DIY: Doily painted flowerpots

A simple way to prettify your terracotta pots

Granny’s paper doilies have made something of a comeback in recent years thanks to the vintage tearoom and cupcake revival. But never mind sitting under a pile of cakes – with their intricate cut-out detailing, doilies make pretty, instant stencils – perfect for decorating your boring old terracotta plant pots.

DOILY PAINTED FLOWER POTS
Copyright: freutcake.com

What you need:

  • Terracotta pots
  • White patio or exterior paint (available at DIY/Garden stores)
  • Pack of paper doilies
  • Scissors
  • Sponge daubers (available online or in craft shops)
  • Potting soil
  • Plants

How to make them:

  1. Cut a section from the outside of your doily.
  2. Place it against the bottom edge of your pot.
  3. Daub over the doily with the paint, being careful not to go over the edges.
  4. Remove the doily carefully.
  5. Use a fresh piece of doily for the next section, working your way around the base of your pot.
  6. Fill the pot with soil and plant your shrub.
  7. Experiment for different styles of doily for contrasting effects.

There’s a super-cute take on the idea on the Freutcake blog, using miniature pots and succulent cuttings. Or, for disguising and reviving old, damaged or messy-looking pots, why not try this spray-paint version, using fabric doilies, which can be picked up cheaply in charity and junk shops.

Back to top