Turn Simple Terracotta Planters Into DIY Lighthouse Yard Decor That Looks Good

Gardens are a true peek into someone's style, from the planters they choose to the plants themselves. All of it tells a story of the gardener's horticultural interests, but if you ever want to inject your love of crafts into the space, there are plenty of ways to do so. One creative DIY project originated by TikToker the_gooch involves a dramatic transformation of unused terracotta planters and many items that you can find around your yard. The result is a lighthouse so downright magical that it puts other fairy garden decor to shame. Whether you tailor it to be more coastal or whimsical, it can look amazing either tucked away near plants, placed on a porch or, most fun of all, placed near a small water feature or pond.

For this project, you will need four terracotta planters (of different sizes) and a saucer. The planters will be stacked into a tower, so make sure the sizes fit together. For decoration, you need colorful exterior paint and water seal. The TikToker uses hot glue for the project, but E6000 or a silicone glue will hold up to the elements better. As for the items to be glued, consider windows, doors, faux plants, rocks, twine, seashells, and other pieces that can bring life to your lighthouse. If you're having trouble sourcing items, it may help to know you can DIY the perfect fairy garden (or lighthouse) using supplies from Dollar Tree. Finally, a solar stake light will be the beacon at the top of your lighthouse.

With the supplies ready, the first thing you'll want to do is transform the planters with paint. In order to make the paint last, the porous terracotta needs to be sealed. A water seal from any home improvement store should do the trick in just a couple coats. Then, you can apply an exterior latex paint in your color of choice. Any color and pattern work, so you can recreate the classic red and white horizontal stripes or black and white swirl, or you can invent your own new lighthouse style. Perhaps you might want to consider the coastal paint shades that will bring Cape Cod vibes to your home. Be sure to use tape for crisp lines and apply the paint according to its instructions for the number of coats and drying time.

@the_gooch

My favorite garden DIY of the year #diy #crafting #gardendecor #garden #landscape

♬ original sound – The Gooch

Next, map out where you want your decorative details to be. Some rocks, greenery, windows, doors, and other details should be glued in place before stacking the pots to ensure that they fit, while others may sit where the planters overlap and glued on later. When you're ready, the largest planter will be placed upside down. Then, glue two more planters on top to make a tower. The saucer should be glued on top right-side up, and the final, smallest planter glued atop the saucer. Take a solar light and remove the stake. Place the light into the hole of the smallest planter — you now have a perfect light source for your tower.

There are tons of ways to adjust the aesthetic of this project with the little details. Rocks and faux moss make for a classic coastal or fisherman style. Seashells and sand and twine turn the whole thing beachy. The windows and doors you find make a significant difference as well. Whether you pick them up at Dollar Tree, order specialty ones with glow-in-the-dark windows, or DIY some using popsicle sticks and paint, the style and shape can turn the lighthouse from cottagecore to classic. Another, often overlooked, factor is the placement of the lighthouse.

A lighthouse on the porch is a welcoming sight, and it can even work as indoor decor. However, the lighthouse really shines when displayed outdoors, where the solar light can work its magic. A pond, fountain, pool, or other water feature is a perfect area, but it looks lovely just among flowers and greenery, too. If you decide to put it outside, make sure to take extra steps to preserve your hard work. Terracotta planters may be built relatively well for the outdoors, but glue and all of the decorative elements you add are not. 

Bring the lighthouse in during cold weather and rain to prevent cracks in the terracotta, and look out for especially hot temperatures for the sake of your glue. While E6000 is supposed to withstand up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, a hot summer day near a blacktop surface can reach 160 degrees. Be sure to keep extra E6000 glue in your home for any necessary repairs.