I love a thrift-store rescue project, especially when it turns something a little awkward into something I’d actually use every day. This 3-item autumn trinket dish set starts with old glass ashtrays and turns them into pretty little catchalls for rings, keys, wrapped candy, or that random collection of bobby pins that somehow always ends up on the bathroom counter.
What I like most about this project is that it’s fast, inexpensive, and very forgiving, which is exactly my kind of DIY on a busy weeknight. If you’ve got a few vintage ashtrays tucked away, or you spot some at a garage sale for next to nothing, this is an easy way to give them a cozy fall makeover without needing advanced crafting skills.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the three glass ashtrays with warm soapy water, then wipe them with rubbing alcohol so the paint and decoupage will stick well. Let them dry completely before you start decorating.
2. Tape off the top rim or any areas you want to keep clear glass. This gives the finished dishes a cleaner, more intentional look.
3. Paint the underside of the first ashtray cream, the second orange, and the third dark brown using the foam brush. Apply thin coats and let each one dry before adding a second coat if the glass still looks streaky.
4. Cut small leaf shapes or torn leaf-pattern pieces from the autumn paper napkin, keeping them slightly smaller than the centers of the dishes. If you’re using a printed napkin, separate the top printed layer before cutting.
5. Brush a thin layer of matte Mod Podge onto the painted underside center of each ashtray, then place the paper pieces onto the glue. Smooth them gently with your fingertip or the dry foam brush so you don’t tear the paper.
6. Seal over the paper with another thin coat of Mod Podge and let the dishes dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep the coat light so it dries clear and smooth.
7. Use the detail brush to add simple accents like tiny dots, leaf veins, or a thin ring around the edge in a contrasting color. I usually keep one dish a little simpler for my nightstand and make the other two slightly more decorative.
8. Remove the painter’s tape and turn the ashtrays right side up once everything is fully dry. If needed, clean the clear glass rim with a damp paper towel for a crisp finish.
9. Set the finished dishes on a dresser, entry table, or bathroom counter and use them as a matching autumn trinket set. They’re ready to hold jewelry, spare change, or little seasonal treats.
Variations & Tips
Metallic accent version: Add a little gold acrylic paint around the outer ridges for a dressier look. I’d use this version on an entry table with a candle and a small vase of dried stems.
Minimal fall look: Skip the decoupage and just paint the undersides in warm fall tones. This is a great option if you like seasonal decor that still feels clean and not too busy.
Gift set idea: Wrap the three dishes as a set with a small bag of wrapped caramels or a pretty ring dish pairing. This is the kind of handmade gift that looks thoughtful without eating up your whole Saturday.
Best cleaning method: Wipe the finished dishes with a lightly damp cloth instead of soaking them. Since the design is on the underside, they hold up well, but I still avoid dishwashers and long water exposure.
Thrift-store tip: Look for thick pressed-glass ashtrays with interesting grooves or scalloped edges because they catch the paint beautifully. I’ve found that the heavier ones tend to look the most like intentional decor once they’re finished.