From Packaging To Planter: Creating A DIY Paper Mache Planter

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions? While I can’t say that I set strict resolutions per say, every January I find myself reflecting on the year past and thinking of the one ahead. What did I enjoy? What would I have done differently? Did I learn anything? Is there anything I would like to learn soon? A whole host of questions filter through my mind as I reminisce, plan and dream. It was in this reminiscing stage a few weeks ago that I decided that this year I wanted to integrate more natural creation like I had when I was young. Growing up, many a spare afternoon was spent on learning some new craft or skill or beginning a project. The projects weren’t always a success, but more often than not, I enjoyed the pursuit of creating something despite the occasional limitations of supplies, time or skill. Seeing this, and the need for a planter for a cheery new begonia I picked up from our corner market, I set out to create a planter from packaging items and other materials I mostly had on hand. While not perfect, this planter was such fun to make! So if you also are looking for a creative outlet this new year, keep hold of an Amazon box to begin creating your own DIY paper mache planter.

Paper Mache

Paper mache is such an amazing thing. Mix a little flour and water (or glue and water) to create a paste, then coat some paper, cover a form, let dry and viola you have a new creation!

Despite its merits, I have not had many paper mache experiences. In fact, I can only vaguely remember two. The first of these instances was creating a hot air balloon model as a child with my mom and the second was more recently when I transformed our powder room mirror (you can read about that Designer Dupe Mirror Transformation HERE!). While I opted for a more modern paper mache method of Modge Podge and newspaper for the mirror project, this paper mache planter project prioritizes items that I already had on hand which of course included flour and water.

Flour Paste vs. Glue

Traditionally, a paste of flour and water has been used for paper mache items, however a more modern glue variant can also be used. To create the traditional paste, just use equal parts flour and water and mix until well combined with no lumps. Apply to your paper and once dried, this paste allows the paper layers to create a hard form that can last for several years if cared for properly. Since flour is perishable though, a glue mixture of Modge Podge, Elmer’s or another white craft glue can also be used to make a paste that has greater durability and longevity. For this paste, mix 1 part glue to 2 parts water and apply it like the traditional paste.

Paper Strips vs. Shreds

Another variation possible with paper mache is the ability to use paper strips or shredded paper to create a pulp-like mixture. When creating with paper strips, simply rip the paper into strips, dip into the paste and then smooth onto your form. You also can cut the paper into strips, however the torn edges become less visible once dry than straight cut edges. On the other hand, you can shred the paper into small pieces and then blend the paper with the paste to create a paper pulp. To design, simply spread the pulp onto your form and sculpt / design as you would if you were modeling with clay. For this project (and most I have worked on), I chose to work with paper strips, however there are many unique projects to make with the paper shred method as well, so who knows perhaps that will have to be a creative endeavor in the future!

Materials

Flour (or glue)
Water
Bowl
Scissors
Paper cutter, knife or razor blade
Masking tape
Newspaper, packaging paper or tissue paper
Cardboard
Plastic seedling pot
Acrylic paints & brushes

Steps

From Packaging To Planter: Creating A DIY Paper Mache Planter — CorrieBethMakes

Paper Mache Planter Part 1: Creating The Form

The first step to creating a paper mache planter is to establish the form. I decided to create a fairly simple pot form, however feel free to design yours as elaborately as you wish. For other patterns of urns, pots, mugs and trays, check out CorrieBethMakes on Etsy for her awesome paper mache cardboard templates.

Step 1 – To create a form like mine, grab your plastic seedling pot and trace the top rim on your cardboard.

Step 2 – Next, flip the pot over and trace the bottom circle within the center of your large circle. Cut out the outer edge before cutting out the center circle as well. This should leave you with one cardboard ring about an inch wide.

Step 3 – Using your masking tape, secure the cardboard circle about ½” to 1” from the base of your pot.

Step 4 – After your cardboard circle is attached to your pot, cut out a strip of cardboard about 1 ½” to 2” wide and 10” to 20” long. Working with your paper cutter, knife or razor blade, cut small slits through the top of the cardboard (but not all the way through) about every ½” to ¾”. These slits will help the cardboard to bend around your circular form. After all your slits are made, you can cut the entire strip in half lengthwise to create two strips.

Step 5 – Using your tape again, secure the strips around the bottom of your cardboard circle. Cut away any of the strip length that you may not need. After creating this base, trace this circle onto another sheet of cardboard. Cut out this large circle and attach it with tape to the bottom of the planter and base cardboard pieces.

Step 6 – Now that your base is complete, cut additional cardboard strips like you made in Step 4. With your masking tape, attach the strips to the bottom of the planter and under the lip of the top edge. Each of my strips as about 7 segments long (6 along the side and 1 folded under) to create a gentle slope, however feel free to make yours longer to create a more fully rounded form.

Step 7 – Once all your strips have been added to cover the sides, tape between each seam.

Step 8 – To create a more pronounced rim, again cut a strip of cardboard with slits and tape to the planter.

Step 9 – Finally, if desired, trace the top circle of the planter onto the cardboard and then cut a ring about ½” an inch wide. Attach with tape to the top of the planter to create a rim. Your planter form is now finished!

Paper Mache Planter Part 2: Adding The Paper Mache

Step 10 – Now that your form is complete, begin by tearing your paper into strips. Newspaper, brown packing paper, or thinner tissue paper all work well for this. Next, mix the paper mache paste with either flour and water or glue and water depending on your materials and preferences. If using flour, use in a ratio of 1 part flour to 1 part water, while if using glue, use in a ratio of 1 part glue to 2 parts water.

Step 11 – Dip each strip into your paste, using your fingers to smooth the paste along the entire piece of paper. Smooth the strip on your form before repeating the process for the next strip. Cover the entire form with 1 to 3 layers of paper mache before letting it dry for about 12 hours or overnight.

Step 12 – After the first set of layers is dry, repeat steps 10 and 11 as needed to add additional sets of layers for smoothness and to achieve the final shape you desire. I created my first set of layers with the thicker brown paper and the second set of layers with thinner packing paper (almost like tissue paper) to give a smoother appearance.

Step 13 – Depending on how many layers you added, let the entire form dry for at least 24 hours or until fully dry.

Paper Mache Planter Part 3: Decoration

Step 14 – Once your paper mache is fully dry, paint the entire surface one color. Personally, I am drawn to the lighter colors, however I chose a dark background color to help hide the seams of the paper mache.

Step 15 – After your background surface is painted, add as much or little surface decoration as you desire! Inspired by the urns of CorrieBethMakes (and knowing my painting limits!), I decided to cover the surface in a series of small colorful flowers.

Step 16 – Step back and admire your work!

Final Thoughts

While not perfect, I am so excited with how this paper mache planter turned out! The colorful little flowers decorating the exterior bring such sweet anticipation of spring while being a great creative outlet in the process. Have you ever experimented much with paper mache? If so, do you have any tips or tricks you would like to share? Feel free to let me know in the comment section below and save this post for your own creative fun!

Happy making!