This is a repost of a post I did last year. It was enjoyed so much, and I thought some of you would like to see it again.
Let’s recycle by creating upcycled planter characters with your older children. Whenever I look at something, I try to look outside the box a bit. You can inspire creativity by looking at plastic containers around the house in a different way. Wondering which characters to make? Here are some really neat ideas:
Aren’t these characters adorable!!!
Things You’ll Need
Collect discarded plastic bottles and containers from around the house. Spray paint made for plastics, acrylic paints, hot glue and a craft knife will also be necessary along with large beads (wooden or plastic), pom poms, and other decorative craft supplies. Your plant selections will also be part of the creative process.
Cut Openings
Use a craft knife to cut openings in the plastic containers to accommodate the vision of your character and where the plants will be located. Cut drain holes in the bottom of the container as well. Parents should help children with this step.
Assemble the Character
If they will be painted, glue together beads for legs or arms and attach them to the containers now. If they are already colored, assemble bead legs or arms and set to the side for later. Spray paint the containers in the chosen color.
Decorate the Character
Once the spray paint is dry, use acrylic paints, googly eyes, pom poms and other assorted decorative elements to add character to the planter. Watch your childs imagination go wild!
Fill the Planter
Put a layer of small rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the container to aid in drainage. Fill the container to near the top with potting soil and add the plant. Water and fill the remaining space with more potting soil. Press into place.
Snorting Pig
This little guy is made from a juice bottle. The legs are wooden rings and beads. His tail is a pipe cleaner and his ears are cut from craft foam. Drill holes in the cap for the plants coming through the nose.
I just love this little pig! The succulent inside the nose…one of my favorites!
Caterpillar
Powdered drink mix containers glued end to end form the body of this cute caterpillar. Colored beads make the legs and eyes, and a large pom pom forms the nose. The cactus plants make the antennae.
Screaming Lady
A soda bottle painted like a face with yarn hair creates a funny character. Kids are always suckers for bodily function humor! This is fun…
The Minion
This popular character is easy to create from a peanut butter jar. Spray paint the bottom of the jar blue, tape a line to avoid color mixing, then paint the top portion yellow. Add details with acrylic paint. The glasses are split rings and the plant is called a “live wire.”
Angry Man
A simple laundry detergent bottle finds new life as a tribal inspired planter. Flattened bottle caps, googly eyes and a plastic bead mouth complete the look.He looks pretty angry!
Razorback
Plant selection is important for this creation. Succulents require little soil or water to survive and can be utilized very well in small plastic containers.
So the next time you are about to throw those containers in the recycle bin….look at them in a different way…I would love to hear your ideas and see your creations from recycled items….Please send to my email…kelleysdiy@gmail.com
These are so cute! I love the pig!
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Isnt it adorable….are you going to make one???❤️️☺️
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I think I might try to! 🙂
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That’s Awesome Michelle, I know you will have so much fun making these, especially with kids! I love their faces when they create something cool! If you decide to create one Michelle, I would love to see it! Have a great day! ☺️❤️️
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so cute!
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So happy you enjoyed it!
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Cute! I love the minion and the snorting pig. ❤
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Isn’t that piggy adorable. I remember making piggy pinatas from the bleach containers…It’s so fun. Kids love to create too! ☺️❤️️
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I love these!
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Aren’t they adorable!
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Yep! I’ve been buying laundry soap especially for the colored bottles. I know they can be painted, but to do a group activity with kids, thought no paint would be better. LOL
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Also the coffee containers….perfect for totem pole!
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Cool…hadn’t thought of that
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☺️❤️️
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Completely adorable. Reblogging to my readers at sister site Timeless Wisdoms
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Thank you Ana!
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😚
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❤️️☺️
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Thank you, and have a great week!!
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Superb ideas. 🙂
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❤️️☺️
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So well done! Love each of these!
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I am so glad you liked them.
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You are so creative – these are adorable!
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Thank you so much Dolly!
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My pleasure, darling!
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☺️❤️️
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very cute
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Thank you!!!☺️❤️️
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Such a cute idea. I’m a kid at heart and I love this idea
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Let your imagine flow!! I can’t wait to see you do this Crystal!!!
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Love your header
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Oh thank you so much! You can find it here: https://kelleysdiy.com/2018/03/18/21301/
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These are adorable! So creative!
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!🤗❤️️
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These are so adorable! I really enjoyed this post!
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That makes me so happy Isla! Thank you so much!🤗❤️️
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These are wonderful
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Thank you! Great ideas for both the kids and parents to create together!
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving Sheree!
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Thanks Kelley and you too
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❤️️
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Adorable!
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Thank you! Aren’t these cute ideas for families to do together! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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I loved it last year and I love it again!
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Thank you! I thought with so many kids home now, this would be a wonderful project for families to make together! Happy Thanksgiving. Give my baby a kiss for me!
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Happy Thanksfiving for you too, darling! I will definitely give her a nose kiss and an ear rub!
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Oh, how sweet, thank you!
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😻
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❤️️
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