Taryn Whiteaker

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How To Make a Succulent Planter from Thrifted Watering Can

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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 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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. BethM@Under A Pile of Scrap! says

    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

  5. Claire says

    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

    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

    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

    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

  10. Terrie@HearthandWhimsy says

    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

  15. The Style Sisters says

    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

    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

  25. Jess @ Spool and Spoon says

    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

    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

    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

    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

  38. Terri says

    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

  41. gail says

    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

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