerpiece, you will need an old pot lid, a glass or other item to use as the centerpiece base, a screwdriver, a cleaning cloth, decorating materials like decoupage, hot glue, beads and paint, a two-part epoxy like J-B Weld 8281 Professional Size Steel Reinforced Epoxy, and — optionally — a clear, acrylic sealer.

Start by using a screwdriver to remove the handle of your old pot lid, then flip it over so it forms a bowl shape. Prepare your lid for decoration by wiping it clean with a damp cloth, then allow it to dry. Now it's time to decorate! You can use good quality spray paint to give the lid a pretty, even color. Or use hot glue to attach wood beads and baubles for an eclectic look. (The small holes left by the lid's handle are a great place to attach decorative ceramic elements, vintage drawer pulls, or even mosaic pieces.) If you plan to decoupage the lid instead, there are a few mistakes you need to avoid to guarantee a flawless decoupage.

Next, you'll decorate the base of your centerpiece. Be creative about what you use here; chances are you won't need to source anything from the store. Scavenge your home for a disused glass, bowl, candlestick holder, or jar, bearing in mind that the height of your item will — of course — dictate the height of your centerpiece. Decorate your base item using whatever medium you prefer (for a fun mixed-media look, use a different decorative material than you did on your lid). Then, use your two-part epoxy to attach your pot lid and base. Allow the adhesive to cure overnight before using it as a centerpiece. If you'd like, you can spray the entire thing with a clear acrylic sealer once it's dry to help protect the centerpiece and give it a finished look.