How to Make a Planter

Featured Pro: Kristan Cunningham
Category: Home Décor
Time: 2:30


KRISTAN CUNNINGHAM: Hi, there. I’m Kristan Cunningham. You know, some of the best design ideas come from the most unexpected places. You’ll see what I mean with this GMC Trade Secret.

My favorite thing to do when I’m at thrift stores or flea markets and I come across something really cool and I say, oh, I don’t have a place for that, I turn it into a planter. So I’ve got all of these cool things here that are going to be houses for really pretty plants.

First up, we’ve got to make sure they all have drainage, proper drainage holes. So this guy, which I think was a toolbox, is going to get drainage holes first.

Could that be any sweeter? I love the idea of juxtaposing something that was supposed to be so masculine, a toolbox, with flowers. Now it’s so pretty.

This guy’s going to be super-cute. I think it was an oil can, water can; I don’t know. But it’s going to be really, really pretty with some kind of tall something coming out of it.

This is a vintage lunch box. Again, something very masculine and utilitarian will become so beautiful. This, I think, was – I don’t know – a mop bucket or a water bucket, but hydrangeas are going to go in that guy. And then this one is actually a sifter. See the inside? So I’ll line this with some plastic. The cool part is it’s got a little grip, so I can put it on a table. Wait until you see this one inside – so cute.

It’s already got my drainage holes in this one. Now I’ll add some succulence. And there’s that guy – looks so cute. And the cool thing is, anything that’s got an opening that you can put a drainage hole in can become a planter. So if you like the shape of something, if you like the color, how much more interesting to have something that reflects your personal style than the plain old pot that you get at the nursery?

I’m Kristan Cunningham, and that’s your GMC Trade Secret.