Cacti are all the rage right now… I’m a little addicted. But seriously how cute are these! I’m in the middle of a lounge room re-style, and once I get everything sorted I have the perfect place to put these.
If you’re looking to try this project out you’ll be impressed to know it cost me $0 to make; you too probably have everything you need at home already.
You will need:
Recycled food cans – washed & labels removed (I used a spaghetti and Milo can)
Old newspaper
Timber offcuts
Small tac nails
Jigsaw cutter
Sandpaper
Hammer
Sand & little pebbles
Scissors, ruler & pencil
PVA Glue
Blue/Green paint
Paintbrush
Directions:
- First draw your cactus shape onto the timber (I free hand drew mine – it looked like a mitten). The timber I had was leftover from a caravan renovation, I just couldn’t throw it out; it had pencil markings and drawing all over it, this condition is fine; we’ll paint and sand over it (recycling is best!).
- Now cut out the shape using the jigsaw. Sand and smooth along the edges until you’re happy with the result.
- Now it’s time to paint… I used a chalk based paint, but any old paint will do. I think these would look great in different shades of blue and green.
- While you wait for the paint to dry… get started on covering the can (aka cacti pot) with newspaper. I measured and cut my newspaper to size, then covered one side of the paper with pva glue. Now carefully stick the paper to the can, it was easier than I thought and rolled along with the can easily enough. Set the pot aside to dry.
- Once the painted cacti are dry, lightly sand away parts of the paint and edges to create a rustic and weather look. Once you’re happy the the authenticity, start hammering. Randomly hammer the nails into place ensuring they are jaggered and well spaced.
- Now half fill your pot with sand, place the cacti into the pot, continue filling with sand; leaving room at the top to lay the decorative pebbles.
- All done! Enjoy your new cacti that requires zero attention or watering; display it in your home or present it as a gift. (Share photo’s if you give it a go)!
