Transform Terracotta Pots Into Rustic Patio Decor With A Cheap And Easy DIY

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Patio decor can be tricky to get right: you want something that is rustic, but also charming — you also get bonus points if it's handmade and not too expensive. For that perfect blend of these features and some serious cottage garden vibes, there's a beginner-friendly project that is worth checking out. Pair some mini terracotta pots with whimsical moss to create some decor that is magical and one-of-a-kind, truly deserving of a place on your patio.

Inspiration for this DIY project comes from Instagram influencer @CraftyHomeByCindi. She begins by showing the variety of supplies you'll need to pull off this craft: a pinewood slice ($3.49 at Michael's), a foam cone ($5.49 at Michael's for a 9-inch-tall one), a number of mini terracotta pots (you can find a 32-count for $17.99 on Amazon, or reuse old ones), as well as some moss ($7.99 at Michael's, though you can buy it elsewhere). You'll also need a hot glue gun and a clear surface to work on.

Begin by applying hot glue to one side of the pinewood slice, then firmly pressing the bottom of the foam cone onto the wood. Once you have a secure base, you'll begin applying ample globs of hot glue to one side of the terracotta pots and pressing them into the side of the foam cone. Leave a small gap between each pot and create a rustic and whimsical look by slightly tilting the pots as you place them on the foam. Work all of the way up, covering the cone entirely in pots. The final touch is to glue and tuck moss into all of the spots where the Styrofoam cone is peeking through.

The creator of this DIY shows how she leans into the charming, rustic vibe by placing small moss balls and twigs in the terracotta pots and around the moss-covered cone, but there are all sorts of ways to personalize yours. One option is to play around with the color scheme of the piece. You could, for example, paint the terracotta pots in beige or whitewash for a lived-in, cottagecore aesthetic. For those who like more colorful displays, however, painting the mini pots in a rainbow of primary colors is yet another option.

While the decor can work as an around-the-year fixture on your patio or in your home, it could also be outfitted with elements that make it themed for various seasons. During the winter, lace battery-powered fairy lights around the pots and sprinkle in sprigs of evergreen and foraged pine cones that come straight from your garden. In the spring, the terracotta pots could each hold decorative eggs and dried flowers for a simple Easter DIY that will elevate the decor in any room. The fun is in the myriad ways this piece may reflect your personal style. In order to keep the fixture looking its best for as long as possible, protect it from the elements by shielding it from water and heavy winds that could topple it.