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Decorate Clay Pots with a Splatter-Paint Technique
A Finished Pot
Splattered and ready to find a home...
Necessary supplies
- paint brush
- white or black house paint/flat
- toothbrushes
- container of water
- container to hold paint and glue mixture
- craft paints, assorted colors
- acrylic spray
- two-ply napkins
- scissors
- work space, covered with washable or disposable material or dedicated to crafting
**Use whatever color you choose for the base paint on the splatter paint pots.
Decorating pots for fun and for gifts is an activity you can do with a group of friends and family. It is also a solitary DIY activity that you will enjoy. I have shown how to accomplish this in two other videos but am updating and adding another interesring twist.
In this article you will see:
- how to splatter paint a pot creating a unique design.
- how to decorate a pot with homemade crafting glue and napkins on a larger pot than I have used previously.
Getting ready to have some fun
Large Pot Painted White, View 1
Large Pot Painted White, View 2
More decorating with clay pots
Desert Storm
Desert Storm was a very unsettling time for all of us. To express my feelings during that time, this idea came to me. I purchased pots, many of them, and splatter-painted them. As a result so many were on hand that they were sold at a craft fair.
Prep and splatter-painting
- Paint your clay pot white or black, using flat paint. Allow to dry. Then follow the remainder of the steps.
- Pour small amounts of each color of paint into a small washable container.
- Dip toothbrush in paint. Direct at the pot and gently run the pencil down the length of the bristles. This will disperse paint onto the pot. If you wish to have a particular color on the whole pot, continue this same technique till the whole pot is covered.
- Then rinse brush well, dry, and load up with the next color.
- You can have multiple brushes if desired. You can purchase them at the dollar store.
- Continue with as many colors as you desire.
- Allow to dry.
- Spray with acrylic spray
Possible uses:
trash can (for paper to recycle)
gift 'basket'
door stop
home for a plant
container for small toys
container for magazines
This is definitely one I will be trying....
Taa Daa all finished,acrylic spray applied, and waiting for a plant
Make your own crafting glue
Modge podge has gotten way too expensive. I looked at prices of it in the store and decided, nay nay. I figured wherever I can save a dime is a good thing.
To make your own crafting glue:
- One clean container with a lid
- Elmer's or other white glue
- water
Make in a 2:1 ratio, glue to water.
Pour glue in container. Water, Shake. Ready to use. Store as you would any glue.
Decorated terra cotta pots: what can I do with them
gifts*
| birthday, holiday, shower, wedding
|
plant holders
| pot plants you wish to keep indoors or on a closed in porch
|
(large) magazine or book holder
| great to hold a collection of magazines or books
|
(large) trash receptacle
| place clean paper you will shred or recycle in a decorated pot
|
(large) toy container
| small, soft animals or other toys fit nicely
|
(medium) cooking utensil holder
| keep on your counter filled wtih utensils you use often
|
Glammed up and Home to Spring Flowers
A Work in Progress
Closer view: Notice lower left, white showing will be covered with more napkin later
A Small Ball of Napkin Placed in the Hole in the Pot, Covered with a Design Form the Napkin, Glue Applied
Base of Pot Covered with a Cute Section of Napkin
Pot Drying on a Bottle
Lower Portion of Pot Covered Now
Additional Design Added to the Rim...all Finished...
Filling in the hole in the base of the pot
- Make a ball of napkin large enough to fill in the hole.
- Place a cute design from a napkin and glue onto the base.
- When it is dry, invert and repeat.
- What I did on the pot in this article : i cut a round section large enough to cover the whole base of the pot, and the results are very pleasing.
Decorate using napkins and homemade crafting glue
- First, paint your pot with a flat white paint, inside and out.
- Allow to dry.
- Choose two ply napkins with a design you wish to have on your pot..
- Separate so that you only have the top layer.
- If you only wish to use a portion of the design, cut out that part.
- After the paint on the pot is completely dry, apply your glue mixture to the pot with a paintbrush.
- Then lay the napkin design on the pot and cover with glue mixture.
- Add as many as you wish.
- When you have filled in the hole in your pot (described to the right), and the pot is thoroughly dry, apply clear acrylic spray to protect the completed work.
Closing thoughts
Experiment with splatter painting and with the napkin and gluing activity.
There really is no wrong way to do these two DIY projects.
Make it our own.
© 2013 Patricia Scott
Comments
- Author
Hi poetryman It really is fun..and yes a toothbrush is an unusual tool but what fun you will have.
Angels are on the way to you this evening. ps
- Author
Nice to see you today, Mary. There is just something special about clay pots for plants. They really do not need decorating but if you wish to have a little something different this is a fun and easy project.
