Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (2024)

By Amy @ Positively Splendid

If you’ve been around since the very beginning here at PS, you probably remember when I originally posted about my Tiered Terracotta Planter, a project that was a take on an idea that originally graced the cover of Southern Living probably close to ten years ago. Of all of the projects I’ve ever completed, I have received more rave “real-life” reviews of this one. One evening, I actually had two complete strangers stop by to knock on my door to tell me how much they love this planter!The beauty of this project is how deceptively easy it is to do, and how amenable it is to customizing to your particular decor tastes. Take, for instance, my original version, which reflected my favorite red-and-turquoise color scheme at that point…

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (2)

…and my new version! Believe it or not, these are the very same terracotta pots I used for the original planter project, after some sanding and a bit of repainting.

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (3)

After completing my Spring Wreath last week, I knew I wanted to use that as the springboard for designing our front porch decor this year.

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (4)

I specifically wanted to use the wreath’s color scheme of coral, buttercup yellow and navy blue. So, I grabbed my supplies and set to work transforming these pots into the image I had dancing in my head!
Here’s how I did it:
  • I sanded the surface of the old pots to remove all of the peeling paint before spraying each one with two coats of Zinsser spray primer. After they had dried completely, I sprayed each one with 2-3 coats of paint (Krylon Coral Isle and Meringue).
  • When the pots were all dry, I used some white latex paint and my circle foam pouncers (love these!) to paint polka dots on each pot before spraying everything with a coat of polyurethane sealer.

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (5)

  • I then cut out a decorative address label from outdoor-grade adhesive vinyl using my Silhouette. I loved that the original planter doubled as a house number sign, and I wanted to be sure to do that again with this one!
  • After all of the painting and embellishing, all that was left to do was to construct my stacked planters. Check out the original post for the play-by-play for exactly how to do that.

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All finished!
This time of year, this area near the porch is totally shaded, so I filled my planter with some asparagus fern, a spike plant (the name of which escapes me at the moment), begonias and coleus. When summer sets in and the spot gets a bit more light, I’ll fill it with petunias and vibrant green sweet potato vine (my favorite!).
And, yes: I do know that I’m being awfully bold to plant so early this year. With the mid-eighty-degree temps we’ve been having, I just couldn’t resist! 🙂

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (7)

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (8)

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (9)

In case you’re thinking you don’t have room for such a large planter, take heart: I used this technique to make a miniature version that looks just as great as its larger counterpart!The only difference was that I used a large rock instead of a brick to boost the smaller pot in the display, and I didn’t have to use the empty cans as space fillers.

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (10)

It’s amazing what a difference a little bit of time makes. Just look at all of the gorgeous fullness of the plants after a few weeks of beautiful sunshine!

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Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (12)

Before I sign off today, a few closing thoughts about what I’ve learned since my original post:
  • Even if you’re working with brand-new pots, I recommend priming your pots before painting. Spray primer makes this incredibly easy to do, and it will save you the frustration of having to apply a ton of coats to ensure even coverage!
  • Seal your painted pots with polyurethane spray. After two years, my pots were definitely in need of some TLC (the paint was chipping badly in certain areas), and I’m hoping the spray sealer will mitigate some of that this time around.
  • When filling your planter with flowers, start planting on the top tier and work your way down. That way, you won’t fling potting soil on top of the plants in the lower levels as you work your way up.
If you enjoyed this post, I would love for you to add it to Pinterest! Do so easily by clicking the link below.
Have a great week, everyone!
Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (14)
Linking this to…
Skip to My Lou
Home Stories A to Z
Serenity Now
Tatertots and Jello
Oopsey Daisy
Creations by Kara
Every Creative Endeavor
Lolly Jane
Lil Luna
Flamingo Toes

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (15)

Amy @ Positively Splendid

Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.

EVEN MORE GREAT IDEAS JUST FOR YOU!

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Comments

  1. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (16)Jen @ My Own Road says

    I love all the polka dots! really pretty way to add some character to the front of a house (especially here in Tennessee where it’s horribly hot and I can never get anything to grow in this soil! Maybe this would work better for me 🙂

  2. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (17)Amanda says

    Oh my goodness, this is such a great idea, they look great!

  3. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (18)Jessica Kielman says

    Love these! I have tons of terra cotta pots sitting in my garage…can’t wait to get started on mine!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

  4. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (19)Terrie Mathison says

    I love yours!! I just showed my hubby the picture of one similar I pinned. He thinks we can do it! I am so on the lookout for pots! Thanks for inspiring with your fun colors! I’m pinning this too!

