This page contains thrifty garden and yard craft projects.
Flower Pot Bird BathUsing a few inexpensive terra cotta flower pots you can make a beautiful bird bath for your garden. This is a page about making a flower pot bird bath.
Homemade Stepping StonesThat well worn path can be paved with inexpensive stepping stones. This page is about homemade stepping stones.
Making Concrete Stepping StonesMaking your own stepping stones is a fun project and a way to create unique stones for your garden. This is a page about making concrete stepping stones.
Making PVC Birds for the GardenThis is a page about making PVC birds for the garden. If you are tired of the pink flamingo or gnome garden art, try making birds from PVC pipe.
Making a Terra Cotta LighthouseAn inexpensive craft project made with clay pots is a lighthouse for a garden decoration. This is a page about making a terra cotta lighthouse.
Making Tire PlantersOld tires have been used for years to make inexpensive and creative planters. This is a page about making tire planters.
Making a Concrete BenchThis is a page about making a concrete bench. Making your own concrete bench does require some creativity and skill, but is a doable project.
Repainting a Metal Bird Feeder?This is a page about repainting a metal bird feeder. Over time metal bird feeders can rust. With proper prep and a final clear coat, you can give the feeder a new look and it will last for many more years.
Homemade Bases for Kickball or BaseballHomemade Bases for Kickball or Baseball. Supplies needed: Sheets of High density foam like what a pool noodle is made of but two different thicknesses, Left over plywood or particle board . . .
Making Hypertufa Stepping StonesThis is a page about making hypertufa stepping stones. Hypertufa can be prepared and molded into a variety of garden enhancements, including stepping stones.
How to Paint a Last Name Yard RockUse either a large stone or even a slab of concrete to create a unique welcome sign for your garden or drive, incorporating your last name into the design. This is a page about how to paint a last name yard rock.
Making a Self Watering Basil PlanterBasil likes to be watered regularly. Make this a little easier by planting in a self watering container. Making a self watering basil planter is easy and will keep your basil heathy and ready for any recipe.
Inexpensive Stepping StonesThis is a page about making inexpensive stepping stones. Making stepping stones doesn't have to be expensive. Stepping stones are a fun activity to do with your kids and are a great way to decorate your garden. They make wonderful gifts too!
Making Fun Yard SignsYou can make your own customized decorative yard signs using plain metal signs from your local craft store. This is a page about making fun yard signs.
Making a Terra Cotta Turtle PlanterTake regular terra cotta pots and transform them with paint into this whimsical turtle. This is a page about making a terra cotta turtle planter.
Painting RocksThis is a page about painting rocks. Their unique shape, size, and texture make rocks an excellent canvas for the artist, child or adult, to create beautiful and delightful bugs, scenery, or just colored rocks.
Problems with Homemade Stepping Stones?If you have decided to make your own personalized stepping stones for your garden or to give as a gift there may be issues that you need help with. This page addresses concerns about mix consistency, product choice, and even a name misspelling.
Homemade Bird FeedersThis is a page about homemade bird feeders. You can easily and relatively inexpensively attract birds to your garden by making your own bird feeders.
Recycled Jeans PlantersThis is a page about recycled jeans planters. Recycling jeans sets the stage for many craft projects.
Making a Mosaic Stepping StoneThis is a page about making a mosaic stepping stone. A mosaic stepping stone is a fun easy craft that will look great in your garden and makes a perfect gift, too.
Making Cake Pan Stepping StonesThis is a page about making cake pan stepping stones. There are so many cute cake pans shaped like cartoon characters and other designs that can be used as the mold for homemade stepping stones.
Using Flower Pot Saucers for Stepping StonesThe clear plastic flower pot saucers are perfect to use as a mold for making stepping stones. Their flexibility makes it easy to remove your finished stone. This is a page about using flower pot saucers for stepping stones.
How to Make a Soda Bottle Bird FeederStart with a 2 liter soda bottle and some paint and you too can make a cute feeder for your yard. This is a page about how to make a soda bottle bird feeder.
Scrap Wood BirdhousesThis is a page about scrap wood birdhouses. Have fun and provide nesting accommodations for song birds by recycling scrap wood into birdhouses.
Wooden Plant RiserDo you have left over wood scraps? If you do, you can make some wooden plant risers for your backyard.
