Sunspire – Inspired by the Sunflower, Standing Tall Like a Spire.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sipping my morning coffee on my balcony, surrounded by my little urban garden. It’s my personal slice of the great outdoors. But as a busy person, I often found myself disappointed when I’d forget to water my plants, or a weekend away would leave my real sunflowers looking sad and droopy in the summer heat.

I wanted a solution, a way to keep my balcony looking bright and cheerful, no matter the weather or my schedule. I wanted the beauty of nature without the high maintenance. That’s when I got the idea to create a permanent friend for my living plants: a vibrant, everlasting sunflower.

So, I made Sunspire - inspired by the sunflower, standing tall like a spire. This project blends my love for traditional crafts with modern technology. I crocheted the sunny, textured petals and leaves to capture the organic feel of a real flower, while the pot is a sleek, 3D-printed planter that’s both lightweight and weather-resistant, perfect for outdoor use.

The best part? This Sunspire requires zero maintenance. It’s immune to scorching sun, heavy rain, and forgetful gardeners. It’s a low-maintenance way to add a guaranteed pop of color and a personal touch to any outdoor space, big or small—whether it's a balcony, a patio, or a garden corner.

This instructable will show you how to create your own everlasting splash of sunshine, blending yarn and filament to craft a durable and joyful piece of outdoor decor. It’s a creative, fun project that celebrates the outdoors in the most stress-free way possible.

Abbreviations for Crochet

1. Ch: chain
2. SC: single crochet
3. Hdc: half double crochet
4. DC: double crochet
5. Tr: treble crochet
6. Sl st: slip stitch
7. MR: magic ring
8. Inc: increase (2 SC in one stitch)
9. R: round

1. Cardboard sheets
2. Ruler or measuring tape
3. Marker
4. Glue or any adhesive of your choice
5. Scissors
6. Colored paper (for decoration)
7. Dry garden soil
8. Yellow yarn (for petals)
9. Brown yarn (for the center)
10. Green yarn (for leaves and stem wrapping)
11. 3.5 mm crochet hook
12. Stitch markers
13. Wooden stick or straw (for the stem)
14. Darning needle
15. Stuffing (polyfill or cotton)

Cardboard sheets, Ruler, Marker, Scissors

1. Used to measure, mark, and cut the structure for your plant pot. The cardboard forms the base structure that will be covered and filled.

Glue, Colored paper

1. The adhesive holds your project together. Colored paper is for decorating the cardboard pot to make it look attractive and finished.

Dry garden soil

1. This is used to fill the pot, giving it weight and the authentic look of a real planted flower, without the mess of wet soil.

Yellow yarn, Brown yarn, Green yarn

1. The specific colors for crocheting each part of the sunflower: yellow for the petals, brown for the center seed head, and green for the leaves and stem.

3.5 mm crochet hook, Stitch markers

1. The tool for creating the crochet stitches. Stitch markers are essential for marking the beginning of a round to help you keep count while working in circles.

Wooden stick or straw, Stuffing

1. The stick forms a strong, straight stem for the flower. Stuffing (polyfill) is used to plump up the brown center of the flower so it has a nice, full shape.

Darning needle

1. A large-eyed needle used for weaving in the loose ends of yarn and sewing the crocheted pieces together securely.

The first step is to create the pot for your sunflower. You can choose the method that best fits your tools and style:

1. Method A: The Crafted Cardboard Pot (Steps 2-4)
2. This method uses simple, recyclable materials. It's a hands-on, creative process perfect for customizing with any color or pattern you like. Follow the detailed steps below to measure, cut, and assemble your pot from cardboard and paper.
3. Method B: The 3D Printed Pot (Download & Print)
4. For a modern, durable, and weather-resistant finish, you can 3D print the pot directly. I designed this simple, blocky pot in Tinkercad—it's very easy to customize further if you wish!
5. Download the STL file
6. View the design on Tinkercad here

I will now provide the full, detailed instructions for Method A: The Crafted Cardboard Pot.

