Decorating Pots for Plants

 

Container gardens look so great when the pot is a piece of art that you love, a color that speaks to you, and has some personality. Yes you can certainly buy a wide variety of gorgeous pre-made decorated containers, but if you have some spare terra cotta pots around the house, there are a number of ways you can turn something very ordinary into extraordinary and fun with some paint, glue, chalk, shells, and yogurt!

Here are a few ideas I hope you'll try - they are easy, inexpensive and yet look rich:

The Mossy Container - I LOVE this look - it's vintage, cool, and soothing to look at.  All you need is yogurt, or buttermilk, even beer and some soil. Mix together, rub on your terra cotta pot. Now plant something in it and keep it well watered. In about 3 months your average pot will look like it is centuries old, and WAY cool!

Chalkboard Painted and Personalized Pots - Chalkboard paint is so much fun, and since you can buy it in spray can form as well as paint brush , you have options depending on preference and time. What you do is paint part of the pot, or the entire thing and once it is dry, take chalk to create your personalized look. Try words that inspire like Live, Laugh, Love, The names of plants for labeling, Watering instructions like Weekly, Monthly, or the names of your family members for your own "Family Tree" of container plants! A damp rag can clear the slate when you want to change your design.

 Bright Shiny Paint on Pots - Again you can use either spray or paint brush paint. Just make sure you choose an acrylic or latex paint and use a few coats. There is Patio Paint at craft stores, a good one to try. Then add a couple coats of a clear acrylic indoor/outdoor sealant like Krylon spray. Let it dry for a good week before you add soil or plants. That's what crafters do.

Shells on Pots - Glue guns are best to get, although you can also try tacky craft glue to adhere the shells to the rim of the pot, or all over! It's YOUR design!

One more tip - while one pot alone looks great on a table or a focal point, also consider getting an odd number of these pots and in varying heights to display your creations like a designer. I'd start with three of the same decorated pot style in a grouping! Have fun!

Cindy@cindydole.com