A $30 Makeover Turns This Plain Terracotta Pot into a Terracotta Party

Great DIYers, no matter their level, can see past something boring and instead envision all it could be. That’s what inspired the first season of Megan’s Mystery Makeover, where we mailed every DIYer a mystery item and had them make it over with just $50 in materials. This season, with spring in the air, we wanted to create a challenge that was a nod to Apartment Therapy’s Plant Month.

For this round, three DIYers were each sent a different type of terracotta pot, a couple starter supplies, and a budget of $30 to turn that pot into something totally fresh. As far as DIY materials go, it’s hard to beat a plain terracotta pot: The material is super paintable, takes glue like a champ, and can even be drilled through (with some precautions). That made it the perfect vehicle for all sorts of DIY magic.

First up to the plate was KC Cibran (@thecasaverde), who astute readers might remember from her winning apartment in last year’s Small/Cool contest. While she’s since moved to bigger digs, KC’s apartment is still filled with bargain treasures, thrifted finds, and tons of plants. That made her the perfect candidate to try out a terracotta pot makeover.

Once KC opened her package and saw the familiar sight of a plain terracotta pot (similar to this set), she got to planning. She grabbed a plant, some chain, mosaic tiles, and a little paint — and created a beginner-friendly statement piece that’s totally unrecognizable from what we sent her.

Watch the video above to see what KC created and how she pulled it off — and check back next week for episode two of this terracotta pot makeover challenge.

Oh, and one more thing: This season, we want you to play along, too. Show us your best terracotta pot makeover by posting a photo of your redo on Instagram with the hashtag #megansmysterymakeover. We’ll show off everyone’s creations at the end of the series. Happy DIYing!