How to Antique a Terracotta Container
Terracotta is kind of like the vodka of pots. It is readily available, varies in quality, and mixes well (with others containers, that is). The only problem is that, like vodka, lots of terracotta can be too much of a good thing. Thankfully, you can easily mix up your container collection without buying a single new pot by creating an antique patina on some of your terracotta pots. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find two handfuls of soft moss. Look for it growing in shady patches of grass, on tree trunks, and in woodland areas. Remove as much soil as possible and any pebbles, sticks, or other debris from the moss.
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Place the moss, two cups of buttermilk, and three ounces of potter's clay into a blender jar. Put the lid on the blender jar and blend the mixture until it is thick and soupy.
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3
Soak the terracotta container in water for twenty minutes. If the container won't fit in your kitchen sink, fill a clean garbage can up with water and place the container inside the can to soak. Then, place the container on the north side of a building or any other cool, shady spot.
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Using a paintbrush, coat the entire container with the moss mixture. Check on the container daily and spray it lightly with water to keep the moss mixture moist. A mossy patina should appear within two to three weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for a blender at a tag sale so you don't have to use your regular blender, or use an immersion blender with a detachable head that can then be sanitized in the dishwasher.
Terracotta urns and pots with decorative fluted edges or bas relief designs look especially cool antiqued.
