I am not a fan of a regular hanging basket, preferring something a bit more handmade or vintage inspired. Today I am going to show you how to upcycle a colander instead – although you could use any bowl-type object.
Materials Needed:
- A lightweight bowl or colander. (TOP TIP – try to choose one with two handles so it is nicely balanced)
- A hanging basket chain (TOP TIP – car boot sales are a great place to find one cheaply. Alternatively, buy lengths of chain.)
Equipment Needed:
- Spray paint. BUY HERE.
- Dust Mask
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pen
- Drill
- Masking Tape
- Piece of old newspaper
- Old cardboard box
Step 1: Lay the colander onto a piece of newspaper and draw around it using a pen, forming a circle.
Step 2: Using the ruler, mark out an equilateral triangle on the newspaper within the circle. Make the top point of the triangle at the centre point of the top of the circle. Draw a cross at each corner.
Step 3: Lay the colander back down on the circle, and mark on the side of the bowl the three corner points of the triangle, using the pen. This is where you are going to drill holes.
TOP TIP – if your colander has a lip, try to make the holes within it. This will make it hang straighter.
Step 4:
Using a drill and a fine drill piece, create three holes for the hanging chain.
Step 5:
Prepare the bowl for spraying by covering any area you don’t want to be painted with masking tape. I left the base and the handles silver for contrast.
Step 6: Outside, wearing a mask, spray the colander using spray paint for the material of the bowl. I used this Hammerite metal paint.
TOP TIP: create a spray booth from an old cardboard box to stop yourself from spraying anything other than the colander. Leave to dry
Step 7: Remove the masking tape and touch up the paint if needed. I used a fine paintbrush for this.
Step 8: Add gravel or crocks to the base of the bowl, then compost. You may want to line with a moss lining. Plant up with a flower of your choice (tumbling flowers work well!)
Step 9: Attach the chain and hang it in a sunny spot.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY MADE FOR TAKE A BREAK MAGAZINE. READ MORE DIY TUTORIALS HERE.
This post contains affiliate links.
