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.
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 homemade 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 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.
73 Comments
Jessica@CapeofDreams
May 3, 2013 at 8:12 amWhat a cute planter!
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:15 amThank you!
Jessica
March 21, 2020 at 8:51 pmHow do you keep the bowl flat on top of the hoop to glue it with such little surface area? Please help lol
Alex
March 22, 2020 at 2:52 pmIt’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!
ScrapAndSalvage
May 3, 2013 at 8:24 amthis 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! 😉 great work, alex!
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:17 amIf 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.
Jolene
May 3, 2013 at 8:35 amI love it Alex! Great tip on the glue also. Have a great weekend.
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:17 amThanks Jolene! Have a great weekend too!
Gilit @ Shoes Off Please
May 3, 2013 at 9:52 amSo 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)
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:21 amHa 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.
runtspickins
May 3, 2013 at 9:56 amI love this project. I looks like I need to hit up a thrift stat! Where did you get that plant by the way?
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:21 amThat is called the Rosy Glow Stonecrop and I picked it up at the fancy Home Depot garden centre. I liked the foliage!
Green Door Hospitality
May 3, 2013 at 9:57 amVery cool Alex! Love this and what an inexpensive DIY project! 🙂
Kenley
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:22 amThanks Kenley! Have a great weekend!!
Pillows A-La-Mode
May 3, 2013 at 10:13 amLOVE!!!
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:24 amThank you! I’ve got to get on making those play tents for my kids. My older daughter wants a camping birthday party this year.
Victoria • Restoring our Victorian
May 3, 2013 at 1:08 pmAs 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!
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:27 amI 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!
Danielle from Storypiece
May 3, 2013 at 2:20 pmI 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.
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:28 amYes 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. 🙂
Christina | Little Victorian
May 3, 2013 at 4:10 pmThat is the prettiest hanging planter I have ever seen! Genius.
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:30 amUm, that dollhouse that you’re making!! WOW!! That’s incredible. The attention to detail, amazing!
Kate
May 4, 2013 at 3:24 amAlex 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 😉
Alex
May 4, 2013 at 8:33 amKate I am now totally going to tell everyone that that was the intention. 😉
Thanks! Coming from a ‘regular’ there, I am so happy to have made it past the sea of past rejected submissions in my roster.
Lauren
May 4, 2013 at 10:38 amNo 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!
Alex
May 5, 2013 at 9:03 amI say those words every time I try a project and it works. Thanks! 🙂
anu
May 5, 2013 at 8:55 amLove this! What a great idea! Does it stay balanced okay for watering? I may have to make one of these too. 🙂
Alex
May 5, 2013 at 9:07 amIt 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.
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet
May 5, 2013 at 9:28 pmI’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
Alex
May 8, 2013 at 1:10 pmIsn’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!
Jennifer @ Brave New Home
May 6, 2013 at 3:49 amGASP! 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 ; ]
Alex
May 8, 2013 at 1:11 pmIt’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!
now at home mom
May 7, 2013 at 12:31 pmI love what you did with a bowl and an embroidery hoop! so creative Alex! the plant is pretty too!
Alex
May 8, 2013 at 1:13 pmI 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.
now at home mom
May 8, 2013 at 9:52 pm🙂 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 😉 Hope you are having a good week!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
May 8, 2013 at 8:20 amThis is so stinkin’ cute!!!
Alex
May 8, 2013 at 1:14 pmI think there’s a high probability of more of these being made for indoors.
Lacey
May 8, 2013 at 10:18 amHow 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. =)
Alex
May 8, 2013 at 1:15 pmFabric 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.
Jan
May 8, 2013 at 9:55 pmI’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
bettdev
May 8, 2013 at 10:55 pmDid you find it better and/or necessary to drill holes in the bottom of the pot for drainage??
Alex
May 9, 2013 at 12:49 pmNot 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! 🙂
bettdev
May 9, 2013 at 4:16 pmI 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! 🙂
the cape on the corner
May 10, 2013 at 11:08 amthis looks so modern, i love it! stopping over from your feature on its overflowing.
Alex
May 11, 2013 at 10:27 amThank you! From one gardening fan to another, your garden and sunroom are looking amazing!
Angela
May 13, 2013 at 11:04 amGreat idea!!! I’ve become obsessed with “hoops” too lately. I’ll have to try this!~~Angela
D'Arcy H
May 15, 2013 at 1:34 amI 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!
Jodes
May 18, 2013 at 8:54 pmOh 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! 🙂 Thanks for your fantastic creation!!
Lindsey
May 29, 2013 at 1:13 pmCute 🙂 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…
Alex
May 29, 2013 at 1:27 pmI 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.
Amy @ The Connection We Share
June 14, 2013 at 2:36 amWay cool! I want to make this!!!!
Wendye Hannigan
June 24, 2013 at 8:46 pmAlso, Hobby Lobby sells hoops,at a great price, if you have them in your area.
Alex
June 24, 2013 at 9:05 pmI wish we had a Hobby Lobby here in Canada!
vickie
July 9, 2013 at 12:43 pmI 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
Deena
August 2, 2013 at 4:46 pmWONDERFUL!!!! 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!
bylorena.com
September 5, 2013 at 12:39 amHello Alex,
I saw it and I loved it since I am always looking for a way to hanging plants in a contemporary way 😉 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
Alex
September 11, 2013 at 10:21 pmI 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!
kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KDIS
October 21, 2013 at 12:45 pmThis is ridiculously simple and AWESOME!
Lindsey
March 24, 2014 at 4:31 pmI totally want to make this planter for my back deck! So simple and pretty! Thanks for sharing.
Rachel@{i love} my disorganized life
March 28, 2014 at 11:20 amOK, this is so silly easy and simple- but what a gorgeous plant hanger and so smart! I love this!
Patty
May 4, 2014 at 2:53 pmvery 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.
Brandi
June 2, 2014 at 10:25 pmSo clever! I love this!
Rilane
June 23, 2014 at 5:32 pmThis decoration looks sweet :). I really like. ideal for terrace 🙂
home style
October 7, 2014 at 1:36 pmThis is the first time i visit your site but i will be one of your permanent visitors because you provide good topics and ideas
N8
April 13, 2015 at 2:52 amWhat did you use to attach the hanging rope?
Alex
April 13, 2015 at 9:28 amEmbroidery 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!
connie
July 20, 2015 at 11:55 amwhere do you find the glue?
Alex
July 20, 2015 at 12:07 pmYou can buy E6000 at any Walmart, Home Depot, Michael’s etc.
Aileen
April 23, 2016 at 1:04 pmI’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!
Gord M
June 3, 2016 at 8:53 pmNoiceeee ! I like this very much …you should add one of those fishing swivels so it doesn’t get tangled up .
Gaurav Kumar
December 31, 2017 at 1:07 pmWOW ,Such a Elegant Planter….You got beauty with Brain 🙂
Malisha Mishel
September 14, 2018 at 2:36 amIt’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! 🙂
anthony jones
April 14, 2020 at 9:54 amWhat a great idea!who would have known something so cute is so easy to make it! I am goona try today to make it!!!