Is your balcony or garden in need of a mini make-over? Or have you bought new plants that are still looking sad in their plastic nursery pots? New plant pots are often expensive, but good news: a charity shop find or forgotten pot is ready to become your new eye-catcher To become. With a little paint and imagination, you can make something very special out of old plant pots.
Giving old plant pots a second life
Flower pots are in abundance – walk into any charity shop and you'll literally trip over them. Yet they often remain unsold. Why? Because we usually only see the exterior: dirty, damaged, old-fashioned. But look beyond that and you'll primarily see potential. Many of these pots are made of ceramic, plastic, or concrete – materials that cost a considerable amount of energy and resources to produce. By reusing them, you give them a longer life, prevent unnecessary waste, and create something that no one else has. What was initially an object that no one seems to want becomes, through your creative mind, a sought-after item that Friends and family to ask ‘if you could make one for them too’.
With a bit of creativity and a lick of paint, you can transform old, dull flowerpots into real works of art.
DIY: upcycle your old plant pot
Tools
- old flower pots(all types are suitable, both plastic and ceramic)
- Strong glue(e.g. epoxy adhesive or assembly adhesive)
- Primer
- acrylic paint
- acrylic paint pens
- pencil
- brushes
- sandpaper
Instructions
- Find two jars that fit well together. Try different combinations and turn them over: the bottom jar can just as well be upside down!
- Lightly sand the pots. This will help the paint adhere better. Then, clean everything thoroughly with a cloth.
- Glue the pots together. Let them dry thoroughly (check your glue's packaging for drying time).
- Paint the pots with primer. One coat is often enough, but feel free to slap on a second. Don't forget the edges!
- Sketch your design in pencil. Need inspiration? Check out the cheerful creations by Silvia Zacchello. Her hand-painted pots are a joy to behold.
- Fill the large areas with acrylic paint.
- Let everything dry thoroughly and finish with acrylic markers. Time for the fine details: lines, eyes, flowers, moustaches – go wild!
- Do you want to protect your artwork? Then apply a layer of varnish. Just make sure everything is completely dry, otherwise the markers might run.
- For the finishing touch: use up leftovers! Think of old sunglasses, beads, ribbons or a gold bow – you can also upcycle with your craft box.
Notes
If you place the plant pots by the window, it's extra fun to paint a face on both sides.
More sustainability tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Old T-shirts? Make a DIY plant hanger.
- Still need new plants? In this article, you will read why it is a good idea to buy poison-free plants.
- Another fun DIY: Making your own bunting from old paper.
Sources: Silvia Zacchello. Photo credits: Melanie de Oliveira.
