Patchwork Flowerpots

Kids craft project for Patchwork Flowerpots

Decoupage ordinary flowerpots with patches of gay fabric to make quick, unique gifts for anyone who loves plants. If you wish, you can put plants in the pots before giving them away.

Materials: Flowerpot (clay or plastic; or wide-mouth jar or plastic food-storage container), scissors, fabric (brightly colored cotton calico or other non-bulky fabric; or use colored papers such as gift wrap or pictures cut from magazines), white glue, clear varnish or decoupage varnish or clear shellac and brush (optional).

Instructions:

1. Be sure flowerpot or other container is clean and dry inside and out. Cut pieces of fabric or paper of different sizes and colors. Overlap and glue pieces down all over pot. Fold over and glue down pieces on inside rim to a depth of about 1/2". Also glue pieces onto bottom surface of pot. If pot has a drainage hole in bottom, do not cover it. Trim any hanging threads.

2. When glue is dry, brush on a coat of varnish or shellac. (You can make your own "varnish" from white glue thinned with water; it will be clear when dry.) Varnish the inside of a terra cotta clay pot as well as the outside, to keep moisture from seeping through to the decorated surface. After the first coat is dry, brush on a second coat to give a glossy finish. Be sure varnish is thoroughly dry (at least overnight).

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