Every day we get great donations at Heirlooms for Hospice. Not too long ago a blue, well-loved, doll buggy caught my eye. Something drew me to it, maybe it reminded
me of one I used as a child. I had no use for a buggy – our children are grown and our doll baby days are long past. Sure enough, I bought it anyway.
I refused to let it go to my “do-something-with-it-later pile” so I set it out on the front porch. After some contemplation and a desire to see a little more color at my front door, I decided to use it as a flower planter.
This got me thinking, there are so many interesting items we have in our homes or at our mom’s – they can be upcycled or repurposed into something unique and new.
To create your own upcycled planter follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Select your planter. Look at everyday items through a new lens – the possibilities are endless when considering what could be your next planter. Maybe it’s a fishbowl, wooden box, or even a teacup!
Disclaimer: We are expert do-it-yourselfers, but we don’t claim to be expert gardeners. It’s important you research the plants and soil that would best suit your container. If gardening isn’t your thing you can use silk flowers instead.
Step 2
Wash your planter. Wash the container with warm, soapy water. Rinse well!
Step 3
Paint your planter. If you want to change the color of your planter, now is the time to paint! Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan® works great for outdoor projects. You can learn more about this product HERE or shop our selection of colors offered at our Grand Junction location.
Step 4
Drill holes for drainage. If your planter will be outside, drill holes in each corner and center of the bottom of the planter to allow water to drain. Skip this step if your planter will be used inside.
Step 5
Line the planter. Cut a piece of plastic drop cloth or use a large trash bag to line the inside of the planter. This will keep dirt and debris from leaking through your container. Use hot glue to attach the plastic liner to the inside of the planter and cut away the access. Don’t forget to cut a couple of small holes in the bottom for drainage if your planter will be outside!
Step 6
Plant & enjoy! Fill your upcycled planter with colorful flowers and put it on display for others to enjoy.
Here are a few more ways we were able to give family treasures, items found at yard sales, and merchandise from Heirlooms a different, unconventional use.
An old tool box gets new life on the back patio with a trio of potted flowers inside.
A donated vintage toy truck is the perfect display for some tiny succulents.
This project is a great way to get creative and look at items in a new and different way – upcycling and repurposing. Enjoying those old family treasures that bring back great memories, or that something, that just makes you smile every time you walk by it!
