Happy Monday, friends! Today I’m back with another DIY Video in partnership with our local Shaw TV channel– I’m so thrilled they welcomed me back. Today, I’m showing you how to make these Chalkboard Dipped Plant Pots. These guys would make an awesome gift, or you could keep them to yourself (I did, I won’t judge you). When would you ever give a plant as a gift? New home, new job, birthday, hostess gift (thanksgiving is coming!), really anything you could think of. It works because they can be personalized with a message- how fun is that? You could also use them for herbs and label them with the type of herb planted- you’ll never mix up your parsley again. I wrote a cheeky one for myself- hopefully I’ll remember to water this guy and he’ll be my plant success story (I’m a bit of a black thumb).
What did you guys think? I think I’m getting a bit more comfortable in front of the camera. But I also think it has a lot to do with the great editing. I had my camera running stills at the same time (below) and some of the shots I have of myself are ridiculous. I can’t believe some of the faces my camera caught… so I’m thankful I don’t see those in the video.
To make your own, here’s what you’ll need:
- Terracotta plant pots
- Outdoor or Water Resistant Paint (I chose grey)
- Chalkboard Paint (This is the one I used)
- Foam Brushes
- Chalk & Chalk Pen (I love this one)
- Plants & Soil
Get started by painting your plant pot with two coats of your base paint colour. Make sure to get inside the rim of the pot too, in case your soil level is low. After two coats, mine was evenly covered- depending on your paint, yours may need more. Let’s talk about this paint for a minute. Outdoor paint or water resistant paint is best since you’ll be watering your plant- I’m not sure how acrylic would hold up. You don’t need much so a tester size is more than enough. But testers are still a few bucks- unless you get them from the mis-tints. I have become good friends with the rack of mis-tints at my local Home Depot… this guy only cost me a buck (woohoo!).
When those coats are dry, move on to your chalkboard paint. It’s up to you how you paint your chalkboard section. I chose to paint it freehand because I like the organic look of a handpainted line. If you’d like a more crisp line, feel free to tape off the section you’d like painted. I painted the chalkboard paint up two thirds of the way (not including the top rim) to leave some of the grey while having enough room to write a message.
When your paint is done drying, you’re ready to use your pots (almost)! Before you write anything in chalk on them, use a piece of chalk and rub it all over the chalkboard paint. This will cure it and make it easier to erase your chalk or chalkboard marker in the future. I forgot this step in the video (doh!). Then you can wipe it clean and write your message on. It’s easier to write the message before you put plants in them. I also didn’t do this for the video, but you can learn from my mistakes!
That’s it! Super easy, and I love the look. They fit really well with the style of decor we’re working towards. I’d be thrilled to get one of these as a hostess gift, in case you were curious. So I want to hear from you, would you try making these? What would you write on yours? I’m sure it would be much classier than my message ;)
Melissa
Love chalkboard paint! Love this idea!
Colleen Pastoor
I know! You can paint pretty much anything with it :) Thanks for stopping by!
Megan Sybrant
Love these! great way to label plants!
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks Megan! I originally thought I’d plant herbs and use the chalk to label which was which but was convinced out of it because they are hard to keep alive.
Shambray
You did fantastic! So simple, but so cute! I love them!
Colleen Pastoor
Ah thank you Shambray!! I’m a big fan of simple :)
Kara
What a cute idea! I have a plant that needs to be transplanted to a bigger pot, so I may just try this. We already have the paint needed too! As for the message I’d write – I’m definitely leaning towards “Please don’t kill me!” as well. Green thumbs I do not possess ;)
Colleen Pastoor
Most of my houseplants are at that point… and are dying because of it! Maybe I don’t have a black thumb, maybe I’m just a lazy plant owner? I’d love to see yours if you do make them Kara!
Kara
Maybe that’s what I should call myself – I have great intentions but then just forget about my plants and my husband has to rescue them! I’ll for sure link back if/when I tackle this!
Colleen Pastoor
Haha great intentions is the key- if only my hubby would step in and rescue my plants for me!
Megan
I am working on chalkboard pots for my Halloween decor today! I wish I had seen this post before I got started! I love the dipped look! And that message… Ha! So appropriate for my poor plants.
Colleen Pastoor
Ah I can’t wait to see yours- I have yet to think of Halloween decor! My hubby thought it was a bit negative to put up here, so I’m glad everyone seems to be liking the message!
jennifer prod
love this- would make such a sweet birthday present :)
Colleen Pastoor
It would make a great birthday present! Especially for someone you don’t know too well :)
Sarah Nenni Daher
Such a quick way to change up a windowsill herb garden. Great job (and great video)!
Colleen Pastoor
Oh thanks Sarah! I’m so glad you took time to mention the video- it’s a totally different ball game than blogging with photos, very nerve wracking!
Cheri
I made these years ago for my grand daughters to give to their moms for christmas…I had paint the pot with the chalk board paint and then write something on it and stick the chalk stick in the pot with some tissue paper flowers. the moms love itt!
followed you from To Cute Tueday linky!
Colleen Pastoor
What a sweet gift! I’m sure the grandmas to my babes would love to get something like this for Christmas… maybe I’ll have to make some more!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness
This is such a cute and easy idea! SO perfect for a little gift. :) Great job!
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks so much Amanda! It definitely was quick and easy :)
Carrie This Home
These pots are so cute but I think I like your “Don’t Kill Me!” statement is the best part! Hilarious and cute all at the same time!
Colleen Pastoor
Haha! I’m so glad we have the same sense of humor! I was worried no one would find that one funny :)
Carissa Rasmussen
I probably would end up killing it anyway…so adorable! Love your stuff
Colleen Pastoor
Fingers crossed I don’t! Thanks so much Carissa, I really appreciate that :)
Andrea @ This Pug Life
Ha, I love your message. This would be a cute gift for my gardening-phobic BFF.
Colleen Pastoor
SO Perfect! You could even plant a cactus!!
Kristina @ My Own Home Blog
Haha, I love the message on the pot! :) These are cute, thanks for sharing them!
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks Kristina! So nice to ‘meet you’ :)
Kala
“Please don’t kill me” is so funny! I need to write that on every one of my plants, which is actually only one at this point, and we’re struggling. Also, have I mentioned how insanely jealous I am that you got the opportunity to do these videos? They are so awesome and you do such a great job!
Colleen Pastoor
You should totally approach one of your local channels! If there’s a program that features EPs, they might be looking for content and you’d be great at it!
Leigh Anne
So simple and so cute! Thanks for sharing at Link It or Lump It this week :-)
Colleen Pastoor
Thanks Leigh Anne! Great party as always :)