Recently I saw this photo in my May 09 issue of This Old House:
And it struck me like teen Disney stars hit medians…”there is an old ladder in the basement.” After I did my little heel click, I ran to go get her. She was all raggedy and worn in her old age – just like I hope to be one day.
Then came the issue of the pots. I had a bunch leftover from a church event that I decorated – the theme was ‘Names of God’. We stamped “BREAD OF LIFE”, “CREATOR” etc. At first I wanted to do “STUD MUFFIN” and “ULTIMATE HOMEBOY” but we couldn’t actually find where it said that in the Bible. It’s gotta be in there somewhere. Note to self – read Bible more. The leftover painted pots meant the only cost was the plants and some exterior paint. SCORE.
So to paint the pots, first you want to seal the inside with Thompson WaterSeal. I used the spray and did about three coats on the inside and the edge. Then for painting pots, I just got to it. I chose a pale green, pale pink and pale yellow in semi-gloss exterior paint. Yes, it is like a baby shower exploded.
As for the plants, after the paint dried and they were ready for planting, I just plopped the plants inside with a little bit of potting soil.
And now for my grand reveal of my ladder plant stand (hold your breath, it’ll be more dramatic that way!) –
I really like it even with it’s ‘too-sweet-for-bunnies’ feel. And the thing is…our deck is pretty crappy. So it definitely draws the eye away from the ugly structure and to the plants with it’s easter-just-became-every-day color palette.
And because I could help but take some close ups – everybody loves a macro 🙂
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So there you have it…one free plant stand. So how bouts it? What do you use as a plant supporter…have any unique potting methods? I saw this one using old cans & knew that you would love it. (Hi Kim!!!) And if you wanna holla out your cool-as-the-tundra plant stand ideas or potting ideas, please don’t be shy!
I totally LOVE it! It’s so cute, great job
wow, that looks really good. perfectly distressed and all that. do you think my hub’s 16 ft ladder would work just as well? overkill maybe?
I love, love, love it! If you wouldn’t mind elaborating, can you e-mail me and let me know what kind of camera you use? It takes AMAZING pictures!
tooooooo cute! I’m glad you didn’t paint the ladder! it’s definitely perfect as is.
I love the ladder and the entire idea. I’m totally yanking it…. and by totally, I mean that I fully intend to but probably never will because I am lazy with a capital L. I really need a little height on my front porch though and this would be adorable.
(PS – When you mentioned my name, I almost fainted. It’s like a brush with fame. Thanks for the shout out.)
Wow!! You did an amazing job with this. At first glance I thought your photos were from the magazine.
I’m lovin’ it. This would work really well in a small place!
That is FANTASTIC!!!!! Looks better than the magazine; I love the worn off white paint of your ladder. Too bad, we don’t have such a nice thing lying around in our garage!
You are such a clever girl. Gorgeous display !
I am blown away by how pretty that is. I love it! Now I’m adding old ladder to my list of things I must find.
Ooo love it! Even with the sacchrine sweet colors. 🙂 Now, if I did this, it would be a ladder full of rotting, dead plants. Not quite as pretty.
Oh that is so pretty! Such a neat idea! Nothing like flowers to make me happy.
I like your Easter colors! They are look good with the contrast of the porch.
PS…you are a hoot!
Just found your blog via Sherry and John. Love it and I love them too. And this is a really cute idea. Might have to “borrow” it. Oh and Don’t worry.. I am voting for TYH everyday! Even did a blog post about it.
Wow, this looks great! What a happy accident finding your blog! Love it! 🙂
Uh-Mazing! You rock!
(About your goals- to girldate a blogger- didn’t you already girldate sherry? I think you can cross that baby off your list- unless you want an excuse to fly me out to Atlanta . . .)
You met TYH!! Can’t wait to hear your version of events, girl. 🙂
You are a total bloglebrity! (haha) Although, you already kinda were! I loved reading TYH’s story, will be excited to read yours!
ummm… i just found your blog through TYH (i know, i love it too), and i am already hooked. yay! i love when i find new blogs to read, specifically when they are about fixer-upper houses like mine!!
These are adorable! Love those colors!
Just found your blog through the ever popular thisyounghouse! And to see your ladder project . . . I instantly knew I would be addicted to you and your ideas! I found the old ladder, I’m going to paint it a little (well, make it look like it’s had paint on it for many years) and get all the rest of the goods tomorrow! Very excited!!!!
I’m Lisa, nice to meet you!
Can’t wait to look through the rest of your story!
Still curious if you use a “normal” point and shoot digital (and what it is because it’s AMAZING!) or if you have a fancy-schmancy professional camera?
The colors are so vivid and the pics are just so clear!
Hi Amanda – I have a Canon Rebel XSi…which I think is a totally shmancy camera but professionals might scoff at my ignorance.
I will tell ya this…I pull the photos into Microsoft office picture manager and always change the white balance and the contrast…for some reason I suck at capturing them!
XO – Katie
Did you see on Peacock Feathers blog that she saw the ladder idea on my blog (when I posted about yours) and did it herself? Her link is on my sidebar if you’re interested… have to scroll back a bit, but I wanted to let you know that your project is famous! I thought I posted about it earlier to you, but must have forgotten…
Hey Amanda – Yup I saw it! And I couldn’t be more excited! But just remember that the credit really belongs to This Old House…the magazine featured the idea and I just scammed it 🙂 Thanks though for making sure I saw it…you know it’s a good project when multiple people love it!
XO – Katie
Ack! I LOVE it! My old ladder doesn’t look anything near that cute…note to self: search on Craigslist for old ladders…
Hi Katie, I recently used the same YHL flower pot painting instructions to turn a plain terra cotta pot into a shiny silver one for my little Christmas rosemary bush (You can see it here, if you want: http://lifeisartislife.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/christmas-decorations/). However, today when I was putting away my Christmas decorations, I saw that water had indeed soaked through the pot from the inside and made my paint bubble (and on the grosser side, caused mildew to grow on the big red ribbon I had tied around the pot), even though I used the Thompson’s Water Seal. I was wondering if you had the same problem with any of your painted pots?
Thanks!!
Julia