There’s something timeless and humble about terracotta pots. You’ve probably walked past stacks of them at garden centers without thinking twice.
I used to do the same until one lazy Sunday, I grabbed a few forgotten pots from the shed and turned them into the centerpiece of my backyard. That small, spontaneous project snowballed into a love for terracotta DIYs.
They’re surprisingly versatile and perfect for more than just holding plants. Whether you want to build a fairy garden, a tipsy tower, or even a bird feeder, these genius ideas will breathe personality into your outdoor space.
#1. Terracotta Totem Towers
If you’ve ever had a growing collection of mismatched terracotta pots gathering moss behind your shed, here’s a brilliant way to turn them into a dramatic garden feature.
These stacked totem-like towers add vertical interest to your space while blending in with the earthy palette of your plants. Morover, they’ll make your garden feel more curated and quietly bold.
Materials Needed
- 8 to 10 metal rebar rods (½-inch thick, 5 to 7 feet long each)
- 80 to 120 terracotta pots (4–6 inch diameter, various heights)
- Hammer or mallet
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a stable, level patch of garden soil near a wall or fence, then hammer each rebar rod at least 12-18 inches into the ground so they stand firmly upright.
Step 2: Begin stacking terracotta pots upside-down over each rod. Alternate the pot shapes if you want a more varied texture, or go uniform for a sleek look.
Step 3: Stack until you reach the desired height, usually 3 to 5 feet is visually striking without toppling risk. You can finish each rod with an upright pot at the top for a capped look.
#2. Tiered Terracotta Fountain Planter for Succulents
This beautiful arrangement looks like a fountain that chose to bloom instead of bubble. If you’ve got unused pots of various sizes, you can build your own tiered garden centerpiece
And the best part is that you don’t need a pump, plumbing, or a big budget. Just a bit of creativity and a love for soft greens and sculptural plants.
Materials Needed
- 1 large terracotta pot (12-14″ tall)
- 3-4 wide shallow terracotta bowls (10″ to 18″ diameter)
- 1 medium terracotta pot (8-10″)
- High-quality succulent soil mix
- Assorted succulents (approx. 20-30 small plants)
- Gravel or small stones
- Optional: landscaping rocks or pebbles
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a flat spot in your garden and lay down gravel or stones to create a neat base (optional but helps with drainage and appearance).
Step 2: Flip the large pot upside down as your pedestal. Place the largest bowl on top, filling it halfway with gravel, then succulent soil.
Step 3: Place the next smaller pot in the center of that bowl, upright this time, and top it with the next bowl. Repeat as many tiers as you’d like.
Step 4: Fill each bowl with soil and begin planting your succulents. You can cluster different colors and textures for a full, vibrant look.
#3. Broken Pot Fairy Garden
This upcycled planter is perfect for sparking a child’s imagination nd yes, adults too. It’s one of those quiet, happy projects where creativity flows as naturally as water.
Materials Needed
- 1 large terracotta pot
- Smaller intact pot or bowls
- Potting soil
- Miniature furniture and accessories (tiny tools, chairs, figurines, etc.)
- Small flowers, succulents, and creeping ground covers
- Pebbles, moss, or bark chips
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: If using an unbroken pot, carefully crack one side to create an open face. Then place it inside another large base pot if needed for support and soil containment.
Step 2: Layer smaller pots inside the broken pot to create levels or platforms. Now, you want to fill the spaces with soil and tamp gently to hold everything in place.
Step 3: Add tiny steps using broken shard pieces, bark, or pebbles.
Step 4: Plant creeping greenery and petite flowers to bring the world to life. Then decorate with your miniature fairy garden accessories.
#4. Hanging Terracotta Pot Bird Feeder Chandelier
Who knew old flower pots and twine could become something so poetic? This hanging bird feeder looks like it belongs in an enchanted garden.
Furthermore, you can easily visit birds and get front-row seats to daily visits from finches, sparrows, and chickadees.
Materials Needed
- 8 small terracotta pots (3-4″)
- 1 wooden crossbar
- Thick rope
- Twine
- Hot glue (optional)
- Birdseed, berries, nuts, or suet balls
- Decorative natural elements (optional: dried berries, leaves, twigs)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Tie a thick rope securely around the center of your wood crossbar. Then hang it from a tree branch or hook where birds feel safe but visible.
