northstory + co.

DIY Hanging Planter

My name is Alex and I am an embroidery hoop addict. If I see one at a Thrift Store, I have to buy it. Why? Because they make the perfect craft project materials – wreaths, mobiles and yes even a DIY Hanging Planter.

This is what happens when I come back from the thrift stores. Exhibit A.

What makes it even more ridiculous is just over a year ago, I had no idea what they even were. I don’t do embroidery and am still learning to sew. All I see is a cool round wooden circle with endless craft project potential. So it comes home with me.

What does one do with copious amounts of embroidery hoops? Well how about make a hanging planter for your back deck.

DIY Hanging Planter

I took a white bowl, a single embroidery hoop and my favorite permanent adhesive glue, E6000.

I put the glue on the bottom of the bowl where it met the hoop, pressed down and then it dry overnight in a Disney on Ice bucket I stole from my older daughter’s room.

Added a plant.

And you’ve got yourself a pretty cool hanging planter.

That does a lot of rotating in the wind.

How much did this cost me?

Embroidery hoop – $.50 cents

Bowl – $1.25

E6000 glue – pre-owned (approx $5 give or take)

Plant – $1.99 (called the Rosy Glow Sedum)

For a grand total of $4.22, taxes included.

If you’re worried about the durability of the E6000 glue and are thinking “Ok that bowl is just going to come crashing down”, here is an example of where I glued an embroidery hoop around a glass globe for a homemadeΒ bird feeder last year. That bird feeder hung outside through a Canadian Summer, Fall and Winter and I still couldn’t have pried off that hoop with a crowbar if I tried. This is a very good adhesive and my go to for any major permanent glue projects.

As for the other hoops, I have so many projects coming up that I need to do with them because we’ve moved that collection from storage bin to storage bin in our basement so many times that it’s high time they get put to good use.

Now get outside this weekend if you can! Spring is finally here in our neck of the woods so cheers to gardening season starting.

UPDATE AND WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY MAKING THIS AGAIN:

– Use a lighter planter pot. Aim for something not heavy and possibly plastic. It will help the embroidery hoop from not sagging due to the weight of the pot.

– Make sure that your embroidery hoop is thick and heavy. Some are made super thin and flimsy. You want a sturdy one.

– I’ve had several inquiries about whether or not to have a drainage hole for the plant pot. So if you are concerned about that you have several options before you make this.

  • Use a plant pot that has a drainage tray at the bottom.
  • Drill a hole into the bottom of the bowl/pot that you are using.
  • Place a layer of Β pebbles or rocks under the plant soil to create a water reservoir for the excess water.

A lot of this depends on the plant you choose, where you live and the climate in your area, as well as if you are going to be hanging the planter indoors or outdoors. Please that that into consideration when making it.Β 

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73 Comments

  • Reply
    Jessica@CapeofDreams
    May 3, 2013 at 8:12 am

    What a cute planter!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:15 am

      Thank you!

      • Reply
        Jessica
        March 21, 2020 at 8:51 pm

        How do you keep the bowl flat on top of the hoop to glue it with such little surface area? Please help lol

        • Reply
          Alex
          March 22, 2020 at 2:52 pm

          It’s been awhile since I did this one but that’s a very good question. From what I can remember, I held the bowl into place right after I glued it to ensure it “stuck” enough for me to able to let it go. And the bucket itself was flexible so it kind of enveloped the whole thing. You can place items on either side of the bowl to make sure it can stand up. The one thing I will recommend is to absolutely use a thick embroidery hoop as the thinner ones are known to droop with the weight of the bowl. A Beautiful Mess has another great Hanging Planter tutorial with a shelf that I would recommend to anyone if they want a shelf in their hoops. Hope that helps!

  • Reply
    ScrapAndSalvage
    May 3, 2013 at 8:24 am

    this looks like something you spent big money on!! i.love.it. so simple, perfect shape. i don’t have me a single hoop!! maybe i’ll tell jordan to keep his peepers open for one! πŸ˜‰ great work, alex!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:17 am

      If you can’t find them at thrift stores, just go to any craft store like Michael’s. They sell the thinner ones for around $2 – $5. It’s the wider ones that can run a bit more.

  • Reply
    Jolene
    May 3, 2013 at 8:35 am

    I love it Alex! Great tip on the glue also. Have a great weekend.

