Each season brings new and fun activities to our household.  This month’s guest blogger, Ashley Stock of “Little Miss Momma” shares a craft inspired by getting outside and enjoying Spring: a Chalkboard Flower Pot.   These are not only adorable to look at but kid-friendly to make.  Check it out below!

Spring is in the air. And in my home, spring time means afternoon barbeques, picnics at the park and bowls of cold watermelon--pretty much any activity that involves fresh air and sunshine (and keeps the kiddos from making a mess inside).

This kid-friendly craft is a fun way to recycle those old planters, get creative and teach your children about plants! Whether you are using a newly purchased pot or giving life to an old one, it is important to make sure they are germ-free and ready for new plants. Disinfecting used flower pots helps prevent the transfer of diseases from old plants to new ones. Wash and thoroughly rinse pots and planters, then soak for 5 minutes in a solution of ¾ cup Clorox® Regular Bleach per gallon of water, then rinse.  Now, you are ready to watch spring bloom in a beautiful pot decorated by your children.

Supplies:

• Plastic flower pot


• Chalk board spray paint


• Acrylic paint and paint brush


• Tacky glue or hot glue


• Glass stones


• Chalk


• Plants, herbs, etc.


• Potting soil


• Clorox® Regular Bleach – make sure Mom handles.

*All supplies can be found at your local hobby/craft and hardware stores.

Directions:

1.       Spray the outside of disinfected and dry pots according to the instructions found on your chalk spray paint. You will likely paint up to three coats.  Allow the paint to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

2.       Let your kiddos have fun painting the rim of the pot in springtime acrylic paint colors.  Allow paint to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

3.       Apply a drop of glue on the back of each glass stone and then place in your desired design on the outside of the pot.  Allow glue to dry completely.

4.       Now you are ready to plant the flowers and herbs!  First, add a layer of potting soil to the bottom of your newly designed pots. Place your plant on top of the layer of potting soil. Fill with more potting soil and lightly pat around the plant. Water to thoroughly soak the soil and then allow to drain.

5.        Bust out the chalk and have fun adding creative designs to your new spring pots!

Tips:

• Try planting a fresh herb garden and then teach your children to use them in the kitchen.  Plant cilantro for salsa, rosemary for chicken and thyme for pasta sauce. Yum!


• If you’re ready to cut the flowers and bring them inside, add ¼ teaspoon of Clorox® Regular Bleach to the vase to help keep them fresher longer.


• Use these crafty pots as a creative alternative to gift wrapping.  Write a to/from message in chalk on the outside and place your gift inside with some tissue paper.