
Hey y’all! It is so pretty to me when everyday objects seem well loved. It might not be for everyone, but there’s just something warm and homey when you see the faded cover and dog ears in a grandmother’s cookbook, or the worn out spot that marks someone’s favorite seat on the couch. It’s just plain beautiful to see the “life” in those simple things. You won’t often see me with anything shiny and new — I’ll take the old stuff any day!
My little secret, though, is that I found a way to give things a faux antique look with a few simple steps. Check out how I took a Dollar Tree colander and sink strainer and made them into a beautiful old-looking piece that would be perfect to display on your kitchen table.
HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS CRAFT…
- Plastic colander from Dollar Tree
- Sink strainer (I also got this from Dollar Tree)
- Krylon “Looking Glass” silver spray paint (another option for this look is a silver gilding paint that you can find at Hobby Lobby)
- Grey acrylic paint
- Black acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- E6000 craft adhesive
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Hammer (to separate sink strainer)
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HERE IS HOW WE DID IT…
First, take your colander outside and cover it inside and out with the silver spray paint. That Krylon Looking Glass silver color really makes things look like metal… it’s amazing! You might as well take the metal sink strainer apart while you’re at it.

After the spray paint dries, use the grey and black acrylic paints to brush on some character. Dabble the grey and black around the outside of the bowl.

You can even add a little bit of water to your paint for a thinner, lighter application. Then, use a dry paper towel to lightly dab the wet paint. You can always go back and add more acrylic paint or wipe up any excess. You literally cannot screw this up. 🙂

I also got a little extra and brushed my bowl with some Testors silver leafing finish for an extra pop.
Use your E600 (AKA the best glue ever) and hot glue to glue the sink strainter to the bottom of the colander. This makes it looks like an elevated, pedestal-style colander.

I just love how this turned out. I display old rusty colanders like like all over my house with plants in them. Watch the quick video tutorial below and tell me what you think.
That was super cute and looks like a lot of fun to make.