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There’s no better feeling of accomplishment when you can upcycle something that you might have thrown into the garbage.
That’s just what I was about to do with the plastic flower pots I found hiding in my garage. Then, a lightbulb moment hit! Why don’t I use my Modern Masters Metal Effects Patina Kit and transform it into high-end decor? Wow – am I glad I did.
It always amazes me how this kit transforms the blah and lifeless into truly stunning pieces. I can’t stop using it! Seriously, the possibilities are endless! The first time I used this kit I transformed a lamp base into a truly stunning decor piece. I was so impressed, I immediately fell in love.
Then, I turned my plain and boring candle decor and vase into a centerpiece everyone wow’s over when they see it. I love Modern Masters paint products so much, I even painted my Kitchen Bar Stools and now I don’t have to run out and buy new ones!
Back to my plastic flower pot insanely gorgeous upcycle!
This turned out better than I could have hoped for. Let me tell you a little bit about this kit first so you know where to get one yourself.
It’s called the Modern Masters Metal Effects Patina Kit – Amazon makes it easy to order and it comes in three different styles of textures and colors.
Here’s what the kit looks like. And it is super easy to use – anyone can do it! It’s fun to get the kids involved too!
This is the inexpensive plastic flower pot I started with. Make sure to clean the areas you are painting so they are free of dirt and debris. Remove all labels, you know the drill. Excuse my messy fingers, I was a painting machine this weekend!
Now, you are ready for the magic to happen. Here’s what you get with the kit.
You will see for yourself just how easy this kit is to use! Any surface that can be painted, you can this kit on. It covers perfectly on all paintable surfaces.
Step 1 – Stir the primer with the stick that comes with the kit. Be sure to stir well. Paint surface with one coat. Wait 1/2 hour and apply another coat.
Step 2 – After you apply the two coats, wait at least 12 hours (that’s the hardest part!) then apply a coat of the copper. Wait 1/2 hour, apply another coat.
You can see how much mileage I got out of this kit. This is my third project using the same kit.
Step 3 – Then spray the surface while the paint is still wet with the Patina spray included in the kit. Let it completely dry a few hours and you have an amazing new home decor element for your home.
You can see it transforming right in front of your eyes.
And now for the reveal! I am so in love with this beautiful upcycled flower pot! If you have some plastic flower pots you will want to transform them too!
If I didn’t tell you, you would never know it was plastic! Now, to decide where to house this beauty. I tried a few different locations both inside and outside of my home.
I love how it looks paired with real plants as well as artificial ones.
Then, I tested the waters inside to see how it would look and of course, it’s divine!
I love how it looks inside my home too. There’s so much you can do with some old inexpensive plastic flower pots.
And the detail is like nothing you will get from hand painting.
I can place this flower pot anyplace, indoors or out, and I love how it looks.
If you love my Birds On a Wire be sure to check out how I created that beauty too!
I hope you were inspired to create your own beautiful patina finished plastic flower pots. There’s so much you can do with this kit. I can’t wait to use it again and see what unfolds!
PIN IT For Later!
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Single-use plastic is of the world’s biggest polluters. It’s not often recycled, and whatever makes it to landfills will be sitting there for years, as it’s un-biodegradable. In 2018 alone, landfills received 27 million tons. And by 2050, it’s estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. McSherry wants to help solve that problem with a simple solution. In a video on TikTok that’s garnered more than 500,000 views, she shared her idea to turn single-use plastic containers into planters.
“Just because it’s single-use plastic doesn’t mean it can only be used once. My favorite thing to do with old plastic containers is turn them into pots for my plants,” she said. “I have acquired quite a few new plants since moving into my new apartment, and many of them needed to be replanted. I got crafty and upcycled this butter container. A quick coat of paint and some drainage holes in the bottom, and I had a brand new planter just like that.”
McSherry has also made planters out of a sorbet tub, popcorn container, and more. You can use her method for whichever type of container you have at home. And, fun fact: By adding a little baking soda to your paint, you can give the planter a clay-like look and texture that rivals any ceramic pots you’ll find at the store. She’s also wrapped the container with macrame string, which gives it an instant boho vibe. Here’s exactly how to make your very own upcycled planter.
Posted on Published: July 9, 2021 By: Author Mary Beth
If you are looking for ideas on how to spruce up your garden here is some beautiful inspiration for making your own upcycled garden planters with items you probably already have on hand.
If there is one thing that always adds a personal touch to garden décor, it is a unique planter or multiple unique planters and that’s what I’m sharing as part of this month’s Thrifty Style Team.
