A Cute Butterfly Planter for Someone Special
This cute, sweet butterfly planter is sure to be the perfect surprise for a special occasion, especially Mother’s Day. It is such a simple and easy project that even little kiddos can take part. It will be a favorite gift since the children can do the sponge painting and then create pretty butterflies using their fingertip! This is a super quick and fun project and the moms, grandmothers, or favorite aunts will be so happy to have this special keepsake to display on their porch or patio. Or simply make one to keep for yourself!
Materials Needed:
- Paper to cover your work area
- Clay pot (any size will work)
- Acrylic paint (green, and various bright colors) Here is a good set with pretty colors.
- One regular sponge
- One clip clothespin for the sponge
- Wipes or paper towels on hand
- Styrofoam plate or tray for paint
- Black Twin Tip Sharpie Click to view. (It has a fine tip on one end and a regular tip on the other.)
- Clear Acrylic Sealer Spray like Mod Podge Click to view.
Directions:
Sponge Painting the Pot
- Cover the work area with some large paper.
- Cut your sponge into a long rectangle. I like to fold it and clip it so that the folded area is the part you dab the paint with. It makes a nicer look than sharp edges of a rectangle.
- Put some green paint on your styrofoam plate and dab the paint on the pot plate and all over the sides of the pot leaving some of the color showing underneath the paint. Do not rub in on or paint it completely. Make it splotchy by dabbing the paint on. (See the video above)
- Allow it to dry well.
Add the Butterflies
- Now, let one child at a time choose a color for a butterfly and put a bit of the paint in the styrofoam container. If the child is older they may be able to do this part on their own or you can hold small ones’ fingers to put the paint on the pot. Apply the paint in a cluster of four fingerprints, two by two as shown to create each butterfly. Place them and put as many butterflies of different colors as you like. Allow these to dry well.
- Once the fingerprints are dry take your Sharpie and draw a body on each of the butterflies. You can see an example in the close up picture. Also add two antenna on the head. Be sure to use a fine line sharpie for the antenna.
Protect Your Planter
- Once you have all the butterflies completed you are ready to cover all of the painted area with a spray on clear acrylic coating to protect it. Put it on some paper outside and spray as directed. I like to do 2 light coats on mine letting it dry in between. It finishes it off so well and gives the butterfly planter a bright luster that makes the colors even more vibrant. Allow this to dry completely.
Final Thoughts and Variations
Now you are ready to put a lovely plant or flowers into your butterfly planter. Dress it up by adding a ribbon around the top and a bow. Now enjoy it yourself or give it to someone special to make their day.
Variations:
You can let the children make ladybugs, bees, or other insects instead of butterflies. A quick google search will show you how to make them.
You can also make flowers from the children’s fingerprints all over the pot. I have done this before and it turns out so cute!
Have a good day!
Karen
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More From What a Good Day!
For another great gift idea for a special mom or grand-mom check out Make Silhouettes for Someone Special for Mother’s Day.
This post, Here are 5 Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts that Last All Year Long, will give you plenty of easy ideas for gifts for Mother’s Day that are sure to be a favorite.
Check out our post, Gifts That Will Make Grandparents Feel Loved, for some ideas for those sweet grandmothers for Mother’s Day!
Should anyone have doubts about how special this planter is, I still have one painted by a student many years ago. It brings back sweet memories. This would make a wonderful gift for a grand parent or aunt!
Kay, thank you! This type gift is always so special! Also, do you recognize the plant! It’s loving this new planter! ❤️