Hoping all is well with you and yours. Angels are winging their way to you this evening ps
I think I would try this just so I could say I painted with a toothbrush! Voted up as crafty.
I read and commented on this wonderful Hub when you first wrote it, and I remembered it. I just finished painting some pots for my Marigolds, and I reread this so I could refresh my memory.
I love planting Zinnias and Maragolds in clay pots. Voted this UP, etc. and shared. Goodnight.
- Author
hi Prithima thanks for stopping by... This is such an interesting way to decorate a pot. I am getting ready to decorate a few for Christmas gifts.
Angels are on the way to you this evening. ps
- Author
hi Prithima thanks for stopping by... This is such an interesting way to decorate a pot. I am getting ready to decorate a few for Christmas gifts.
Angels are on the way to you this evening. ps
knowledgeable hub
- Author
Hi Heather
Yes, it is great to do with kids from little ones right on up. I made both of these with middle school age children at a summer camp one year. They really got into it...which is not always the case.
Snow?? We had 31 this week which is unusual for us here in Florida this time of the year. I miss the snow sometimes.....but not enough to move back :)
Thanks for stopping by
Sending Angels your way Have a lovely evening :) ps
- Author
Hi Heather
Yes, it is great to do with kids from little ones right on up. I made both of these with middle school age children at a summer camp one year. They really got into it...which is not always the case.
Snow?? We had 31 this week which is unusual for us here in Florida this time of the year. I miss the snow sometimes.....but not enough to move back :)
Thanks for stopping by
Sending Angels your way Have a lovely evening :) ps
Cool idea! It snowed this week here and I am dying to get outside with a project. This is easy and my kids can totally handle it! THANKS!
- Author
Hi Rebecca
It is fun, easy, inexpensive, and you can make it your own.
To me a DIY that I can make my own is just what I am looking for. I hope you do have a chance to give these a try.
Nice to see you this morning. Have a lovely Thursday. Sending Angels your way :) ps
- Author
Hi Rebecca
It is fun, easy, inexpensive, and you can make it your own.
To me a DIY that I can make my own is just what I am looking for. I hope you do have a chance to give these a try.
Nice to see you this morning. Have a lovely Thursday. Sending Angels your way :) ps
Wow! What a cool DIY project! I am fond of indulging in creative crafts and your detailed instructions and engaging photos made me want to try this fun project. Your creations are very cute and vibrant. Way to go!
Thanks for SHARING. Useful, Awesome & Interesting. Voted up, pinned & shared
Oh, ps these are so pretty. I am going to do up ALL my clay pots with your tips. Sharing and all votes up. Angels and prayers to you tonight.
- Author
Hi Glimmer Twin Fan
This really is one of my favorites. It is a no fail DIY activity which is the kind I like the most. I march to the beat of another drum so following strict instructions is hard for me :)
I hope you have a chance to try this...the results are different every time which makes them unique.
Sending Angels your way again :) ps
What a great craft for the upcoming warmer weather. Love the monkeys!
- Author
Hi truthfornow.
O , yes, Hello Kitty, is a favorite of mine---I have several shirts with Hello Kitty on them. Maybe I will have to make a pot with her on it too.
Thanks for visiting. Sending Angels your way :) ps
- Author
Thank you, Tammy. It really is a fun activity and one that is no fail. There really is almost no wrong way to glam up pots using these techniques. It is nice to see you this evening.
Sending Angels your way :) ps
- Author
Thank you, Tammy. It really is a fun activity and one that is no fail. There really is almost no wrong way to glam up pots using these techniques. It is nice to see you this evening.
Sending Angels your way :) ps
- Author
Good evening Peggy
Yes. They really did sell nicely. Nowadays there are so many varieties of them that it is quite competitive. I no longer go to craft fairs but just make them for family and friends.
It is fun to decorate and use these. It is especially fun to give one to someone that is decorated in a way that is unique to that person.
Sending you Angels this evening :) ps
- Author
Good evening Peggy
Yes. They really did sell nicely. Nowadays there are so many varieties of them that it is quite competitive. I no longer go to craft fairs but just make them for family and friends.
It is fun to decorate and use these. It is especially fun to give one to someone that is decorated in a way that is unique to that person.
Sending you Angels this evening :) ps
- Author
Hi Mary
For the napkin and glue method if you plan to plant a flower in it, omit the step where it says to cover the base.
For splatter painting, there is no cover applied to the hole. Great question. You would have gotten 100% on my quiz (if I had one that is.)
Thanks for visiting this evening :) ps
- Author
Hi Mary
For the napkin and glue method if you plan to plant a flower in it, omit the step where it says to cover the base.
