HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS

I was at Michael’s and The Dollar Tree last week and found some large plastic toy animals. I knew immediately that I was going to make myself a DIY toy animal planter or three using some leftover succulents and moss from a recent wreath project.

I had been wanting to make these things for years, and was so glad I finally did. I think they turned out pretty cute, and are one of my favorite ever DIY projects.

DIY toy animal planter tutorial

They are so easy to make, are a fun conversation piece, and also make great gifts.
Want to learn how to make your own?  Follow along.


Gather your supplies:

Hard plastic toy animal figurines (larger the better)
Spray paint in various colors
Faux moss
Faux succulents (or real air plants)
– A drill (or small sharp scissors)
– Hot glue gun

DIY toy animal planter tutorial

Start by spray painting your animals with 2-3 coats.

DIY toy animal planter tutorial

DIY toy animal planter tutorial

Here they are after coat number one.

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

Add a second coat, and once dry,  it’s time to cut the hole(s) for the plants to go in.

I gathered these four supplies and tried two different methods (you really only need the drill or the small, sharp pair of scissors unless the toys are made from super hard plastic—then I’d recommend the drill only).

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

Method 1

I took my drill and drilled 5-6 small holes in a small area to insert the plant stems into. As you can see this method removes some of the paint.

No worries, just give those areas another quick shot of paint if you’d like, but not necessary.
Also your hole doesn’t have to be perfect. The moss and succulents will disguise all of this.

This is my preferred hole creating method.

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

Method 2

I tried one without a drill to see how that would work. I punctured the toy and with a screwdriver and then small pair of scissors.

Then from there I cut out a very sloppy rectangle shape.

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog
HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

As you can see this method also removes some of the paint. Again, no worries, just give those areas another quick shot of paint if you prefer.

Also a reminder—your hole doesn’t have to be perfect. The moss and succulents will disguise all of this.

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

Once you have your holes cut it’s time to start adding in your succulents.

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog
HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog
Once you’re happy with the succulent placement, get your glue gun and moss and start gluing the moss to the animal back at the base of the succulents. 

This helps to better secure the succulents as well as cover any imperfections.

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog
HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog
Once you have added moss to all animals to your liking you are FINISHED!

HOW TO MAKE DIY TOY ANIMAL PLANTERS, Oh So Lovely Blog
Take a look at your beautifully unique DIY toy animal planter masterpiece. Pretty easy and fun, huh?

Anyone out there going to give it a try? I’d love it if you’d tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if so. 🙂

Happy creating!

xoxo
Audrey

PS. I’ll be doing this tutorial live in Kansas City on KCTV5’s Better Kansas City next week.