DIY Prehistoric Planters That Bring Dinosaurs Back to Life
How to create colourful dinosaur planters that roar-ly pop!
I have always loved dinosaurs … and I’m a massive crafter, so the marriage of my love for these two things was logical when I started making these guys. They are super simple to make at home with the right tools and an adequate amount of patience. They look great inside and outside, and make thoughtful gifts because they’re made from your own hand.
Read on for a step-by-step instruction on how to create your own colourful dinosaurs at home.
Read on for a step-by-step instruction on how to create your own colourful dinosaurs at home.
Depending on the plants you choose, your prehistoric planters can make a colourful indoor display on a kitchen windowsill, or a playful focal point outside in the garden or on your outdoor table.
What you need:
- Hollow plastic dinosaur (or any other hollow plastic animal)
- Drill
- Utility knife
- Spray paint
- Wire or drop sheet
- Soil and plant
- Paper, ruler, marker (optional)
Before you start, it’s good to know what you’re wanting to put in the planter before you start cutting into it, so you can make sure you have enough space when you get to the planting stage!
STEP 1: Measure out the extent of space required, then drill four holes into the dinosaur, which will form the corners that you will cut out. I always do this by eye, but if you’re not confident on getting it exactly right, get yourself a ruler and marker and mark out your holes before you drill.
STEP 1: Measure out the extent of space required, then drill four holes into the dinosaur, which will form the corners that you will cut out. I always do this by eye, but if you’re not confident on getting it exactly right, get yourself a ruler and marker and mark out your holes before you drill.
STEP 2: Using a utility knife, carefully cut between each of the holes to reveal the opening.
STEP 3: Use your knife to cut excess plastic away, leaving a nice clean shape ready to paint.
While it’s not imperative to have a drill for this section, it does make the cutting process a lot simpler and avoids any obscenities being thrown around the place if you accidentally over-cut!
While it’s not imperative to have a drill for this section, it does make the cutting process a lot simpler and avoids any obscenities being thrown around the place if you accidentally over-cut!
STEP 4: Drill some holes on the underside of the animal to allow for drainage.
I’m no plant expert, but it’s always good to check what your plant needs in terms of drainage and soil conditions, before spray painting.
You don’t want the poor plant to die because it didn’t have enough space to drain, and you don’t want to have to drill holes and ruin your paint job after you have sprayed your critter.
I’m no plant expert, but it’s always good to check what your plant needs in terms of drainage and soil conditions, before spray painting.
You don’t want the poor plant to die because it didn’t have enough space to drain, and you don’t want to have to drill holes and ruin your paint job after you have sprayed your critter.
STEP 5: Once the top hole is cut and the drainage holes are drilled, it’s time to find a space to spray your dinosaur.
I am lucky to have a space in my backyard where I can hang things in the open air, using wire, which makes for a really handy spray booth.
But, if you don’t have this luxury, you can spray on flat ground using a drop sheet to stop any overspray ruining your surroundings.
I am lucky to have a space in my backyard where I can hang things in the open air, using wire, which makes for a really handy spray booth.
But, if you don’t have this luxury, you can spray on flat ground using a drop sheet to stop any overspray ruining your surroundings.
As a general rule of thumb, spray 20-30cm away from the object and use steady, even strokes to cover the dinosaur evenly. Take a steady approach to ensure you don’t leave paint dripping down the sides.
As tempting as it is to grab the dinosaur at this point, refrain! Let. It. Dry! Follow the directions on your spray can for drying times and stick to them like glue.
Lighter colours, such as yellow, can sometimes need more than one coat. Always allow paint to dry completely before spraying additional coats.
As tempting as it is to grab the dinosaur at this point, refrain! Let. It. Dry! Follow the directions on your spray can for drying times and stick to them like glue.
Lighter colours, such as yellow, can sometimes need more than one coat. Always allow paint to dry completely before spraying additional coats.
STEP 6: Once the paint has fully dried, it’s time to get potting.
It can be awkward trying to get soil into a small opening – by using a piece of paper, you can create a funnel that gets the soil where you need it, without making a mess.
Put half of the required soil in prior to planting the plant, so it has something to sit in.
It can be awkward trying to get soil into a small opening – by using a piece of paper, you can create a funnel that gets the soil where you need it, without making a mess.
Put half of the required soil in prior to planting the plant, so it has something to sit in.
Make a space in the soil and place your plant in the middle. Fill the remainder of the pot until the plant has enough soil around it to hold it upright.
If your soil is dry, put some water in there to pack it down, and add extra where you need.
If your soil is dry, put some water in there to pack it down, and add extra where you need.
Enjoying playing around with the colours of the pots and the plants you put in them. In this dinosaur, I chose the pink colour, which both complements and contrasts with the purple in the succulent, while the inner green really pops.
Play around with shapes, plants and colours to create interesting combinations to brighten up your home. I have found that succulents and cacti work best in the small space of the pot, but you could try growing smaller herbs or other plants that take your fancy.
Play around with shapes, plants and colours to create interesting combinations to brighten up your home. I have found that succulents and cacti work best in the small space of the pot, but you could try growing smaller herbs or other plants that take your fancy.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just using dinosaurs – hunt around and see what you can find to create your own little planter zoo!
YOUR SAY
Have you had a go at creating your own quirky planter? Show us in the Comments.
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YOUR SAY
Have you had a go at creating your own quirky planter? Show us in the Comments.
MORE
10 Creative DIYs to Put Old Gift Wrap to Good Use
Hang in There: Easy and Affordable DIY Tricks to Keep Bath Towels Handy
Weekend DIY: 4 Easy Steps to Your Own Geometric Artwork