These recycled plastic bottle planters are so adorable! Self-watering planters that make great earth day crafts, these planters are the perfect size for a cactus or succulent.
Confession Time: My son keeps bringing weeds into the house to bring me “flowers” and I secretly throw them away hoping that he will forget. It’s so sweet, but it’s also like 2-3 times a day. I just know I am going to be found out!
To curb his enthusiasm (and keep weeds out of the house), I thought we could make some cute planters that he could take care of. Something super cute and super easy, like recycled soda bottle planters!
Aren’t they just adorable?! I love this little water bottle planter craft because it looks so cute with succulents and chances are that it will last for a while. Cactus or herbs would also work.
Recycled Bottle Planter Supplies
- Paint – for best results, use a paint for glass or other non-porous surfaces. We use Plaid’s glass paint which you can find at most craft stores. You can tell it works on glass because the lid has a picture of a wine glass on it.
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Adhesive Remover (This one worked well for us, even works for gummy stuff on carpet)
How To Make Plastic Bottle Flowerpots
Step 1: Clean the bottles thoroughly and remove adhesive. Wipe and allow to dry.
Step 2: Draw the basic shape and cut the perimeter. A ruler makes it easy to create a straight cut around the edge.
Step 3: Create Drainage for a Self-Watering Planter.
If you just want a planter, cut slits in the bottom with an x-acto knife to allow for excess water to drip out. You will need to place the planter on a dish or flowerpot bottom.
Pro Tip* A few years ago, I turned all of my large outdoor planters into self-watering pots with this video and tutorial. However, the video below shows another way to do it with plastic bottles:
Step 4: Paint Base Coat. Paint two coats of paint, letting dry between coats, and draw the faces on.
Step 5: Paint the Faces.
My son chose to create a bunny, a frog, and a piggy for his planters. I had more options like a bear, panda bear, cow, fox, dog, cat, and even a swan.
Step 6: Add plant, soil, and water.
Aren’t they just the cutest?!
More Simple Craft Ideas for Kids
- DIY Rose Bath Bombs
- Easy Chocolate Marshmallow Pops
- Christmas Stenciled Tea Towels
- How to make a Pinwheel
- Spring DIY Hoop Wreath
FAQs
You can use any empty plastic bottle like soda bottles, individual water bottles, or gallon milk jugs. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and remove labels and adhesive before decorating.
For best results, use a paint for glass or other non-porous surfaces. We use Plaid’s glass paint which you can find at most craft stores. You can tell it works on glass because the lid has a picture of a wine glass on it. Alternatively, you can use a high bonding primer for plastics and paint over top of that with water-proof paint.
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Animal Recycled Plastic Bottle Planters
Tools
- Scissors
- Ruler
Supplies
- Paint specifically for plastic or glass
- 1 Plastic Bottle
- 1 Adhesive Remover
Instructions
- Clean the bottles thoroughly and remove adhesive
- Draw the basic shape and cut the perimeter.
- If you just want a planter, cut slits in the bottom with x-acto knife to allow for excess water to drip out. You will need to place the planter on a dish or flower pot bottom. Or you can make a self watering soda bottle planter by cutting the bottle in half and placing the top upside down inside the bottom half.
- Paint a base coat.
- Draw and decorate the planters with animal faces, patterned designs, or washi tape.
Sabrina says
These are super adorable!! Do you have some sort of template that you could share for all the different one’s?
Rachel says
I hand drew these and kept the shapes pretty simple, so I don’t have any templates unfortunately.