Three pots, plenty of whimsy

It’s a bit of paint splashed artistically onto a clay pot, with a bit of whimsy added in, but Marie Gelin says it could spark a connection to nature in children. Gelin, the children’s education manager at Walnut Creek’s Ruth Bancroft Garden, says painting pots is not only fun for children and adults alike, but it could be a gateway craft. Kits sold through the garden include a 2-inch succulent. For many children, it may be the first living plant they’ve ever cared for.

Pot painting at the garden has long been popular, Gelin says, but in recent months, as parents reach out for activities to entertain their children or grandchildren, it has become even more so.

“Now that everyone is looking for things to do, this is an activity that children and parents can do together,” Gelin says. “When you take a child to a museum, you often have to bribe them with the promise of getting something at the gift shop, and you end up buying something cheap that goes into the corner. This is something better than that.”

Here are the basics for this craft project, plus how-tos for three especially fun projects, including a Cactus Grinch.

Basic materials

Terra cotta pot

Acrylic craft paints in different colors

Paper plates

Brushes

Newspaper to protect surfaces

Plants or seeds Potting soil (If you're planting succulents, you'll need a special soil for them)

Clear spray acrylic

Directions

Wipe the pot clean. Pour paint onto paper plates, paint the base coat and then the design. Let dry, then spray it with a clear spray acrylic – in a wellventilated area or outdoors – to seal it.

Once the pot is dry, fill it two-thirds full. Add the plant, then fill the rest of the pot and water thoroughly.