Before and After: This Planter Revamp Cost $20 and Took Less Than an Hour

published Jul 12, 2022
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"before" photo of burgundy-colored planter sitting on asphalt. Supplies (rope, glue gun) sitting on ground in front
Credit: Kristen Johnson

In our DIY Makeover Issue, we offer project inspiration, instruction, and helpful tips and hacks for every DIYer, no matter your skill level or budget. We can’t wait to see what you create with your new skill set — find it all here. This content was created independently by our editorial team and generously underwritten by the new Ford Maverick™.

Looking to dip your toe into the world of DIY makeovers but not looking to invest a lot of time or money? Your quick-and-easy project might actually be in your to-toss pile right now.

Home DIYer and blogger Kristen Johnson upcycled her recycling bin contents by giving a plastic planter new life. “Before, this planter was worn out and faded in every single way,” she says.

Credit: Kristen Johnson

To make over the weather-worn red planter, Kristen spray-painted it black on the top and bottom rim and white in the middle. She then wrapped brown and khaki ropes around the planter and secured them using a hot glue gun. 

However, Kristen had to quickly think on her feet when she ran out of rope. Looking through her crafting supplies, she found black yarn. So she used a staple gun to create not-fully-pushed-in hooks that she could loop the yarn through in a triangle design, introducing a 3D effect instead of simply gluing on the yarn. She then covered the staples with the leftover rope. 

Credit: Kristen Johnson

The project took an hour and only cost Kristen $20. “I absolutely love how this planter came out with the textures and neutral colors,” she says. “The geometric yet boho feel was the perfect mix and make this unused planter come to life!” 

Credit: Kristen Johnson

She’s also glad that she could roll with the punches and pivot when she encountered an issue. “I am most proud of how I wasn’t afraid to try something new and mix textures/materials,” says Kristen. “Although my original plan didn’t work out, the end result was even better than I could have imagined,” Kristen says.