  5. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (20)mismandie says

    Very cute! Love that you put the house number on them too! 🙂

  6. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (21)Fox Hollow Cottage says

    SO CUTE! I have been double stacking my big front urns for a few years but I never triple stacked my Terra Cotta post before. So cute! Love the project it is darling and so fun with the Summery paint job.

  7. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (22)Renewed Upon a Dream says

    Oh I love this! I have had something similar pinned on pinterest for a few weeks & have been contemplating making my own. I love how colorful yours is now with the refinishing!

  8. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (23)Nova says

    love the way yours turned out! gonna have to go back to michael’s and get some this week… 🙂

  9. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (24)Nova says

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  10. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (27)Sugarr2518 says

    I’m loving the pots within a pot! The way you decorated them is too cute:)

  11. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (28)Nova says

    btw: where is the blue pig statue from????

  12. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (29). says

    I borrowed your original idea last year and I think I might again this year. I love the little blue pig as well. I think it deserves it’s own little post. 🙂

  13. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (30)Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    Amy, I am in love with those planters. I’m always in awe of your creativity! I wish I lived next door so I could come over and craft with you. 😉 Great job…I’m inspired to get started on a Mother’s Day project I’ve been thinking about!

  14. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (31)Brandy says

    You know I LOVE your planters! I totally copied you 2 years ago! I desperately want to make more this year, but we are moving cross-country in a few months…in the dead of summer…so it will have to wait until next spring!

    These are so beautiful, as were your other ones!

    Brandy
    Gluesticks

  15. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (32)jillianwvu says

    These are so amazing!!! Question…what size pots did you use for your large, 3 tiered planter? THANKS sooooo much!

  16. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (33)Jenn Lifford says

    So, so cute!! I love the polka dots and the address label. We still have frost here so no plants yet! I’ll definitely remember this in a month or so though!
    Jenn 🙂

  17. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (34)Jennifer says

    Love the new version! And totally stealing it! 🙂 thanks for the idea
    Jen

  18. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (36)singlemamalife.com says

    I love this! Can’t wait to do this for my porch 🙂

  19. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (39)charlene carmeans says

    I did this planter years ago with the terracotta…and still have it…pokadots will be a great update for the tired look…thanks for sharing a great ideal

  20. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (40)Dawn says

    love these! can’t wait to get some flowers on my porch-have to check out my pots and see if i have enough for these planters 🙂 i pinned these and they have gotten tons of repins 🙂

  21. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (41)cupsbykim says

    I just found this post on Pintrest and love the idea of this! My mom loves flowers, this is definitly going to be her Mother’s Day gift this year!! Great work!

    http://cupsbykim.blogspot.com

  22. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (42)Farah Muzaffar says

    Hi Amy love this post and pin it before your saying:)…they look so lovely and easy to do…Thanks a lot for sharing your cutest pots…I will try soon some… I am your new follower too…

    Hope you will enjoy a visit at
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    With love
    Farah

  23. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (43)Lori says

    That is too cute..and I love polka dots. I’m glad I found your blog at the Creations by Kara party. I’m a new follower too, so I can keep in touch. I would love if you stopped by and followed back on LF and GFC. Nice to meet you, Lori

  24. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (44)Claire says

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I love the polka dots and the tiers add such a fresh take to terra cotta pots. Thank you for all the tips!

    Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com

  25. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (45)LillysNLollipops says

    I love these, I can’t wait to make them 🙂

  26. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (46)Heather says

    I LOVE THESE!!! Polka dots steal my heart! 🙂 Great Job!!!

    Heather
    SweetNumber9.blogspot.com

  27. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (47)Jennifer says

    I saw tiered pots on Pinterest somewhere and have it on my MUST TRY list. These polka dot pots reminded me how much I want them! I have to do this. I am going to Home Depot this weekend for some plants… might as well grab some pots!

  28. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (48)Stacey says

    Great idea…adore the polkas!
    I would love if you came by my Creative Inspirations party to link it up! I would love to see you there!
    Stacey of Embracing Change
    http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com

  29. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (49)schiperose says

    I’ve been looking for something like this for the front porch of my new home – just love this! I pinned it on Pinterest from your link and more than 50 people have repinned it!!! It’s a definite winner! Can’t wait to make this!!

