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July 11, 2012

How To Make a Succulent Planter from Thrifted Watering Can

Thanks For Sharing!

So I have some big news… today is officially my 1 year blogiversary! Exactly one year ago today I launched this little thing called Design, Dining + Diapers! I’m so thankful for all of YOU who are joining me in this journey, this year would not have been the same without you. While today is the official day, all of the festivities will take place next week, so get ready for a week of fun giveaways! (I also have one more spot open so email me if you are interested!)

Today, I’m sharing a fun project I finished this week. I’m finally in the stages of working on the little ‘details’ of the family room I’m so excited to FINALLY  be in this stage because these are my favorite kinds of projects. Quick and easy yet make such an impact. So here is my tutorial on How To Make a Succulent Planter from Thrifted Watering Can.

The other day I was shopping at the Goodwill and came across a small and sad looking watering can. Baby E actually pointed to it from the cart and so I picked it up to take a look. She must be taking after her momma! At the time I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it but an idea eventually popped into my head. I decided to turn this little water can into a rustic inspired planter for succulents. It goes perfectly with the new space.

Succulent Planter from Watering Can

In case you are wondering, there is no real inspiration behind the #2. It just seems to be the standard number I see on cool vintage pieces when I go antique shopping. So I thought I’d go with it.

Succulent Planter from Watering Can

I’m really happy with how it turned out, it’s just another little detail that makes the space feel personal and adds a little charm.

Succulent Planter from Watering Can

I just hope I can manage to keep these succulents alive. I am terrible with keeping plants alive, especially indoor ones. Good thing these don’t need a lot of water.

So if you have a hard time remembering to water plants like me, go with succulents :)

We all love before and after pics so here is the money shot. Quite a transformation, eh? (No, I’m to from Canada but the border is only about 1.5 hours away, so close enough.)

Succulent Planter From Water Can Before/After

If you would like to turn your own watering can into a succulent planter, here is a little tutorial.

Succulent Planter from Watering Can Tutorial

1. Pick out a watering can and give it a good cleaning.

2. I used a Valspar spray primer for the first coat.

3. I always suggest using a primer base when painting metal, it will help your desired paint color adhere and not chip.

4. I chose a Bronzed Metal Metalic Spray from Rustoleum. I love how it went on and I am in love with the color.

5. Next, I used my Silhouette to cut out the number 2 onto a piece of vinyl. I like using vinyl because it generally sticks really well to the surface of the project and then peels off when you are done painting. However, for some reason this vinyl didn’t want to stick so I had to tape it down. I used American Typewriter font.

6. Because the final wouldn’t stick, I was afraid to paint on top of the stencil in fear that it would bleed through, so I used a chalk pen to outline the number.

7. I removed the vinyl and then used a very fine tip paint brush to fill in the lines.

8. My number 2 is complete.

9. After the paint dried, I filled the can about 3/4 full with soil (FYI, I am no expert on succulents and every tutorial I read all recommended a different soil. So I just used some potting soil I had left over.)

10. Lastly, I planted my succulents and gave them a good watering.

Happy planting :)

 

About Taryn Whiteaker

Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.

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Filed Under: ALL POSTS, Crafts & Sewing, DIY Home Decor, DIY Projects Tagged With: DIY, Family Room, gardening, paint, repurpose, Thrifty Find

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessica says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    I love this! I have a hard time seeing something plain and envisioning something wonderful.

    Reply
  2. Kaitlin @ Wunderbar says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:12 pm

    I love succulents! What a great idea for a planter.

    Reply
  3. [email protected] A Pile of Scrap! says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    OK, you’ve just answered my prayer about how to transform a watering can I have that is the same color as yours was. I thought about leaving it the same color, but like the rustic metal color instead! The number makes it even cuter.

    Reply
  4. Tricia says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    Love this! Looks great!

    Reply
  5. Claire says

    July 11, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    Happy 1 Year Blogiversary, Taryn!

    This is such an adorable planter and a great find! Your little girl has great taste :)

    I made some succulent planters out of rescued tea tins this week and have the same hopes of survival for them! Let’s both cross our fingers :)

    Reply
  6. Jessi says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Congrats on your Blogiversary!!! And that watering can planter is just too cute! I’d be thrilled if you want to link this up to my link party that just opened tonight!

