Now that spring is here, most of us are heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and knock out a few home improvement projects. I love a good DIY project almost as much as I love a bargain, so for this project, I was thrilled to combine the two. I also love finding thrift store “trash” and giving it a new life by turning it into “treasure,” and that’s exactly what I did. I created a hanging planter from an old brass thrift store light fixture.
What I used for this project: An old pendant light fixture (mine cost under $5.00 at a thrift store); spray primer; chrome spray paint; jute gardening twine; drawer pull/knob; planting soil; plastic planter liner; and flowers.
Before |
{These instructions can be modified depending on what type of light fixture is used.}
First, I disassembled the light fixture, removing and discarding the old cord and components that I didn’t need.
Here it is disassembled. |
Then, I gave it a good cleaning and removed the glass panels while I prepped the metal part for paint. (If the glass on your fixture cannot be removed, simply tape over it. If you want to paint the glass too, rough it up with sandpaper and paint it. Or, you can skip painting altogether.) Next, I sprayed it with some primer and then gave it a coat of chrome spray paint.
Remove glass and spray paint the metal parts. Yes, I use a diaper box for my spray paint projects! |
After the paint dried, I reinserted the glass panels. Next, I used two long strands of twine (approximately 5-6 ft. long), doubled them, and tied them around the drawer pull which I used to “plug” the hole at the bottom of the fixture. Then, I threaded the twine through the hole and tied them around the screws on the fixture for added stability.
Close-Up of Bottom. Twine is tied around a small drawer pull, then threaded through the hole in the fixture. |
I planted my flowers inside the plastic planter liner, and then inserted it into the light fixture. In order to hang my planter, I tied a knot toward the top end of my twine creating a loop.
After |
This entire project cost under $15, and now I have a unique, custom-made hanging planter to hold my flowers. Not only is it pretty, but it was fun to make!
Jill ~ Jillify It says
I LOVE your planter!!! Sooo creative! I would love for you to share it at my party going on now at Jillify It!
Have a wonderful day!
Jill
http://www.jillifyit.com
Erin Spain says
Thank you, Jill!
Apples and Peanut Butter says
Great job!! That is really cute!!
Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com says
Hi! Visiting from Shabby Creek Cottage! Wow! What a transformation! I love how this turned out! Makes me want to find an old pendant light to rehab!
Im your newest follower.. I would love a follow back if you like my site too. And please feel free to share this at my Friday party starting tomorrow! 🙂
Erin Spain says
Thanks Kelley!
Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate says
Genius! What a great re-purpose project.
Jennifer Curtis says
This is a great idea Erin! Such a cool hanging planter now.
Steph @ The Silly Pearl says
Oh my goodness! You are so clever…I never would have imagined doing this. It turned out beautifully and totally cool!
CSI girl says
OMG! This is so great. I hope you will link this up to The CSI Project today. The challenge is outdoor decorating and summer parties. This would be perfect.
http://www.thecsiproject.com
Erin Spain says
Thank you!
Carrie says
Super clever, I adore repurposed light fixtures. Featured you on this month’s Refresh Your Nest!
http://makinglemonadeblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/refresh-your-nest-friday-link-up.html
Erin Spain says
Thanks so much, Carrie!
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
What a great idea! I love this upcycling project!
Erin Spain says
Thanks Karen!
Marilyn Brauner says
Very innovative