Create the look of an Italian garden by painting terra-cotta pots

With a little creative painting, you can bring a touch of Tuscan elegance to your home. Start with a purchased terra-cotta pot that has a relief (a raised pattern), then cover it in muted colors of sage, saffron, and creamy yellow using special ceramic paints and glazes from art and craft stores.

The raised motif will stand out from the background best with contrasting and tone-on-tone color combinations, such as darker and lighter shades of green. Always start with a completely dry pot; paint won't adhere to a wet surface.

TIME: 2 hours, not including drying time

COST: About $10 for paints

MATERIALS

Terra-cotta pot with relief

Spray paint for base coat Foam brush

Water-base polyester paint for relief

Stain and color wash

Artist's brush

Glaze

1. Apply the base coat. We used spray paint in a mustard color. …