Old terra-cotta pots are useful for more than holding flowers.
Old terra-cotta pots may seem like junk destined for the garbage, but there are a million ways you can transform them back into useful objects. Taking a little time to play artist with the pots can streamline your d cor budget, express your creativity and help green up the planet. As long as you have a few basic craft supplies, such as paint and glue, you don't have to spend a cent to turn old pots into attractive household items.
Wind Chimes
Grab three small pots in descending size, a few beads and some plain rope to create a musical wind chime for your backyard. Paint the terra-cotta pots with decorative motifs, such as colorful dots or bright flowers, and let them dry completely. Tie a loop at one end of the rope for hanging and slide the upside-down pots, largest to smallest, onto the rope. Tie a knot after sliding on each pot to keep it in place. Tie the beads to the end of the rope, hang the chime and enjoy the melodies.
Mini Birdbath
Whip up a mini birdbath decoration from an old terra-cotta pot and saucer to create a potpourri, candy or paperclip holder. The base of the birdbath consists of two small pots turned upside-down and stacked. The dish of the birdbath consists of a small terra-cotta saucer glued to the base. Leaf, bird or flower-themed decorative painting on the outside gives the craft eye-catching appeal and light blue paint on the inner saucer gives the project a true birdbath look. A small plastic, wooden or realistic bird ornament glued to the rim of the saucer adds an unmistakable birdbath feel.
Topiary Centerpiece
Add a little holiday cheer to your table with a topiary centerpiece consisting of pinecones and a terra-cotta pot. Clean a large terra-cotta pot and paint it with a festive theme, such as white snowflakes on a blue background or red, green and white stripes. Bunch five standing pinecones in a circle and secure them with a ribbon tied into a bow. Glue a three pinecone bunch over the five and one pinecone over the three to create a pine tree shape. Fill the pot almost full with decorative stones. Add the pinecone tree and add the remaining stones to secure.
Candy Bowl
Create a candy bowl that doubles as a gift basket with only some paint, ribbon and candy. Paint and decorate a large terra-cotta pot to create a candy bowl that doubles as a gift basket. Paint the pot to look like Santa's face for a Christmas theme. Use colorful polka dots for a kid theme or a witch pattern for Halloween. Tie a matching bow around the top of the pot, fill it with candy and your gift is ready.
