Turn An Old Laundry Pod Container Into A Stylish Clay Vase

Don't toss your empty laundry detergent pod containers! You can use these containers for a variety of different purposes around the house. With a creative eye and a little time, you can actually turn them into stylish, floral clay vases. All you need for this budget-friendly DIY is air dry clay, an old paint brush, and a piping bag. If you don't own a piping bag, try a sandwich bag with a corner cut out for a similar effect.

Before you start this project, be sure to completely wash out the inside of the container — especially if you're planning on putting flowers in the vase. While there may only be trace amounts of residual detergent left in the container, it's best to play it safe. Laundry detergent can cause leaf discoloration or possibly reduce the time your flowers stay fresh. A quick scrub with warm water and dish soap should do the trick.

Next, you'll need to prepare the clay. You can use color air dry clay if you'd like. Start by placing a generous chunk of air dry clay in a glass container. Add in a splash of water — just enough to cover the bottom of the container. Mix the water and clay together until it forms a workable paste. If it's too thin, add in another pinch of air dry clay. Once this is ready, you can start transforming your laundry pod container into a vase. 

For this craft, you're essentially painting on the liquid clay. In order for the clay to adhere most effectively, remove any stickers on the plastic container. You can also lightly sand the surface to help the clay grip onto the plastic a little better. Now take your paint brush and generously brush on the clay. This part will take some patience. You'll need to work in layers, building up the clay until there's no visible plastic from the laundry pod container. Be sure to cover the lip of the container too. Once the sides and the top dry, flip your work and cover the bottom.

@murshida2211

From something meant to be tossed away to something meant to be treasured 🌱 This flower pot began its life as a Tide Pod container—plastic, ordinary, forgettable. I reshaped it with texture, patience, and floral reliefs, letting new forms grow where waste once lived. What used to hold detergent now holds possibility: a quiet reminder that beauty can come from reimagining, not discarding. Art, for me, is about listening to objects and giving them a second story—one rooted in care, craft, and renewal. #upcycledart #foundobjectart #sustainablecreativity

♬ original sound – Murshida

At this point, you're ready to start detailing. Start by creating more air dry clay liquid. Fill a piping bag with the slurry. Now create a floral design at the base of the vase, working your way all the way around. Opt for a flower or combination of flowers you feel comfortable repeating throughout the design. You can make this as intricate or simple as you'd like.

Customize this project by incorporating some color. For instance, you could also paint the base layer a terracotta red before piping on your flowers for a Mexican barro inspired design. Or, you can create a few different piping bags with different colored clay to achieve more vibrant details. Get creative and be true to your personal style! Once it's dry, style this vase in your home on a mantel or an entryway table. It could also look lovely on a tray styled with other decorative pieces. You can fill it with flowers or use it as a stand alone statement piece.