Clay pots aren’t just for planting anymore, they’re a blank canvas for creativity. Whether you’ve got a stack of chipped terracotta planters gathering dust or a few extras from your last garden project, don’t toss them!
With a little imagination, these humble pots can transform into whimsical décor, practical garden helpers, or charming indoor accents.
This list of 20 clever upcycled clay pot ideas is packed with personality and inspiration for every style. Grab your paintbrush, some glue, and let’s turn those old pots into something truly amazing!
This DIY garden lighthouse combines function and style using a solar light and bold red-and-white paint for a coastal vibe.
Step 1: Paint all the pots white. Once dry, add red bands around the rims and let dry again. Apply two coats for a clean, bold look.
Step 2: Stack and glue the pots upside-down from largest to smallest. Make sure each pot is centered before the glue sets.
Step 3: Glue the saucer upside-down on top of the smallest pot. Then secure the solar light (without its base) into the center of the saucer using glue.
Step 4: Paint windows and a door using black paint. Use a round object to trace circles or freehand with a steady brush. Add cross lines inside the windows for that nautical feel.
Step 5: Seal the entire lighthouse with a clear weatherproof spray once fully dry.
Whether you're building a fairy garden or just want to brighten your patio, this DIY project is pure magic, super affordable, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to draw smiles from everyone who sees it.
Step 1: Paint the entire clay pot white and let it dry completely. Then paint the saucer blue to mimic the mushroom cap. Allow drying time.
Step 2: Add large white polka dots on the blue saucer. On the pot, paint windows, a curved wooden door, and some stone detailing. Use black for outlines and details to enhance the cartoon effect.
Step 3: Add flower and grass designs around the base using green and bright colors for a cheerful garden scene. Let everything dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Place the saucer upside down on top of the pot to create the mushroom top.
Add some star-spangled charm to your porch or garden with this adorable upcycled clay pot wind chime. It’s a fun, affordable craft that turns plain terra cotta into a festive piece of Americana art.
Step 1: Paint the large clay pot navy blue. Once dry, use a stencil or star stickers to paint white stars evenly around it. Let it dry completely before sealing with a gloss spray.
Step 2: Paint the five smaller pots with alternating red and white horizontal stripes. Apply two coats if needed for bold, even color. Finish with clear gloss sealer spray.
Step 3: Cut a piece of twine about 2 feet long. Thread it through all the clay pots, starting from the largest (on top) down to the smallest. Tie a knot below each pot to hold it in place and keep the spacing even.
Step 4: Tie the bell securely at the bottom of the twine so it hangs just below the last pot. Add a dab of hot glue to hold the knot if needed.
Step 5: Glue a red gingham ribbon at the top of the large pot to create a cute bow. Hang your wind chime from a hook or tree branch and enjoy the patriotic melody!
Covered in an eclectic mix of beads, it brings a playful and artsy vibe to any space, perfect for kids’ rooms, creative studios, or just brightening up your plant shelf.
Step 1: Clean the outer surface of the clay pot thoroughly and let it dry completely before starting.
Step 2: Working in small sections, brush on a layer of strong glue. Begin placing beads one by one, pressing gently to secure. Mix colors and shapes freely for a vibrant, mosaic-like look.
Step 3: Continue gluing and pressing beads around the pot until the entire outer surface is covered. Let the pot sit upright and dry fully.
Step 4: (Optional) Once the glue has cured, spray the entire surface with a clear waterproof sealant to help preserve the desig.
This adorable chef-themed clay pot is more than just a kitchen decoration, it’s a clever utensil holder full of personality.
Step 1: Paint the top rim of the medium pot white (chef’s hat) and the lower body area white with a black base to create the chef’s uniform. Let dry completely.
Step 2: Add facial features on the upper portion of the pot using fine brushes, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth and a red tongue for a cheerful expression.
Step 3: Paint uniform details, like a collar and coat outline, using black paint. Glue or paint black buttons down the center.
Step 4: Attach the mini clay pots on each side using short pieces of twine knotted at the ends, or glue them in place as the “arms.”
Turn your garden into a peaceful retreat with this charming upcycled bird bath made from clay pots.
Step 1: Clean all pots thoroughly and let them dry. Apply a base coat of white outdoor paint to each pot and saucer. Let dry completely.
Step 2: Use floral stencils and your favorite paint colors to decorate each pot. Allow all painted surfaces to dry, then apply a clear sealant to protect against weather.
Step 3: Flip the largest pot upside-down as the base. Glue the next smaller pot on top, also upside-down. Repeat with the third pot, creating a tiered pillar. Let the glue set completely.
Step 4: Glue the saucer on top of the final pot. Fill the saucer with blue glass pebbles and nestle a decorative bird into the center for a playful touch.
