Give geraniums a new look. Creative craft ideas for upcycled planters

Geraniums really stand out in upcycled planters. With simple materials and a bit of skill, you can transform plain pots and unwanted objects into unique homemade planters that show off the charm of these colourful blooming beauties. Whether it’s a tin can covered in wood, a glass jar with a handmade sleeve, a retro doll’s bed or flowerpot pedestals made from lamp bases, these craft ideas will add a unique touch to balconies, verandas, patios and gardens. Pelargonium for Europe (PfE) shows you four upcycled planters that are eye-catching in themselves – add colourful geraniums to only enhance the effect.

Upcycling idea 1: Tin can on stilts

If you like to be creative and value sustainability, upcycling is a great way to create something unique. The base for this modern planter is an empty tin can covered with natural wooden strips. The bright red, upright geranium has a home and it makes a great focal point that can be placed anywhere this easy-care plant gets plenty of sunlight.

To make the planter, you will need an empty tin can, natural wooden slats, waterproof black spray paint, a fine-toothed saw, a cutting guide, a hot glue gun and glue sticks, and a red upright geranium.

Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Using the cutting guide, cut the wooden slats into two lengths. Determine the lengths according to the height of your tin and how long you want the planter’s legs to be. You will need six longer strips for these.

Step 2: Coat the inside and outside of the tin with the black spray paint. Leave to dry.

Step 3: Using hot glue, attach the wooden strips vertically next to one another on the outside of the tin until it is completely covered. Use two of the longer strips for each of the three feet. Allow the glue to set.

Step 4: Place the potted geranium inside the planter and put it in a sunny spot. That’s it!

Upcycling idea 2: Glass jar with homemade sleeve

A homemade sleeve transforms a simple glass jar into a unique piece. All you need for this craft idea is a fabric table runner, a cylindrical glass jar, Velcro and a flowering geranium. Here’s how to make it: Measure the jar and cut the table runner to size. Allow an extra 3-4cm for the overlap. Attach the Velcro, join the ends of the fabric together and place the geranium inside. Done! This piece also makes a great gift.

Upcycling idea 3: Lamp base flower stand

There’s no better way to showcase geraniums than with these vintage-style, upcycled flower stands.

All you need is an old wooden lamp base, a galvanised metal planter, a saucer, waterproof spray paint, a hot glue gun and glue sticks, and a geranium.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Remove the cable and socket from the lamp base.

Step 2: Attach the bottom of the saucer to the lamp base, using hot glue, then attach the zinc planter to the saucer. Allow the glue to set.

Step 3: Spray the stand in a colour of your choice and leave to dry.

Step 4: Finally, place a matching potted geranium in the planter. That’s it! Place your blooming summer display in a sunny, sheltered spot on your balcony or patio.

Upcycling idea 4: Retro doll’s bed

Too good to throw away, this old doll’s bed gets a new lease of life on your sunny balcony as a decorative upcycled window box for geraniums and herbs to enjoy this summer.

Tip: To protect this beautiful vintage piece from water damage, we recommend removing the pots when watering and adding a waterproof liner inside.