Over the course of the summer, I've been "messing around" with making these French Flower Pots, in which plain terra cotta flower pots are transformed into the look of French Flea Market finds.
By adding paint, graphic transfers and a bit of time, you end up with antique-looking pots that look as if they've been around awhile.
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| This pot is my best effort so far. |
Heaven's Gate Blog
One Good Thing By Jilly
(I'm thinking the problem could have been that I applied too much Mod Podge. If you decide to make these, remember to go light when you apply it to the paper transfer.)
You can choose among many transfers for your pots at The Graphics Fairy. There are many transfers available for free.
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| The pot at left is a plastic pot I experimented with. I don't recommend using them; stick with terra cotta. The pot on the right is an old broken pot but this was an experiment to see what works! |
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| You'll notice some of the design is missing at top left and bottom right. This is what I referred to above when talking about the design not completely transferring to the pot. |
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| Another plastic pot. |
Does this look and sound like something you would try? Please share your results if you try them!
Funny I just bought some pots over the internet...I love these pots and I was actually thinking of painting one of my pots...we'll see, I have a lot of ideas that don't happen but at least I enjoy having the ideas...hope you are enjoying your week.. good to see you Sanda
ReplyDeleteI am like you: more ideas than I have time to complete. But sometimes it's just fun thinking about doing a project.
DeleteYour pots look great, Sanda, and I don't think it matters if a bit of the transfer misses - it looks more authentic! It is something I would like to try, along with painting wooden items in a similar way. Just have to find the time and get organised.
ReplyDeleteI hope I take time to do another batch of these pots. I noticed that a similar pot is being sold on Etsy. I don't know how these will hold up outdoors over a period of time but will find out when winter comes.
DeleteHi Sanda - I agree with Patricia that the incomplete design is not a problem. After all, if this is mimicking an antiquated item that has been outdoors for years, it shouldn't be too perfect, should it? I really like the look of the pots, but have found that much of what I love about southern Europe doesn't look right in NE Britain; the climate is all wrong most of the time. Am currently house/cat sitting for a cousin in Nice and am learning about a different side of life on the Med. The view of the Baie des Anges from the balcony is spectacular but the noise and bustle of the city is not wonderful. In 90-something heat without air con, I've reacquainted myself with my old favourite: iced tea with lemon!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Patricia too. I like the look of partialy missing design, like patina on metal it makes the pots look old and adds to their charm. Use your Mod Podge freely :-)
ReplyDeleteAh, Mod Podge: has so many uses, doesn't it? So I guess I'm getting used to the imperfect design, as most seem to think it adds to the "oldness" of the pots.
DeleteThey look great! I really like them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phillip. Enjoy your weekend among all your beautiful plants!
DeleteLike others think they are charming as they are,items that are quirky catch the eye,more than perfection especially in a garden setting.
ReplyDeleteGiggled at the word 'Mod Podge'!!!
You are right, Judith (I almost typed Ida; old habits die hard).
Deletei agree with everybody else. a perfect transfer might even detract from the effect. i tend to leave the plain terra cotta pots alone, but i do have some that have glazed sides. i've never tried to decorate a pot myself except to paint some with the kids when they were little.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd get into a crafty project again (been there/done that) but this idea just captured my imagination and I had to try it!
DeleteClever you! I think you did a great job on your pots. I've tried transfers without great success. I have an inkjet printer and I guess that is the problem - or part of it anyhow. What kind of printer/paper did you use?
ReplyDeleteDarla
You know, I think you may be on to something. I believe a laser printer printer would work better (mine is inkjet). The paper was just the regular kind used to print all documents.
DeleteLove them all. Great job. Would like to try doing some this fall when humidity is down. I agree with other comments that the "not perfect" transfer looks more like an old pot.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Maybe we can do up a batch together!
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