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:17 am

      Thanks Jolene! Have a great weekend too!

  • Reply
    Gilit @ Shoes Off Please
    May 3, 2013 at 9:52 am

    So pretty! I don’t understand how you come up with these genius crafts. The best part is that they’re never complicated. I think we need a planter (already got the hoops for my non-embroidering self)

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:21 am

      Ha ha, you’ve discovered my evil plan. The uncomplicated craft. No really it’s intentional for two little loud, time consuming reasons – called my kids. You have them, you know what it’s like to get from dawn to bedtime in one piece. At this point in my life, I don’t have the luxury of excess time to do a lot of time consuming projects. So whenever I do one, I think to myself can another parent do this,find the supplies at their local store and is it easy enough to get done with their children either helping or running around.

  • Reply
    runtspickins
    May 3, 2013 at 9:56 am

    I love this project. I looks like I need to hit up a thrift stat! Where did you get that plant by the way?

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:21 am

      That is called the Rosy Glow Stonecrop and I picked it up at the fancy Home Depot garden centre. I liked the foliage!

  • Reply
    Green Door Hospitality
    May 3, 2013 at 9:57 am

    Very cool Alex! Love this and what an inexpensive DIY project! πŸ™‚
    Kenley

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:22 am

      Thanks Kenley! Have a great weekend!!

  • Reply
    Pillows A-La-Mode
    May 3, 2013 at 10:13 am

    LOVE!!!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:24 am

      Thank you! I’ve got to get on making those play tents for my kids. My older daughter wants a camping birthday party this year.

  • Reply
    Victoria β€’ Restoring our Victorian
    May 3, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    As always, I am impressed with your idea!! Simple, and so cute! I’m pretty sure you’re the only person who has thought to collect those… but it does actually makes sense that they’d lend themselves to projects!
    Enjoy your (warmish) weekend!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:27 am

      I feel like somewhere a group of die hard embroiderers are going to see this post and cringe at my collection. Then I remember that someone donated them and I think can this count as my rescuing them from a landfill? I swear there are more projects coming up with them.
      Woo hoo! We can both garden finally!

  • Reply
    Danielle from Storypiece
    May 3, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    I think because I use the hoops for cross-stitch, I can never think of using them for any other purpose, but this is so brilliant. I love the mix of textures… the light wood, white bowl and pretty plant. Great project and perfect for Mothers Day too.

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:28 am

      Yes but your cross stitching is amazing! That family portrait you did for your brother. Come on, You need to do that as a giveaway for a lucky reader. πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Christina | Little Victorian
    May 3, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    That is the prettiest hanging planter I have ever seen! Genius.

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:30 am

      Um, that dollhouse that you’re making!! WOW!! That’s incredible. The attention to detail, amazing!

  • Reply
    Kate
    May 4, 2013 at 3:24 am

    Alex this is beautiful – looks like something you’d find in an uber-cool Scandi design store! i love it… and will definitely try it. Congratulations on the Craftgawker appearance too; glad to see a wider audience are having a chance to be impressed by your talents πŸ˜‰

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 4, 2013 at 8:33 am

      Kate I am now totally going to tell everyone that that was the intention. πŸ˜‰

      Thanks! Coming from a ‘regular’ there, I am so happy to have made it past the sea of past rejected submissions in my roster.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    May 4, 2013 at 10:38 am

    No flipping way! I have a million embroidery hoops. I am totally making one of these. It looks amazing! I’d love for you to come share this at our Pinteresting Party!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 5, 2013 at 9:03 am

      I say those words every time I try a project and it works. Thanks! πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    anu
    May 5, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Love this! What a great idea! Does it stay balanced okay for watering? I may have to make one of these too. πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 5, 2013 at 9:07 am

      It totally does b/c the glue holds it like cement to the hoop. I can turn it on it’s side and it doesn’t budge. It’s like holding a watering can. Totally make one! This is so easy to personalize b/c you can pretty much use whatever plant pot, bowl, vase etc in the middle.

  • Reply
    Lauren @ The Thinking Closet
    May 5, 2013 at 9:28 pm

    I’ve been collecting embroidery hoops at thrift stores, as well, but your collection puts mine to shame. Love that you thought to use one to create a planter. And you’re right about E6000 glue being rock solid. It’s my go to move for fixing jewelry…or anything else that I wanted adhered for a few lifetimes.

