How to Make a Hanging Terrarium From a Candle Holder

Some people plant vegetable gardens. Others might invest in a spot of landscaping. I like to make hanging DIY terrariums out of candle holders.   Just add succulents that have been spray-painted hot pink, plop them in neon gravel, and paint them a turquoise chevron home.

Terrarium made from a hanging candle holder by Jennifer Perkins

Up-Cycled Planter Ideas – Candle Holders and Beyond

I’m all about the air plants and succulents. Who isn’t?  I love a cute DIY planter just as much as the plants themselves.  Almost anything can become a planter, even a hanging candle holder.  A few of my other favorites include…

If it will sit still long enough there is a really good chance that it will end up with a plant in it around my house.  I don’t even use candles so this hanging candle holder was destined for another life.

Terrarium-in-progress

Supplies for Making a DIY Terrarium Out of a Candle Holder

  • Hanging Candle Holder (mine came from World Market)
  • Gallery Glass Paint
  • Paint Brush
  • Chevron Shape Tape
  • Pliers
  • Glue
  • Gravel
  • Plant

Pliers

Prepping The Candle Holder To Become a Planter

The first thing I needed to do was remove the small tray inside the glass hanger where the candle would have been. I used pliers and wire clippers to remove and discard the tray.

Gluing

Seal the Planter

The glass candle holder was not sealed, so I knew that water would leak out. I thought I might hang my terrarium inside, so I needed to fix this problem. I used a clear glue on the inside and outside seams of the terrarium.

Allow this to dry overnight. (If you want to hang your planter outside, skip this step.)

Masking-tape-on-terrarium

Prepare for Painting Pattern

Next, using Shape Tape (which comes in several different patterns for painting your walls), I wrapped my terrarium entirely.  Feel free to create your own stencils or free hand a pattern.

Stenciled hanging terrarium

Paint Planter With Gallery Glass

When all the tape was in place, I used several coats of Gallery Glass paint. Gallery Glass will dry transparent, so it’s perfect for glass. If you prefer an opaque design, most craft paint will work on glass. I applied my Gallery Glass with a sponge brush, allowing for drying time in between coats.

Once the Gallery Glass was dry, I removed my Shape Tape. I must admit that I had to use an Exacto knife to cut the paint away from the tape. I think this was because I did not allow for enough “curing time.” Sometimes reading the manufacturer’s instructions pays off. Who knew?

Terrarium-with-succulent

Add Your Plant

Next, I needed to choose the right plant. I knew I wanted to stick with my air plant or succulent theme. When I rolled up to my local Wally World and spied their amazing painted plants, I knew this was the one. For the record, they have teal and gold, too. Yes, they are alive. Yes, it is slightly weird to paint plants. Yes, they are STILL alive.

I filled the bottom half of my new terrarium with a mixture of cactus potting soil and neon yellow aquarium gravel. I popped my hot pink plant in and watered well (not a single leak).

Colorful stenciled glass terrarium by Jennifer Perkins

Almost anything can become a planter if you really want it to.  Including candle holders.  Before you go here are a few more ideas to get you inspired!

 

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5 Responses to “How to Make a Hanging Terrarium From a Candle Holder”

  1. Lorena

    Very pretty, thank you for sharing your tutorial. I love using items for upcycled projects.
    I was wondering how a succulent is painted? I love them and would love even more to see them with a dash of color, I’m wondering what kind of paint is safe to use?

    Reply

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