The activity of growing and caring for plants is great for kids, as it’s a calming hobby that teaches both science and responsibility. For centuries, giving plants as gifts has symbolized care and well-wishes for the recipient. With Easter, Earth Day, May Day, and Mother’s Day all coming up, it’s a great time to get kids involved in sowing seeds for a meaningful gift that will be a reminder of these hopeful sentiments as they (the plant and the love) both grow. Today I’m sharing a craft idea for decoupage flower pots that are not only great for gifting, but this upcycling project for kids is also easy enough for little helping hands to join in! In today’s post, I’m sharing how you can upcycle an empty can for a construction paper flower pot craft. If you’re looking for upcycling ideas for kids, or an upcycled plant pots gift idea, you’ll find that this decoupage plant pot is easy, cost-effective, and super cute!
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What you need to make these upcycled plant pots
Here is what you need to make this construction paper flower pot craft:
- Clean upcycled food can (the 28-ounce cans you find for canned tomatoes are a great size for plant pots)
- Hammer and nail
- Construction paper in different colors
- Découpage glue (such as Mod Podge)
- Foam paint brush
- Twine, yarn, or ribbon
How to make an upcycled decoupage plant pot
While this decoupage plant pot project is a great example of upcycle crafts for kids to make, it should be done with the help of an adult. Here’s how to make cute upcycled plant pots out of cans. As you’ll see, it is very easy!
- Using the hammer and a nail, punch a couple of holes in the bottom of the can for drainage.
- Tear the construction paper into pieces of various shapes and sizes (this is a fun part for the kids to do).
Color ideas: We went with a mix of pastel colors for springtime in this example, but you can also use a mix of blue and green construction paper for an Earth Day upcycling craft to resemble oceans and continents.
- Working in sections, brush a thick coat of découpage glue onto the can, and stick pieces of construction paper to it, overlapping slightly. Brush more of the glue over the pieces of paper to seal them onto the can. Repeat until the entire can is covered and set aside until dry.
- Wrap some twine (or yarn or ribbon, if you prefer) around the can several times and secure with a bow.
These decoupage flower pots are perfect for gifting! Just add some potted flowers or herbs, or have the kiddos grow some plants from seeds in them before you share it with someone you love. Don’t forget to pin this upcycled plant pots project if you’re inspired!
More easy kid’s craft ideas:
- Easy Mario Bros. Pipe Craft
- DIY Paper Plate Poke Ball Kid’s Pokémon Craft
- Easy Children’s Despicable Me Minion Craft
- DIY Kid’s Camping and Outdoor Safety Necklace Craft
- Kid’s Camping Craft Idea: Leaf Rubbing Tree
- Christmas Ornament Craft for Preschoolers
- 15 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids
- Free or Cheap Non-Screentime Ideas to Keep Kids Engaged During the Summer
Toni says
How long does it take the decoupage to dry. I’m wanting to try this with some senior citizens at a nursing home. Is it fairly easy to work with. Would it be best if they woregloves?
Thank you!
Toni
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
That sounds like a fun idea! It is really easy to work with, but it does get sticky. It takes 20-ish minutes to be dry to the touch (a good time to check if any more is needed for a little touch up coat), but really about 24 hours to dry completely solid and be ready for gifting or other use. Gloves are optional, but definitely not required. It’s easy to wash off. You’d just want to be careful if there are any sharp edges on the can you’re upcycling. Here’s a helpful article for Mod Podge beginners: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/learn-how-to-mod-podge/