DIY Photo Planter

I believe that flowers are such a wonderful gift, no matter what the occasion. Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Anniversaries, or just because, flowers are the perfect way to show your appreciation to someone.

Continue reading this tutorial for a fun and easy DIY project for any occasion and make this thoughtful photo planter with a personalized touch!

As Mother’s Day was fast approaching, I was trying to find an easy DIY that I could make, specifically with a planter (as all the mom’s in my life were going to be given a flower of some sort). I came across this blog post that shared this idea and I was totally inspired! Mostly because I already knew I had all the supplies on hand, which hardly ever happens!

Materials

A planter (I would have preferred to use a wood planter, as I think the images would have applied better because wood is more porous, but I could not find one for the life of me! The metal one I used worked, of course, so you could use something similar too if you had to).
Images printed black and white on a LASER printer. If you are using an image with words, make sure to reverse the image as you apply the photo backward.
Fusion Mineral Paint – Transfer Gel. The product I have is an older version as I’ve had it for many years, so that’s why it looks a little different. You could also use Matte Modge Podge (similar to what was used in the original blog post).
Scissors
Paintbrush

Step one:

The first thing to do is measure how big your planter is and print the images according to that size. It’s extremely important that you print on a laser printer. An inkjet printer won’t work as they are water-soluble. Also, try and use black and white images that are darker, as I found these images transferred better.

Step two:

Cut the photos.

Step three:

Apply a thick coat of the transfer gel to the front of the photo and on the side of the planter. Be generous with this.

Step four:

Apply the photo with the transfer gel onto the side of the planter. Try your best to get out any air bubbles so it sits smoothly onto the side.

Step five:

Let it dry at least six hours (as according to the directions on the transfer gel). I would actually recommend leaving them on over night, or for 24 hours if you can.

Step six:

Once you’ve let it dry, take a damp cloth and wet the paper, kind of like if you were to apply a temporary tattoo. The image should start to show through. Once it’s damp, start rubbing off the paper, but be gentle! I did this a few times – rub off one layer, let it dry, dampen, rub off another layer, and repeat. Repeat as many times as you need to get off all the paper bits. It took me multiple times. The images did not come out perfect, but I actually liked this. It adds to the rustic charm of the planter! You may have different results if you use a different type of material, such as wood.

Step seven:

Once you’ve removed all the paper, and are left with the image, you can apply a topcoat/sealer over it to protect it. I used the Fusion Mineral Paint Tough Coat, but you could use another layer of the modge podge if that’s what you’re using.