
Temps are rising, and that means it’s time to brighten up your indoor decor with blooms galore! With that bit of floral, cacti, or succulent greenery, you know that no indoor plant is complete without a totally haute planter to match. Keep scrolling for planters to buy or DIY for *all* the springtime feels.
DIY Planters for spring
1. DIY Gradient Planters: We’re pretty sure *happy* is the only way to feel around these bright and oh-so-trendy ombre planters. (via A Beautiful Mess)
2. DIY Lego Terrariums: Get your kids’ green thumbs started with a super cute mashup of low-maintenance air plants and LEGO friends. The hardest part will be picking what character to use inside! (via Brit + Co)
3. DIY Pink Kitty Planter: This pink kitty cat planter will have all your friends meowing with delight. It’s feline fierce and purrr-dy simple for all you cat ladies out there! (via Best Friends for Frosting)
4. Pink DIY Sprinkle Planter: For the love of plants and sprinkles, this DIY is a perfect springtime craft to try! Simply dolling up a plain terra cotta planter with a bit of paint and colorful rocks will take your cacti style to a whole new level. (via Best Friends for Frosting)
5. Egg-Succulent DIY Planters: Plants and pastels are what the season calls for! Take the afternoon off to DIY a batch of these mini planters with a super on-trend gold rim. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
6. Easy Neon DIY Hanging Planters: It’s time to bust out that craft cart and put those neon straws and string to good use. These hangers will bring all of the whimsical and playful vibes to your space in a snap. (via Brit + Co)
7. Neon Footed DIY Terrariums: As if succulents don’t look super cool on their own, the neon tones used here will make them look out-of-this-world funky. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
8. DIY Gold Patterned Cactus Planters: The glorious gold-and-white color trend isn’t going away anytime soon, which means these cacti planters will be charming your socks off for seasons to come. (via Brit + Co)
9. DIY Marble Planter: Copper and metallics are hot home trends, but marble is on fire. Everything instantly looks chic with a marble pattern, so don’t leave your planters out of the fancy upgrade. (via Best Friends for Frosting)
10. DIY Confetti Planter: We obvs love the idea of colorful confetti everywhere, and tiny terrariums are no exception. Bonus: These plants are fake, so you’ll have some poppin’ color sans watering. (via The Confetti Bar)
11. DIY Geo Planters: Tiny pyramids and air plants are the trendy duo of our dreams! This easy-peasy DIY will give your desk a majorly chic upgrade. (via Brit + Co)
12. Mini Painted Potted Plants: Perfect for a girls’ craft night or an afternoon with your fave kiddos, this DIY is as simple as gathering up mini clay pots and painting them in color combos that’ll make you smile all spring long. (via Lauren Conrad)
13. DIY Hanging Leather Planters: Use your next crafting sesh to give your air plants a boost with these creative leather plant hangers. (via Brit + Co)
14. Handmade Cactus Pincushions: Here’s another not-so-prickly DIY for you to try! These babies are *too* cute and totally handy for all you super seamstresses who ain’t got no time for tracking down loose pins. (via Brit + Co)
15. Colorful Hanging Planters DIY: We couldn’t love these bird-lover, boho, beaded hangers more. You’ll for sure be the queen of your rooftop garden with these suspended beauties. (via Brit + Co)
16. DIY Orb Planter: Add a splash of color and classy patterns to your dinner parties with this clever orb vase. Your centerpiece game can thank us later. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
17. Painterly Planter DIY: If you’re not a painting wizard, and have a million fabric scraps that you adore, you’ll agree that this DIY is clever beyond belief. A little Mod Podge and fabric wrapping is all that stands between you and endlessly fresh and stylish planters. (via Brit + Co)
18. Mini Succulent Cubes: Take cubism to a colorful new level with this geo tower of succulents. The vivid hues and accompanying greenery will give you creative inspo on the daily. (via Kailo Chic Life)
19. DIY Marble Hanging Planter: Basic hangers will be transformed with a little dip in color, so whip out your nail polish stash and get ready for some swirly magic. (via Oh Joy!)
