Although it’s a proven go-to for your indoor garden, the terracotta pot is much more versatile than it appears. Its signature earthy orange color, practical infinite available sizes, and easily stackable design make clay pots the perfect crafting material. So, especially if you don’t have much of a green thumb, corral your leftover terracotta pots together for any one of the interesting projects below.
1. Graduation Cap Cupcake Tower
This graduation season up your party-hosting game with this easy DIY cupcake stand. A few coats of paint will transform a some clay pots and plywood into a multi-level stand. Once finished, complete the piece with festively-frosted cupcakes (go for school colors for a fully-themed grad party).
2. Garden Wind Chimes
Bring a bit of cheery music to your yard by creating an entirely homemade wind chime. This project is perfect for kids: encourage them to bead a few lengths of leather cord (or weatherproof it by using a snipped rubber band), drip-paint a clay pot, and then have an adult step-in to assemble the wind chime.
3. Clay Pot Frog
Add a bit of whimsy to your garden or entryway with this clever project. Tiny clay pots serve as perfect buggy frog eyes, and a pair of foam feet are easy enough to freehand. Tacky glue is an easy adhesive and works well with terracotta, so no need to break out the glue gun here.
4. Succulent Wreath
Stock up on teeny tiny terracottas for this do-it-yourself, decorative wreath. Chalky, streaky paint lends a rustic vibe to the project, and faux Spanish moss covers any bits of frame peeking out. Try using all fake plants on this piece. This’ll make sure it stays fresh-looking for as long as it hangs on your front door.
5. Color Blocked Bird Bath
Provide a chic respite for local birds in your own yard with this homemade bird bath project; it all comes together with a couple of large clay pots, their respective saucers, and a strong adhesive.
Pro tip: bright colors attract a variety of birds, so opt for intense hues and alternating patterns when selecting paint colors.
6. Flower Pot People
This is a perfect housewarming gift for a person with a green thumb. These Flower Pot People couldn’t be cuter when on display in a front yard or herb garden. Bright, coordinating paint colors draw attention to the decoration (just be sure to seal with a weatherproof clear coat for longevity), and a climate-friendly plant completes the thoughtful gift.
7. Clay Pot Chandelier
While this project requires a little more time and a few more tools than the others on this list, the final product is definitely worth the effort. Spray paint works best to cover the multimedia involved in the creation of the chandelier, and bonus: the clay pots still function as planters for live fauna.
8. Terra Cotta Pig
A couple of lengths of rustic twine give this cute little piggie his dangly legs, which look extra adorable when placed on a stair step. Add a homemade “welcome” sign to usher guests into your home or yard.
9. Broken Pot Fairy Garden
Cracked pot taking up space in your garage? Salvage it with a bit of Spanish moss, a heavy-duty adhesive, and some adorable miniatures to create a whimsical, fairy-sized garden. Place the finished product in a flower garden or back patio to entice visitors to take a closer look.
10. Clay Pot Lighthouse
A solar-powered light makes this do-it-yourself lighthouse not only sweet, but functional. No wires or batteries are required when using a solar lamp, so there’s no tricky electricity to manage with this project. Just assemble and display in your garden for a little evening glow.
11. Topsy Turvy Planter and Bird Feeder
Capture the whimsy of a fairy tale with this storybook-inspired combination planter and bird feeder. An iron rod keeps everything stabilized, but customize the color scheme to match your home’s exterior and aesthetic.
