Want to learn how to make new terra cotta pots look old? Here’s an easy way to paint and stencil flower pots for a vintage French look!
Last Spring, I painted terra cotta pots and added a little French flair with a decoupage graphic.
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They looked fabulous when I was finished, but unfortunately, the paper didn’t hold up well, so I will try something different this year!
Today, I’ll use a mesh stencil to add French flair to a new set of terra cotta pots.
I’m so happy with how they turned out!
Aren’t they pretty?
I can’t wait to show you how to make them!
Easy Steps to Make French Flower Pots
If you enjoy painting stuff, you will love this DIY!
Gather
Gather or purchase the following items to make French flower pots:
- Terra cotta pots and saucers – 6 and 4 inch
- Paint- Waverly Chalk Paint in White/FolkArt in Pure Black/FolkArt in Coffee Bean
- Paintbrush
- Chop brush-small
- Stencil
- Painters tape
- Plastic scraper
- Paper towels
- Bowl of water
- Sealer-Rustoleum Chalked Protective Top Coat
Paint
Paint your terra cotta pots and saucers white and let the paint dry.
Apply a second coat of paint and let it dry.
The pot on the left has one coat of paint, and the pot on the right has two coats.
Stencil
Use mesh stencils to add French flair to your pots.
Click here for instructions on how to use a mesh stencil!
Distress
The flower pots look very pretty with the stencil, but I want them to have an older, vintage feel.
So I’m going to distress them.
You’ll use black and brown paint to make them look like they’ve been used many times!
Grab a chip brush and lightly dip the ends in the black paint.
Remove excess paint by brushing on a paper plate.
Very lightly, paint strokes across the pots and saucers.
Now dip your brush in the brown paint, remove the excess, and make more light strokes across the pots. There’s no need to wash your brush.
Notice the pot on the right only has black strokes, but the one on the left also has brown!
Seal
Spray your pots and saucers with a sealer to protect them!
I always do this step in the garage with the door open. You must be in a well-ventilated area!
Let dry for 24 hours.
Plant Your Flower Pots
I am going to plant herbs in my new flower pots!
Check out this post for my best tips on how to plant pots and containers.
Now for the finishing touch…
I’m adding the adorable DIY garden markers I made!
I hope this post inspires you to paint some flower pots, whether French-inspired or not!
It’s such a fun DIY and elevates the look of your plants!
This would also be a wonderful gift for anyone who has a spring or summer birthday!
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
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More Inspiration
If you like to see items completely made over with paint, check out these posts:
- Table Set Makeover with Paint and a Stencil
- How to Stencil Garden Markers
- Tips to Paint Laminate Cabinets
- Beginner’s Guide to Painting Upholstery
- Refinish Twin Beds with Chalk Paint
Get The Look
Click on the picture below to learn more about that product.
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
So darn cute, Donna!!! I LOVE how old you made the pots looks. Those stencils are so cool!! Pinned! Enjoy the weekend!
Thank you, Rachel! As soon as I saw those stencils, I knew I had to get them! They were so much fun to work with! I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend!
Just pinned these beautiful pots and I love the way they came together. They’re so pretty! Your directions and tutorials are always so helpful and make me want to run to the store for supplies. Hugs, CoCo
Thank you, CoCo! When I saw those stencils, I knew I had to have them! I think the pots turned out so pretty!
These are so pretty and I love the ‘old weathered look’
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Thank you Esme! I am very happy with ow they turned out! Have a great week!
These pots are so cute Donna! great post.
Thank you, Wendy! I am really pleased with how they turned out! The mesh stencils are so much fun to work with!
!