After spending years hunting for the perfect head-style planters for her growing collection of indoor plants and coming up short, mum-of-two Crystal Slater, decided to give up the search.
Instead, she dedicated her time to creating her own DIY planter, which she attempted using only an old doll and a can of spray paint. What resulted is a remarkable planter fit for display in any home, and it only cost her $35! Better Homes and Gardens Online caught up with Crystal to find out how she did it.
What inspired your project?
I’d been shopping around for years to find head planters that I liked and could never find one that suited my budget.
Have you made many things before?
Like many Melbournians, I became rather plant obsessed during the lockdowns. I picked up a lot of indoor plants from online shopping and made terrariums and succulent displays.
What kind of look were you after?
I’ve seen doll heads used before so had a general idea of what I wanted, and knew I wasn’t looking to have anything too weird and macabre.
What were the biggest challenges?
Finding the right doll was the biggest challenge, and also convincing my young daughter that I was ‘improving’ them and giving them new life!
The DIY process
- Wash the doll.
- Cut off her hair.
- Mark out where to cut the top of the head, using a hand multi-tool (I use Ryobi) cut off the marked area.
- Pull out the left-over hair with tweezers, which is the most time-consuming aspect.
- Using sand paper, sand the rims of the cut edge until smooth.
- Spraypaint with primer (grey for granite, black for marble) let dry, then apply a second coat.
- While it’s still tacky from the paint, spray it very slightly with Dulux effect paint (I used granite and marble).
How much did you roughly spend on the project?
$35 – but one can of paint will make around 15 planters!
Budget breakdown
Kmart doll From opp shop: $3-5
Primer paint from Bunnings: $5
Dulux Effect Spray Paint from Bunnings: $25
Indoor planter ideas
If you want to add a touch of greenery to your home with a similar style head planter, but don’t want to make it yourself, pick up one of these planters and vases instead.
1. Elegant head planter, $91.19, Etsy
Your small plants will never go unnoticed again in this stunning planter. Get in quick, its low in stock!
2. Athena large white face planter, $69.99, Adairs
This modern, sculptural face pot features a textured matte finish and will match with any interior.
3. Roman head planters, $79.90, The Decor House
These ancient Roman statues will add a touch of elegance to your decor and function as a planter too.
4. Morgan & Finch planter, $29.95, Bed Bath N’ Table
These mini pots are affordable and adorable. Fill them with succulents for a table centrepiece, or pop them on a high shelf where a hanging plants can drape down.
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