Don't toss or recycle those empty plastic bottles! Whether you are looking for greener ways to decorate your home or just looking for a fun new craft to try, it's time to upcycle those used soda bottles and convert them into lovely planters.
Did you know the average time for a plastic bottle to completely degrade is at least 450 years?! Aside from tossing them into a recycling bin, you can actually cultivate your green thumb and transform those plastic bottles into something unique and beautiful.
With spring right around the corner, I wanted to bring a little life and greenery into my apartment. I decided to turn my empty 2-liter Coke bottles into cute little planters — and it was so easy to do!
Here's how to make it:
Materials:
1. Trace an outline around the plastic bottle. This will serve as a guide for where to cut.
2. Using scissors or an X-ACTO Knife, cut the bottle following the outline.
3. Next, wrap duct tape around the bottle.
The tape will serve to establish the break line for when you begin to spray paint later. (This is completely optional, but I like having fun designs on my flower pots.)
When done, set aside.
4. Apply hot glue to the bottle cap and place it in the center of the CD.
5. When dry, twist the bottle onto the cap.
Now, it's time to get that spray paint!
6. Once in a well-ventilated area outside, spray paint the bottle and CD.
I decided to use All Surface Metallic Aged Copper Spray Paint and Primer in One for my first color, but use whatever color fits your style or home decor.
Let dry. Apply a second coat or sealer when you are happy with the color.
Now it's time to use the other end of the plastic bottle.
7. Repeat as above — using the duct tape to create a line around the bottle. Then, spray-paint, and let dry.
Once dry, you can peel off the tape and decorate however you choose — or leave it as is. Get creative as you want!
Now it's time to fill the planter.
When you have your planter ready, you can either plant seeds and watch them grow or — if you don't want to wait — purchase a small plant from the store.
While you can choose from a variety of plants or flowers to put in your planters, I choose to plant a colorful Bromeliad this time around. While this beautiful plant is native to tropical climates, bromeliads also make great indoor plants in places where there are colder climates. This really makes my New York office look so bright and summery, despite the chill outside!
Want to get your kids or grandkids involved? Have them make a mini planter using the small plastic water bottles.
An adult can cut the bottle. Then, the kids can use craft paint to create their own fun designs.
After it dries, the kids can pot the plant and watch it grow.
These cute planters are easy to make and are such a great way to upcycle items you likely already have in your home.
This beautiful planter looks so cute in my home, and I can't begin to tell you all the compliments I've gotten from friends and family who can't believe this was made from a 2-liter plastic Coke bottle. It's truly a fun talking piece.
Will you try this project to beautify your home? Tell us in the comments.
If you love this creative upcycle, please SHARE it with your family and friends!
