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Just like the saying “the shoes make the outfit,” the planter makes the plant. But fancy ceramic vessels are expensive, especially as they get larger (not to mention, they’re incredibly heavy). Domino’s style director, Naomi deMañana, was faced with this exact predicament when she realized her overgrown snake plant needed repotting. She wasn’t willing to splurge, but all the more affordable plastic options weren’t going to cut it stylewise. No stranger to getting crafty to make her vision a reality, she grabbed a yard of fabric and a bit of glue (deMañana prefers Modge Podge). Now one of those basic planters is a statement piece for a fraction of the cost.
In the same boat? DeMañana recommends a sturdy canvas or cotton fabric; anything too thick and the fabric will be too stiff to bend; anything too textural and you run the risk of water damage. If you’re looking to go the extra mile and match your planter to your wallpaper or sofa fabric, we applaud you.
The Supplies
- Tapered plastic planter
- Fabric of your choice (deMañana experimented with Capri, Sumba, and Olga by Serena Dugan)
- Pencil or fabric marker
- Scissors
- Paintbrush or sponge brush
- Modge Podge
Step 1: Roll and Measure
Lay the fabric you plan to use flat, pattern side facing down. Position your new planter on its side on the far left side of the fabric. Roll it slowly to the right, following the path of the bottom edge with a pencil or fabric marker as you go. Repeat and trace the top edge. The left-behind pencil marks should create a shallow arch. Add an inch to both the top and one side to allow for folding the fabric over at the end. Cut out the arch with a pair of scissors or rotary cutter.
Step 2: Glue It On
Coat the exterior of the vessel with a generous amount of Modge Podge using a paintbrush. Rolling the pot in the same technique as in step 1, slowly press the pot onto the fabric until it’s fully wrapped around the container.
Step 3: Fold It Over
You’ll have 1 inch of overlapping fabric; fold it in on itself and glue it down for a clean seam. Fold the top inch of overhanging fabric over the lip of the pot and brush Modge Podge over it, securing it in place. Allow the entire planter to dry for a few hours. (There’s no need to do an exterior coat of Modge Podge unless the planter is going to live outdoors.)
Step 4: Repot
Carefully repot your greenery into the spruced-up container. If your new pot doesn’t have drainage holes, just make sure to include rocks, stones, or even broken pieces of a terracotta planter to ensure the soil can dry out. For a real pattern party, we recommend making multiples in a tonal palette.