    Hugs,
    Lauren
    The Thinking Closet

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 8, 2013 at 1:10 pm

      Isn’t it the best damn permanent glue ever? I love it b/c when it’s wet you can still move if it you mess up and then wipe off the excess glue to avoid leaving any traces. The planter has already been out in several rainstorms and doing just fine!

  • Reply
    Jennifer @ Brave New Home
    May 6, 2013 at 3:49 am

    GASP! I need this in my life! Haha, I always want embroidery hoops too and I can’t tell ya why. I’m glad I’m not the only one. All I can come up with is they’re circular and natural wood and therefore I like them. I love this project, Alex. I will link back to you after I copy it ; ]

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 8, 2013 at 1:11 pm

      It’s b/c they’re cool and round and you know inside your creative mind you’re thinking ok let’s think of everything you can make with one. Anytime! How about I trade you for a painting? Girl you are talented!

  • Reply
    now at home mom
    May 7, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    I love what you did with a bowl and an embroidery hoop! so creative Alex! the plant is pretty too!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 8, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      I don’t know I think you did a pretty amazing job on your pantry. Let’s see. Planter..amazing overhaul of half your kitchen supplies. I think you should take a bow and come organize my so called linen closet.

      • Reply
        now at home mom
        May 8, 2013 at 9:52 pm

        πŸ™‚ thank you Alex! I’m glad that pantry is still organized but somedays Nathan plays with the baskets and everything is a mess! so, linen closet ha? If I would be your neighbour, I would run there and start working on it πŸ˜‰ Hope you are having a good week!

  • Reply
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
    May 8, 2013 at 8:20 am

    This is so stinkin’ cute!!!

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 8, 2013 at 1:14 pm

      I think there’s a high probability of more of these being made for indoors.

  • Reply
    Lacey
    May 8, 2013 at 10:18 am

    How perfect of an idea. I love this. I’m making one today I think!

    I can relate to your hoop plight. I work at a fabric store and quickly realized I’m a natural hoarder….it’s wonderful and terrible all at the same time. =)

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 8, 2013 at 1:15 pm

      Fabric store? I’d go nuts. I spend so long in the discount bins just trying to find cool patterns and textures. Again making it all the more ridiculous considering how sewing challenged I am.

  • Reply
    Jan
    May 8, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who can’t resist an embroidery hoop. My favorite place to find them is garage sales. I’ll gather up a handful of other stuff and make a deal and then grab the embroidery hoops and say “Oh, what about these?” Usually they’ll throw them in or charge me a dollar.
    I have a lamp in mind for some of my hoops. I’ll link back to you if I ever get it figured out and put together.
    Love this planter! Can’t wait to make a few to hang on my porch!
    Jan

  • Reply
    bettdev
    May 8, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    Did you find it better and/or necessary to drill holes in the bottom of the pot for drainage??

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 9, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Not at all. Most of the plants I have in my home are in solid pots or bowls and they grow like weeds. I’ve never had any issues even without drainage holes. But if you’d prefer them it’s totally up to you if you’d like to add them in the bowl or just buy a flower pot that already has them in it. Hope that helps! πŸ™‚

      • Reply
        bettdev
        May 9, 2013 at 4:16 pm

        I may have to. I live in SW Florida (Tropical) and with the rainy season coming up, I’m thinking they’d fill up and either be pulled down by the weight, or the plant would drown. Either way, I’m gonna experiment with this idea. I’ll post pics when I have them! THX! πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    the cape on the corner
    May 10, 2013 at 11:08 am

    this looks so modern, i love it! stopping over from your feature on its overflowing.

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 11, 2013 at 10:27 am

      Thank you! From one gardening fan to another, your garden and sunroom are looking amazing!

  • Reply
    Angela
    May 13, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Great idea!!! I’ve become obsessed with “hoops” too lately. I’ll have to try this!~~Angela

  • Reply
    D'Arcy H
    May 15, 2013 at 1:34 am

    I love the photo of your hoop collection–very sculptural! The planter is so minimalist and it looks almost magically suspended, like the bowl can’t possibly just rest on that slim hoop without tipping. I like it!

  • Reply
    Jodes
    May 18, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    Oh my! Love it!! I’m soo going to make 3 of these to hang in front of a high long narrow window I have in my hallway. I just have to figure out how to water them that high! πŸ™‚ Thanks for your fantastic creation!!