When you’re done checking out the details, be sure to head to the bottom of the post for the rest of the teams shares…you will be so inspired!
Now, back to theplanters! There are so many different types of planters and pots out there; where do we start?
This article will help you by giving you pointers on what to consider when looking at items around your home as well as showing you some examples of beautiful upcycled garden planters.
*This post may contain affiliate links and I’ll earn a commission if you shop through them. You can read my full disclosure here.
#1 – A Basket
I have had this basket for years and like it so much. It has been used in the kitchen to hold little Knick knacks, in my craft room filled with craft supplies, and most recently, in the hall closet.
While in the closet I used it to hold individual homemade heating pads that I like to keep on hand. It was all tucked away safe and secure but then…..someone in my house (who. ) knocked over a box of my favorite essential oils which ended up upside down in the basket with the heating pad socks.
I didn’t notice it at first but when I finally did, a few of the oils leaked all over the heating pads and the basket….and the carpet underneath. It was a mess to say the least and the basket was ruined but, I kept the basket because, well, it was too pretty to get rid of and I hoped I would figure out something to do with it…and…I did!
The process to turn it into a planter was so easy! I didn’t need to worry about drainage holes because the basket is woven which allows for water to drain out. The only thing I needed to do was add some fillers (scrunched up Walmart bags) to the bottom. This was done so that I didn’t use too much dirt and so that it wasn’t too heavy.
Good organic dirt was added on top of the scrunched up bags and I then planted the flowers.
I watered it well after applying my very favorite plant fertilizer and it was all done…tah dah!
#2 – Upcycle a Topiary or other Faux Plant Urn (or planter)
This second upcycle is pretty straight forward.
I had a light up topiary in an urn from Balsam Hill that I used for several years both inside and outside. It worked great but then, the lights stopped working. I tried everything to get them working again but to no avail. I really did not like leaving the lights on the topiary itself since they were noticeable (to me anyway) and didn’t light up anymore so I took my handy dandy garden shears and snipped the lights off.
Now, I had a naked topiary but there was a bit of space at the base and the idea hit me…dirt.
So, I added dirt to the bottom all the way around and then planted some flowers.
I also ripped (yes, ripped!) some vines out of the flower beds and put them around the base as well.
So far, so good! It is growing in nice and thick and looks beautiful. But, I have no idea what I’ll do with it in the fall. I may just put a bunch of mini pumpkins around the base and call it a day.
#3 – Hanging Gutter Planters
A few years ago, I made hanging planters from gutters . I loved them and only got rid of them when I went through a “declutter anything that isn’t alive from the house” moment…so, they’re gone but I may make them again.
#4 – A Colander
I found this colander at the thrift store, added a coco liner from the dollar tree, some dirt and succulents, and bam…another upcycled garden planter!
#5 – Mason Jar Planter
This Mason Jar Planter was so easy to make. All that was needed was a mason jar, small rocks…and a plant. It doesn’t get much easier than that. If I make these again, I think I’ll use them to hold herbs.
More ideas for upcycled garden planters:
- Painted tin cans
- Old metal toys such as Tonka trucks
- Old shoes and boots
- Suitcases and Train Cases (see the gutter picture above)
- Bike baskets…and the list goes on and on!
And now, for the rest of the amazing Thrifty Style Team shares!
A ridiculously easy DIY planter that’s also ridiculously cute? Sign us up! This project takes less than an hour and uses five simple materials you probably already have sitting in the garage.
DIY Planter Made From an Upcycled 5-Gallon Bucket
Photo by: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Related To:
Materials Needed
- plastic 5-gallon bucket
- drill
- 1 yard of fabric
- Mod Podge® Outdoor
- sisal rope
- hot glue gun
Prep Bucket
Remove handle from bucket (Image 1), then clean inside and out with warm water and dish soap. Flip upside down and drill small holes in the bottom-center for drainage (Image 2).
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Apply Fabric
Using a foam brush or small foam roller, apply outdoor Mod Podge just beneath the ridged rim to the bottom of the bucket, working in 4-6 inch sections (Image 1). While the glue is still wet, line up the fabric with the ridged rim and use your hand to smooth the fabric onto the Mod Podge. Continue in sections around the bucket, smoothing fabric onto the Mod Podge as you go (Image 2). Overlap a 1-inch section where the fabric meets, gluing the fabric together with Mod Podge. Flip bucket over and cut small triangles into the overhanging fabric (Image 3). Apply Mod Podge to the bottom of the bucket and pull the fabric snugly, overlapping the triangles to form a neat edge (Image 4). Let dry according to package instructions.