20. DIY Totem Planter: Elevate your planter situation — figuratively and literally — with this IKEA hack. Play around with sizing and combinations to create different takes on the concept. (via We Are Scout)
21. Watermelon Slice Planter: Life is too short for a boring window box. With summer on its way, your plant babies can soak up some rays in seasonal style! (via Gina Michele)
22. Stitched Planters: A cross-stitched design on the front of your planter brings some texture into the mix. (via Pretty Life Girls)
23. Tissue-Covered Pots: Tissue paper is underutilized in gardening, but it shouldn’t be — how cute are these? (via Tell Love and Party)
23. DIY Terrazzo Tile Planter: This fresh take on a bold pattern is super easy to recreate, and you can tailor it to match your color scheme. (via Enthralling Gumption)
24. Mid-Century Planters: Create visual depth with your indoor garden and elevate your plants to different heights using these retro stands. (via Sugar & Cloth)
25. Retro Planters: Start thinking outside the box with texture. Mirror the shapes you see in your plants on the planters! (via A Beautiful Mess)
26. Ice Cream Cone Wall Planters: Clay waffle cones to hold all your teeny tiny plant babies? Nothing could be sweeter.(via Aww Sam)
27. Spray Paint Ombre Planters: Spray paint + last minute IKEA finds = bold color combos to jazz up your garden. (via PMQ for two)
28. Disco Ball Planter: Being #extra extends to all aspects of your life, including your plant situation! Carve out a disco ball and make a happy home for a lucky succulent. (via A Bubbly Life)
29. Painted Daisy Mini Planters: Grab spring by the daisies and add a splash of color on all your paintable surfaces. (via PMQ for two)
30. Bundt Cake Planters: You see them every time you go thrifting, so give those bundt pans new life! (via Sugar & Cloth)
planters to BUY for spring
31. Brit + Co Make a Macrame Planter Kit ($20): We may be a little biased, but we’re pretty sure this is the coolest buy-and-DIY around for spring. Scoop one up and bring all of the bright boho feels to your space ASAP.
32. Banky Moon Plant Stands Cactus Plant Stand ($392): Already have a selection of cute cacti around your home, but no shelf room to show ’em off? This plant stand is the solution to displaying your mini plants without going off-theme.
33. Kim Fisher Designs Vertical Garden Planter ($253): Oh yes, you can now have wall terrariums thanks to the design smarts of Kim Fisher Designs. It’s chic AF and totally #greengoddessapproved.
34. Bronze Half Moon Planter ($14): Plant yourself among the stars this spring. All galactic home decor is trending, but we’re sure your plants will feel particularly stellar in this setup.
35. New Dream World White Ceramic Hanging Planter ($8+): Hanging one of these white beauties is a fab way to spring new life into your living space without using any table space. With so many indoor plants to pick from, we suggest a cluster.
36. Claylicious Elephant Planter ($42): Anything in the shape of an elephant will instantly bring a sense of serenity to your space.
37. Artificial Plant in Plant Stand ($40): Live plants are great — until you go away for a weekend and return to find them dead. Embrace the world of faux greenery while still keeping things sophisticated with this modern raised white planter.
38. Wall Vessel and Plant Set ($28, set of two): You don’t have to be a geometry whiz to get how glam these geo planters will look in your space. It’s simple design math, really.
39. O-M Ceramic Planter for Poketo ($32): Not too small and not too colorful, but just right! The unique, understated design is perfectly suited for any pattern-friendly, minimalist decor. Brighten it up with some fresh blooms, or keep it neutral with go-to succulents.
40. Double Octahedron Pedestal Plant Stand ($95): Um, we might be drooling over this amazing setup. The geometric base comes in any color you could desire and is absolutely slaying with that sky-high cactus on top.
41. Desktop Funnel With Stand Planter ($95+): This funnel planter is meant for both indoor and outdoor use. So when summertime finally arrives, this baby can be the star of your patio.
Planning on becoming a green goddess? Follow us on Pinterest for all of the green thumb inspo you’ll need.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Additional reporting by Ariel Garneau.)
Artist Dev Heyrana On How Bravery, Resilience and Sunshine Influence Her Work
Ever meet someone who you feel immediate kinship with on a deep almost spiritual level? That is legit every person's experience upon meeting Dev Heyrana, the star of this edition of Creative Crushin'. A fine artist, hip hop dance teacher and constant collaborator, Dev's particular brand of creativity is one-of-a-kind. She manages to be warm, welcoming and woke, with a focus on inclusivity, social justice and motherhood that comes through in every piece of art she creates.
Anjelika Temple here, co-founder of Brit + Co and one of many humans who has benefitted from Dev's boundless generosity and kindness. We first connected at a launch event, then I asked her if she and her family would like to model for a B+C shoot (they did!), then months later, I asked the IG universe if anyone would be down to co-parent with me for a day so I could speak at a conference. Dev said yes! And for those that know her, none of these serendipitous moments are surprising.
