For years, I’ve seen cute little mini “paper mache” baskets in gift shops in the spring. But what I didn’t know is that they are not paper mache at all, but made with peat pots. Yes, the same peat pots gardeners start their seeds in.
This epiphany started one day at the grocery store when I picked up some peat pots for my son to start some tomato plants seeds with (DO NOT go looking for a post on how to grow tomatoes from seeds, because THAT whole experiment was a complete and utter failure).
All of a sudden a light bulb came on in my head. These were the the little basket things I had seen at gift shops and antique stores.
This spring peat pot craft is so darn easy you are going to hit yourself over the head with a gardening trowel for not having made these yourself before now.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)
I found my peat pots at the local grocery store, but I have seen them at Home Depot, Lowes and Big Lots too. Just about anywhere that sells gardening goods. I used the 3″ Jiffy Peat Pots, but any brand will do.
And I will be super simple with the instructions here:
Easy Spring Peat Pot Baskets
- Buy peat pots in the gardening section
- Paint them with craft paint if you wish
- Mod Podge a graphic onto them
- Add a handle
- Go back to figuring out why your tomato plants are drooping
I did a couple versions of the little baskets just to show the versatility of what you can do with them.
A little bit country (image used was from Vintage Holiday Crafts)
a little bit rock ‘n roll Pottery Barn-ish (image used was from The Graphics Fairy)
and a little bit cottage-esque (image used was from who knows where – I’ve had it for years saved on my computer)
I’m sure I could have been a little more creative on these, using buttons, flowers or lace to bling them up a bit, but I thought it better to stop when I was ahead on these.
Do you ever do that?
Make a craft that is OK, then you start messing with it and before you know it it is in the trashcan.
Then I won’t show you the Mod Podged sheet music one that is currently buried beneath coffee grounds and banana peels.
I thought I’d get a little wild on the handles though, so for this one I used wire that I had wrapped about a pencil to make a springy handle.
This handle is a tea dyed bumpy chenille stem.
And on this one I thought a tinsel stem that I had left over from Christmas was a good fit (matches well with the snowy glitter).
Now I just have to buy some Cadbury eggs to fill them up.
NanaDiana
Pam-Those are darling! And, yes, I have gone a bit too far while trying to add just one more detail and wrecked something! A bit too much distressing can make a newly painted piece look really crappy- trust me on this! I’d say on this project you did just enotgh! xxoo Diana Hugs-Diana
Sherry@Back2Vintage
Pam, these are perfect! You did just the right amount. I especially love the one with the hen and her eggs!!!
Kim K.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect. I especially love the springy wire handle. I’m just so happy to see someone attempt my craft! Beautiful photos. Looks right out of a magazine. Great job, Pam!
Heather
I saw these on Kim’s blog and thought that they were adorable too! I just love the ones you created as well. Beautiful!
⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜
mmmm….I love the cadbury eggs. Cute cute baskets Pam!
Pam
These are so cute!! I love how you made them.
I’m looking forward to following you.
Pam
Olive Cooper
Extremely cute Pam!
Carol A.Bender
Even though each is unique and different I love them ALL, and yes, I too have been known to overdo something and throw it away.
Sue
I have two bags of mini peat pots that I bought to make favors for a wedding shower. I need to “borrow” your idea for the wire handle, Pam. Too clever….
~ Sue
Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage
I think they’re perfect! Love the graphics you chose!
~Lavender Dreamer~
I’ve seen these too but wasn’t quite sure what was being done! Thanks for sharing! I love them! I wonder if I have time to make some! ♥
Jane
Those turned out really cute! I love your descriptions!! And yes, I have gone overboard on some projects and then ended up hating them!
Jane
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
totally adorable!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
totally adorable!
Shelia
These little baskets are darling! I love them and what a great job you did. They’re so little! How cute they are!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Pat
These are adorable. What a wonderful idea!
very merry vintage style
I love these–especially the little one with the chick and glitter!
Thanks for linking up to the STL party!
Mary
Tammy
What a cute idea! You did a good job. Your newest follower.
Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes
So darn cute! The Pushy Sisters would love them! LOL!!!
A Rosy Note
Very cute…I like the one with the hare. I bought some of those peat pots about a month ago so that I could do something like this too…haven’t done it yet though.
Ann@A Sentimental Life
love them they are adorable!
Sue
Those are so cute ~ you are very talented!
Thanks for stopping by ~
Happy Easter.
Sue
lauren@WESTFURNITUREREVIVAL
these turned out beautiful, what a great idea.
The Cranky Queen
Very cute peat pots for easter…I did some with a little different twist. YOU should check my blog out (older post) when you have a minute. Thanx for sharing. I enjoyed your blog, tiff
Barb@curlywillowdiy
Cute, cute, and more cute. What a great idea!
Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch)
Great job, Pam! I love the rooster one, you can keep that out all the time in your kitchen!
Best,
Gloria
Lisa
Love the one with the black and white picture. You get some great products over there.
x
reFresh reStyle
What a great idea! I could see using this idea for other times of the year!
Thanks for sharing,
Debbie
Linda@Coastal Charm
Pam,
These are soooo cute…thanks for sharing this thrifty idea!
Blessings,
Linda
Libby@LightoftheHome
Really cute idea! You make it look so easy. I will have to try this out. Thanks for sharing!
Beverly@southernhomesweethome
How adorable ..I am your newest follower
Ana
What a sweet idea Pam…Loved them! By the way, are your talking about the caramel filled Cadbury eggs? They are my absolute favorite, but for some reason this year I haven’t been able to find them anywhere…Arrgh! Just have to have one…Hee, hee, hee. Have a wonderful day.
Hugs and Smiles,
♥Ana
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style
Those are sooooooo cute. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing them at WUW!
Anu@My Dream Canvas
This is so cute. Hope to see you at My Dream Canvas! Have a great day.
Tatum
I love these- love the simplicity- perfect. Thanks for sharing
Country Dreaming
Very cute AND creative!
Melinda
LizlovesVintage
Pam,
These came out great!!! Yes, I’ve seen these around and always wanted to do this project! You beat me to it:)
xxx Liz
Sarah
Those are really cute…you did great! I know what you mean about “blinging” them into the trash! Ha! Often, simple is better..and I love yours! Thanks for visiting my blog—-have a wonderful day!
Kelly
Totally brilliant! The little kitten one is my favorite. I need to pick up some peat pots now!
Kelly
Betsy
These are so adorable. I love them all especially the one with the bunny graphic. So many possibilities with these little pots. Yes, I know the feeling of over accessorizing, a little can go a long way. Did you mention Cadbury eggs? I won’t be able to get them off my mind!!
Vicki
Pam, I love these. So cute. I really should have done some of these with the kids. I forget how inexpensive they are. Yours look great!
Lynn@ The Vintage Nest
I am thinking you did just enough and no way can I pick a favorite. I love all the different handles too. Cute as a bunny….every one of them! Happy happy Easter.
Pam of Eastlake Victorian
Very cute and clever! You did a good job on yours!
Barbara
I’m spending some of my time looking back through your DIYs and Crafts and just had to let you know that I’ve done quite a few of yours. I did the little peat pots with a black/white head shot of a bunny last Easter for place markers. I filled the little pots w/shredded paper and Easter candy. They were quite the hit. I’ll be looking for something different this year!
Pam
Well if you have any ideas, let me know. I’m sort of stumped for new craft ideas for spring this year!