When I saw a fountain vase created by Laura Kirar for Arteriors Home in the December issue of InStyle magazine, I had two thoughts: one, that the idea was genius and two, that I could create a budget version that came in well under the original $180 price tag. So I took off to Michaels, picked up a few terra-cotta pots and got to work. The end result? An easy project that worked on the first try, and has already been put to use as a centerpiece for our holiday party.
The vase makes flower arranging easy by eliminating any need for foams, tape, or other such materials. All you need is a vase and your flowers.
The most “difficult” part is to select the right size of pots. Choose three pots that will be visible (see top image) and two pots that will create a base to elevate each tier. The bases need to fit snugly in the bottom of the lowest and middle tier to create the most stable vase. This tutorial was a little difficult to type up, so if you have questions, post them in the comments below and I’ll answer as best I can.
Fountain Vase
Cost: $10 – $20
Time: 1 hour plus drying time
Supplies:
- five terra-cotta pots in various sizes
- QuikSteel Plastic Repair Epoxy Putty
- primer (optional)
- paintbrush
- paint
- sealant
- hot glue and gun
- Start by wiping down the terra-cotta pots, removing labels, and cleaning off any remaining residue. Cut off 1/4″ of the epoxy putty and knead until putty is warm and a uniform color. Roll into a ball and press into the hole at the bottom of the terra-cotta pot. Seal the edges of the putty by pressing into the pot. Turn over and make sure any putty that has come through the pot is also pressed to create a waterproof seal. Repeat until the hole in the bottom of each pot is sealed, then let dry for 10 minutes.
- Begin priming the pots. You can use your paint color, or a spray primer. After the primer dries, paint the pots with the color of your choice. You can use craft acrylic paints, or mini bottles of sample latex paints from the paint store. I prefer the second type because it is higher quality and is a bit thinner. Repeat until pots are completely covered. If you want a more rustic look, wipe the pots down while the paint is still wet. This will make it a little less polished. Seal the pots with a spray sealant and let the paint completely dry before moving on to the next step.
- At this point, you will have five painted pots which will create three layers of a fountain. Take the largest pot and one of the medium pots. Apply hot glue liberally along the top edge of the medium pot. Turn it over and place in the bottom of the large pot firmly and evenly. Hold for a few seconds and then set to the side for the glue to dry. You can weigh the nested pot down with a glass or other heavy object if you like. Repeat the process with the second tier (medium) pot and the smallest pot. At this point you will have three tiers, two of which have pots nested upside down in them. The top tier will be empty.
- When the glue has dried in each tier, apply hot glue to the top of nested pot in the bottom tier. Press the bottom of the middle tier pot into the glue. Repeat with the top tier. Let dry overnight before filling with water and flowers.
ks sunflower 
If I ever make something like this I let you know the results (if I haven’t forgotten about it, could be in yeaaaars from now…)
Founded in 2009, Honeysuckle Life® is your source for lifestyle inspiration with a focus on vintage modern decor, simple recipes, stylish entertaining ideas, and beautiful travel destinations. Edited by Rebekah Marenda Burder and published by D2L Studios, LLC.
