Make a Plant Pal

I made a couple of these last month, partly because I though a cactus I had bought looked a bit like a beehive and partly because I needed a pen pot for my desk. This DIY is really easy, all up no more than an hours work max. 

What you need:

• A Tin Can

• Modern Can Opener

• Power Drill or Hammer and Nail

• White or Light Coloured Paint (ideally enamel-based spray or house paint)

• Black Test Pot of Paint and Small Brush or Water-Proof Permanent Marker

• Small Plant

• Suitable Soil (potting mix)

• A handful of Small Stones

• Newspaper

Step 1: Remove the lid of the can so it doesn’t have a sharp top edge. Thoroughly wash and remove the paper label of the used can. Allow to dry completely.

Step 2: Drill four drainage holes in the bottom of the can using a 3mm drill bit. If you don't have a drill you can hammer through with a nail to punch a hole. If you're making this as a pen pot you can skip this step.

Step 3: Cover a table with newspaper in a well ventilated area. Paint the outside surface of the

can. I propped mine on a bottle to make spraying it a bit easier. Painting the bottom is not necessary. You might need to repeat this step once the paint is dry to get an even covering.

Step 4: Once the paint is dry, draw a face or anything else you like on the can using a pencil, once your happy with the design draw over with the permanent marker or paint it on.

Step 5: If you're potting a plant nows the time to place the stones in the can. Fill the can a third the way up with potting mix. Place the plant in the can on top of the soil. Fill around the plant to the edge of the pot with more potting mix. Press soil down gently around the plant until it can stand on its own.

Step 7: Place can in a little dish.

Step 8: Put her on your desk and enjoy your new friend.