DIY Garden Pots Ideas

Clay pots, also called terra cotta pots, are more than a plant holder. With a little creativity, projects for garden, home or holiday crafting can be created. The pots paint easily, or decals and rubber stamps can be used for decorating. With the proper sealing agent, decorated clay pots can be kept outside, even during inclement weather.
Wind Chime
Clay pot wind chimes require 3 to 4 clay pots in various sizes, twine, ¾ to 1-inch wooden beads or metal washers and paint. Paint the pots in a decoration of your choice. To seal the paint, spray the dried pots with a polyurethane spray. Use approximately three feet of twine for the wind chime. Tie a knot approximately 8 to 10 inches down and put a wooden bead or washer on top of the knot. Put the largest pot on top of the bead with the opening of the pot facing down. Pull the rope through the hole on the bottom of the pot. From the bottom of the rope, slide the next smallest pot onto the rope, followed with a wooden bead or washer. Tie a knot that will position the second pot bottom at least 1 inch inside the top pot to create a wind chime noise. Continue with remaining pots. Use the excess rope at the top to create a hanging loop.

Bird Bath
A bird bath can be created with two clay pots either 14 or 18 inches in size, one clay saucer either 16 or 18 inches in size, paint, polyurethane sealer and outdoor glue or adhesive. Paint the outside of the clay pots and the top and bottom of the clay saucer. Add decorative painting if desired. Spray the pots and saucer with polyurethane to seal the paint. Glue bottoms of the pots together, and place on a cement circle or flat, hardened area of ground. Glue the saucer to the top pot for the water area of the birdbath. A decorative ceramic frog or bird can be added to the center of the bird bath if desired.

Ornaments
Christmas decorations are crafted from 2-inch clay pots to create bells, snowmen and other characters. To create a bell, paint the pot, including the bottom, with a Christmas theme. With the pot upside down, attach ribbon to a washer or jingle bell, leave a 2-inch gap and tie on another washer to hold the ribbon to the pot. String the ribbon through the hole at the top and attach a washer at the top to prevent the ribbon from dropping into the bell. Decorate the top of the bell with holly and berries or Christmas ivy.

A snowman is created with a 2-inch clay pot and large wooden bead. Place the pot with the bottom upright and glue the wooden bead to the bottom to create the head of the snowman. Paint the pot and bead white and paint a snowman face and accessories. Attach a washer or jingle bell to 2 inches of ribbon and glue to the inside of the pot. Small felt hats, stick arms, scarf and broom can be crafted to add to the snowman once the paint is dried.

Other characters are created the same as the snowman. Paint a penguin black and white and add accessories. Create a Santa by painting the pot red with the bead being Santa's head. Add accessories to decorate each character created.

The tilting clay pot garden is a pretty easy way to make efficient use of the space you have as well as adding a touch of uniqueness to your garden or deck.

There are several methods you can use to build this standing garden, and many variations of plants you can grow. It is limited only by your imagination!

Instructions
The pot stand used in this project was purchased at a local farmer's market from a vendor. They can also be easily constructed from a strong piece of dowel (think mop handle) or rebar. If you use a straight dowel or bar, you must drive it into the ground significantly, staking down the string of pots.

The Purchased Clay Pot Stand
Insert the pot stand into the first pot. The size of the clay pot will be determined by the size of the pot stand. The one used for this project was a 12-inch pot.