Easy DIY Faux Stone Bowl for Beautiful Christmas Décor

I love cast stone planters and bowls, but find they are way too heavy to pick up and ue as décor pieces inside my home. So, I found a solution that gives me the luxurious antique look I want but allows for creativity. DIY faux cast stone bowls made from two plastic bowls! This trick is so good that no one will ever know the bowls aren’t really stone, unless you tell them or the person picks up the bowl. By using simple materials like plastic bowls, stucco, and paint, you can create an elegant, stone-look bowl perfect for Christmas centerpieces or year-round decor. This affordable project can easily be adapted to match any holiday theme, making it a versatile addition to your home.[/caption]

Materials Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this DIY faux stone bowl:

• Large plastic bowl
• Medium plastic bowl
• Hot glue gun
• Plastic grocery bags (for stuffing)
• Rust-Oleum White Paint + Primer
• Painter’s tape or duct tape
• Ready-Mix Stucco Patch (1-quart tub from a home improvement store)
• 2-inch wide paintbrush
• Old toothbrush or stiff-bristle brush optional
• Water-based paint or stain: Choose from acrylic, latex, or chalk paint. Here are the colors I used:
  • DecoArt Americana – Cobblestone
  • Valspar Antiquing Glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Plastic Bowls

• Start by placing the medium plastic bowl inside the large bowl. Use hot glue to hold it in place, creating a layered look. If needed use cardboard or Styrofoam to elevate the medium bowl so it’s at the same level in height as the larger bowl.
• To stabilize the structure, fill the space between the bowls with plastic grocery bags.

• After filling the gap, apply blue painter’s tape along the rim to cover the gap between the bowls. This prevents stucco from falling in and allows you to apply an even layer along the rim for a seamless, finished look.

Prime the Surface

Coat the entire structure with white spray primer. This primer will help the stucco and paint adhere to the plastic, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Apply Stucco Patch for Texture

• Use a 2-inch paintbrush to spread a thin layer of Ready-Mix Stucco Patch over the primed surface, covering the entire bowl structure. Then dip your brush into water to smooth the stucco out across the surface of the bowl.
• As you apply the stucco, use a bristle brush to add a lot of texture. The bristles help create an organic, stone-like appearance with natural-looking roughness and depth.
• For added detail, use an old toothbrush or stiff-bristle brush to dab and stipple areas, adding even more texture to give it a weathered stone look.
• Allow the stucco to dry fully overnight.

Paint for a Faux Stone Finish

• Once the stucco is dry, apply a base coat of DecoArt Americana Cobblestone for a soft, neutral color foundation.
• Finish with Antique Glazing Liquid to achieve an aged, vintage look. Lightly dab and blend the stain with the paint to unify the colors and add a beautiful patina to your faux stone bowl.

Seal and Display

• For durability, apply a water-based sealer to protect your finished piece.
• Your DIY faux cast stone bowl is ready to shine! Use it as a Christmas centerpiece filled with ornaments, pinecones, or greenery, or as a standalone decor piece.

Click here for a full video tutorial.

Tips for Styling Your DIY Faux Stone Bowl

• Christmas Centerpiece: Fill the bowl with pinecones, ornaments, or even mini holiday lights for a festive touch.
• Mantel Display: Pair with garlands, candles, and holiday greenery to add dimension to your mantel decor.
• Versatile Style: This faux stone bowl complements various holiday themes, from rustic farmhouse to modern chic, making it a sophisticated addition to your seasonal decor.

If you’re interested in discovering more, keep on reading – my other blogs are waiting for you! Please follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter for more inspiration!