Part A: Cutting the Main Body Pieces

1. Base: Carefully measure and cut one (1) square piece of cardboard to 4.5 x 4.5 inches. This will be the bottom of your pot.
2. Sides: Now, measure and cut four (4) additional cardboard pieces to 4.5 x 4.5 inches. These will form the four vertical sides of your pot.

Part B: Cutting the Support Rim

1. Reinforcement: To prevent the top of the pot from warping and to give it a more finished, rigid structure, you will create a reinforcing rim.
2. Measure: Cut four (4) long, narrow strips of cardboard, each measuring 4.5 inches long x 1 inch wide.

Pro Tip: Use a metal ruler and a sharp utility knife for the cleanest, most precise cuts. If using scissors, press firmly and make slow, deliberate cuts to avoid bent or frayed edges. Double-check all your measurements before you cut to ensure all pieces are uniform.

Now, we will transform the flat pieces into a three-dimensional pot. The key to a strong build is taking your time to ensure everything is aligned and securely glued.

1. Position the Base: Place your single 4.5 x 4.5 inch cardboard square flat on your work surface. This is the bottom of your pot.
2. Attach the First Side: Run a generous bead of glue along one edge of the base. Take one of your side pieces and press it firmly against this glued edge, ensuring its bottom edge is perfectly flush with the edge of the base. Important: The textured side of the cardboard should face outward if you want a smoother surface for decorating later.
3. Build the Square: Repeat this process for the opposite side, then for the two remaining sides, building your box one piece at a time.
4. Reinforce the Corners: Once all four sides are attached to the base, apply glue along the vertical edges where each side piece meets the next. Fold these edges inward to create a strong, sealed corner. You can use masking tape on the inside of the pot to hold these seams tight while the glue dries for extra strength.
5. Secure and Dry: Use binder clips, clothespins, or heavy books to hold the pieces together firmly while the adhesive sets completely. Do not move on to the next step until the glue is fully dry; this patience ensures a rigid, square box that won't fall apart.
6. 
   

Part A: Wrapping the Main Box

1. Measure and Cut: Lay your chosen colored paper flat. Place your box on its side on the paper and roll it to measure exactly how much paper you need to wrap around the entire box with a small overlap. Cut the paper to this measured length, making the height about 1 inch taller than the box.
2. Apply Adhesive: Spread a thin, even layer of glue over one entire side of the box, or apply strips of double-sided tape to the edges. Carefully wrap the pre-cut paper around the box, smoothing it from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles and wrinkles.
3. Fold the Edges: The extra inch of paper at the top and bottom should be folded neatly over the edge and glued to the inside and the bottom of the box. This creates a clean, finished edge with no visible cardboard.

Part B: Adding the Top Rim

1. Wrap the Strips: Individually wrap each of the four 4.5 x 1 inch cardboard strips in the same colored paper. This ensures every visible part of the pot is decorated.
2. Build the Rim: Apply glue to one of the wrapped strips and carefully attach it to the top inner edge of the pot, so it stands upright like a small wall. Repeat for the remaining three strips, butting the ends together neatly to form a continuous square rim.
3. Reinforce: This rim isn't just for looks; it significantly strengthens the pot's structure and provides the necessary height to hold the soil. Hold each piece in place for a moment to ensure a strong bond.

Pro Tip: For an ultra-clean look, use complementary washi tape or a thin strip of paper to cover the seam where the ends of the main paper wrap meet.

Your pot is now a sturdy, decorative, and finished container, ready to be filled with soil and "planted" with your everlasting crochet sunflower

The sunflower center is made using brown yarn and crochet. Since we want a three-dimensional effect, we will create two identical center pieces.

Instructions for one center piece:

1. Make a magic ring and work 6 single crochets into it. Slip stitch into the first stitch and chain 1.
2. Round 2: 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Slip stitch and chain 1.
3. Round 3: 1 single crochet in the first stitch, 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times (18 stitches). Slip stitch and chain 1.
4. Round 4: 1 single crochet in each of the first 2 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat 6 times (24 stitches). Slip stitch and chain 1.
5. Fasten off and cut the yarn.