    Reply
  7. Becca says

    July 12, 2012 at 1:00 am

    I loooove this! DO you know, I just bought some succulents tonight. Now my plain old glass bowl seems very boring. I think I NEED a watering can!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  8. Molly Branstetter says

    July 12, 2012 at 3:22 am

    Hey there! I love this idea! I am thrilled to be your newest follower! Thanks for stopping by and liking my facebook page too! Have a blessed day!
    -Molly
    thepoorsophisticate.blogspot.com
    Designs by Molly Branstetter

    Reply
  9. [email protected] says

    July 12, 2012 at 4:34 am

    Nice job.I love little watering can transformations! Happy 1 year also :)

    Reply
  10. [email protected] says

    July 12, 2012 at 6:25 am

    Congratulations on your bIogiversary! I love succulents and it looks so good in the watering can. I’m pinning this so I’ll remember to do this. Thanks for sharing!
    ? Terrie ?

    Reply
  11. Pamela @ Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups says

    July 12, 2012 at 7:04 am

    Wow this is absolutely adorable! Also congratulations on your 1 year blogiversary! How exciting!!!

    Reply
  12. malia says

    July 12, 2012 at 11:20 am

    Another gorgeous project! Happy Anniversary to your and your blog! xoxo

    Reply
  13. Janean @howikeepsane says

    July 12, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Hi! This is a fabulous idea! It looks so Pottery Barn-esque. I love it. Great job! I’m your newest follower.
    Xoxo Janean @howikeepsane.com

    Reply
  14. GlamorousMommy says

    July 12, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    Absolutely dariling!!

    Reply
  15. The Style Sisters says

    July 12, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    I am really starting to love succulents…they Re so pretty and especially in your cute watering can! So so cute! Cme link up to Centerpiece Wednesday on my blog and share your ideas!
    Karin

    Reply
  16. Diana @ AnyoneCanDecorate says

    July 12, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    I just jumped on over from the FB blog hop and joined your FB page and joined here via Linky. I’d love if you could come join me via Linky too )

    Blessings,
    Diana

    P.S. – I Love the # on the watering can!!! I may have to be a copy cat on that one <3

    Reply
  17. Kelly says

    July 12, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    I love your planter!! What a fabulous idea! Found you on Delightful Order.

    Reply
  18. Shabby Gals says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Love this!!! Visiting from shabbygals.blogspot.com!!

    Reply
  19. Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says

    July 13, 2012 at 6:41 am

    love the watering can transformation!!! glad I found your site! just joined! hop on over to my blog…I have frugal projects you might like!!

    Reply
  20. Kris @ Driven By Decor says

    July 13, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    Totally love what you did with the watering can – I haven’t tried that type of paint before but will now – love this finish of it! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  21. amy says

    July 14, 2012 at 5:46 am

    LOVE it, Taryn!! I really want to try growing succulents because I hear they’re hard to kill…lol. Great job with the planter! I’d be thrilled for you to share it at Shine on Fridays:
    http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2012/07/shine-on-fridays-36-and-giveaway.html

    Reply
  22. Tanya @ Greetings From the Asylum says

    July 14, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    My grandmother had a watering can much like this one! Thanks for the memory! I love how your project turned out! Thanks for sharing. I am visiting from Tatertots & Jello!

    Reply
  23. Lindsay says

    July 15, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    Great job Taryn! I love the new life you gave to this!

    Reply
  24. Maria says

    July 15, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    How cute!!!! I love pretty watering cans, and I love what you did with this!! So cute!

    Reply
  25. Jess @ Spool and Spoon says

    July 15, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    This is such a great idea! I picked up a tin watering can from Target’s $2.50 section in the Spring and still have it sitting around waiting for a project that doesn’t scream “Springtime” and this might just be it. Thanks for the inspiration! (found you through Craft-o-maniac and am a brand new follower!)

    Reply
  26. Michelle says

    July 15, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    I’m so glad I saw this.I just about sent my watering can to the thrift store, but I couldn’t quite part with it. I knew there was some cute project out there somewhere, and now I know just what to do with it.

