
Have the itch to get crafty after all those creative DIY planters we posted? This ought to solve that! We have an easy DIY for you today to make planters using cacti and one of our favorite materials: gold paint.
We go crazy for gold paint on almost anything; you have probably seen us use it on past projects like these adorable gold animals and these gold tipped ballet flats. So get out your trusty gold paint and let's get going on these awesome cactus planters.
Materials:
– Gold Leaf Paint (available at most craft supply stores such as Michael's)
– bag of white gardening pebbles
Tools:
– pencil
– ruler
You can use any cactus or succulent your local gardening store has in stock, but you can see we choose to use some fun neon ones as well as some crazy balloon shaped ones.
To create the stripes (we're digging nautical stripes for hot spring and summer fashion), simply wrap painters tape around the vase and use a sponge brush to paint the gold on the white areas.
To create the diagonal stripes, apply the painters tape in a diagonal and then paint in between just the middle white space created on each side. Feel free to create your own patterns using the tape.
To create the perfect polka dot pattern, use a ruler to mark off every inch on each side of the vase so you have even horizontal rows. Then along the first of those rows, mark a little star at the odd numbered inches (1 inche, 3 inches, & 5 inches).
On the next row, mark a little star at the even numbered inches (2 inches and 4 inches). If your vase is bigger, you could continue these markings based on those patterns.
Then load your circle sponge brush with gold paint and stamp it at each star. After they dry, erase any pencil marks still showing. Pro tip: press, hold, and slightly twist the brush in place to guarantee perfect paint coverage for each circle.
Don't they look awesome all on their own? You could fill yours with anything – fresh cut flowers, pencils, serving utensils, candy – the options on endless.
To plant yours with succulents like we did, put a scoop of pebbles at the bottom of each (to drain the water from the soil), then a scoop of cactus soil.
Next up, carefully empty your cacti from their containers. Don't prick yourself! Gently break apart the soil and roots a bit to help it grow into it's new home.
To finish your planters, pour cactus soil around any empty space and place white gardening pebbles on top.
All done! Just make sure they get a few hours of sunlight and water them about once a week. These are cacti – so don't overwater :)
These look great anywhere, but one of my fave things about this gold paint it reflects light. It will bounce back the light of any nearby tea lights or candles beautifully creating instant party ambiance. We wouldn't be able to show you this party ambience (or any of these other images for that matter) without a great photographer – so many thanks and big hugs to Chelsea Mitchell for capturing these lovely images to show you!
If you think making these are a breeze, don't forget to try making the Marbleized Planters and the Floppy Disk Planters.
What other patterns did you come up for painting your planters? Did you put anything else in them besides succulents? Talk to us in the comments below.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.