Note: If you plan to use this planter indoors or on a covered porch, you may stop here and proceed to the next step. If you need the planter to be water- and weather-resistant, apply a coat of outdoor Mod Podge to the outside of the fabric and let dry, then add another coat if desired.
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Give your front porch decor a budget-friendly facelift by upcycling a plain metal bucket into a fresh, modern planter. All you need is paint, a stencil and some inexpensive furniture feet.
DIY Planter From a Galvanized Drink Tub
Photo by: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Related To:
Materials Needed
- galvanized metal drink bucket
- drill and metal drill bits
- short wooden furniture legs
- furniture leg mounting plates with hardware
- geometric stencil
- outdoor spray paint for metal
Photo by: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Drill Holes for Feet & Drainage
Turn tub upside down. Use the metal furniture leg plate as a guide to mark holes for hardware (Image 1). Repeat in all 4 corners. Drill the marked holes with the bit recommended in the furniture leg package instructions (Image 2). Add extra holes in the middle for drainage (Image 3).
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Attach Furniture Legs
Follow package instructions to attach metal leg plates using the included hardware (Images 1 & 2), then screw on the wooden legs (Image 3).
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Photo By: Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Add Stencil Detail
Lay bucket on its back and secure the stencil to the front with painter’s tape. Apply spray paint in short, light strokes until stencil lines are filled in. Carefully remove stencil and let dry. Note: You can use any plastic or vinyl stencil for this step (we found ours at the craft store), but the stencil may not sit flat on your bucket if the bucket has ridges or texture. If this is the case, you may need to use a stencil brush to apply paint or take extra care when applying spray paint.
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Cassidy Garcia, Styling by Jill Tennant Design
Container planting has always been my favorite aspect of gardening. I love the temporary nature, the playfulness and the ability to experiment and break some “rules”.
And I don’t limit myself to terra cotta pots and planters – I always mix in some unusual vessels too. And thanks to my obsession with affection for flea markets, I’ve amassed a fair share of boxes, baskets and other assorted items that are just begging to be planted up with pretty blooms.
You’ll need to do a little extra prep to make sure that: a) your plants thrive in their unique home, and b) you protect the container from water damage. Here’s what you need to know to plant up just about anything you can think of!
Drainage. I learned the hard way that if you don’t allow for proper drainage, your plants will get water logged and eventually rot and die. There are two ways to do this.
To prepare this watering can I simply drilled a hole in the bottom – that was all that was needed, and I was ready to plant it up!
But let’s say you can’t – or don’t want to – drill a hole in your container. No worries – simply line the bottom with a generous layer of gravel (available in most pet supply stores). This heirloom plant stand is a perfect example:
There were no drainage holes and I obviously didn’t want to drill into this beloved piece. So I put a layer of gravel on the bottom of the liner and placed the plants on top.
Lining. if your container is naturally waterproof you don’t need to worry about lining. But materials like wood or leather will not hold up well to water and dirt. Like this vintage milk crate:
I knew right away that I wanted to fill it with herbs and flowers – but I wanted to make sure that I protected it in case I decided to use it for another purpose down the road. I used a heavy duty trash bag to line the bottom and sides (stapled in spots to keep it secure), and poked a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
This little basket also may have life as something other than a planter – in the meanwhile I’ve lined it with plastic to keep it safe.
You’ll also need to line containers that are open or porous. Like that cute wicker bicycle basket, or this wire one:
It originally held three little pots – which got crushed in one of our lovely storms this past winter. I was going to get replacement pots but decided to plant directly in it instead. I lined the whole thing with sheet moss, and placed a plastic bag in the bottom to ensure that no soil would spill out.
One of my favorite finds is a moss mat – it comes in rolls, can be cut to size and is backed with plastic, so there’s no need for additional lining!
That’s about it – you’re ready to plant! You can read my post on container planting for more info – and here are a few more tips to keep in mind when planting up that old boot (or vintage typewriter!):
Think scale. The plants you select should be compatible in size with their container. A petite vessel will look best with plants that are on the small size – choose varieties that are short in stature, or have tiny or delicate blooms.
Think weight. As in, soil. No need to fill your containers – especially the big ones – with soil from top to bottom. It’s expensive, wasteful and heavy! Fill up one-half to two-thirds with lightweight “filler” – like packing peanuts or the small plastic containers from your plants. Fill the rest with your potting soil and place the plants on top.
