Monday, 9 April 2012

DIY Planter for Umbrella Patio Tables


For a long, long time, I've been searching for a planter or flower pot with a hole in it to fit my patio table umbrella through the centre.  Recently, I went to a design show and a very talented pottery maker was selling just the thing.  They were beautiful but a little out of my budget.  It wasn't until that moment that it dawned on me to make my own!

So here it is, my dollar store version, just as effective and much more accessible!



Head to your local dollar store and select a sturdy bowl, pot or appropriately shaped container made of plastic.  Then find a sturdy plastic cup that is wide enough to fit over your patio table umbrella pole.


Trace the bottom of the cup to the inside of the bowl.  Cut out the hole you marked on the bowl and cut the bottom off the cup.


Using a waterproof adhesive appropriate for bonding plastic (I used E-6000), adhere the cut end of the cup to the inside of the bowl and let dry.  Make sure there is a good seal so water and dirt will not seep out.  I added an extra bead of glue to the underside.  Don't worry if it's a little messy, nobody will see it!


Put a few stones in the bottom for drainage, add some potting soil and plants or herbs.  There you have it!  An inexpensive planter to surround your patio table umbrella!


30 comments:

  1. Wow. You just might be a genius. I think I have to pin this!! Super cool idea!

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  2. Excellent idea with a beautiful result ... very VERY nice.

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  3. Brilliant! So easy, and super cute.

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  4. How clever and cute! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

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  5. That is genius! I am pinning it for future use... first I need to get a patio table ;-)

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  6. This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. This is a fabulous idea!! Love that you "married" the cup & bowl to make this so easily. What did you use to cut your bowl? Just curious what I might need. Would be delighted for you to link up with us at Mop It Up Mondays {going on all week}: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/04/mop-it-up-mondays-11.html.
    {HUGS},
    kristi

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    1. Thanks for the invite Kristi! To cut the hole, I used a jigsaw. You could also use a Dremmel tool or a hole cutter if you have access to them. Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. So smart! I totally want to do this! Pinned until we get a little nicer weather!
    Jenn :)

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  9. That is a fabulous idea! I have never seen one of these, but I now have to have one...mine will be the dollar tree version too. So glad I found you via Mom On Timeout. I'm a new follower and I would love if you stopped by too, so we can stay connected. Lori

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  10. That is so creative! I wish I had an umbrella table to do this with! One day it shall happen!

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  11. This is such a great idea! You did such a great job with the tutorial too. Thanks so much for sharing at Whimsy Wednesdays!

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  12. Good idea. Icing on the cake for a table umbrella. Enjoy sunshine.
    Terrie from Hong Kong

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  13. Love this idea and will have to give it a try! Found you through Bacon Time

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  14. This is super cool, I've always wanted one of these, but never thought of a DIY! Thanks for the instructions!

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  15. Awesome!! I wish we had our outdoor patio already!! I'm itching to host parties in the back yard and this centerpiece would be outstanding!! Thank you for sharing!

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  16. very clever - I was wondering how you were going to solve the hole in the middle - plastic cup, smart move

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  17. I agree--genius. Thanks for linking to The Shabby Creek Cottage!

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  18. So smart! Now I just need a bowl, a cup, a picnic table and an umbrella and I'll be set!

    Thanks for sharing
    Alecia@ chickenscratchny.com

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  19. Oh my goodness this is the most clever idea I've seen! I am going to have the hubby do this for me for the summer. Thanks so much for sharing all your wonderful posts. Hope to see you back next week.

    Hugs,
    Michelle

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  20. So clever! I have to pin this.

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  21. Love this idea. Thank you!

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  22. Seriously a great idea!! LOVE your food and creative ideas! Now following you :)

    http://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/

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  23. Gosh I love Dollar Tree and I love this idea! Pinning this now :) You're being featured tonight at Mom On Timeout - thanks so much for sharing!

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  24. Clever idea. I pinned it to my board and linked to the tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

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  25. I love this idea and yours turned out great!!! Might have to Pin this as well - thanks!!

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  26. You can do the same thing with a bunt pan the pole fits through the hole spray paint and drill holes for drainage

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