Easy Crafting // Watercolor Sharpie Planters

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about crafting, it’s that things don’t always go according to plan. When a DIY project doesn’t work like you thought it would, you have to try to relax and just go with it, no matter how frustrated and disappointed you might be (I think there’s a life lesson hidden in there somewhere).

This watercolor planter craft, which I tried with my extremely crafty mom during a recent trip home, did NOT go according to plan at first – the ceramic planters I had originally planned on using were too porous and didn’t allow the colors to run – but it ended up being okay! It forced me to think on my feet and get creative (I drew fun designs on the planters with sharpie and sealed with a spray sealant). In the end, I ended up creating something I really liked, even if it was different from what I had initially expected to make, and I think that’s all that really matters.

After that first round of trial and error, I experimented with a different type of planter and the project DID work! Through all of this, I learned that in order to get the watercolor effect you need to use a ceramic planter with a more glossy or glazed finish. (Aren’t you glad I figured this out for you?!) This second batch turned out beautifully, with the colorful and soft watercolor effect that I was going for, but I honestly also love the planters that came out of the first mix-up. Both are cute and fun in their own way.

The smaller planters (which didn’t go according to plan) make adorable votive holders and desk accessories, but could also hold a mini cactus or succulent. The larger planters are perfect for a group of succulents or an indoor plant. Both were easy and stress-free to make – I found doing the watercolor planters very soothing and fun – but they do take some time. I spent about 25-30 minutes on each. If you decide to give these a try let me know what you think!! I hope you have as much fun creating them as I did. Happy crafting!

Watercolor Sharpie Planters
 
Supplies:
 
Ceramic planters of any size (with a glossy or glazed finish)
 
Assorted Sharpie markers 
 
Cotton balls
 
Paper towels
 
Nail polish remover
 
Spray sealant (matte finish)
 
 
Instructions:
 
1) Cover your workstation with paper towels.
 
2) Select the assortment of Sharpie colors you’d like to use.
 
3) Pour 1/3-cup nail polish remover into a disposable cup.
 
4) Color your planter with your Sharpies (create medium to large sized sections of assorted colors all around the planter – this doesn’t need to look perfect or 100% covered in Sharpie).
 
5) Once the entire planter has been colored, dip a cotton ball into the nail polish remover, squeezing out the excess so that it feels damp but not soaked. 
 
6) Gently rub the damp cotton ball all over the colored planter, smudging and blending the colors to create a watercolor effect (avoid touching with your fingers).
 
7) Use paper towel to dab off any droplets or excess liquid off of the planter.
 
8) Let planter dry.
 
9)Once dry, take planter outdoors and spray its entire surface with spray sealant.
 
10)Let dry and then enjoy!