Come see all the projects you can make with terracotta clay pots including birdhouses, fairy gardens, windchimes, and tipsy pots.
Got the crafting bug? See a wheelbarrow full of Empress of Dirt DIY projects here.
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DIY with Classic Clay Pots
There are certain iconic garden tools and accessories, and terracotta clay pots definitely top the list. Swoon! Humans have been making clay pots for thousands of years. Gardeners have kept them in use, as other ceramics took their place in the home. While new terracotta pots are still widely available today, the older, thicker pots with a delicious, old patina are my favourites.
- Keep your eye open for them in thrift shops and at yard sales.
- If you want new pots, check dollar stores. These ones tend to be more fragile, but they are still fine for crafts. Just be sure to store them indoors in the winter. If the new finish doesn’t appeal to you, follow the tips for giving clay pots an aged look (below).
I have gathered a bunch of ideas to get you crafting with your clay pots.
How to Instantly Age Clay Pots
If you want the patina of an old clay pot, there are a few options. I always suggest conducting a test first to be sure you like the result.
Instant Patina
1. Lime Method
Spray pot with a solution of hydrated lime (also useful in the garden for raising soil pH) and water (1 part lime: 2 parts water). Allow to dry. Sand off excess. Repeat several times. Seal with spray sealant if desired.
2. White Paint Method
Brush on patches of diluted white acrylic/latex paint with a stiff brush (to get a crosshatch appearance) and immediately remove excess with damp rag.
Slower Methods
3. Yogurt or Buttermilk Slow Method
Brush plain yogurt or buttermilk onto pot. Rub on bits of moss if desired. Over time, algae will grow on the surface. Spray occassionally with water and fertilizer to encourage growth.
4. The Natural Slow Method
Use your pots! Keep them outdoors. Let nature do its thing.
10 Creative Terracotta Clay Pot Projects & Ideas
1 Clay Pot Lighthouse
Project by Melissa | Empress of Dirt
See it Here
2 Clay Pot Birdhouse
Project by Barb | Our Fairfield Home & Garden
See it Here‘
3 Fairy Garden in a Pot
Project from the book Fairy Gardening 101 by Fiona McDonaldSee it Here
Project by Shanna | Restoration Redoux
See it Here
A broken pot also looks great in the garden with flowers spilling out, or, leave it empty to create a toad house. They like cool, shady resting spots.
4 Clay Tipsy Pots
Project by Melissa | Empress of DirtSee it Here
5 Terracotta People
There are many variations of these clay pot people (and pets) online. You will need various sizes of pots, saucers, a power drill, wire, and washers. Clothing is optional.
6 Clay Pot Candle Planter
Project by Stephanie | Garden Therapy
See it Here
7 Potted Plant Shelves
Project from the book Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Click on the button to see the project instructions.
See it Here
8 Bird & Bee & Butterfly Baths & Fountains
If you want a super simple bird bath, place a clay saucer on top of an upside-down clay pot. You can glue them together with GE Silicone II or, add small rocks or stones to the saucer to weigh it down.
Project by Bard | Our Fairfield Home & Garden
See it Here
There are many ways to make a bubbler or water fountain. The main component is a small recirculating pump with the right strength (measured by how much water it can move per hour).
Katie at Addicted 2 DIY has instructions for tiered fountain here.
9 Decorated Clay Pots
Do clay pots look naked to you? If so, read on. There are many ways to transform them.
Project by Melissa | Empress of Dirt
See it Here
Project by Carrie | Kenarry.comSee it Here
More Ideas
- Mod Podge Pots
- French Clay Pots | Image transfer project
10 Wreath with Mini Clay Pots
I don’t have an image of a clay pot wreath so I made one in Photoshop. I guess you can tell (lol) as it’s kind of goofy-looking but you get the idea. It’s a sweet project. Visit Confessions of a Plate Addict for a tutorial.
11 Mini Clay Pot Windchimes
Get a bunch of same-size pots and make a windchime. Careful where you hang it in case the pots are fragile.
Or, just use your pots as pots. And keep them stacked up in plain site because they are just plain beautiful.
I hope you found ideas to get your crafty mojo going. Be sure to sign up for the free Empress of Dirt newsletter for fresh ideas delivered right to your inbox.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
Looking for how to make a tin man
Out of recycled cans
Hi Denise, I have a basic tutorial here: https://empressofdirt.net/tincangardenart/
I love getting terracotta pots from yard sales, now i need to see what i can do with them. Thanks for all the ideas. Have a great weekend.
Thanks, Marlene. Same to you.