Terrarium in a Five-Gallon JugSo this has been sitting around in our garage for a few months! My husband thought it was cool so he bought it at a garage sale for $1. He loved the idea I came up with of using it for a terrarium. We aren't too good at taking care of houseplants, so a terrarium that needs little attention is our way to go.
Portable Mini Plant TerrariumIf you have a desire to carry your favorite plant with you, then this portable terrarium is for you. I have come up with a very convenient and easy-to-make terrarium. All you need are two jars with lids and wire. I used copper wire from an old transformer.
Flower Pot from Cement and Old JeansNever throw away old jeans. Since denim is a fairly durable fabric and also absorbs concrete mix well, I used old jeans to make the petals of this flower-shaped flowerpot. This flowerpot looks beautiful not only on a lawn, but also on any hard surface in the yard or inside the house. It will delight you with its "bloom", even in winter.
Butterfly Flowers Pot Stakes out of Hot GlueDress up your potted plants with these butterflies on stakes. It is very easy to make them, and it will cost you almost nothing. All you need is some hot glue, a piece of baking paper, and a stick.
Succulent Driftwood CenterpieceMake this beautiful succulent driftwood centerpiece for little to free (if you have the supplies on hand).
Upcycled Water Bottle Indoor PlanterMake these cute indoor holiday themed planters with items you have around your home. They make a cute decor touch and are great for your plants to propagate in (instead of a plain plastic cup).
Earth Day Bird BiscuitHere's a great kid's craft idea to help them celebrate Earth Day, which is April 22.
Swag Decoration For LessWe have a vinyl arch in our backyard. It's pretty plain, so I decided to spruce it up with simple supplies (faux flowers/fillers, zip ties, and a bow).
Tea Cup Bird Feeder/Bird BathThis little piece will fit in perfectly with the glass sculpture flowers I made earlier this summer.
Topiary Watering Can Bird's Nest DecorI found this topiary watering can for $1.49 and came up with this idea to decorate it for my patio.
Planter LampThis craft uses an old lamp, a unique drainage system, and a plant "shade" on top!
Ceramic Plate Flower SculptureThese flowers don't need to be watered and they look wonderful all year round!
Hanging CD Reflective Garden DecorationMake these cute hanging garden decorations with simple supplies you may already have at home! They also help keep birds away from plants (because of the the shiny reflections.)
Making Lawn Chair CoversMy lawn chair covers were suffering from sun rot and needed a lot of help. In one afternoon, I crafted four chair covers from some worn jeans I had on hand.
Re-Cycle PlanterThrift stores such as Goodwill are an excellent source for finding metal objects that can be re-used to make a creative planter. Here is a project that explains how this imaginative tricycle planter was pieced together.
DIY Bee Happy Garden SignGarden decor and signs can be pricey. They may however get your creative mind working and inspire you to craft an original of your own. This cute sign is fun to make and can be constructed from items you may already have lying about at home. Give it a try.
Air Plant CraftsAir plants are fun to incorporate into wreaths, decor projects, creative planters, and more. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Making Bamboo and Coconut Shell PlantersThese bamboo and coconut shell planters are not only functional, but will bring an island feel to your garden. Use them for succulents or other plants of your choice. The tutorial published below will get you started.
Making a Straw Handbag PlanterTransform an old or new inexpensive straw handbag into a planter. It is perfect for displaying faux flowers or with the addition of a liner for planting live ones. Learn how here.
Making Stone Ladybug Garden OrnamentsPaint stones to look like cute little lady bugs to add to your garden or potted plants. Everything you need to know to make these sweeties is found in the tutorial below.
Kid Friendly Succulent TerrariumThis kid friendly succulent terrarium incorporates your child's rock and shell collection into the planting. Add some colorful plastic beads too. Check out the full project below.
Making a Gardener's Floral Gift BoxThis gardener's floral gift box begins with and unpainted clay pot. Follow the instructions in this project to make this gift box/planter. Add a few packages of seeds and it is ready to gift.
Making A Patriotic Flag With Left Over WoodSalvage a piece of scrap wood to create your own patriotic flag yard decoration for your garden or entryway. You will need paint, a brush, painter's tape, and an optional hanger.
Making Plastic Spoon Plant MarkersCreate inexpensive plant markers with craft paint, plastic spoons, and a permanent marker. They are perfect for an herb garden or to identify any garden plant.