Turning a shattered clay pot into a magical miniature fairy garden is pure joy. It transforms a gardening mishap into a storybook world filled with succulents, tiny mushrooms, and a whimsical fairy house.
Step 1: Position your largest broken pot inside a base saucer. Tilt one of the intact smaller pots inside it for height and layering. Use potting soil and drainage rocks to stabilize and fill the space.
Step 2: Start placing miniature décor like the fairy house at the top of your layered garden. Add succulents around it, focusing on tiers, textures, and color contrast.
Step 3: Use broken clay shards, bricks, or bark chips to craft a “staircase” spiraling up toward the fairy home. Fill small gaps with moss or pebbles to anchor the scene.
Step 4: Add finishing touches like tiny mushrooms, beads, or twinkling lights.
This cheerful stacked clay pot planter doesn’t just house your favorite plants, it welcomes everyone to your home with a heartfelt message.
Step 1: Paint all three pots in your chosen base color. Use two coats if needed, and allow each to dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Add your lettering. Use vinyl decals or a stencil with black paint to spell “HOME,” “SWEET,” and “HOME” across each pot, from smallest to largest. Let the paint dry fully.
Step 3: Stack the pots. Fill the largest pot with soil, place the medium-sized pot off-center on top, and repeat for the smallest pot. This staggered stacking creates planting space on each level.
Step 4: Add potting soil and arrange your plants in each layer. Mix colorful flowers with easy-care succulents or cacti. Add decorative stones, painted rocks, or mini garden signs for extra flair.
This charming DIY bird feeder made from upcycled clay pots invites feathered friends to dine in style.
Step 1: Stack one clay pot upside-down on the saucer and glue it if needed. This creates the base and seed tray. Place the second pot right-side-up on top to form a chamber that holds seed and gives shelter.
Step 2: Drill a hole through the center of the saucer and pots (if not pre-made). Thread the metal rod or hanging cable through the center holes, placing a washer and nut between each component to secure them in place.
Step 3: Attach a small decorative bird on top or leave it simple. Tighten everything securely, ensuring the pots don't shift or sway too much when hanging.
Step 4: Fill the bottom saucer with birdseed and hang the feeder from a sturdy hook in your garden or balcony.
This adorable DIY Christmas gnome, made entirely from stacked clay pots, is the perfect whimsical addition to your holiday decor.
Step 1: Paint the two medium pots green to form the gnome's body. Paint the small pots red to form the hat. Let everything dry completely before continuing.
Step 2: Stack the pots upside down with the two red ones on top (hat) and the two green ones below (body). Use strong adhesive between layers to keep them stable.
Step 3: Use white paint to create a beard shape on the front of the green pot. Add snowflakes to the red pot using a stencil or freehand design.
Step 4: Glue the wooden knob where the beard meets the hat as the gnome’s nose. Paint it beige or leave it natural.
Step 5: Attach the foam ball to the top of the hat as a pom-pom. Optionally, seal the whole piece with a waterproof clear spray.
These hand-poured clay pot candles are a cozy, charming way to breathe new life into small terracotta planters.
Step 1: Clean and paint your pots using floral patterns, dots, or soft geometric designs. Let them dry fully for 2–3 hours.
Step 2: Glue a wick to the center bottom of each pot. Hold it upright with a wick holder or clothespin balanced across the rim.
Step 3: Melt wax in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals until fully liquid. Stir in your fragrance oil, if using.
Step 4: Slowly pour the wax into each pot, leaving about ½ inch from the rim. Let it cool and set undisturbed for several hours.
Step 5: Trim the wicks to about ¼ inch, light up, and enjoy your custom handmade candle décor.
This adorable strawberry-themed wind chime brings a splash of color and joy to any garden, porch, or balcony.
Step 1: Paint all pots red and let them dry. Add small white dots on each one for the strawberry “seeds.” Use green paint on the top rim of each pot to mimic leaves. Let dry completely.
Step 2: On the largest pot, paint a happy cartoon face with black and white paint. Add a pink tongue and expressive eyes. Seal all painted pots with outdoor spray sealant for durability.
Step 3: Cut four equal lengths of nylon cord. Tie one end of each cord to the drainage holes of the mini pots. Thread the other ends through the hole in the large pot from the inside. Secure with knots inside to hang evenly.
Step 4: (Optional) Tie a bell or bead inside the large pot to add sound. Tie a loop on top for hanging.
With hand-painted details, braided yarn “dreads,” and a dash of whimsy, it brings adventure and a cheeky charm to any garden shelf or porch corner.
Step 1: Paint the largest pot to resemble the pirate’s outfit, navy jacket, white shirt, leather belt, and facial features on the front. Let each layer dry fully before adding details.
Step 2: Use red paint to create a bandana around the rim, then glue black yarn strands around the edge of the pot to mimic dreadlocks. Add beads to some strands for a pirate-perfect touch.