Think style. A wicker bicycle basket, old boot or wheelbarrow will shine with an overflow of loose, cottage-y plants. On the other hand planters with simple, clean lines look great potted up with succulents and grasses.
Think color. Take a cue from the colors of your container when selecting your plants. In the watering can above, I chose the silvery leaves of the lamium to pick up the color of the can. And the cool purple flowers – of the lamium as well as the pansies – provide a chic contrast.
And remember that container gardening should be fun! Experiment with new plants and combinations, and don’t limit yourself to plain terra cotta pots!
Home » DIY Planter Out of an Upcycled Can
Learn how to make a planter out of an upcycled tin can! I’m showing you how to make a chic planter out of an Old Bay can, including drainage.
How to Make a Planter Out of an Upcycled Can
If you’re from anywhere around Maryland, you’ve heard of Old Bay. As a native Marylander, I can tell you that it isn’t just a funny joke. We really do put that shit on everything. It’s delicious, salty, and perfect with crabs. And that’s what knocked out the rest of this can of Old Bay a few weekends ago—some crab cakes my mom made.
Don’t ask me why, but for some reason, I decided to take the little can home to upcycle it and turn it into a planter. I like upcycling things to make them planters but I haven’t shared a ton on the blog. One is the upcycled tea tin planter I made years ago—and the tiny painted teacup succulent planter. Oh, and I made a planter out of an older candle. Because why buy planters when you can repurpose cute things?
Here’s what I used for this upcycled planter:
- An empty Old Bay can
- Drill and regular drill bit
- Spray paint
- My Cricut Explore Air 2
- White adhesive vinyl
- Weeding tool
- Transfer tape
And here’s how I made my DIY planter out of an upcycled tin can!
Always take the proper precautions and safety measures before working with any tools. Wear safety equipment and work with a professional when necessary. Happy building and stay safe!
Step 1: Clean the Old Bay can and drill drainage holes
First I thoroughly cleaned the inside and outside of the Old Bay can using just water and dish soap. After it dried, I used my drill to drill two drainage holes in the bottom of the tin can. I didn’t need a special drill or drill bit for this—the tin is very thin. Just apply a bit of pressure and be prepared for the drill bit to “pop” through the bottom…so make sure you’re working on a work bench!
Step 2: Paint the can
I used some hunter green spray paint that I had on hand to paint the can. This instantly made it look more like a planter, and I like how easily this material takes spray paint. Definitely gives it a more professional look than brushing paint on.
Step 3: Cut and apply decal
I used my Cricut Explore Air 2 and a small piece of white vinyl to cut this image out. It’s just images I got from Cricut’s Design Space—I believe I searched for “woman’s silhouette” and “ornate frame” to get these two. There are several different silhouettes and frames to choose from.
I then used my weeding tool to weed out the vinyl I didn’t want to transfer to the planter. For this one, I definitely used transfer tape—it would have been difficult to transfer this design without it. I like using the Cricut Joy transfer tape for these small projects too since they don’t require much width and the size of the Joy tape is so much easier to store.
And here’s the finished planter! Definitely a quick little project that was super cheap, easy to make, and functional! It’s perfect for my hoya rope cutting propagation I’ve had rooting in water for a few months now. What do you think?
With warm weather becoming a reality, we are beyond stoked for all the gardening and fun outdoor DIY projects comin’ our way. Our favorite for this spring? DIY planters made with upcycled materials, of course! These 12 easy and budget-friendly planters are made with materials you probably already have at home. So instead of buying those new ones you’ve been eyeing, save a little dough and make your very own. Whether it’s indoor gardening or a patio makeover you’re looking for, you’ll definitely want to whip up one of these awesome upcycled planters.