How to Make a Heart Succulent WreathSucculents lend themselves to decorative planting ideas. Pick up a heart shaped piece of wall decor at your local craft store. Planting instructions for this lovely living wreath follow.
Bead Flower Decor for Your GardenThese cute craft bead garden flowers add a fun colorful bit of decor to your garden. The instructions include the supplies list, steps, and how to photos.
Recycled Angel WindchimesMaking your own windchimes is a great crafting project. They will add joy to your garden and can be given as gifts. Learn how to make a recycled angel windchime here.
DIY Clothes Hanger Wind ChimeMake an easy, pretty wind chime from a metal clothes hanger and some bells. This project results in a subtle chime sound; perfect for the patio or garden. The instructions and supplies list follow.
Making a Concrete PlanterThis pretty planter is made using inexpensive concrete, a bowl, and a recycled jar. It's easy to make in an afternoon and will last for years.
DIY Air Plant with Layered Sand and GlitterThis colorful layered sand and glitter planter for an air plant will make a nice bit of living decor for your home or a child's room.
Recycled Plastic Bottle Herb PlantersThese recycled plastic bottle herb planters are also self watering making them lower maintenance. Make several and grow herbs year round.
Making Cereal Treats for Backyard BirdsYou can easily make treats for the birds that visit your garden. String ring style cereal on cord or pipe cleaners and hang. Dye, sugar, and salt free varieties are a good choice. If you want to feed wild birds regularly, keep this type of treat down to once or twice a week and offer seed or suet the rest of the time.
Using Ribbon In Your GardenAdd seasonal interest to your garden by decorating with ribbon. Add ribbon bows or fabric strips to your planters and more. This page has some suggestions to get you going.
Making Recycled Glass Light Fixture TerrariumsThe glass covers on light fixtures can be repurposed and used as terrarium planters. Whether you have some from old fixtures or have purchased new or used ones, the project information on this page will assist you in making recycled glass light fixture terrariums.
DIY Macrame Plant HangersMacrame crafts come and go, but the plant hangers seem to retain their popularity. You can make these easy DIY plant hangers and save money over buying them retail. Detailed instructions follow.
Decorative Outdoor Solar SconcesAdd inexpensive solar path lights to wall candleholders to make decorative outdoor solar sconces. Learn how on this page.
Upcycled Plastic Egg Mini PlanterMany of us have plastic Easter eggs kicking around the house. Repurpose them into fun mini planters. This page shows you how to make an upcycled plastic egg mini planter.
Making Mini Egg Carton PlantersPaper egg crates can be transformed into these cute mini egg carton planters. Use them for starts or tiny plantings. This page contains a step up step project for making these outdoor planters.
Making a Concrete VaseThis unique concrete vase is perfect for a garden location or even for use at a cemetery site. It is easy to make using two vases and a bag of Quikrete.
Using Bird Cages As Outdoor PlantersOld birdcages or new decorative ones can be repurposed into attractive outdoor planters. They make a lovely addition to your gardenscape and are easy to personalize with some spray paint and your choice of plants.
DIY Wooden Garden BunniesWith some pressure treated wood, you can make some cute yard decorations that will last a long time. This is a page about DIY wooden garden bunnies.
Mounting and Hanging a Staghorn FernStaghorn ferns are epiphytes. They are native to the tropical forests of southeast Asia and Australia. They are essentially an air plant and can be mounted to a plaque and hung on the wall of your home. This is a page about mounting and hanging a staghorn fern.
Painting Decorative Indoor/Outdoor SignsBuying decorative garden or indoor metal signs can be not only expensive, but you may also not be able to find one with just the sentiment you are looking for. One solution is to make your own. This page offers a detailed project with photos for painting your own unique indoor/outdoor signs.
Making a Living Air Plant WreathAir plants can be attached to a grapevine wreath to create a lovely living wreath for your home. Spritz with water every week or so and you will have this living display for a long time. This is a page about making a living air plant wreath.
Easy DIY 2x4 Wooden Plant HolderA scrap of 2x4 and a hole saw is all that you need to make this useful potted plant holder. This is a page about how to make an easy DIY 2x4 wooden plant holder.
Making Cat Face Shaped Stepping Stones?What do you guys suggest for making molds for stepping stones in the shape of a cat's face? I would like to keep the shape of a cat, but even after using wire the ears still broke off. Also if I'm not planning on walking on them can I use plaster of Paris instead of concrete?
