Ever look at a stack of old plant pots and wonder what in the world to do with them? I did, too. After a bit of brainstorming (and a few cups of coffee), I came up with a fun and quirky solution: turning them into a lighthouse! Not only did this project breathe new life into those dusty plastic pots, but it also added a charming touch to my garden. And honestly? It was easier than I thought. Let me walk you through it.
What You’ll Need
- Four plant pots of descending sizes
- White and red acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Black paint for details
- Hot glue gun
- A small solar-powered lantern
- Twine rope
Step By Step Guide
The first step in this adventure is choosing your pots. You’ll need four that fit snugly inside one another, from largest to smallest. Think of it like building a sandcastle tower—each level needs a solid base. If your pots are too smooth, like some of mine were, you might want to sand them down a bit. This helps the paint stick better and saves you a lot of frustration down the road and make your life so much easier later on.
Next up is painting. Start with a white base coat. Trust me, don’t skip on this step. I learned the hard way that rushing the base coat can lead to streaky, uneven patches. Two coats usually do the trick—just make sure to let each layer dry completely before adding the next. Picture it as giving your pots a fresh canvas to work on.
Here’s where the lighthouse really starts to come to life. Paint the upper portion of each pot in a vibrant red, but keep that rim white for that classic lighthouse look. If you’re like me, you’ll find this part oddly satisfying as you see your pots transform into something completely different. Don’t forget to paint the bottom of the top pot red as well—this little detail makes the final assembly look polished.
Time to add the windows! I went with simple black squares, outlined in white to give them a framed look.
Now, I’ll admit, my first few attempts at painting straight lines were, well, not so straight. But you know what? Those little imperfections add character. After all, no lighthouse is perfect, right? Plus, they make the project feel more handmade—because it is!.
Now, for the grand assembly. This is the moment when your pots officially become a lighthouse. Grab your hot glue gun and start stacking, largest to smallest. Be generous with the glue—especially if your pots have a mind of their own like mine did. Make sure each pot is centered and stable before moving on to the next. There’s nothing worse than finishing your project, only to have it topple over because one pot was off-kilter. Trust me on this one.
What’s a lighthouse without its beacon? For the top, I used a small solar-powered lantern that I found at the hardware store. If yours doesn’t detach, you might need to drill a hole in the top pot to secure it. I was lucky enough to find one that fit perfectly, so I just glued the top portion right on. That little light at the top really brings the whole thing together, and it glows beautifully at night, adding a magical touch to your garden.
Finally, let’s talk about the finishing touches. I wrapped twine around the seams where the pots meet to hide any gaps and add a bit of rustic charm. This small detail ties everything together—literally and figuratively.
The twine gives the lighthouse a cozy, nautical feel, almost like something you’d find in a seaside cottage. It’s those little extras that make your DIY project stand out.
-
And there you have it—your very own lighthouse made from old plant pots! This project is not just a great way to repurpose things you might otherwise throw away, but it also adds a unique, handmade element to your garden or home. Whether you place it on a windowsill, in your garden, or on your terrace, this lighthouse is sure to be a conversation starter. So, grab those old pots and get crafting—you’ll be surprised at what you can create with a bit of imagination and a lot of love.