Step 2: Cut equal lengths of twine and knot one end inside the drainage hole of each pot. You can let them dangle at slightly varied heights for a whimsical touch.
Step 3: Tie the other ends of the twine evenly along the wood beam so the pots hang slightly tilted forward.
Step 4: Fill the pots with a mix of birdseed, dried berries, or cracked nuts.
#5. Terracotta-Pot Insect Hotel
Designed with compartments of wood, bark, hay, pinecones, and hollow stems, this project mimics the diverse nooks insects naturally seek. The terracotta pots serve both as framing supports and cozy hideaways.
If you care about biodiversity, this project is a quiet act of stewardship and it’s a joy to build as each section becomes its own little world.
Materials Needed
- 4 large terracotta pots (6-8″)
- Wooden planks
- Old bricks or pavers
- Hollow bamboo sticks, logs with holes, pinecones, bark, straw, dry grass
- Chicken wire
- Roof tiles or curved pots
- Basic tools: hammer, nails, wire cutters, saw
- Optional: clay bricks with drilled holes
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Create a stable base using bricks or cinder blocks. Stack your wood planks in layers, alternating with different filler materials (bamboo, logs, pinecones, etc.) to build tiers.
Step 2: Use terracotta pots in each corner or tier as structural elements or tuck them inside sections filled with hay to provide cool, shaded spots.
Step 3: Secure loose materials with chicken wire and staple it to the wood, then leave gaps for airflow and small entries.
Step 4: Top off the hotel with a protective roof and recycled tiles or half pots work perfectly to shield from rain. You can even grow moss or herbs on top.
#6. Rainbow Terracotta Pot Garden Chime
This colorful vertical stack is like a rainbow frozen mid-fall and a great way to upcycle cracked or mismatched pots.
Specially, you can combine color, motion, and a touch of whimsy to make your project feel personal and joyful.
Materials Needed
- 7 small terracotta pots (4-inch size)
- Acrylic paint in rainbow colors + clear outdoor sealant
- 1 long metal rod (at least 3-4 feet long)
- Wooden beads
- Strong twine
- Shepherd’s hook
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint each pot a different color of the rainbow using acrylic paints. Let them dry fully, then coat with clear sealant to protect them from weather.
Step 2: Thread your base line Through the drainage holes of each pot, spacing them apart with beads, washers, or knots.
Step 3: Tie a secure knot or place a bead under each pot to hold it in place and create a suspended, bell-like effect. You can add extra beads or ornaments at the bottom for fun.
Step 4: Attach the top of your line to a hook or shepherd’s pole and hang it in your desired garden spot.
#7. Leaning Terracotta Pot Sculptures On Bamboo Sticks
If you’ve ever found a few leftover plant stakes and some small clay pots lying around, this is your sign to turn them into something whimsical.
These leaning terracotta sculptures, stacked along bamboo poles, bring a playful rhythm to your green space. Also, it’s the kind of thing that makes passersby stop and smile.
Materials Needed
- 5-7 bamboo garden stakes (length: 3-5 feet)
- 10-15 small terracotta pots (3-4″)
- A small rubber mallet
- Optional: paint or waterproof sealer
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a sunny garden spot with soil soft enough to anchor the bamboo stakes. Then, push each stake into the ground, making sure they stand firmly upright.
Step 2: Take your terracotta pots and gently slide them onto the stakes through their drainage holes. Tilt each one at a different angle to create that fun, tumbling effect.
Step 3: Alternate the sizes or colors if you have them, and don’t worry if they look uneven as it’s part of the charm.
Step 4: Nestle the pots into the surrounding plants or mulch, so the whole piece blends naturally into your garden bed.
#8. Stacked Terracotta Totems
These rustic garden totems blend beautifully into a wildflower patch, adding shape, contrast, and curiosity without needing flashy colors or complicated design.
In addition, these are a gardener’s version of outdoor poetry. They stand tall among your blooms, gently weathered by time, whispering stories of seasons past.
Materials Needed
- 4 to 6 metal rods (length: 4-6 ft)
- 20-30 small to medium terracotta pots (4″-6″)
- Mallet or hammer
- Gardening gloves
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start by driving each metal rod into the soil, deep enough to hold the weight of several pots.
