Simple DIY Planter Boxes

Last month, I found several of these CD storage crates and my local GW.  

They're pretty much a dime a dozen at the thrift shops.  If you're unable to find them there, try your local craft store.  I believe they're only a few bucks in those shops too.

Once you have them in your hot little hands, the next step is to stain them (if they're naked wood).  You'll need to do this so that once you distress the pieces, there'll be something dark to peek through.  I was using Minwax Dark Walnut, but I found a better color, which I'll be using from now on.  It's still Minwax, but it's the Ebony shade.  Anyway, when you do this step, just brush it on with a foam brush and leave the piece to dry for a day or two.  There's no need to formally stain (you know, wiping and then reapplying) them since I'll just be covering it in paint anyway.

After the stain has dried, paint the whole thing in your favorite paint.  Once that's done, sand the piece down and adorn with you favorite little real (or fake!) houseplants.  

paint -  Folk Art in Turquoise

 paint - Folk Art in Fresh Foliage

I think these would be great for a teacher's gift.  Wouldn't it be a sweet gift with some seed packets and some gardening gloves tucked inside?


Linking to:
FFA @ Sassy Sites
Feature Yourself Friday @ Fingerprints on the Fridge 
SNS Special @ Funky Junk Interiors 
Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table & Dreaming 
Think Pink @ Flamingo Toes  
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping it Simple 
Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch 
All Things Inspired @ All Things Heart & Home
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Show & Tell Fri @ My Romantic Home 
We Did It Weds @ Sew Much Ado
Under $100 Link Party @ Beyond the Picket Fence