Step 3: Paint the two medium pots to look like sleeves, and the two smallest ones black to resemble boots. Use brown paint to add a belt or strap effect for realism.
Step 4: Attach the arm pots to either side using twine, and the leg pots to the base through holes with knots inside to keep them secure.
Step 5: Place a small plant into the top pot to complete your pirate’s leafy “hair.” Use clear sealant if displaying outdoors.
It's a brilliant space-saving solution for patios or porches and doubles as hidden storage if you leave the top loose.
Step 1: Clean the terra cotta pot and saucer thoroughly. Let them dry completely before painting.
Step 2: Use painter’s tape if you want a clean color line, like a band around the rim. Paint the saucer and the rim of the pot. Let dry, then add a second coat if needed.
Step 3: Once dry, spray a clear sealant over both painted surfaces to protect them from moisture and fading.
Step 4: Place the saucer upside down as the tabletop. You can glue it for stability or leave it loose to store small outdoor items inside.
This succulent wreath is a showstopper for any front door or garden wall. Combining upcycled terracotta pots with a lush mix of faux and real succulents, it brings earthy elegance and textural beauty.
Step 1: Lightly dry-brush the outer surfaces of the clay pots with white acrylic paint to give them a weathered, rustic look. Let them dry completely.
Step 2: Attach the mini pots to the wreath base using strong floral wire or hot glue. Tilt and overlap the pots in varied directions for a more natural, layered look. Space them evenly around the wreath form, leaving room for greenery.
Step 3: Begin inserting your succulents into the pots. Use hot glue to secure faux succulents, or potting mix if using real ones (especially air plants or trailing varieties). Mix up colors and shapes for visual interest.
Step 4: Tuck bits of moss between the pots and greenery to hide visible wires or glue and add extra dimension.
Step 5: Tie a sturdy twine or decorative ribbon at the top and hang your masterpiece proudly on your door, gate, or wall!
This charming garden lady sculpture made from terra cotta pots brings a touch of whimsy and personality to your backyard.
Step 1: Place the largest clay pot upside down as the base for the body.
Step 2: Stack the medium pot upright on top of the large one for the torso. You can secure it with glue or leave it as is for easy disassembly.
Step 3: Add the small round pot or ball on top as the head. Glue in place for stability.
Step 4: Create arms by stringing together the small pots with twine, then attach each arm to the torso pot. Angle them for a natural hanging effect.
Step 5: Make a hat using an inverted small pot topped with a saucer. Place or glue it on the head.
Step 6: Tie a scarf or piece of fabric around the neck to give it character and warmth.
Step 7: Add accessories like a hanging bucket, flowers, or paint details if desired.
Don’t toss that broken pot, turn it into a rustic herb marker! This simple yet clever garden label not only recycles clay shards but adds charm to your garden beds.
Step 1: Choose a large enough piece of the broken clay pot with a curved surface to write on. Clean the dirt and dust thoroughly.
Step 2: Using a permanent marker or paint pen, carefully write the name of the herb you’re growing. Add doodles, borders, or flowers for personality.
Step 3: Let the ink dry fully. If desired, apply a coat of clear sealant to protect your design from rain or fading.
This sculpture-like creation feels like something you'd spot in a whimsical botanical garden and you can make it with just pots, moss, and glue.
Step 1: Set your sphere on a stable surface. Begin by hot-gluing or bonding the terracotta pots onto the sphere’s surface, tilting them outward and spacing them evenly as you go.
Step 2: Once the glue is dry and all pots are secure, gently tuck moss into the gaps between pots. This fills the space and gives the whole thing a natural, earthy texture.
I never thought I'd fall in love with a border, but here we are. These upside-down mini terracotta pots make such a charming, earthy edging for flower beds.
Step 1: Choose the section of your garden bed you'd like to edge. Dig a shallow trench along the border—just deep enough to secure the pot rims.
Step 2: Place a thin layer of sand or gravel in the trench if your soil is soft or uneven.
Step 3: Set each pot upside down in the trench, snugly side by side. Press them gently into the ground to stabilize.
Whether you're looking to brighten a dull area or give your front yard some personality, this upcycled piece does it with flair and on a budget!
Step 1: Clean the terracotta pots thoroughly and let them dry. Lay out a drop cloth to prep your painting area.
Step 2: Paint each pot in a different vibrant rainbow color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Allow each one to dry between coats, and apply a clear sealant to make them weather-resistant.
Step 3: Insert the metal stake into the ground where you'd like to display your totem. Begin stacking the pots upside-down, alternating their direction for a playful zigzag look. Use beads in between pots to prevent them from sticking or tipping.
Step 4: Once all pots are in place, adjust them slightly to create a spiraled, dynamic design. Add a decorative topper or finial if desired.
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