I am back with another crafty project today and one that is a great recycling project. Today I will show you how to use tiles to make DIY tile planters.

I have been away from the blog for a little while, just trying to reignite my crafty inspiration and mojo, and today I am back with a new craft project. This one is a project of two halves and there are several ways to complete it. Either way, you will end up with beautiful DIY tile planters to spruce up your plants, whether inside or outside.

Now I previously saw this project over on Pinterest and thought it would be great to replicate. The original idea comes from Pillar Box Blue, and I just knew that these would look great in our semi-Mediterranean garden ideas.

The basic concept is to use old tiles and create a square planter or plant pot to create a decorative pot for your plants. A pretty simple idea with a great effect right? These planters will pair beautifully with the DIY Tin Can Plant Pots that I made last year too!

So if you would like to see how to make DIY tile planters, then let’s get crafting!

DIY Tile Planters

There are several ways to make these planters and the size of them depends on the size of the tiles you are going to use. You can use existing tiles that you have, or you can get creative and design your own tile designs on blank tiles. I am going for the latter option, however, did create a DIY tile planter using existing tiles too. A great way to recycle, don’t you think?

I will show you how to decorate your own tiles and create the planters from these, however, the steps are the same (minus the decorating) if you are using old tiles.

What you need:

So, to make the DIY tile planters you will need the following items. Please note that some items on this list are affiliate links which will be marked with an asterisk(*).

• Existing tiles or Blank tiles for decorating*
• Paint Pens*
• Clear lacquer*
• Tile adhesive*
• Chosen plant
• Pencil
• Scissors

Step 1 – Create Tile Design

Now, if you are going down the route of designing your own tile designs then the starting point is here. If you are using existing tiles, then jump to step 3.

First, you need to settle on what design you would like on your tiles. You can choose to do this freehand, or if like me, you are not as gifted in the artist traits find a design to copy.
Once you have found your chosen design, you want to resize this to your tile size. If you are using the tiles I am, then these are approximately 10cmX10cm.

Print out the design and cut it down to size. Then grab a pencil and shade over the back of the design until the design is completely covered on the back. Turn the design over (design side up) and place this onto the tile. Then, use a pencil or a pen to draw around the edges of the design. This pressure should transfer the pencil from the backside of the paper onto the tile. You then have your design ready to fill in with the paint pens.

Select which colours you like and fill in the designs with the paint pens. You may need to complete two to three coats of this, depending on how vibrant you want your designs. Leave to completely dry.

Step 2 – Seal the Tiles

Once the paint designs have dried, you are halfway there to create the DIY tile planters. Before they can be assembled, the tiles need to be sealed to protect your pretty paintwork. Use a clear lacquer sealer for this, covering the tile designs in 2 even coats. You can also cover the underside of the tile as well if you desire to seal this part. I haven’t and time will tell if this was a good idea or not!

Leave these to fully cure and dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3 – Assemble the DIY Tile Planters

So, whether you were following steps 1 and 2, or using existing tiles, then it is time to create your planters!

Use a tile adhesive, I found the tube one easier to apply than mixing my own, however, use what you have available. Start by laying out your designs in the order you want them to be. I only had three designs, so had to be cautious that the same tiles were not touching. In the end, I settled on two of the same designs opposite each other, with the remaining two designs opposite each other. If you have the same design on your tiles, then this won’t be a problem.

Place tile adhesive along with one of the edges of the tile and place the next tile on top of this. Both designs should be facing the same way / be on the outside. Press into place and use supports to keep them at a right angle. I used paint pots and a square level to help with this. Allow this to begin drying and hardening to secure the two.

Then repeat on the opposite side, again placing a line of the tile adhesive down and securing the next tile to it. Again, remember to keep the designs on the outside of the forming square. Allow this to dry and harden a little as before.

Once the three tiles are stable, we can then add the fourth side. Place tile adhesive down the two edges of the tiles face upwards, and place the remaining fourth tile onto the top of this, pressing down and allowing it to dry/harden. You should then have the basic square of the DIY tile planters.

Add Blank Tile to the Bottom

To finish the tile plants, use a blank tile that has been sealed, and secure this to the bottom of the square shape that has been formed. You may find that the tile does not fit fully onto the base, so use extra tile adhesive to fill the gap.

Remember to remove excess adhesive from the sides that have been stuck so as not to ruin your designs. Use a damp cloth to do so if required.

Step 4 – Add Plant

Once you are happy that the tile adhesive has dried and cured, the DIY tile planter is practically complete. All you need to do now is add your chosen plan. Rather than placing soil into the planter, use a small plant pot that fits, and place your plant into this. This will make it easier to remove for watering, as well as help with the water draining away. Hopefully, it will also help with the longevity of the tile planter too!

Then your DIY tile planters are ready to be displayed inside or outside to brighten up your décor!

What do you think of these DIY tile planters? Will you be making your own? What designs would you paint onto your tiles? Let me know in the comments below!

DIY Tile Planters – Video

Here is the video version of this post. It may be easier to follow along with the tutorial by the video. Don’t forget to like the video if you have enjoyed it, and why not subscribe to my channel to keep up with all of my creative and crafty antics on YouTube.

DIY Tile Planters – Share it!

If you have enjoyed this post, then why not share the love by sharing it or pinning it? You can also check out my Pinterest for more creative inspiration!

Have a creative project in mind, but don’t know how to plan it? I have you covered with a FREE creative project planner when you sign up to my email list. Grab yours now!