We all love that magical fairy garden look. But paying fifty dollars for a concrete statue at the garden center hurts the wallet. The good news is that you can build your own charming toadstools using trash or thrift store finds. Here are my favorite easy projects to add some personality to your flower beds this weekend.
1. The Classic Terracotta Pot
This is the perfect starter project that costs less than 10 dollars. It looks adorable tucked under a leafy hosta.
Materials:
- Standard terracotta pot
- Terracotta saucer that is slightly wider than the pot bottom
- Red and white outdoor acrylic paint
- Waterproof construction adhesive like Gorilla Glue
Steps:
- Clean the pot and saucer to remove any dust.
- Flip the pot upside down to create the stem.
- Paint the stem white and the saucer bright red.
- Add white polka dots to the red saucer once dry.
- Apply glue to the bottom rim of the upside down pot.
2. Concrete Bowl Casting
If you want the look of expensive stone without the price tag use this method. These are heavy enough to withstand any summer storm.
Materials:
- Bag of Quikrete or fast setting concrete mix
- Plastic mixing bowl for the cap mold
- Tall plastic cup for the stem mold
- Cooking spray
- Construction adhesive
Steps:
- Spray the inside of the bowl and cup generously with cooking oil.
- Mix the concrete with water according to the bag instructions.
- Pour concrete into the molds and tap them to release air bubbles.
- Let them dry for at least 24 hours before removing the plastic.
- Glue the concrete cap onto the concrete stem.
3. Solar Light Glass
Make your garden glow at night. This hack creates a soft magical vibe along your walkway when the sun goes down.
Materials:
- Standard solar pathway light on a stake
- Vintage glass lampshade or heavy glass bowl
- Clear silicone or E6000 glue
Steps:
- Remove the top plastic cap from the solar light if possible.
- Clean the glass shade thoroughly.
- Run a bead of glue around the rim of the solar light panel.
- Center the glass shade upside down over the light.
- Stake it into the ground where it will get full sun.
4. Upcycled Wooden Salad Bowls
Check your kitchen for those old wooden salad bowls you never use. This adds a warm rustic touch to your mulch beds.
Materials:
- Wooden salad bowl
- Sturdy log or tree stump
- Wood sealer or outdoor varnish
- 3 inch wood screw and drill
Steps:
- Drill a pilot hole through the exact center of the bowl.
- Coat the bowl and the log with outdoor sealer to prevent rot.
- Place the bowl upside down on top of the log.
- Drive the screw through the hole into the log to secure it.
5. Mosaic Tile Art
Do not throw away leftover bathroom tiles. The mosaic reflects the sunlight and makes your garden look like a high end art gallery.
Materials:
- Old ceramic tiles or plates
- Hammer and towel
- Terracotta pot and saucer
- Tile adhesive and outdoor grout
Steps:
- Wrap tiles in a towel and smash them with a hammer to make shards.
- Apply adhesive to the pot and stick the shards on in a pattern.
- Let the adhesive dry completely.
- Spread grout over the tiles to fill the gaps and wipe clean with a sponge.
- Assemble the pot and saucer just like the terracotta project.
6. Painted River Rocks
Sometimes simple is best. These are great for adding color to small containers or window boxes where space is tight.
Materials:
- Large round river stone
- Smaller cylinder shaped stone
- Outdoor craft paint
- Strong landscape adhesive
Steps:
- Wash the rocks and let them dry completely.
- Paint the round stone to look like a mushroom cap.
- Paint the cylinder stone a neutral stem color like cream.
- Glue the cap stone onto the stem stone.
- Nestle it into the soil so it stands upright.
7. Rustic Funnel Plant Stand
For a farmhouse feel use an old rusty metal funnel. The orange rust contrasts beautifully with green ferns.
Materials:
- Vintage metal funnel
- Copper pipe or wooden dowel
- Epoxy putty
Steps:
- Hammer the copper pipe or dowel into the garden soil.
- Clean the inside of the funnel spout slightly.
- Apply epoxy to the top of the pipe.
- Slide the funnel spout over the pipe upside down.
8. Driftwood and Shells
If you live near the coast use what you find on the beach. It is a subtle and natural decoration that brings a bit of the ocean to your backyard.
Materials:
- Piece of weathered driftwood
- Large scallop shell or clam shell
- Hot glue gun or super glue
Steps:
- Stand the driftwood up to see how it balances.
- Clean the shell to remove any sand or salt.
- Apply a generous amount of glue to the top of the wood.
- Press the shell firmly onto the wood and hold until set.
9. The Giant Wire and Concrete
Make a statement piece that serves as a focal point. Just be careful lifting it because it will be heavy.
Materials:
- Roll of chicken wire
- Wire cutters
- Concrete mix
- Rubber gloves
Steps:
- Cut and bend the chicken wire to form a mushroom shape.
- Mix the concrete so it is thick like peanut butter.
- Wear gloves and apply the concrete by hand over the wire mesh.
- Smooth the surface with a wet sponge and let it cure for 2 days.
10. Teacup Miniatures
These are perfect for fairy gardens. Place them in your hanging baskets for a touch of Alice in Wonderland charm.
Materials:
- Vintage teacup and saucer
- 1/2 inch copper pipe
- Ceramic glue
Steps:
- Glue the teacup upside down onto the center of the saucer.
- Glue the bottom of the saucer to the top of the copper pipe.
- Let the glue cure for 24 hours.
- Push the copper pipe into the soil of your planter.
11. Tree Stump Village
Turn an ugly stump into a feature. It turns an eyesore into a storybook home that the grandkids will love.
Materials:
- Wooden bowls or round cabinet knobs
- Acrylic paint
- Nails or screws
Steps:
- Cut wooden bowls in half if you want them flush against the wood.
- Paint the bowls red or orange.
- Screw or nail the bowls directly into the side of the tree stump.
- Paint a small door and windows near the roots of the stump.
12. The Sparkle Globe
Use a round glass lighting globe from an old ceiling fan. At night it looks like a glowing orb hovering in your plants.
Materials:
- Glass ceiling fan globe
- Battery operated string lights
- PVC pipe painted white
Steps:
- Paint the PVC pipe to look like a stem.
- Drive the pipe securely into the ground.
- Stuff the string lights inside the glass globe.
- Balance the globe on top of the PVC pipe opening.