For years, I've seen cute little mini "paper mache" baskets in gift shops in the spring. But what I didn't know is that they are not paper mache at all, but made with peat pots. Yes, the same peat pots gardeners start their seeds in.
This epiphany started one day at the grocery store when I picked up some peat pots for my son to start some tomato plants seeds with (DO NOT go looking for a post on how to grow tomatoes from seeds, because THAT whole experiment was a complete and utter failure).
All of a sudden a light bulb came on in my head. These were the the little basket things I had seen at gift shops and antique stores.
This spring peat pot craft is so darn easy you are going to hit yourself over the head with a gardening trowel for not having made these yourself before now.
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I found my peat pots at the local grocery store, but I have seen them at Home Depot, Lowes and Big Lots too. Just about anywhere that sells gardening goods. I used the 3" Jiffy Peat Pots, but any brand will do.
And I will be super simple with the instructions here:
Easy Spring Peat Pot Baskets
- Buy peat pots in the gardening section
- Paint them with craft paint if you wish
- Mod Podge a graphic onto them
- Add a handle
- Go back to figuring out why your tomato plants are drooping
I did a couple versions of the little baskets just to show the versatility of what you can do with them.
A little bit country (image used was from Vintage Holiday Crafts)
a little bit rock 'n roll Pottery Barn-ish (image used was from The Graphics Fairy)
and a little bit cottage-esque (image used was from who knows where - I've had it for years saved on my computer)
I'm sure I could have been a little more creative on these, using buttons, flowers or lace to bling them up a bit, but I thought it better to stop when I was ahead on these.
Do you ever do that?
Make a craft that is OK, then you start messing with it and before you know it it is in the trashcan.
Then I won't show you the Mod Podged sheet music one that is currently buried beneath coffee grounds and banana peels.
I thought I'd get a little wild on the handles though, so for this one I used wire that I had wrapped about a pencil to make a springy handle.
This handle is a tea dyed bumpy chenille stem.
And on this one I thought a tinsel stem that I had left over from Christmas was a good fit (matches well with the snowy glitter).
Now I just have to buy some Cadbury eggs to fill them up.
Barbara
I'm spending some of my time looking back through your DIYs and Crafts and just had to let you know that I've done quite a few of yours. I did the little peat pots with a black/white head shot of a bunny last Easter for place markers. I filled the little pots w/shredded paper and Easter candy. They were quite the hit. I'll be looking for something different this year!
Pam
Well if you have any ideas, let me know. I'm sort of stumped for new craft ideas for spring this year!
Pam of Eastlake Victorian
Very cute and clever! You did a good job on yours!
Lynn@ The Vintage Nest
I am thinking you did just enough and no way can I pick a favorite. I love all the different handles too. Cute as a bunny....every one of them! Happy happy Easter.
Vicki
Pam, I love these. So cute. I really should have done some of these with the kids. I forget how inexpensive they are. Yours look great!
Betsy
These are so adorable. I love them all especially the one with the bunny graphic. So many possibilities with these little pots. Yes, I know the feeling of over accessorizing, a little can go a long way. Did you mention Cadbury eggs? I won't be able to get them off my mind!!
Kelly
Totally brilliant! The little kitten one is my favorite. I need to pick up some peat pots now!
Kelly
Sarah
Those are really cute...you did great! I know what you mean about "blinging" them into the trash! Ha! Often, simple is better..and I love yours! Thanks for visiting my blog----have a wonderful day!
LizlovesVintage
Pam,
These came out great!!! Yes, I've seen these around and always wanted to do this project! You beat me to it:)
xxx Liz
Country Dreaming
Very cute AND creative!
Melinda
Tatum
I love these- love the simplicity- perfect. Thanks for sharing
Anu@My Dream Canvas
This is so cute. Hope to see you at My Dream Canvas! Have a great day.
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
Those are sooooooo cute. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing them at WUW!