Cute and Simple Succulent Containers for Your Home or Office

4 Materials
$20
1 Day
Easy

Create cute and simple succulent containers for your home or office by transforming dollar store candleholders using painter’s tape and spray paint. They would also make cute centerpieces, particularly at a wedding where they also could function as wedding favors.


The Perfect Plants and Containers


I don’t have the greenest of thumbs, so I selected three easy-to-care-for succulents at my local home and garden store. For variety and to add visual interest, I chose plants with different shaped leaves and colors.


The plants originally came in 11 oz generic, plastic pots that needed to be replaced or hidden inside a better-looking container. Since I had been eyeing copper spray paint at the store for a while and looking for an excuse to buy it, I decided to make my own containers using copper and white paint. Plus, I knew that a simple copper and white combination would look perfect on the windowsill.


I found the perfect containers for my little plants at the Dollar Tree store. I purchased 3-inch Square Glass Candleholders. What I especially liked about the candleholders was their simple shape; the shape would not compete with whatever design I decided to paint on them. In addition, the containers had a heavy base and felt solid.


Project Overview


I started by painting the containers white and then used painter’s tape to mask off designs for the copper paint. It was a quick and easy project and I loved the end result–cute and simple succulent containers! I’ve described the materials and steps in more detail below.

How to Make Cute and Simple Succulent Containers


Here’s What I Used

Materials

  • 3-inch Square Glass Candleholders
  • Painter’s Tape


Stain/Paint

  • Krylon FUSION ALL-IN-ONE Gloss White Spray Paint and Primer In One
  • Krylon FUSION ALL-IN-ONE Gloss Copper Metallic Spray Paint and Primer In One


Tools

  • Respirator
  • Optional: Spray booth
Project Materials


Project Steps


Step 1 – Clean Containers

Clean and dry glass candleholders. I used regular dish soap.


Step 2 – Paint Base Coat (White Spray Paint)

I chose Krylon FUSION ALL-IN-ONE Gloss White Spray Paint and Primer In One because I wanted a glossy finish. This paint adheres to glass and does not require primer. Because paint vapors are harmful, I spray painted outdoors and wore a respirator appropriate for painting. When spray painting, you should work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and read and follow the instructions on the can of spray paint.


Before applying the white spray paint, I shook the spray can vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, per the instructions on my can. Next, I held the can about 8″ to 10″ away from the surface of the glass candleholders and covered the sides with a thin coat of paint using an even side-to-side motion.


I applied 3 coats of paint, letting each coat dry before adding the next coat of paint. This particular spray paint should be recoated within 2 hours or after 48 hours (I added the next coat within 2 hours of applying the prior coat).

Starting the first coat
After 3 coats of white paint


To protect the surrounding area from overspray, I painted in a spray booth.


Step 3 – Mask with Painter’s Tape


After allowing the white paint to dry completely, I taped off my patterns with painter’s tape. Specifically, I covered anything I wanted to remain white with tape. I also covered the top to prevent copper paint from staining the inside.

Painter’s tape is used to mask the areas to remain white


Make sure to wait long enough for the paint to dry before adding the tape. If you don't, some of the white paint can come off when you remove the tape or the tape can add uneven texture in the remaining white paint. I let them sit overnight before taping and painting with the copper spray paint. Ideally, they should sit for 48 hours before applying the tape and copper paint.


Step 4 – Paint with Accent Color (Copper Spray Paint)


Similar to before, I shook the spray can for 1 – 2 minutes before starting to paint. Holding the can about 8″ to 10″ away from my target, I coated the sides using a sweeping, back and forth motion. I added three thin coats waiting for the paint to dry between coats.


Step 5 – Remove the Tape, Insert Plant, and Enjoy!


When the paint was dry to the touch, I removed the painter’s tape. I waited until the paint dried completely before inserting my three little succulents. They were the perfect cute and simple succulent containers for my home office!


These containers do not have watering holes in the bottom. Because I left the plants in their original containers, I can remove the plastic pots when the plants need watering and then return them to their decorative containers on my windowsill after they finish draining.


Other Uses for Adorable Succulent Planters


I really like the succulent pots on my windowsill. They bring a little of the outside into my home office and brighten up the space. These succulent containers also would look cute as centerpieces, particularly at a wedding where they also could function as wedding favors. The colors even could be changed to match the wedding colors. They would also work nicely in your on a side table, counter, or shelf in your home or office.


Where else could you use these cute and easy succulent containers as decorations? Do you find enjoyment from decorating with plants? If you haven’t yet, try adding some living plant to your primary workspace so you too can begin to experience the positive results.

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Anne @ IkornCrafts
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5 of 11 comments
  • Bree Bree on May 30, 2021

    Absolutely adorable! I have a ton of dollar store glass containers I'm going to try this with! As for drainage- you can pour some chicken grit/pumice on the bottom of the pot (about 1/3rd) and plant the succulent with fresh succulent soil. Water when the leaves look 'thirsty'. Use a squirt bottle (not a sprayer- they don't like water on their leaves) and give it a little drink. They are the most wonderful little (and forgiving) plants for those of us with not-so-green thumbs. Cacti, too- AND they flower!

    • See 2 previous
    • Anne @ IkornCrafts Anne @ IkornCrafts on May 30, 2021

      hahaha! I killed an artificial plant once too! icon I've been wanting to try and propagate succulents. Thanks for the tips!

  • Marcha Thompson Marcha Thompson on Sep 06, 2023

    Very attractive, they look expesnsive!

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