Simple Paint Updates for Everyday Home Accessories

Let ceramics and glass stand in for canvas the next time you pick up a paintbrush with these ideas from DIY diva Jodi Mensing Harris.

Layer colorful stripes in a float frame to bring a new dimension to a treasured family photo. Before you create this masterpiece, pay attention to how the transparent stripes will overlap in the finished projects. Dip a small foam roller in glass paint and roll on the back of each glass panes. Peel off the tape to reveal your stripes, and reassemble you frame.

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Mask off stripes on the front of both glass panes using painter's tape. Dip a small foam roller in glass paint and roll on the back of each glass panes. Peel off the tape to reveal your stripes, and reassemble you frame.

Create a quartet of coasters sure to hit the right note with guests by painting ceramic tiles with a musical motif.

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First we downloaded and resized free clip art of instruments the shaded the shapes with pencil. We flipped the patterns over and traced around them to transfer the outline of the image to simple white tiles without using carbon paper.

Using a thin paintbrush and porcelain paint, we filled in or painted around each silhouette. We attached rubber cabinet bumpers to the backs of the tiles to protect surfaces and keep the coasters from shifting.

Brighten a basic colored lamp base with delicate doodles. A white Sharpie oil paint marker is the perfect tool to put your sketches in the spotlight.

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Draw simple spirals and interlocking paisley or flower patterns for an intricate look. Start at the top and work your way down for best results.

Everyone will feel like the guest of honor when each place is set with a personalized painted plate and tea is served in style from a pot embellished with a modern floral bouquet.

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Using a photo as a starting point, draw the shape and fine features using a porcelain paint pen. A paintbrush is better for adding a little blush or a head of hair. Keep acetone (nail polish remover works well) and tissues on hand to remove any mistakes.

Bake the pieces according the paint manufacturer's instructions to set the paint. Although they should be food safe, we recommend serving food on a separate dish. The plates would be perfect party favors for your muses.

A cohesive, modern design and colorful scheme unifies the eclectic mix of thrift shop pieces into efficient office organizers.

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Assign a collection of plain servingware new duty as stylish spots to stash office supplies. Use a porcelain paint pen to repeat a simple circle chain pattern on each dish.

A clear glass pitcher and matching cup get a refreshing revamp with circle label stickers and white glass pain.

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We stuck labels securely to the outside of the glassware in a straight line, but a more random polka-dot approach would work, too. Use a foam pouncer to apply white paint over the labels and up the sides of the glassware for a faux frosted look. Avoid the rim of the pitcher and glass, so no paint is ingested when they're used.

Peel the stickers off while the paint is still wet, scratching off any that seeped underneath.