Step 2: Slide the terracotta pots one by one onto the rod, tilting each slightly to alternate direction. Let some lean left, others right as it’s the uneven rhythm that gives these totems their quirky elegance.
Step 3: Vary the pot sizes and even stack two back-to-back for a fuller visual. Then leave space between some for a touch of negative space.
#9. Terracotta Pot Edging
You can see the visual rhythm of gradually increasing pot sizes draws the eye, while the clay tones blend seamlessly with soil, bark, and greenery. It’s one of those tiny touches that makes your garden feel more personal, more lived-in.
Materials Needed
- 15-20 terracotta pots in various sizes
- Small shovel
- Optional: mulch or bark
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose the edge of your garden bed that you want to define as this works best along curves or corners.
Step 2: Partially bury the base of each pot into the soil, tilting them slightly forward. Start with your smallest pots and increase the size gradually for a fun, tapered effect.
Step 3: Nestle the pots closely together, letting them touch or slightly overlap. Alternate angles for visual texture.
#10. Froggy Friend Planter
Oh my god, this cheerful frog isn’t just hopping cute, it’s the kind of project that makes both your garden and your heart a little brighter.
Kids love it, guests smile at it, and honestly, I still grin every time I pass mine by. If you’ve got a few leftover pots and a paintbrush, you’re halfway there.
Materials Needed
- 1 large terracotta pot (approx. 10-12 inches)
- 6 small terracotta pots (approx. 4-6 inches)
- 2 mini pots (2-3 inches)
- Acrylic paint (greens, white, black, yellow, etc.)
- Clear outdoor sealant
- Hot glue
- Optional: foam or plastic base
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean and dry all the pots thoroughly. Begin painting your base coat with green for the body and limbs. Then add polka dots, belly flower, and big round eyes using white and black paint.
Step 2: Stack and glue the smaller pots at angles to create the frog’s arms and legs. Next, glue the eye pots on top of the body pot, facing slightly outward.
Step 3: Seal everything with a weatherproof finish, then let dry completely before placing it outdoors.
#11. Whimsical Butterfly Bath Using Painted Terracotta Pots
This butterfly bath is one of those feel-good projects that blends charm, color, and care for pollinators. Made from stacked terracotta pots and saucers, brightly painted and topped with sweet rock, this DIY bath is adorable and purposeful.
I believe you’ll love how easily it comes together. It feels like a craft day collided with a cartoon garden and left behind a gift for butterflies.
Materials Needed
- 2 medium terracotta pots (8-10″)
- 1 terracotta saucer (10-12″)
- 1 small terracotta pot (3–4″)
- 3 smooth garden stones
- Acrylic paints + paintbrushes
- Outdoor sealant spray
- Waterproof adhesive
- Water or sugar water
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Flip one terracotta pot upside down, and glue the second pot (also upside down) directly on top to create the pedestal. Add the small pot on top if you’d like a second tier.
Step 2: Paint the base with fun patterns like mushrooms, butterflies, ladybugs or whatever makes you smile.
Step 3: Paint your stones with bold, colorful insect faces or wings. You can add eyes, stripes, or even tiny antennae, then seal them as well so they’ll weather outdoors.
Step 4: Glue the saucer to the top of the stack. Once dry, place your painted bugs in the dish and fill with water just enough to touch the rocks.
#12. Terracotta Pot Person Planter
This delightful pot person isn’t just a plant holder—it’s a full-blown garden companion. With a head full of greenery and limbs made entirely from stacked clay pots, it’s the kind of project that turns your garden into a whimsical storybook scene. It’s playful, it’s unexpected, and it’s guaranteed to make passersby smile. Whether placed on a bench, near your front porch, or tucked into a flowerbed, this terracotta figure feels like a living sculpture—one you can shape and personalize however you like.
Materials Needed
- 2 large terracotta pots (approx. 12-14″)
- 1 medium pot (10-12″)
- 28 small pots (4″ size)
- Sturdy twine (around 8–10 ft.)
- Potting soil and cascading plant
- Spanish moss
- Old shoes
- Optional: wire or wood dowel
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start by creating arms and legs. Thread the twine through the drainage holes of four small pots (bottom to bottom), tying knots in between to hold spacing. You need to do this four times for two arms, two legs.