  30. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (50)Michell @ Girl In Air says

    I LOVE all things Polka Dots! These are wonderful….

    I did stacked tipsy pots in polka dots a couple of years ago and also get compliments from the neighbors..LOL

    Now I want to make another set:-)

  31. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (52)Meredith says

    This is fabulous! I was just beginning to think of what to put on my porch and I love this idea! It will give my plants height without having to put a pot on some kind of table 🙂 yay!

    New follower too!

  32. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (54)Lolly Jane says

    AMY I stinkin L O V E these!! Don’t be surprised when you see a copycat on Lolly Jane 😉 Oh, and when you see them featured at tonights link party!
    XOXO

  33. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (55)sugarnspicemakeseverythingnice says

    I LOVED this idea so much I did one myself! I deviated a little bit from how you did yours, but they are basically the same. I also posted them on my blhttp://sugarnspicemakeseverythingnice.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/polka-dot-tiered-planter/og! Thanks for the idea!

  34. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (56)Inspire Me Heather says

    Your pots are just too cute – I MUST make some too! I’ve got this linked to my planters post as well today, it’s a keeper!

  35. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (57)Karen says

    You *totally* inspired me! I made my smaller version of this and it’s all planted and on my porch. Thank you!!

  36. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (58)Karen says

    I forgot to add that I linked to you in my blog – not that anyone reads it! But just wanted to let you know.
    🙂

  37. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (59)Jess says

    I love this idea. I have just discovered your blog and have been looking for some ways to add a bit of character to the front of my house! I will definitely be coming back here. 🙂

  38. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (60)Jess says

    I love this idea. I have just discovered your blog and have been looking for some ways to add a bit of character to the front of my house! I will definitely be coming back here. 🙂

  39. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (61)Jess says

    I love this idea. I have just discovered your blog and have been looking for some ways to add a bit of character to the front of my house! I will definitely be coming back here. 🙂

  40. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (62)Jess says

    I love this idea. I have just discovered your blog and have been looking for some ways to add a bit of character to the front of my house! I will definitely be coming back here. 🙂

  41. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (63)Jess says

    I love this idea. I have just discovered your blog and have been looking for some ways to add a bit of character to the front of my house! I will definitely be coming back here. 🙂

  42. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (64)NiNNi's Place says

    Wonderful idea. We are changing our curb appeal and this is a great way to pop color into the front yard. Thanks so much for the inspiration and tips.

  43. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (65)Amy & Justin says

    I think I am going to use this idea but plant herbs in the pots.

  44. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (68)Deanna Taylor says

    When I saw these, I just loved them! I had a bunch of old plastic pots of various sizes in my backyard that were getting a little worse for wear. I bought a can of the spray paint for plastic and revitalized them. I then did your stacking idea, and it looks AMAZING! I did a little collection of them in front of my house, and I couldn’t be happier! Thanks for the great idea!

  45. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (71)Julie says

    your original post keeps saying page not found and i am looking for the steps on how to assemble it all together. can you share the steps for putting this together please!!!!!!

    • Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (72)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Hi, Julie! I recently moved from Blogger to WordPress, and some links got broken in the process. I’ve corrected the link to the original project, and here is the direct link: http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2010/05/tiered-terracotta-planter.html Thanks so much for your patience! 🙂

      • Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (73)Julie says

        Thank you so much!

  46. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (74)Caroline says

    Hi!
    I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your blog! Today I did a post on my blog about DIY projects for spring and I included a link to this project! Love the polka dots! A nice touch.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Caroline

    • Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (75)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Thank you so much, Caroline! I truly appreciate it!

  47. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (76)karri says

    these are so cute! I want to do them for my yard…did you use flat spray paint or gloss??

    • Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (77)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      I used satin finish Krylon paint for this project. Thanks for stopping by, Karri!

  48. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (78)sharaya says

    I love this. Could you use plastic pots? Thats all i seem to find. Or is the ceramic better?

    • Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (79)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      I think plastic pots would work just fine.

  49. Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (80)Megan says

    Hi! I LOVE these and plan on making them as soon as I have free time. How did you do your address like that?

    • Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (81)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Hi, Megan! I cut the address using outdoor vinyl and my CAMEO.

Polka-Dotted Tiered Planters - Positively Splendid {Crafts, Sewing, Recipes and Home Decor} (2024)
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