Now it's time to delve more into Dev's story, her creative inspiration, her thoughtful approach to parenting and what makes her more passionate than ever about bringing her point of view and artistic voice into the universe.
Anjelika Temple: First, foundations. Where did you grow up? What is your heritage? What did you study in school? Where do you live now?
Dev Heyrana: Born in The Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 9 years old. Me and my family are from the island of Cebu and I'm a proud Cebuana. My childhood in the Philippines felt like freedom. I had my swimsuit in my backpack for whenever we decided to swim and I biked everywhere.
Immigrating here at 9 yrs old was a transition, to say the least. My parents had big dreams but the move was heavy on them. It wasn't easy. I had to grow up fast. I took care of my sisters while my parents worked night shifts. By the age of 12 I would cook dinner and get my sisters ready for bed. Something I didn't realize was that kids my age didn't do those things until I got older. We would play these make-believe games to make, in hindsight, our hard situation brighter.
I think this is really when art played a big role in my life. It was something I could escape in and always felt healing.
I witnessed racism towards my family and didn't know how to make sense of it. These events left a mark. I was a quiet kid and observed everything and everyone around me. I think about my grandparents, Lolo Jose and Lola Rita, a lot as I walk through life. When I make decisions. As hard as it feels, you have two choices, do you let it take you down or take it one step at a time forward. I kept going and it really shaped me as to why I am the way I am today.
I studied Fine Arts at The Corcoran in DC. I owe that decision to my art teacher, Mr Giles, in High School. He was retiring and wore a Hawaiian shirt every day during my senior year. He was a curmudgeon and I felt incredibly special since out of everyone in the school he really believed in me. As grumpy as he seemed to the class, he would tell me things like "Go into the other studio and break some glass, then put it on a canvas." He's the reason why my abstract pieces have elements like clay and sand in them.
I've had incredible mentors and all were teachers. Mr. Giles in High School and Christine George in College. Christine was the one who told me to go either to New York or San Francisco because "D.C. is no place for an artist like you." She told me to not listen to anyone, how I can still paint, be a graphic designer, and, if I choose to, have a family. I've never had anyone tell me anything like that before.
I took a chance because of her. Moved and went to Design School in 2006 and I've stayed in the Bay Area ever since, raising two girls with the love of my life.
Anj: You are one of those magical human beings that has figured out how to be a full-time artist. What was your career path like before you were able to dive fully into your creative passions?
Dev: The most radical thing I could have done in my family, I did, I went to college for Fine Arts. A mix of being so young and having to do it on my own, I went with the school that gave me more scholarships. Even then I worked three jobs to be able to get through it. Hard work is ingrained in me.
With my sculpture background, I fell in love with Print and Packaging and why I came out here to San Francisco. I appreciated the security of having a career in Graphic Design. I also learned how to work with clients and the business side of things. Even then, I never stopped painting.
A few years ago I went through a pretty hard time with my health. I dealt with six surgeries in one year and I still have to do some follow-up ones. That experience almost broke me and what got me through was my family and painting in bed while I recovered.
When I finally got back on my feet, my heart just wasn't in Graphic Design anymore. So I made a two year plan. With a toddler and a mortgage, I wanted to make sure my steps were thought out. I put myself out there as an Artist while I still worked in Design. After a year I worked part time as a Graphic Designer and stepped down from my Creative Director position. I loved it, to be creative as an Artist and as a Designer. I looked at 2018 as my year to make the jump. If my work as an Artist balances out with my salary then I would quit in the Summer of 2019. And so here we are. I also am sharing a studio with my good friend, Naomi PQ, and I feel like my creative drive is just beginning.
Anj: What do you love about painting? How do you feel when you're in a creative flow state?
Dev: Like every part of me is free. Free to express myself through the stroke of my hand. How all of it leads back to my heart. These elements I use to paint have a mind of their own and how I need to respect the process.
It centers me and reminds me that the process is just like the life we lead. I know I still have so much more to learn but while I'm painting no matter how it's going, I'll embrace this moment.
Anj: You reference your roots quite a bit in your work. Talk to me more about how your roots inspire your work.
Dev: One of my earliest memories is of my Lolo Jose teaching me how to water mango saplings. He converted to Buddhism when my mother was young, so he viewed the world with love and kindness. I didn't realize it then but watering those mango trees were life lessons. We need to take the time to nurture, practice patience, and respect all living things. I still imagine him walking beside me often, carrying his teachings as I find my way in this world.