Step 2: Tie one arm and one leg to each side of the large body pot. Then use moss to cushion the joints and hide twine.
Step 3: Flip the medium pot upside down and place it on top of the body pot as the head.
Step 4: Set your figure on a garden bench or seat. Position the arms and legs naturally, tucking the feet into an old pair of boots for extra personality.
#13. Succulent Wreath Wall Art with Terracotta Pots
By arranging aged terracotta pots in a circular form, you create a wreath that breathes life into brick or wooden walls. Each pot holds its own tiny ecosystem, bursting with jade, echeveria, haworthia, or string of pearls.
Materials Needed
- 16-20 small terracotta pots (3-4″)
- Circular wreath frame (approx. 24″ diameter)
- Heavy-duty zip ties
- Succulents of various shapes and sizes
- Potting mix
- Sphagnum moss or coco liner (optional)
- Weather-resistant spray paint or sealer (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Position your wire frame flat and test-fit the pots in a circular shape.
Step 2: Use wire or zip ties to secure each pot tightly to the frame. Then wrap around the pot’s neck or drainage hole. For added grip, layer with moss between pot and frame.
Step 3: Fill each pot with succulent soil and gently plant your chosen succulents
#14. Tipsy Tower of Terracotta Planters
Perfect for filling with bright annuals or trailing greenery, this tower instantly becomes a focal point that feels both fun and artistic. It’s easier to build than it looks, and once it’s in place, you’ll catch neighbors slowing down just to admire it.
Materials Needed
- 1 large terracotta pot (at least 12-14″ wide)
- 4-5 medium terracotta pots (8-10″)
- 1 sturdy metal rod (at least 4-5 ft. long)
- Potting soil
- Assorted flowers or trailing plants
- Optional: butterfly or garden stake topper
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Insert the metal rod firmly into the ground at least 12–18 inches deep to ensure stability. Then place the large base pot over the rod and fill it with soil.
Step 2: Thread the first tilted pot onto the rod, letting it rest at an angle on the soil inside the base pot. You need to add soil and a few flowers before moving on to the next.
Step 3: Repeat the process, angling each pot in the opposite direction of the one below to create the stacked, tipsy look. As you build upward, the rod will thread through all pots to keep them secure.
Step 4: Plant flowers or cascading greens in each pot. You can also top it off with a butterfly stake or whimsical accent for extra flair.
#15. Floral Terracotta Pot Wind Chime
This is the kind of decor that makes your tree branches smile. You can paint the pots with floral motifs or let your kids join in for a more playful version. Either way, it’s a joyful project that welcomes every breeze with color and sparkle.
Materials Needed
- 1 medium terracotta pot (6-8″)
- 4-5 mini terracotta pots (2–3″ size)
- Acrylic paint + clear outdoor sealer
- Assorted beads (plastic, crystal, or glass)
- Nylon thread, fishing line, or thin wire (about 6 ft.)
- Hot glue
- Metal ring
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint your pots with flower designs or patterns using acrylics. Let them dry fully, then seal with a clear topcoat to protect from weather.
Step 2: Cut lengths of fishing line or thread. String your beads, adding a mix of sizes and textures for a cascading look. At the end of each line, tie on a small pot and secure with a knot and glue.
Step 3: Thread the other end of each beaded strand through the drainage holes of the large pot and knot securely inside.
Step 4: Add a final loop or metal ring at the top for hanging.
#16. Terracotta Pot Solar Lights
When the sun dips below the horizon and your garden begins to glow, it feels a little more magical. I made a few to dot around our evening seating area. It’s amazing how something so simple can shift the entire mood of a space.
Materials Needed
- 3-5 terracotta pots (6–8 inches in height)
- 3-5 small solar path lights
- Small pebbles
- Optional: sand or soil
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean the pots and let them dry fully. Make sure they sit flat on the ground or tabletop.
Step 2: Insert each solar light into the center of a pot. If the stem is short, add a bit of soil or sand to raise it.
Step 3: Surround the light base with pebbles, packing them tightly to secure the light in place.
Step 4: Set your solar pots where they’ll catch at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
#17. Terracotta Pot People
These adorable terracotta pot people look like they walked straight out of a children’s storybook and found a cozy spot on your garden steps.