Repairing Stepping Stones?This is a page about repairing stepping stones. Decorations can sometimes fall off of stepping stone. An adhesive such as E6000 can be used to reattach these items.
Patriotic Garden Ball Using a Bowling BallAn old bowling ball can be converted into a decorative piece of patriotic garden art using flat craft marbles. This is a page about how to make a patriotic garden ball using a bowling ball.
How to Make Recycled Garden ReflectorsUsing your creativity and some fairly inexpensive or even recycled materials you can make some unique garden art reflectors. This is a page about how to make recycled garden reflectors.
How to Make Plywood Yard ArtIf you can trace, paint, and have an electric saw such as a jig saw then you can create some fun yard art using plywood and exterior paints. This is a page about how to make plywood yard art.
Easy Bird FeederThere are lots of ways to make a bird feeder, but I think this is one of the easiest and most fun to make. It is an excellent craft for children to do because the end product looks good with only a minimal amount of skill needed.
Making a Light Bulb TerrariumA hollowed out incandescent light bulb can be used to make a neat miniature terrarium. This is a page about making a light bulb terrarium.
Recycled Garden Hose BasketUse an old retired garden hose and some zip ties to make a useful garden basket. It could even be used as a planter. This is a page about making a recycled garden hose basket.
How to Make a Simple Pumpkin PlanterA hollowed out pumpkin can easily be turned in to a decorative autumn planter. Learn to make these cute pumpkin planters for your deck or front porch.
How to Make a Hose WreathOld hoses can be recycled in a variety of creative ways. This page shows you how to make a hose wreath.
Making A Solar Outdoor ChandelierI found this great shabby chic chandelier at Goodwill. I have been on a search for one for a while. I love the look, and it will go well with my outdoor space. With a little paint and and solar lights this will become a functional and decorative piece for my outdoor garden.
How to Make a Bamboo TrellisYou can make an inexpensive and attractive trellis for your garden from bamboo. This is a page about how to make a bamboo trellis.
Paint a Village of RocksSelect rocks of various shapes and sizes. Paint them to create your own unique village to decorate your garden or home. This is a page about paint a village of rocks.
Toy Wheelbarrow as Flower PlanterA fun planter can easily be made from a child's wheelbarrow. This is a page about toy wheelbarrow as flower planter.
Recycled Moroccan WindchimeThis windchime is made from a thriftstore brass teapot and plate. To that add beads or whatever else you wish to complete the Moroccan inspired chime. This is a page about recycled Moroccan windchime.
Make a Wind Chime with Old Beads and JewelryYou can make a pretty, unique wind chime with leftover craft beads and odd pieces of jewelry. This is a page about make a wind chime with old beads and jewelry.
Making a Thriftstore Glass Garden TowerYou have probably seen these on craft sites and for sale on the internet. Several trips to the thriftstore can provide all the supplies you need to make your own unique version, except for the glue. This is a page about making a thriftstore glass garden tower.
How to Make Glass Bottle Wind ChimesVary up the finished wind chime by using different shaped and colored glass bottles to make several of these lovely chimes. This is a page about how to make glass bottle wind chimes.
Making a Driftwood Door HandleThis is a page about making a driftwood door handle. The smooth weathered appearance of driftwood lends itself to many craft and home decor projects.
Making a Plastic Bottle Animal PlanterThis is a page about making a plastic bottle animal planter. Save your bottles to make this adorable planter for spring seedlings.
Painting Light BulbsThis is a page about painting light bulbs. Create a colorful lighted decorative atmosphere or your deck, patio, or in the garden by painting a string of light bulbs.
Making Hypertufa PlantersHypertufa is made by mixing Portland cement, perlite or vermiculite, with sphagnum peat moss, and water. It can be used to make durable planters in endless shapes and sizes. This is a page about making hypertufa planters.
Giving a Sign a Vintage LookThis is a page about giving a sign a vintage look. A purchased garden or wall sign, in almost any material, can be enhanced by adding a vintage look.
Garden Sphere Out Of Hanging BasketsI have a few of hanging baskets in storage that I wanted to transform into a garden sphere. Because they are a little pricey, I thought I could recreate them with 2 planter hanging baskets joined together. This is super easy and adds a subtle look to your garden.
