DIY plastic plants

I can't justify spending $10-30 for a single plastic plant when I can make a bunch for a fraction of the cost. I had everything at home already except some of the plants and air drying clay. The majority of this stuff you can buy once and use it for tons of different projects. Keeping an eye out for sales will significantly help the bank account.

Plants $5-30 (find sales, I got all of mine for $12)
Minwax Polycrylic- $6-15 (depending on size, it lasts awhile)
"Make it stone" spray paint- $7
Air drying clay- $8
Hot glue gun- unknown $
Glue sticks- unknown $

Step 1.) Form air drying clay to make a base for your selected plant. Place plant stem into wet clay to form a hole for the plant to fit in. (IMPORTANT) Make sure the hole is big enough for the stem after drying and make sure the base can support the weight of the plant. You can put more than one plant stem in a base to give it a great end result. Let it completely dry.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8209.jpg

Step 2.) Spray paint the clay with the color and/or paint you wish. I could have made it with a ton of detail and different paint, but I was in a rush and decided to just use a single coat of textured rock spray paint, it works. Let it completely dry.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8229.jpg
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8230.jpg

Step 3.) Apply 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic sealer. Let it dry approximately 4-6 hours between coats. Let it air out until the chemical smell is gone before placing it into the enclosure with occupant.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8259.jpg

Step 4.) Place plastic plants back into their holes and apply liberal amounts of hot glue to the top, inside, and underside of the clay base to ensure a good solid hold.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8295.jpg
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8296.jpg
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8298.jpg
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8298.jpg
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8299.jpg

Looking back I could have made them look much more realistic, but I'm really happy with the way they turned out. It didn't take much time at all to do and they were really cheap. I now have the satisfaction of knowing I made the cage decor versus just buying it at a pet shop.

Thanks for looking!

Those look great I will have to remember this.

Nice post, and a great idea. I usually drill holes into my branches and hot glue in plastic plants in a similar manner; however, I really like the ground growing look as well.

Thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SinCityBPs

Nice post, and a great idea. I usually drill holes into my branches and hot glue in plastic plants in a similar manner; however, I really like the ground growing look as well.

Thanks!

---

I'd like to try that technique as well one of these days.

It looks like I double posted a picture toward the bottom, here's what it was suppose to be. It won't let me edit it anymore...:colbert:

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/...8/IMG_8297.jpg

This is an awesome idea! I've worked with air-dry clay before and I know it doesn't hold up when exposed to water. You might want to make a note for anyone with a very humid terrarium. I was thinking you could possibly use polymer clay (bake to dry) instead of air-dry clay for fish tank plants.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pickenprod

This is an awesome idea! I've worked with air-dry clay before and I know it doesn't hold up when exposed to water. You might want to make a note for anyone with a very humid terrarium. I was thinking you could possibly use polymer clay (bake to dry) instead of air-dry clay for fish tank plants.

---

Thanks.

I will be using these in a crested gecko setup. The humidity isn't a big deal because I used Minwax Polycrylic sealer. You could put a couple more coats on it if you are worried about it, it wouldn't hurt. I've been using this sealer for a few different things in another setup for around a year and it has held up really well.

I buy all my floral from craft stores....wayyyyy cheaper than pet stores.