5 Gallon Flower Pot
Thus instructable and came about as a result of boredom & necessity. At the urging of a friend, I made it my 1st Instructable posted.
I have a growing aloe plant in need of a larger pot. Since I didn't have one already, I started looking for a decent size one at the usual home stores. Nothing really stood out and since I like to diy & upcycle/recle, I came up with something easy, portable, & free.
Thanks for looking it over
I have a growing aloe plant in need of a larger pot. Since I didn't have one already, I started looking for a decent size one at the usual home stores. Nothing really stood out and since I like to diy & upcycle/recle, I came up with something easy, portable, & free.
Thanks for looking it over
Materials
1- 5 gal. bucket
I chose the 5 gallon because the handle lays higher on the bucket and gives a deeper planter after the cut-away.
1- drill w/bit
drill bit size determines the drainage holes size.
1- jigsaw
it's much easier than a hack saw or utility knife.
-measuring tape
-sandpaper
-paint(s)
-stencils (optional)
-painter's tape (masking or duct work also but painter's comes off easier)
I chose the 5 gallon because the handle lays higher on the bucket and gives a deeper planter after the cut-away.
1- drill w/bit
drill bit size determines the drainage holes size.
1- jigsaw
it's much easier than a hack saw or utility knife.
-measuring tape
-sandpaper
-paint(s)
-stencils (optional)
-painter's tape (masking or duct work also but painter's comes off easier)
Measuring & Marking
First things first...
Find where your handle lays on the bucket, measure up about 1 1/2 in. above it and that should be as far down as your cut-out goes. Any higher begins to reduce the view of the plants and just looks like a cut up bucket. Any lower reduces you plant bed.
Simply measure from the bottom up to the point above your resting handle and put a mark there. Do that around the rest of the bucket for your level line. Then tape it off all the way around using the marks to ensure a straight line. Draw out the design on the bucket with a sharpie (after scuffing & painting, it'll never be seen).
From this point you can scallop your cut lines for decor (I didn't bother). the strips going up to the handles can be straight, angled, wavy, etc. I did a slight angle for extra support.
Find where your handle lays on the bucket, measure up about 1 1/2 in. above it and that should be as far down as your cut-out goes. Any higher begins to reduce the view of the plants and just looks like a cut up bucket. Any lower reduces you plant bed.
Simply measure from the bottom up to the point above your resting handle and put a mark there. Do that around the rest of the bucket for your level line. Then tape it off all the way around using the marks to ensure a straight line. Draw out the design on the bucket with a sharpie (after scuffing & painting, it'll never be seen).
From this point you can scallop your cut lines for decor (I didn't bother). the strips going up to the handles can be straight, angled, wavy, etc. I did a slight angle for extra support.
Cutting & Sanding
This is where the jigsaw is your friend.
cut in from the top and just follow your lines. If in doubt, cut a little wide then you can go back with another pass with the jigsaw or sandpaper.
Some might go at a slower saw speed so they can move slower, trust me... the faster the trigger speed, the easier the cut.
You've done your cut-aways with the jigsaw & used the sandpaper to smooth the edges. Next, do a light sanding and scuff along the outside, up the arms, and inside the edges & arms. It's not hard at all, it doesn't have to be sanded clean. this allows the primer/paint to stick.
cut in from the top and just follow your lines. If in doubt, cut a little wide then you can go back with another pass with the jigsaw or sandpaper.
Some might go at a slower saw speed so they can move slower, trust me... the faster the trigger speed, the easier the cut.
You've done your cut-aways with the jigsaw & used the sandpaper to smooth the edges. Next, do a light sanding and scuff along the outside, up the arms, and inside the edges & arms. It's not hard at all, it doesn't have to be sanded clean. this allows the primer/paint to stick.
Painting & Finishing
Whatever color(s) you decide to go with, I'd suggest primer first, it'll help the paint adhere better. Because I'm using a white bucket, I did a black primer coat first, then went over it with a dark green which gave me a nice mottled look I wanted. I let it dry & did a couple matte clear coats over it to help it last outside.
I didn't paint the bottom, who's going to see it?
Don't forget to drill your drain holes in the bottom, the larger the bit, the more the drainage.
I didn't paint the bottom, who's going to see it?
Don't forget to drill your drain holes in the bottom, the larger the bit, the more the drainage.
Finished Product
Now my Aloe has growing room and I added some vine to soften it up a little more.
Also, you can use brighter colors or stencils for leaves, ivy, etc. for a better looking pot. Since I have no stencils readily available, I opted for something basic to blend with the plants. The white handle will be done by wrapping electrical or colored/pattern vinyl tape around it.
The whole project cost $0.00 and took up a little boring time between laundry loads & housework (about 1 1/2 total).
Also, you can use brighter colors or stencils for leaves, ivy, etc. for a better looking pot. Since I have no stencils readily available, I opted for something basic to blend with the plants. The white handle will be done by wrapping electrical or colored/pattern vinyl tape around it.
The whole project cost $0.00 and took up a little boring time between laundry loads & housework (about 1 1/2 total).