Make Beautiful Planters Using Recycled Materials

Planters or pots are containers where you can place all kinds of plants,  including small bonsai trees, flowers, aromatic herbs (like mint, for example), and even trees.

Their purpose is to provide adequate support for the decorative plant that is placed in a given place (be it inside or outside). Although they can be purchased at any garden store and even in some grocery stores at times,  it is often better to make your own to your own liking.

After all, the ones that are usually sold are made of red clay (and today, plastic), and they are not always so nice to look at. Of course, it all depends on your decor style.

In this article we will look at some ideas for beautiful planters to get you motivated.

Pots made with cans

The advantage of making pots with cans is that you can find a use for something you would otherwise throw away. After all, you probably have a lot of boxes at home that are just thrown in the trash (if you do not deliver them, something you should do!) After you empty them.

Furthermore, they come in different shapes and sizes, which is great for making a variety of pots. This way, your garden will be colorful for less money, and most importantly, they can be tailored to your own style.

Materials needed

• 1 knife
• Masking tape
• Spray paint
• Cans in different sizes

Preparation

• Take a box and make a small hole in the bottom so that excess water can drip out. That way you will avoid the water accumulating in the pot, which can lead to mold or the plants drowning.
• Paint the surface of the box with spray paint (the color you want).
• Let the paint dry for the time indicated on the paint.
• Attach masking tape to the pot vertically or horizontally.
• Spray the paint all over the surface.
• Once it has dried, remove the masking tape, keep in good soil, and finally put in the plant you have chosen.

Vintage flower pots made from cans

Here is another decorating method. If you like antiques and vintage things, be sure to try out this wonderful technique. It involves making your planters look older by using paint, which gives the cans a hint of romance and nostalgia.

With these simple steps, you can create designs that will look like they come straight from the beginning of the 20th century. These would look great on a balcony or in the corner of a patio.

This is what you need

• Cans
• Fine sandpaper
• A piece of white light
• A stamp with a floral pattern (depending on what you prefer)

• Acrylic paint – sienna and antique white
• Primer (to ensure that the paint stays on the box)

Preparation

• First, take the can and make some holes in the bottom. This is important as it will keep the plant from rotting.
• Mix some primer with white acrylic paint.
• Paint the outer and inner surface of the box (this prevents rust).
• Rub the candle over the top and bottom edges. This will  give it a worn look. The paint will not adhere to the box where the light was smeared.
• Paint with the white acrylic paint.
• You can  gently sand the box when it is dry to give it a worn look.
• Put some sienna color on a stamp and press it against the box.
• You can fix the edges with sienna paint for a better finish.

Plant holders of plastic bottles

Plastic bottles are another material that can often be found at home that are not used. To avoid accumulating large amounts of them (the types that can not be pledged), it is always better to find another way to use them.

Remember that plastic causes major environmental problems because it is not biodegradable. Recycling bottles helps the environment. Also, you get some beautiful pots you have made yourself.

More importantly, they get a personal touch that is unique. Below are three ideas you can use to unleash your imagination:

This is what you need

• Wallpaper knife or scissors
• Black marker
• Acrylic paint
• Plastic bottles in different sizes

Plant holders made from the bottom of a bottle

• Take the bottle, and on the upper part draw two elongated triangles or ovals like rabbit ears that stand up.
• Cut the plastic so that the two ears extend beyond the edge.
• Make a hole in the bottle.
• Paint it inside and out with white acrylic paint.
• Let it dry.
• With a marker you draw on the eyes, a nose and a mouth.
• Add details with pink acrylic paint.
• You can also make a cat, dog or mouse. Only the imagination sets limits!
• The lower part of the bottle looks like bones that you can also give details to.
• This is  a great project for kids!

Upper part

• Leave the bottle top on and make holes in it to let the water flow out.

• Paint with deep colors and dry.
• Add details with paint or felt-tip pen.
• You can turn the  handle on containers into a kind of nose.
• Paint two large eyes on each side.
• Cover the entire bottle with drawings.
• You can  nail it to the  wall and create a vertical garden.

Use the whole bottle

• Take the bottle with the top on and put it down.
• Using a wallpaper knife, make a hole in the part that is facing you and fill the bottle with soil and plants.
• Make holes in the part that touches the surface.
• You are finished! You can hang it up or leave it on the floor or somewhere else.

Making your own planters and pots with recycled material will give you many benefits,  including:

• Reuse of products that would otherwise further pollute the environment.
• You awaken your  creative  side.
• They can decorate your home.
• They connect you to nature.
• You will lower your stress level with creativity, fun and beauty!