DIY Dino Planter
If you spend any time on Pinterest, Etsy or DIY blogs you’ve probably come across these fun dinosaur planters. The dinosaur toys are easy to find at yard sales, thrift shops and flea markets. Some people do a great job spray painting the dinosaurs first and some use exotic plants. High Walls blog has a really nice post on how she creates the planters using White and Gold paint, for a sleek, modern look.
Photo: High Walls Blog
You can also keep the dino toys un-painted, which is how we created ours, but I think I’d like to try some spray painted options soon.
There are several ways to create these fun planters. Here’s how we made ours.
First make sure you use a dinosaur toy that feels hollow. Mark where you want to cut the opening.
I’m lucky to have a husband with a workshop full of tools, and saws, so cut the holes in the dinosaurs using a band saw, but you could use a sharp utility knife instead.
Whatever you use be very careful!
After you have created the opening, make sure to cut or sand away the excess plastic. We used a dremel tool.
I used some small pebbles to fill in the leg spaces and then potting soil. Leave enough room for the roots of the plant to spread. Small succulent plants have a neat prehistoric look and are easy to care for.
You can find them in the plant section at Lowes or Home Depot, or your local garden center. I use sheet moss to tuck around the plant which keeps the dirt in and hides the plastic edges.
Whimsical and fun, these dino planters always make me smile. They’re easy, and affordable to make and are a great way to repurpose your flea market or thrift store finds. They make unique, creative gifts for kids and adults. We’ve given them as Easter and birthday gifts. And now with Christmas coming it’s time to get busy and create some more…maybe we’ll try using some different types of plastic animals. Turtles, Frogs…hmmm lot’s of possibilities.
How about you? Are you getting crafty with your DIY projects in preparation for the gift giving season? Leave us a comment, we’d love to hear about it.
Victoria & Kevin