Plastic Letters for Imprinting Concrete?Where can I purchase plastic numbers and letters to imprint in wet concrete?
Making a Plastic Soda Bottle Hanging PlanterThis is a page about making a plastic soda bottle hanging planter. Help give your plants an inexpensive new home and keep plastic bottles out of our landfills by making this easy hanging planter.
Making a Gnome Garden in a PlanterThis is a page about making a gnome garden in a planter. Add some of your own charm and personality to your garden by putting together your own decorations and planters.
Using a Mailbox for Storing Garden ToolsThis is a page about using a mailbox for storing garden tools. Decorate an old mailbox and create a great place to store your gardening gloves and tools.
Making Tardis Solar Garden LightsThis is a page about making tardis solar garden lights. Dr. Who fans will love this, garden path lighting, craft project.
Making Soda Can Plant LabelsThis is a page about making soda can plant labels. There are a great number of craft uses for empty aluminum soda cans. The crafter/gardener will delight in they ease of use for making decorative plant markers.
Ladybug RocksI saw cute painted ladybugs on Pinterest and decided to make some. I live by a landscape/ mulch yard and bought stones the sizes I needed. I think you can buy rocks at hobby stores too.
Flower Pot from Cement and Old JeansNever throw away old jeans. Since denim is a fairly durable fabric and also absorbs concrete mix well, I used old jeans to make the petals of this flower-shaped flowerpot. This flowerpot looks beautiful not only on a lawn, but also on any hard surface in the yard or inside the house. It will delight you with its "bloom", even in winter.
Garden Bed from Recyled Bed FrameWe had a broken bed and had planned on making a grow box this fall for our winter garden, so we used bed parts to make it.
Portable Mini Plant TerrariumIf you have a desire to carry your favorite plant with you, then this portable terrarium is for you. I have come up with a very convenient and easy-to-make terrarium. All you need are two jars with lids and wire. I used copper wire from an old transformer.
Upcycled Water Bottle Indoor PlanterMake these cute indoor holiday themed planters with items you have around your home. They make a cute decor touch and are great for your plants to propagate in (instead of a plain plastic cup).
Succulent Driftwood CenterpieceMake this beautiful succulent driftwood centerpiece for little to free (if you have the supplies on hand).
Gnome GardenThis little garden built for a gnome is a fun garden accent, perfect for the front porch. Lean how we made ours in this short video.
Recycling Plastic Planters as Hypertufa...Hypertufa planters are easy to make and by using old planters as molds, makes them inexpensive to make. Check out how by watching this short video.
Tardis Solar Garden LightsFor all the Doctor Who fans out there, you need these awesome tardis solar lights in you garden. Check out this video and learn how easy they are to make.
Thriftstore Glass Garden TowerTake recycled glassware to create this unique garden decoration. This glass tower will sparkle in the sun. Learn how to make it in this short video.
Hypertufa Stepping StonesMake your own stepping stones! This is a great project to do with the family.
Clay Pot LighthouseMake a cute terra cotta pot lighthouse for you garden. Check out this video and learn how easy they are to make!
Repairing a Wind Chime?I have read the thread about fixing the strings of wind chimes, but have a problem with the sun and wind. Dental floss is okay, but I'm having to repair yearly because of said problems. I have been thinking that small chain might work because I see this type of chain on parts of some wind chimes. What do you think?
Instructions for Easy to Make Stepping Stones?Is there any easy way to make stepping stones? I am looking for a easy craft to do with the older grandchildren. What supplies would I need, what type of concrete, would I need a finishing spray and also how thick should the form be for the stones?
Finding Patterns for Making PVC Birds?Where can I find patterns for PVC birds?
Gluing Glass To Glass?I want to make a glass birdbath from clear and colored glassware. These pieces may be heavy and I want to know what glue would be heavy duty enough to hold them together?
Problems with Homemade Stepping Stones?I am trying to troubleshoot my first attempt at making your stepping stones. Can you tell me what you think the problem might be if the stone crumbled away? I made a large one and a smaller one and it was the smaller one that has simply crumbled away, 5 days after making it.
Sealant for Outdoor Acrylic Art Project?What type of clear coat would I use? I painted a rural scene on a metal mailbox with acrylics with two coats of clear polycrylic satin finish. Do I also need to find a sealer suitable for outdoors/weather? Now I'm reading the polycrylic will not protect the painting outdoors?