Make two identical center pieces. Add a small amount of polyfill between them later to create a fuller, three-dimensional sunflower.

Tip: Keep your stitches tight and even for a neat, symmetrical center.

1. Place the two brown center pieces together, aligning the stitches.
2. Insert your hook through both layers and attach yellow yarn.
3. Chain 3.
4. Make 3 double crochets in the next stitch.
5. Slip stitch into the following stitch. This forms one petal.
6. Repeat this process around the entire center until petals cover the flower.

Before finishing the last petal, gently stuff the center with polyfill to give it volume. Complete the final petal and hide the remaining yarn tail inside the flower using a darning needle.

Leaves are made with green yarn.

1. Chain 10.
2. Second chain from hook: 1 single crochet.
3. Next stitch: 1 half double crochet.
4. Next 2 stitches: 1 double crochet each.
5. Next stitch: 1 treble crochet.
6. Next 2 stitches: 1 double crochet each.
7. Next stitch: 1 half double crochet.
8. Final chain: 3 single crochets to curve the tip.

Work back along the other side of the chain in reverse: 1 Hdc, 2 DC, 1 Tr, 2 DC, 1 Hdc, 1 SC. Slip stitch to the first stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Make 2–3 leaves or more, depending on how full you want the stem to appear.

Tip: Shape the leaves gently with your fingers for a natural curve.

1. Take a wooden stick or straw as the stem. Apply a little glue at the starting point.
2. Wrap green yarn tightly around the stick.
3. Attach the crochet leaves while wrapping, securing them with yarn or a dab of glue.
4. Continue wrapping until the stick is fully covered. Cut the yarn and secure the end.

This creates a realistic stem with attached leaves.

1. Take the sunflower and the prepared stem with leaves.
2. Carefully insert the stem into the back of the sunflower, centering it.
3. Apply glue generously where the stem meets the flower.
4. Hold it in place for a few seconds or place a light weight on top until the glue sets.
5. Let it dry completely before handling to ensure the flower and stem are firmly attached.

Tip: Slightly adjust the flower angle while the glue is wet for a natural appearance.

1. Fill your pot with soil.
2. Carefully insert the sunflower stem into the soil.
3. Press the soil gently around the stem to keep it upright and stable.

Your sunflower pot is now complete, beautifully arranged, and ready to brighten any space.

Your beautiful, maintenance-free sunflower is complete! Now it's time to find the perfect spot for it to brighten up your space. Here are some ideas on how to use and decorate with it:

1. The Perfect Outdoor Companion

1. Balcony Box Hero: Place your pot on a balcony railing, windowsill, or patio table. It adds a guaranteed pop of cheerful yellow that never fades, even in the hottest sun or heaviest rain.
2. Garden Highlight: Tuck it among your real plants in a garden bed or on a porch step. It fills in gaps beautifully and adds height and color while your other plants are still growing.

2. cozy Indoor Decor

1. Sunshine for Your Desk: This flower never needs sunlight! It's a perfect way to add a touch of nature and warmth to your home office, kitchen, or any room that needs a happy accent.
2. A Gift That Lasts: This handmade sunflower makes a wonderful, heartfelt gift for a friend, neighbor, or family member. It's a lasting symbol of friendship and sunshine they can enjoy forever.

Get Creative with Your Pot!

Your pot is a blank canvas. Instead of colored paper, try decorating it with:

1. Paint: Use acrylic paints to create patterns, like simple stripes or polka dots.
2. Twine: Glue natural jute twine around the pot for a rustic, farmhouse look.
3. Washi Tape: Use decorative tapes for easy, removable designs.

And there you have it! You've created a lasting piece of sunshine that combines craft and technology. You now have a forever flower to enjoy, gift, and display anywhere you like—no watering required