1. Upcycle Old Toys: We know little ones get tired of toys pretty quick. Now those old toys don’t have to go to waste. DIY these super cute planters to adorn your mantle for years to come. (via Little Bit Funky)
2. Drink Up: You’ll never look at your old wine bottles the same again. Use a glass cutter and some copper wire to make this awesome garden completely from scratch. (via InHabitat)
3. Kitchen Trinkets: If you love to cook, you’re going to love this DIY where you take common kitchen items and turn them into adorable planters. Think cast iron skillets, tea tins, cans and tea cups. We can’t wait to see what you come up with! (via The Young Austinian)
4. Old Sockets: If you’re planning on replacing your wall sockets any time soon, we’ve got a great DIY for you to try. Bonus points if you paint ’em bright colors or add some pattern. (via Apartment Therapy)
5. Tiny and Vintage: These tiny vintage jars make the most amazing little succulent planters. Use all different shapes for a fun, eclectic look. (via The Jungalow)
6. Make Over Old Paint Tins: This clever project combines two things we LOVE: paint and plants. The best part is that you can learn to fake this paint drip effect with craft paint and use it on all kinds of DIYs. (via HGTV)
7. New Life into Old Tools: Take your rusty garden tools and upcycle them as amazing succulent planters. Of course you can go beyond just garden tools — take note of those old boots, basins and antique toys. So much inspiration in one little shot. (via Rancho Reubidoux)
8. Old Tire Garden Bed: We all need new tires every now and again, and now we actually have a reason to be excited about it. Tell your mechanic to pack those old tires in the trunk because you’ve got big plans for them at home. (via Lemon, Bean and Things)
9. Vintage Clocks: You won’t believe it, but before this makeover this clock was brand new. How, you ask? The awesome, vintage-inspired look was achieved with chalk paint. (via Magiamia)
10. Green Tech: If you have a surplus of these colorful floppy disks lying around from decades past, you can officially pull them out of retirement. The only tool you’ll need is a hot glue gun. (via Brit + Co)
11. Retired Ties: So. Inventive. And they even figured out a way to keep the tie totally safe and stain-free. That way your tie planter will always look this cute. (via ModCloth)
12. Save Your Tins: Bright colors can give these old soup cans new life. And you don’t have to stop there — you can use old coffee and tea tins too. We’d love to see where your creativity and paint cans take you. (via DosFamily)
What’s your favorite planter idea? Is there a great idea you have that’s not on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Novel Treasure is a published author who is an avid gardener and enjoys organic gardening techniques.
Upcycle Ideas for Old Tires
Here old tires are used to make a raised garden bed for “cut and come again” lettuces and spinach around the base.
Property of Novel Treasure
Used Tire Planter Ideas
Everbearing and Junebearing strawberry plants planted in a used tire planter.
Property of Novel Treasure
Miniature pepper plants planted in a double tier used tire raised palnter.
Property of Novel Treasure
What to do with old tires?
According to an EPA study done in 2003, the United States generated more than 290 million scrap tires. Years ago these tires would just end up in landfills or ditches along country roads.
With so many old tires filling up landfills all across the United States, many people are trying to come up with their own uses for their old tires rather than continue to perpetuate the ever growing landfill problem.
There are many different cool ways to recycle tires. We chose to upcycle our old tractor tires and truck tires, by using them to create raised beds for our vegetable and fruit garden.
We have two double tier raised garden tire planters and four single tier raised garden tire planters.
Some people choose to make painted tire planters, which can be a colorful addition to any garden.
We chose to keep ours with the basic black as we did not want to risk any of the chemicals from the paint leaching into our organic vegetable garden and potentially harming our food. And we use the tires for cooler season vegetables and the black tires help keep the soil warmer and extend the growing season.
Many are concerned that the black tires will “fry” the plants during the heat of the summer months, but we have not yet experienced any kind of damage to our plants even in the 100 degree temperaturs of July and August.
How to make a tire planter
Making a used tire planter is actually quite simple. You can use most kinds of used tires for this purpose.
You can usually get used tires for free from tire shops or repair shops as most of these businesses have to pay to dispose of the used tires. Most of them won’t mind if you take a few off their hands.
You can also find used tires at a junk yard but you may have to pay a small fee.
First decide how many tiers you want the planter be. You can do a single layer or a double tier.
I would not recommend going above a double tier for the single width tire planter, as then you have to worry about staking a third tier.
If you want to go higher than a double tier tire planter, than you want to increase the width of the base by using multiple tires on the bottom for support.
To create the double tier used tire planter you see pictured above. We used two different size tires. We used an old tractor tire and a regular truck tire.
The larger tractor tire is used as the base because it is wider. For more planting room we recommend that you trim the tire wall first. To locate the best spot for trimming, find where the tire tread meets the tire wall and leave at least an inch of the tire wall.
Be sure to make as smooth a cut as possible to avoid potential hazards with sharp edges. We used a sawsall to cut through the tire wall.
CAUTION: Cutting through a tire wall is dangerous and should only be done by an adult and with proper safety equipment (safety goggles and gloves)
SPECIAL NOTE:
Place the tires in your garden or yard, how you want them before you fill with dirt. As they are a pain to move once filled!
Follow the same process with the smaller tire.