For splatter painting, there is no cover applied to the hole. Great question. You would have gotten 100% on my quiz (if I had one that is.)
Thanks for visiting this evening :) ps Angels are on the way.
As a use a lot of containers to grow my flowers, this looks terrific. Just one question: wouldn't you need to keep the drainage hole open? Did I miss something??
Very clever idea, and I voted it UP, and will share. When you have some time check out my Hub on how to make a flower pot from a cat litter bucket. I will also Pin this Hub. Good Job~
I love these ideas. I have two boring brown pots that are stacked in a corner, looking ugly. I love the one with the pictures. I see a Hello Kitty pot in my future. Thanks for the great ideas.
This is such a beautiful project. I love all the styles. I must make some for my patio. Great hub!
What a fun DIY project and with pretty results on dressing up those clay pots. I can see where these would probably sell like hotcakes at a craft bazaar. Thanks for sharing this clever idea with us. Voted up, useful and interesting. Sending angels to you!
- Author
Good morning Stephanie
You will have fun making these. It is really a no rules kind of activity. You make them up as you go along.
Rubbing wrinkles out with your fingers when using the napkin is the one suggestion that I really suggest you follow.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sending Angels your way this morning :) ps
- Author
Good morning Stephanie
You will have fun making these. It is really a no rules kind of activity. You make them up as you go along.
Rubbing wrinkles out with your fingers when using the napkin is the one suggestion that I really suggest you follow.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sending Angels your way this morning :) ps
What a great way to dress up a clay pot! I love the black backgrounds with the splatter paint, but I also thing the white would be pretty for a lighter look. Great ideas all around! I'm already thinking of using some prettily designed napkins for some very special containers. Your instructions and photographs are excellent! By the way, appreciate your tip on making my own version of Mod Podge. Voted up and shared!
- Author
Thank you, Celeste. Give this a try. Call up some friends and family and have a crafting party.
Sending Angels to you this afternoon. :) ps
It is awesome that we can take something so plain and make it into something gorgeous. Awesome!
- Author
Thanks for stopping by, unknown spy.
I am thankful to my friend who taught me how to make the pots with the napkins and the glue. Then I just decided to give the splatter painting a try to it turns out nicely.:) Angels are on the way this evening. ps
What a great idea! I've covered pots with tiny tiles, but this would be easier and look just as good. The tiles fall off over the years, too, although I did enjoy doing it.
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Hi Fossillady
Thanks for visiting. This is something you will enjoy very much.
I am making a new one for my niece next wek.
:) ps
Sending Angels your way
How fun is that! A perfect project to get ready for summer too!
It's really cool and beautiful and so glamorous..love these ideas.
- Author
Awww..I am glad I helped bring back some special memories for you, rajan jolly.
Maybe you all can make some together one day just for a little together time.
Sending Angels your way :) ps
- Author
Awww..I am glad I helped bring back some special memories for you, rajan jolly.
Maybe you all can make some together one day just for a little together time.
Sending Angels your way :) ps
- Author
Hi DDE
Another fun activity to do with friends and family. It is really quite relaxing.
Thanks again for visiting. :) ps
My daughter too decorated some of these clay pots some years back and this hub brought back those memories. Thanks.
Incredible ideas and so creative, you have taught me something new and worth a try
- Author
Hi rajan jolly
Here's hoping that all is well in your little corner of the planet.
Glad you like these fun pots. I am making a new one in a few days to add to this hub. This is a kind of addicting little DIY activity.
Have a lovely weekend Angels are on the way. :) ps
- Author
Hi rajan jolly
Here's hoping that all is well in your little corner of the planet.
Glad you like these fun pots. I am making a new one in a few days to add to this hub. This is a kind of addicting little DIY activity.
Have a lovely weekend Angels are on the way. :) ps
- Author
Happy TGIF Day....drbj
Fun and really pretty easy to do. Call up some friends and family and have a splatter paint party. Have a lovely weekend...I am off to southwest Florida this weekend to visit my sister who just moved here from Texas.
thank you for stopping by.. Angels are on the way :) ps
- Author
Happy TGIF Day....drbj
Fun and really pretty easy to do. Call up some friends and family and have a splatter paint party. Have a lovely weekend...I am off to southwest Florida this weekend to visit my sister who just moved here from Texas.
thank you for stopping by.. Angels are on the way :) ps
This is beautiful, Patricia. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
Voting this up and beautiful. Have a nice day!
How ingenious. Patricia, using a toothbrush and a pencil to create a splatter effect with paint. I never would have guessed. Now I can't wait to try it. Imagine! Who knew?