    Reply
  27. Jenn says

    July 16, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    This is just too cute! I love it! And succulents are one of the few plants that I can keep alive. lol! I live just on the other side of the border from you – I look forward to more of your posts!
    Jenn :)

    Reply
  28. Jen says

    July 17, 2012 at 2:45 am

    Love the updated look of the watering can! The succulents look beautiful in it — I just planted my first succulents and have my fingers crossed they survive too :~) Thanks for the fab inspiration!

    Reply
  29. Peggy-PJH Designs says

    July 17, 2012 at 4:25 am

    What a wonderful idea! I have an old metal gas can about the same size that I want to try this on. Yours is so pretty. I would love for you to share it at my new party “Totally Transformed Tuesday” @ http://pjhdesignsoneofakind.blogspot.com Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Have a great day. Peggy

    Reply
  30. Bethany Marcello says

    July 17, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    This looks great! We’d love to feature it as a how-to on CraftFoxes.com. Interested? Feel free to email me at [email protected].

    Reply
  31. Rowena @ HomesteadSimple says

    July 17, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    I love anything that has to do with DIY and gardening. This turned out very nice! We’d love to have you link it up at our “Home is Where the Heart is” Link Party!
    http://www.homesteadsimple.com/home-is-where-the-heart-is-link-it-up-wednesdays-2/

    Reply
  32. Misty @ Pocketful of Dreams says

    July 17, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    That turned out very pretty! If I could remember to water plants I would definitely have one of those!

    Reply
  33. Cameron {The Stimson Chronicles} says

    July 17, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Now why don’t I ever find anything so cute at my Goodwill? That is seriously cute! I love succulents! Great job!

    Reply
  34. Kim (The Money Pit) says

    July 17, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    Happy Bloggoversary! I love the can! It is darling!

    Reply
  35. Brittany @ Crafty Mischief says

    July 17, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    In love with this! Happy Blogiversary! :)

    Reply
  36. BJ_Mama says

    July 17, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    This is gorgeous! And good tip on the succulents! I have a bit of a black thumb myself :D

    Reply
  37. Jennifer Dawn says

    July 18, 2012 at 2:55 am

    This turned out lovely. Please stop by and link this up to my new link party going on now. http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-2.html

    Reply
  38. Terri says

    July 18, 2012 at 7:33 am

    I love this! I just bought my son one of those very same succulent plants yesterday. (He loves gardening) I was wondering what kind of pot I should buy for him and while a watering can might not be the best choice for his bedroom, this helped me think “outside the box” for what I could use. I can’t wait to head to our Goodwill to see what I can find! Thanks!

    Reply
  39. Kathryn Griffin says

    July 18, 2012 at 8:40 am

    How cute is that! Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Someday Crafts. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-it-pretty-monday-week-6.html Wishing you a grand week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  40. Britta says

    July 18, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    This looks adorable! I love it.

    TheHandmadeHouse.net

    Reply
  41. gail says

    July 18, 2012 at 6:18 pm

    Your planter turned out great! I made some hens & chicks planters out of antique cans (gas can and watering can) I love how they look!
    super job!
    gail

    Reply
  42. SJ says

    July 19, 2012 at 10:25 am

    This is absolutely adorable! So summery and fun. I love the number on the front too!

    Reply
  43. Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons says

    July 19, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    Love this! Would love for you to share this at our Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday link party…just posted it!
    http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/07/kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday-link_19.html

    Reply
  44. Jen says

    July 20, 2012 at 5:00 am

    I love the vintage feel of this planter. Very cute!

    Reply
  45. Stephanie says

    July 20, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    Love this! I just pinned it!

    Reply
  46. Karie says

    July 22, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    Adorable! I will have to try this one for sure, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  47. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    July 24, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    Adorable Taryn! Featured this tonight at our party! Stop by and grab a button! ;) Bonnie

    Reply
  48. Tiffany A. Nelson says

    July 25, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    Thanks for including the font name, the font choice can make or break it. Well done!

    Reply

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Taryn Whiteaker

Hi and welcome! I'm Taryn and the voice of style behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. Recent transplant from Seattle to Dallas. Sharing our journey of modernizing our European style home. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to subscribe to my mailing list to get all the latest updates! Read more...

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