  • Reply
    Lindsey
    May 29, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Cute πŸ™‚ But how does the plant drain, is it in another container inside the bowl? I would think the plant would die from root rot if it is unable to drain…

    • Reply
      Alex
      May 29, 2013 at 1:27 pm

      I know people have been concerned with that, so you can always make one with a plant holder that already has a drainage hole, drill a hole into the given bowl that you use or put small pebbles/stones under the dirt in the bowl to act as an excess water reservoir to avoid root rot.

  • Reply
    Amy @ The Connection We Share
    June 14, 2013 at 2:36 am

    Way cool! I want to make this!!!!

  • Reply
    Wendye Hannigan
    June 24, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    Also, Hobby Lobby sells hoops,at a great price, if you have them in your area.

    • Reply
      Alex
      June 24, 2013 at 9:05 pm

      I wish we had a Hobby Lobby here in Canada!

  • Reply
    vickie
    July 9, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    I just luv what u did with a little nothing…..an made it so cute….I’ll have several of these on my front an back porch!!!!thanks

  • Reply
    Deena
    August 2, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    WONDERFUL!!!! I’ve seen the 70’s version of these that, of course, you can’t find anywhere anymore and wondered if it could be made at home! Thank you!

  • Reply
    bylorena.com
    September 5, 2013 at 12:39 am

    Hello Alex,
    I saw it and I loved it since I am always looking for a way to hanging plants in a contemporary way πŸ˜‰ I have used cans in former projects… but, the most important I have many many hoops from my child’s nursery when I did a huge mobile (check it out at craft.bylorena.com) which I did 5 years ago… after that, I did a wall with some of them when my child grew up… Now are in boxes… Mine are not sturdy, could I use them? xx

    • Reply
      Alex
      September 11, 2013 at 10:21 pm

      I can’t speak for the durability of your hoops so you’d have to use your judgement on that part. I did use hoops I bought at thrift stores for this one and they were fine but they were also sturdy wood to the touch and not flimsy at all. HTH!

  • Reply
    kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KDIS
    October 21, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    This is ridiculously simple and AWESOME!

  • Reply
    Lindsey
    March 24, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    I totally want to make this planter for my back deck! So simple and pretty! Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Rachel@{i love} my disorganized life
    March 28, 2014 at 11:20 am

    OK, this is so silly easy and simple- but what a gorgeous plant hanger and so smart! I love this!

  • Reply
    Patty
    May 4, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    very elegant ….. its such a eye catching object to be enjoyed at any moment. definitely an immediate project on my DIY book. Thank you for being so kind of sharing.

  • Reply
    Brandi
    June 2, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    So clever! I love this!

  • Reply
    Rilane
    June 23, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    This decoration looks sweet :). I really like. ideal for terrace πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    home style
    October 7, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    This is the first time i visit your site but i will be one of your permanent visitors because you provide good topics and ideas

  • Reply
    N8
    April 13, 2015 at 2:52 am

    What did you use to attach the hanging rope?

    • Reply
      Alex
      April 13, 2015 at 9:28 am

      Embroidery hoops come with little metal ends around it. They’re screwed into the outer hoop (as embroidery hoops have 2 hoops together) and I just tied my twine through them. Hope that helps!

  • Reply
    connie
    July 20, 2015 at 11:55 am

    where do you find the glue?

    • Reply
      Alex
      July 20, 2015 at 12:07 pm

      You can buy E6000 at any Walmart, Home Depot, Michael’s etc.

  • Reply
    Aileen
    April 23, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    I’ve been trying to add green to the house and gosh this is exactly what i’m looking for. Something manageable and not too expensive Thank you!

  • Reply
    Gord M
    June 3, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    Noiceeee ! I like this very much …you should add one of those fishing swivels so it doesn’t get tangled up .

  • Reply
    Gaurav Kumar
    December 31, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    WOW ,Such a Elegant Planter….You got beauty with Brain πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Malisha Mishel
    September 14, 2018 at 2:36 am

    It’s a great DIY idea! The hanging planter is looking pretty! Hope I got it and will do perfectly like yours for my house! All of the members of my family love plants. To be honest, I’m not out of them! Will surely try it. Wish me a good luck Alex! πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    anthony jones
    April 14, 2020 at 9:54 am

    What a great idea!who would have known something so cute is so easy to make it! I am goona try today to make it!!!

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