These DIY Monster Planters are super cute, but what I love about them the most is that by making them I am helping the environment. This monster craft uses recycled plastic bottles which means less plastic in the landfills and in our oceans. Not only is it a recycled masterpiece, but when you plant something in it, you are making the world better one plant at a time.
If you like the idea of this Plastic Bottle Recycling Craft, check out some other ways you can make cute crafts by recycling what you already have on the Inspiration Edit.
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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
- Eco-Friendly Fun: Transform old containers into monster planters, giving them a new life and teaching kids about recycling while crafting.
- Great for Indoor Gardens: These quirky planters are perfect for growing small plants like succulents or herbs, giving kids a fun way to care for nature.
- A Learning Opportunity: This craft is a perfect way to combine art and science, encouraging kids to learn about plants, nature, and sustainability while having a blast.
🎨 Supplies Needed
- Plastic bottle
- Exacto knife
- Temporary marker
- Scissors
- Googly eyes
- Craft glue
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
RELATED POST: RECYCLED BADGE BUG CRAFT
🖌️ How To Make This DIY Monster Craft
- Step 1: Wash, clean and dry the plastic bottles. Determine the height for the planters and mark the bottle (from its bottom end) using a temporary marker. Use a Exacto knife to cut out the marked bottom end of the plastic bottle.
- Step 2: Try keeping the top open end of the bottle’s bottom cutout part as straight as possible. You can use scissors to get even top end for the planter.
- Step 3: Select acrylic paint of your choice and apply a coat on the outer surface of the bottle cutout. Allow the 1st coat of paint to dry and then apply another coat. Allow the 2nd coat to dry entirely as well.
- Step 4: Add googly eyes to the painted planter. You can add 1 or 2 eyes, however, you want. Use craft glue to attach the eyes to the planter.
- Step 5: Use a black sharpie to draw a smile or mouth of the monster on the painted bottle planter.
- Step 6: You can add more details to the monster planter if you want to. Add mixed soil and plants to planter and display!
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage kids to create a family of monster planters with different expressions and colors. This fosters creativity and makes for a lively display.
🧑🎨 Expert Tips
- Drainage Holes: Puncture small holes at the bottom of the planter to ensure proper water drainage, preventing root rot in your plants.
- Use of Primer: Apply a plastic primer before painting to enhance paint adhesion and durability on the plastic surface.
- Weatherproofing: Seal the finished planter with a waterproof varnish to protect it from moisture and extend its lifespan, especially if used outdoors.
- Weighted Base: Add small stones or pebbles at the bottom of the planter to provide stability and prevent it from tipping over.
- Reinforced Edges: Tape the cut edges of the plastic bottle with washi tape or duct tape to cover sharp edges and add a decorative touch.
- Labeling Plants: Attach a small label or tag to the planter to identify the plant species, aiding in plant care and education.
💭 FAQs
Monster planters help kids move beyond realism, inspiring them to invent original characters and dream up wild, creative worlds.
Tending to plants teaches patience, responsibility, and daily care habits that extend beyond the crafting table.
Designing creative yet usable planters helps kids practice basic problem-solving, innovation, and flexible thinking through hands-on fun.
Experimenting with silly designs teaches kids to accept mistakes, adapt ideas, and build emotional confidence through creative play.
🖌️ Related Crafts
Love these crafts! Don't forget to pin them on Pinterest or leave a comment and let us know how you got on!
Did you make this craft? Leave a review and comment below! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
DIY Monster Planters: A Recycled Masterpiece
Equipment
- Scissors
Materials
- Plastic bottle
- Exacto knife
- Temporary marker
- Googly eyes
- Craft glue
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
Instructions
- Wash, clean, and dry the plastic bottles. Determine the height for the planters and mark the bottle (from its bottom end) using a temporary marker. Use an Exacto knife to cut out the marked bottom end of the plastic bottle.
- Try keeping the top open end of the bottle’s bottom cutout part as straight as possible. You can use scissors to get even top end for the planter.
- Select acrylic paint of your choice and apply a coat on the outer surface of the bottle cutout. Allow the 1st coat of paint to dry and then apply another coat. Allow the 2nd coat to dry entirely as well.
- Add googly eyes to the painted planter. You can add 1 or 2 eyes, however, you want. Use craft glue to attach the eyes to the planter.
- Use a black sharpie to draw a smile or mouth of the monster on the painted bottle planter.
- You can add more details to the monster planter if you want to.
- Add mixed soil and plants to planter and display!
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