How to decorate pots
Add color to your garden, patio, or indoor space with simple, handcrafted planters. Planters are functional blank canvases that encourage a wide range of creativity. You can paint, decoupage, stamp and embellish as part of your pot crafts. Create your own pot craft projects with these ideas.
How to decorate clay pots by Heidi Borchers and Tiffany Windsor
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After purchasing a pot, sand the pot before painting. You should also seal the inside of the pot with an oil-based polyurethane to protect your painted design from water penetration. If you are painting planters for outdoor use, use a paint specifically designed for outdoor use. DecoArt Patio Paint is waterproof and weather resistant and adapts well to changes in temperature. Exterior paints also mean that your planter will be easy to clean.
Try painting sections of the pot in different colors. Use painter’s tape to mark the top edge of the pot and paint it a coordinating color. Or create several bands around the pot with painter’s tape and create stripes on your pot.
Bright colors work well in gardens. To select a color scheme, look for color design or craft resources such as Paper Crafter’s Color Companion by C&T Publishing. Paint two or three coats of each color on your pot. If you want to add a design to your planter, paint the bottom a nice, muted color, like light yellow.
Use stencils to paint words or shapes on your planter. You can also use this technique to label the contents of the pots decoratively, such as “Basil” or “Chives.” Use a sponge to paint your pots. Paint everything in one or two colors, or create explosions of colors with a round sponge that closely resemble flowers. You can also cut a regular kitchen sponge into a heart or star shape.
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Cut out words and images from scrapbook paper, magazines, and even junk mail to decoupage your flower pot. Create a theme by selecting similar words or images, for example Spring. Tissue paper is a great material for decoupage pots. You can use one color or a variety of coordinating colors for a fun, semi-transparent look. Crumple up the tissue paper in your hands and tear it into pieces. Use a foam brush to apply decoupage glue (such as Mod Podge) to your pot. Smooth the pieces of tissue paper over the pot in a random pattern. Cover with another layer of decoupage glue.
For fun, add a layer or accents of glitter or sparkle, like with Tulip 3D Sparkle paint. To place it outdoors, you’ll need to cover your decoupage work with a layer of UV-resistant acrylic coating, such as those made by Krylon.
Embellishment
Twine: Wrap twine or twine tightly around the rim of the pot, gluing it down as you go. The yarn wrap creates an interesting textured look.
Buttons: Flat buttons are a fun way to decorate flower pots. Paint flowers in your pot and glue buttons to the center of the flowers. Add a line of buttons around the top of the pot. Glue buttons randomly all over the pot.