Nature and the Sun drive my pieces. My abstract works are fragments of moments. Like the sunset I grew up with when I was seven years old in the Philippines, like how I saw the water in Cebu when I dove in as a young adult, and like when I saw the redwoods with my children for the first time.
I see earth in our skin and especially when I paint people. How our mango trees grew and blossomed because the dark earth was rich with nutrients. I imagine the Sun piercing through these women I depict. I paint their love and bravery because their resilience cannot be contained. I want to celebrate all of it.
This is the beauty of Art, I am able to paint exactly how I see it.
Anj: Motherhood and your daughters are also central themes in your work. How has motherhood changed your approach to creating artwork?
Dev: Everything. I was still deep in my Design Career and I would paint at home. One day Quinn, who was 3 years old at the time introduced me at the park to a mom. "This is my mom, she's an Artist." It struck me that my toddler knew who I was more than I knew myself. That's really when I really owned it. I am more fearless because of my girls.
I own my body, I thank people when they compliment me, and I am selective but fearless when I use my voice. I am more in tune how I speak about myself because of them. When I paint these women I want to celebrate them. I notice how I embrace myself is translated in my paintings.
Anj: What advice can you give to parents who are trying to tap into their kiddos' innate creativity?
Dev: I don't have a lot of guidelines set up. I'll say "Let's draw the biggest fish we can draw" or "how many silly lines can we make" and I let them lead me. They ask me questions, show me things, and I sit there with my coffee watching their eyes wide with excitement. Watching them in their creative process is pure joy for me. Those silly lines can turn into a dragon or waves and next thing we know, we're drawing a big beach scene. My advice would be that you can suggest something to start it off but be open to how they take it. It is such a beautiful window into their minds.
Anj: Shifting gears to HIP HOP DANCE! Talk to us about his component of your creative expression.
Dev: I loved the Hip Hop scene in DC and discovered how much fun the clubs were in college. My friends told me about this Hip Hop Crew I should try out for, I was so scared because I've never taken a dance class in my life. I got in and it was like having another family. We competed all over the East Coast, it was a blast!
I found hipline when I started my first Design Job and needed an outlet. It was exactly what I needed and one of the owners asked if I was interested to teach. I've been teaching there since 2009 and am still going strong. It's a wonderful community of women. Now we're virtual and reaching clients all over.
Anj: What does a typical [pandemic] day look like for you? How does it differ from your rhythm before COVID?
Dev: I've been practicing being kinder to myself lately. Both me and my husband work full time and so having the girls at home is a challenge. Some days we are amazed by how smooth it went and then there are others where if the girls are clean and bellies are full, it's a total win.
Now that we're on month 8 our rhythm before covid felt more chaotic to be honest. I felt like we were always rushing out the door while carrying so many bags. Now my husband and I try to have coffee together, if he has a break from his meeting, and we sit with Quinn before school to see what she has to do for the day. Rowan's preschool closed down but we were able to find a wonderful speech therapist for her and she has an Adventure Pod we go to two times a week.
The one thing we really try to do is go outside once a day. Have some magic in their childhood no matter how small. It could be just going up for a hike by our home and picking up leaves, riding our bikes, or watching the sunset from our window. Seeing how the girls' react to these adventures we have is pure magic.
Anj: When you get creatively blocked or burnt out, how do you reset? Do you have tips you can share?
Dev: I go outside. I go out for a hike or go to the beach. Even if it's 15 minutes, something about grounding yourself in Nature is really healing. I also do exercise where I doodle for two minutes because it feels doable. Judgment-free doodles, always opens the doorway to more.
Anj: I know firsthand that community-building is huge for you. Tell us more about what your support system and creative community looks like.
Dev: I feel a lot of love and strength when I think of my community. My relationship with my sister led the way what women supporting women looks like. It's listening, asking questions, remembering, cheering for all the wins, being there even if it's hard, and taking time to invest in them. The way me and my sister show up for each other is why I have these amazing women in my life. I can talk to them about my family, motherhood, and we're all trying to balance it all while sharing my most recent project. I feel really blessed especially looking back in my college years where I don't know where Art would take me.
Anj: When you need to give yourself a pep talk, what does it sound like?
Dev: I usually take a deep breath then say or think "One step forward". Most of the time, I'm scared (as shit) but the thought of not trying scares me more. That one step forward can be hard as hell and maybe even heartbreaking, but I have to try.
For more on this brilliant artist, mother and friend, follow Dev @_heyrana on Instagram and check out (and buy!) her artwork here.