In addition, each one is painted with a bright personality, complete with rosy cheeks, expressive eyes, and cute shoes made from mini pots. They will make you smile every time you pass by.
Materials Needed
- 2 large terracotta pots
- 4 small pots per figure
- Acrylic paint (various colors) + paintbrushes
- Strong twine
- Clear outdoor sealant (optional)
- Soil and plants for the top pot
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint each pot with a friendly face, colorful clothes, and cute accents. Let them dry completely before assembling.
Step 2: Use twine or wire to string together the small pots as arms and legs, then attach them securely to the body pot.
Step 3: Stack the smaller pot (head) on top of the body, fill with soil, and plant your favorite “hair” (like trailing flowers or herbs).
#18. Mini Hobbit Garden Hideout With Terracotta Pots
The moment I saw it, I knew it had to be more than just decor, it felt like building a secret hideaway for imaginary forest creatures. It’s perfect for rainy-day creativity with kids or just adding a dash of whimsy to your container garden.
Materials Needed
- 1 shallow terracotta dish (about 8-10 inches wide)
- 1 small terracotta pot (3-4 inches tall)
- Potting soil
- Grass or microgreen seeds
- Small river stones
- Optional: mini fairy garden items
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Place the terracotta pot on its side in the center of the shallow dish.
Step 2: Pack potting soil around and over the top of the pot to form a little hill, then firm the soil gently with your hands.
Step 3: Sprinkle grass or microgreen seeds over the soil, pressing them lightly in. Next, water gently to moisten the top layer.
Step 4: Add river stones or a few pebbles around the entrance for a natural, polished look.
#19. Terracotta Honeycomb Sphere
At first glance, it looks like a modern art piece nestled in the garden. But look a little closer, and you’ll notice how beautifully it blends structure with nature.
I built one of these last spring using leftover mini pots, and it’s become the most talked-about piece in my garden. Friends think it came from a fancy garden store.
Materials Needed
- 20-30 small terracotta pots (3-5 inches wide)
- 1 medium-sized foam ball (12-16 inches)
- Hot glue gun
- Dried moss
- Optional: garden stakes
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a lightweight ball as your base, something round and firm that can support the weight of pots.
Step 2: Begin gluing pots around the sphere, open ends facing outward. Then leave a little space between each to tuck in moss later.
Step 3: Once all pots are attached, fill the gaps between them with clumps of moss.
Step 4: Set your sphere in a sunny patch or under a tree for contrast. Over time, the moss may even grow and blend naturally with its surroundings.
#20. Broken Pot Herb Marker
Don’t toss those cracked pots just yet. This project turns garden accidents into charming, rustic herb markers. Here, the rim of a broken terracotta pot has been repurposed to label a lush patch of parsley, blending seamlessly into the soil like a natural garden sign.
Materials Needed
- 1 broken terracotta pot rim (you can break one purposefully if needed)
- Paint pen
- Soil and your chosen herb (e.g., parsley, basil, thyme)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a pot rim with a wide, visible surface. Then wash and dry it thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust.
Step 2: Use a marker or paint pen to write the name of the herb. You can add simple doodles or floral motifs if you want a more playful feel.
Step 3: Gently push the rim into the soil next to the herb plant, making sure it’s secure and slightly tilted forward for visibility.
#21. Rustic Pebble and Stick Planter
This terracotta pot got a full spa day, it’s been wrapped in polished pebbles and topped with an adorable wooden twig trim. Whether you’re growing herbs, flowers, or even peas, it makes for a beautiful patio or balcony centerpiece.
Materials Needed
- 1 large terracotta pot
- Assorted polished river rocks (approximately 2-4 lbs)
- Short wooden sticks or twigs, trimmed evenly (2-3 inches long)
- Hot glue gun
- Potting soil
- Seeds or young plants of your choice
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Clean the outside of the terracotta pot, then start by gluing river rocks around the pot, working from the bottom up. Press each stone firmly in place.
Step 2: Once you reach the top, glue the short wooden sticks vertically along the rim for a fence-like finish.
Step 3: Allow the glue to dry and cure fully before filling the pot with soil.
Step 4: Plant your herbs, flowers, or veggies and water them in well.