- Author
Good morning Carol
You know we should have a big get together...every join up and bring craft ideas and we have a marathon crafting event...wouldn't that be fun???
Thanks for visiting....hopefully all is good in AZ today :) Angels are on the way to you and yours...:) ps
- Author
Good morning Carol
You know we should have a big get together...every join up and bring craft ideas and we have a marathon crafting event...wouldn't that be fun???
Thanks for visiting....hopefully all is good in AZ today :) Angels are on the way to you and yours...:) ps
- Author
O, Pamela, the shells would add a very nice touch. Do not be surprised if you see some pop up soon. :)
Thanks for visiting...it is always nice to have you visit.
Angels and blessings are on the way today :) ps
- Author
O, Pamela, the shells would add a very nice touch. Do not be surprised if you see some pop up soon. :)
Thanks for visiting...it is always nice to have you visit.
Angels and blessings are on the way today :) ps
Patricia, I use to paint pots, and I also glued shells on them since I have such easy access. Yours are very unique and I love the splattered paint ones. Of course the monkeys are adorable. Great DIY hub. God Bless.
What creative ideas...These look fun and cute and lovely. And you make it sound so easy. thanks..Voting UP and pinning...
- Author
Hi faythef
Yes, it is fun but remember the paint goes ON the pot....like I mentioned to Bill. Gather up your favorite colors of paint---paint your pot the color you prefer and begin.
Have a lovely Thursday Sending Angels to you and yours :) ps
- Author
Hi faythef
Yes, it is fun but remember the paint goes ON the pot....like I mentioned to Bill. Gather up your favorite colors of paint---paint your pot the color you prefer and begin.
Have a lovely Thursday Sending Angels to you and yours :) ps
- Author
Happy Thursday, Rolly.
First thanks for your kind words and for sharing. I like the sharing we do as that is how I find many of the new and interesting hubbers to read .
You will enjoy doing this and will have results that will exceed your expectations.
Thanks for visiting ....Sending Angels to you this morning :) ps
- Author
Happy Thursday, Rolly.
First thanks for your kind words and for sharing. I like the sharing we do as that is how I find many of the new and interesting hubbers to read .
You will enjoy doing this and will have results that will exceed your expectations.
Thanks for visiting ....Sending Angels to you this morning :) ps
- Author
Good morning Nell Rose
This is fun and the results are usually very pleasing. Grab some of those pots, call up friends and family, and make a party out of this DIY fun activity.
Nice to see you this morning...I hope you have a lovely day.
Sending Angels your way this morning :) ps
- Author
Good morning Nell Rose
This is fun and the results are usually very pleasing. Grab some of those pots, call up friends and family, and make a party out of this DIY fun activity.
Nice to see you this morning...I hope you have a lovely day.
Sending Angels your way this morning :) ps
- Author
Happy Thursday, Bill
Now remember if you try this to keep the paint ON the pot. I know it would be so much fun to aim at those nearby but...
Gather friends and family around and glam up some pots.
Sending blessings and hugs and precious Angels to you this morning.:) ps
- Author
Good morning Faith
My next big pot is to make an earth angel (dragon fly) pot for my niece. She is a huge fan of those lovely creatures.
Have fun making some of these for you and your family--it's great therapy.
The bird bath sounds gorgeous---I saw one on pinterest I hope to make soon.
Sending Angels and blessings and hugs to you and yours my sweet sister in Christ
:) ps
Great ideas PS! We have several clay pots out in the garden area that need a touch up....thank you for the ideas and inspiration. I'll be doing this this weekend.
blessings and a hug this late evening,
bill
Oh, how clever, fun and lovely. You're right, these would make great gifts! You are very creative. Love your photos. That monkey one is too cute! I love the other one too, as it is high style.
Thanks for sharing this great and fun craft with us all. Once I made a bird bath out of clay pots of varying sizes and clued them with that gorilla clude and dry brushed it with two different colors, but in the top tried a mosaic using small Italian glass tiles depicting the descending dove, representing the Holy Spirit. It turned out fine until I tried to to grout it! LOL I still use it though.
Voted up +++ and sharing
Hugs and Angels your way dear friend, Faith Reaper
Hi pstraubie48 ... what an ingenious idea this is especially should you have many like me... I will be sharing this I trust you wil not mind. I am impressed wit your creativity...
Hus and Blessings from Canada
I could have a lot of fun with this...Looking forward to trying the splatter paint.
Thats fantastic! I have so many pots to go on my balcony, I really will have to try the paint ideas, they look great! and the ones with the pictures are so cute! voted up!
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