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Today we are seriously preparing for summer by transforming some simple pots into French Made pots, beauties that will smile to us from our window or terrace, filled with flowers or aromatic herbs.

We will need some terracotta pots (you can use different shapes and sizes), brushes, black and white acrylic paint, wax candle, 120 and/or 180 grit sandpaper, waterslide decal paper (for the image transfer) and a matte finish acrylic spray.
Begin by applying one layer of black acrylic paint.
Let it dry and then start to rub the pots with some wax candle, which will help to get the distressed look. After you are done with all the waxing, apply the top coat – the white acrylic paint.
Let the white paint dry completely, for a few hours, and then start to distress the pots real well with a 120 or 180 grit sandpaper. The black acrylic paint will start to show from underneath, adding some beautiful patina to your pots.

Choose the French images you want to use from The Graphics Fairy, print them on the decals and then apply the decals following the producer’s instructions.
You can find HERE more details on how to use the waterslide decal paper to transfer an image.
One of the reasons I really love to use the decal paper is that it is translucent – this really highlights the painted and distressed surface on which it is applied.

And the final step – applying the matte finish spray on the whole surface of the pots.

I really hope you decide to give this project a try, you will be able to enjoy your very own French Made pots! :)

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Debbie @ MeandMyDIY
Your pots are so pretty! I found you on Hometalk. I'm pinning this to try later. Thanks for a great tutorial!
Debbie
Dreams Factory
Thank you so much, Debbie, I'm glad you like them.
You should definitely try to make some of your own.
Hugs, Diana
Ann
Beautiful pots. I've been wanting to try waterslide decals. They create such an authentic vintage look.
Dreams Factory
Thanx, Ann! I love to use decals on all kind of painted surfaces, you can create such a nice vintagey look.
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique
Beautifully done Diana. Thank you for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday.
Dreams Factory
Thank you so much, Kerryanne!
I really love your blog and your linky parties!
I will definitely link up again:)
Best wishes,
Diana
Anonymous
All of the text after paint the pots black is 'blacked out'/covered by the black background. Beautiful pots.
Vanessa
I’m a little confused about how to use the candle wax. Where do you apply it? Just the edges, or all over? Your projects are lovely! Thanks for posting, & for your help!
Victoria
Beautiful pots Diana! I wonder if I can do them with another transfer method, basically the one with modepodge and the copy paper? then weting a rubbing?
What do you think?
Thanks so much!
Victoria
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Victoria!
You can use any other image transfer methods.
Just make sure the paint is completely dry before applying the Mod Podge for the transfer you mentioned.
Maybe you could do a test before on a similar painted surface and see how it goes.
Wendy
Hi Diana! These pots are beautiful. Did you paint the whole interior of the pot? When applying the candle, are you just choosing a few spots here and there or are you supposed to cover the entire outside of the pot? I’m looking forward to making these – thank you!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hi Wendy!
If I remember correctly, I did painted the interior of the pots for this project!
You can also do that and completely paint the interior or you can paint a small portion of the interior – the upper part (especially if using the pot for aromatic herbs or other edible greens).
As for the candle, you will have to apply it on the areas you want to distress afterwards. You will get used to this in time (maybe after making a few pots:) ) and you will see that the areas that don’t have any candle wax are almost impossible to distress.
So I would recommend adding more candle wax and see where the distressing process takes you when getting there :)
Have fun!