People often consider old plastic buckets useless and throw them away as trash. However, with a little creative approach, such a bucket can significantly improve the appearance of a balcony or garden. By using an old bucket, some rope, and cement, you can create a very beautiful and stylish designer pot at home without buying expensive ready-made models.
A feature of this homemade pot is the creation of a ring pattern using rope. This gives the simple cement item a premium and fashionable look. Such a pot can be placed on a balcony, roof, veranda, or near the front door so that plants look even more striking. The process of making a designer pot from an old bucket is presented below.
Materials needed to create the pot
First, you need to thoroughly wash and clean the old plastic bucket. Then, apply a thin layer of oil or vaseline inside the bucket. This will ensure that the finished pot can be easily removed from the bucket after the cement hardens.
Next, wrap the outside of the bucket with thick rope, arranging it in circles. It is important to leave approximately equal gaps between each wrap so that the ring pattern on the pot looks uniform. Scotch tape can be used to fix the rope in place.
Step-by-step instructions for making the pot
Prepare a cement mixture by mixing about two to three parts of fine sand with cement. Add water gradually to achieve a thick consistency; the mixture should not be too runny or too dry.
Start applying the cement mixture to the outer surface of the bucket wrapped with rope, using your hands or a spatula. The thickness of the cement layer should be about 1.5–2 centimeters. When the cement covers the rope, its rings will begin to protrude, forming the desired design.
To create an empty space inside the pot, place a smaller plastic bucket or container in the center of the large bucket. It should be positioned straight and centered so that the walls of the pot are approximately the same thickness all around the perimeter.
To prevent water accumulation in the pot, be sure to provide drainage holes. This can be done by inserting a rod or a small piece of pipe at the bottom before the cement completely hardens.
After applying the cement, do not try to remove the pot immediately. It needs to harden well for 24–48 hours. Once the cement is solid, carefully remove the outer bucket first, and then the inner container.
To finish the work, use sandpaper to lightly sand the edges of the pot. The protruding ring patterns created by the rope will become clearer after sanding.
Adding style with paint
The finished pot can be painted in any desired color. Giving a specific color to the ring sections will further highlight the design. If you like a natural, rustic look, you can leave the natural color of the jute rope. Finally, plant your favorite plant and place the pot on a balcony, roof, veranda, or in the garden.