Ways to Decorate Planters

Decorative Glass Bead Planters

• Glass beads and stones are an ideal option for either an indoor or an outdoor planter or flowerpot. Use the small pieces of glass in a mosaic style to design shapes, patterns or simple pictures. Try an outdoor or nature theme to match the flower or plant. For example, create a butterfly mosaic on the sides of a planter holding flowers that attract the flying beauties. Another option is to color coordinate the shades and hues of the beads with the plant itself. You will need a variety of beads in different sizes, shapes and colors as well as ceramic tile grout to hold your mosaic together. These decorative crafting materials are readily available at most retail arts and crafts supply stores.

Decorative and Informative Planters

• Outdoor planter decor doesn't have to be simply for arts sake. Transform a large flower pot into a house marker by painting your home's number on the front. Use a stencil or make your own template on the home computer to add a creative flare with a fancy font. Tape the house number onto the front; this project works better with flat-side planters instead of round pots. Choose a noticeable color in contrast to the planter's shade, and paint the number on with a sponge or brush using a waterproof craft paint. Nonwaterproof paints may run when left outside in inclement weather. Another option is to include your family's last name. Add simple text such as "The Smith's Home' or "Welcome to the Johnson's House" with stencils and paint.

Decorative Wooden Planters

• A wooden planter can add a natural type of charm to any garden or outdoor space. Jazz up a plain planter with a fancy stencil or patterned paint. Look for nontoxic waterproof paints that will not harm the plants. Paint the planter a solid base, and then add a design. Tape on a floral inspired stencil, and add some color with a thin brush or sponge or use painter's tape to create vertical or horizontal lines. Depending on the paint, you may need to add a waterproofing agent to keep your design safe. As with the paint, any waterproofing agent should also be nontoxic and plant safe.