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.
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.
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.
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.)
If you would like to turn your own watering can into a succulent planter, here is a little 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.
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.
Jessica says
July 11, 2012 at 7:08 pmI love this! I have a hard time seeing something plain and envisioning something wonderful.
Kaitlin @ Wunderbar says
July 11, 2012 at 7:12 pmI love succulents! What a great idea for a planter.
BethM@Under A Pile of Scrap! says
July 11, 2012 at 7:31 pmOK, 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.
Tricia says
July 11, 2012 at 7:31 pmLove this! Looks great!
Claire says
July 11, 2012 at 7:33 pmHappy 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 :)
Jessi says
July 11, 2012 at 8:54 pmCongrats 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!
Becca says
July 12, 2012 at 1:00 amI 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
Molly Branstetter says
July 12, 2012 at 3:22 amHey 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
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
July 12, 2012 at 4:34 amNice job.I love little watering can transformations! Happy 1 year also :)
Terrie@HearthandWhimsy says
July 12, 2012 at 6:25 amCongratulations 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 ?
Pamela @ Pink Hammers & Sippy Cups says
July 12, 2012 at 7:04 amWow this is absolutely adorable! Also congratulations on your 1 year blogiversary! How exciting!!!
malia says
July 12, 2012 at 11:20 amAnother gorgeous project! Happy Anniversary to your and your blog! xoxo
Janean @howikeepsane says
July 12, 2012 at 11:22 amHi! 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
GlamorousMommy says
July 12, 2012 at 12:02 pmAbsolutely dariling!!
The Style Sisters says
July 12, 2012 at 12:36 pmI 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
Diana @ AnyoneCanDecorate says
July 12, 2012 at 1:08 pmI 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
Kelly says
July 12, 2012 at 1:42 pmI love your planter!! What a fabulous idea! Found you on Delightful Order.
Shabby Gals says
July 13, 2012 at 6:07 amLove this!!! Visiting from shabbygals.blogspot.com!!
Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says
July 13, 2012 at 6:41 amlove the watering can transformation!!! glad I found your site! just joined! hop on over to my blog…I have frugal projects you might like!!
Kris @ Driven By Decor says
July 13, 2012 at 5:05 pmTotally 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!
amy says
July 14, 2012 at 5:46 amLOVE 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
Tanya @ Greetings From the Asylum says
July 14, 2012 at 5:48 pmMy 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!
Lindsay says
July 15, 2012 at 1:41 pmGreat job Taryn! I love the new life you gave to this!
Maria says
July 15, 2012 at 3:25 pmHow cute!!!! I love pretty watering cans, and I love what you did with this!! So cute!
Jess @ Spool and Spoon says
July 15, 2012 at 6:25 pmThis 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!)
Michelle says
July 15, 2012 at 6:35 pmI’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.
Jenn says
July 16, 2012 at 11:10 pmThis 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 :)
Jen says
July 17, 2012 at 2:45 amLove 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!
Peggy-PJH Designs says
July 17, 2012 at 4:25 amWhat 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
Bethany Marcello says
July 17, 2012 at 3:45 pmThis looks great! We’d love to feature it as a how-to on CraftFoxes.com. Interested? Feel free to email me at bethany@craftfoxes.com.
Rowena @ HomesteadSimple says
July 17, 2012 at 5:43 pmI 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/
Misty @ Pocketful of Dreams says
July 17, 2012 at 7:16 pmThat turned out very pretty! If I could remember to water plants I would definitely have one of those!
Cameron {The Stimson Chronicles} says
July 17, 2012 at 8:07 pmNow why don’t I ever find anything so cute at my Goodwill? That is seriously cute! I love succulents! Great job!
Kim (The Money Pit) says
July 17, 2012 at 8:55 pmHappy Bloggoversary! I love the can! It is darling!
Brittany @ Crafty Mischief says
July 17, 2012 at 10:39 pmIn love with this! Happy Blogiversary! :)
BJ_Mama says
July 17, 2012 at 10:48 pmThis is gorgeous! And good tip on the succulents! I have a bit of a black thumb myself :D
Jennifer Dawn says
July 18, 2012 at 2:55 amThis 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
Terri says
July 18, 2012 at 7:33 amI 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!
Kathryn Griffin says
July 18, 2012 at 8:40 amHow 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
Britta says
July 18, 2012 at 12:31 pmThis looks adorable! I love it.
TheHandmadeHouse.net
gail says
July 18, 2012 at 6:18 pmYour 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
SJ says
July 19, 2012 at 10:25 amThis is absolutely adorable! So summery and fun. I love the number on the front too!
Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons says
July 19, 2012 at 5:09 pmLove 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
Jen says
July 20, 2012 at 5:00 amI love the vintage feel of this planter. Very cute!
Stephanie says
July 20, 2012 at 9:17 pmLove this! I just pinned it!
Karie says
July 22, 2012 at 8:00 pmAdorable! I will have to try this one for sure, thanks for sharing!
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
July 24, 2012 at 5:33 pmAdorable Taryn! Featured this tonight at our party! Stop by and grab a button! ;) Bonnie
Tiffany A. Nelson says
July 25, 2012 at 2:03 pmThanks for including the font name, the font choice can make or break it. Well done!