Last summer, I set out to make a super easy and inexpensive planter to spruce up my apartment balcony. I posted an image of my DIY neon planter on Instagram, and to my surprise, it received a lot of attention. It was featured on Babble, Apartment Therapy, Brit + Co., MAKE, Decor Hacks, and many more fabulous blogs. Given the popularity, I thought it was time to do a quick tutorial post to show you how to make your own planter! This planter would also be a nice addition to an outdoor ceremony or reception space; the color and pattern possibilities are endless.
Supplies:
- For small planter above – Six Concrete Blocks, 8″ x 8″ x 16″ (or eight for larger planter in images at end of post). Available at your local hardware store, usually under $2 each.
- Outdoor Spray Paint – I used Rust-Oleum Fluorescent Spray Paint, Fluor Yellow
in the image above, but it faded quickly in the sun. This year, I re-sprayed the blocks with Rust-Oleum Professional High Performance Enamel Spray Paint, Safety Yellow (see images at end of post). - Drop Cloth – I used an old sheet
- Painter’s Tape
- Printer Paper for masking
- 1/4″ Wire Mesh
- Wire Cutters to cut mesh
- Crushed Stone for drainage
- Potting Soil
- Plants
Steps:
1. Set up your drop cloth in a well ventilated, preferably outdoor, area. Be sure to position it so the wind will not spray the paint onto any nearby buildings or surfaces.
2. Take one concrete block and wipe it to remove any loose particles or debris. Then, place a piece of painter’s tape diagonally across the block. Lay your printer paper over half of the tape to cover the side of the block not being painted and add more tape to secure.
3. Spray paint the block following the dry times and directions on your particular spray paint can. Each block will need at least two coats. You can easily make another mask and paint two or more blocks at a time. Pay attention to which sides of the blocks you are painting and be sure they correspond with the pattern you intend to create on the finished planter.
4. Set the bottom row of blocks in place. Cut your wire mesh to size (same as the bottom of the blocks, roughly 8″ x 16″).
5. Stack the remaining blocks in layers, sandwiching a piece of wire mesh under each opening that will house a plant. See image below.
6. Fill each opening with a few inches of crushed stone for drainage. Next, top with potting soil and transfer plants.
7. Enjoy your new planter!
All images and design by Kate of Modernly Wed