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Rustic DIY Planter Using Book Pages

Let’s decoupage terracotta pots! These rustic planters are made with vintage book pages and look great indoors or out!

It’s time for another Create with Me DIY Challenge. For this month’s challenge, see how I made a rustic DIY planter using book pages!

It’s that time again – time for another Create With Me DIY Challenge. And you guys certainly aren’t making this project easy!!

When I saw that book pages won the vote last month, I had no idea what I was going to make. 

So, I naturally searched Pinterest for book page craft projects. There was a pretty garland, DIY flowers, book page Easter eggs, and other various crafts. 

But, nothing really stuck out to me and I didn’t want to make something that’s been done before.

Since I have SPRING on my mind, along with the farmhouse nursery project that seems never-ending at this point, I decided to make a planter using book pages. 

The perfect little planter using terracotta clay pots that will look so cute on her DIY rustic shelves!

If you’re looking for a fun craft, you’ll love this decoupage terra cotta pots idea! Follow along with these simple steps! Easy peasy!

A collage of images shows how to make decoupage terracotta pots with old book pages. Image text reads "DIY rustic planter using book pages".

How to Make Rustic Decoupage Terracotta Planters

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Supplies needed to make decoupage terracotta pots:

Step 1: Find book pages (or use cardstock)

First, I have to admit I totally cheated on using book pages. My favorite book ever is Pride and Prejudice. I’ve probably read it 1000 times and know it nearly line for line. My favorite quote from the book:

“In vain have I struggled, it will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you”

I was going to rip out the page with that quote on it to use for the planter but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it!!

Then I thought about using a page from the Bible with a verse from our wedding. But, I’m pretty sure that’s definitely not allowed.

With no spare book pages, I went to Michaels and found book page cardstock. It was 89 cents for one sheet, which was more than enough to cover the planter. You can’t tell from the pictures it’s not real, right?!

Okay, so after I cheated with the book pages, I cut up a few sections to the height of the planter.

If you’re also struggling to bring yourself to cut up real book pages, here are some ideas for other things to use on decoupage flower pots:

  • Use book page printed cardstock, like I did
  • Use paper napkins, but it works best if you just use the top layer of the napkin piece instead of the whole napkin
  • Use patterned tissue paper
  • Use flower or vegetable seed packets
Pages of cardstock with lines of texts to look like book pages sit on a wood crafting table, next to a large crafting sponge.

Step 2: Paint the terracotta pot & apply book pages with Mod Podge

Start by painting the entire pot with chalk paint in Linen White (my FAVORITE) with a paint brush. Apply the white paint on the outside of the pot, no need to worry about the inside of the pot. You could also use spray paint or regular acrylic paint if that is all you have on hand in your craft supplies.

Once the paint is dry, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge decoupage glue using the foam brush to the bottom part of the pot (under the upper rim).

Then, place the pieces of book pages over the Mod Podge. My book page paper pieces overlapped a bit and weren’t completely straight. Work in small sections for best results.

Once everything is covered, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the top of the book pages.

A hand holds a small terracotta pot that's painted white. Book page cardstock is decoupaged onto the sides of the planter.

Step 3: Apply antique wax.

After the Mod Podge and paper is fully dried, use a paper towel to liberally apply some antique wax all over the terracotta flower pot. Be sure to get the whole pot, including the upper rim, not just the Mod Podge area.

A decoupaged terracotta pot covered with brown antique wax sits on a wood table.

Then, wipe off the excess with a clean paper towel. Don’t leave it on too long! The wax dries really quickly.

Step 4: Sand down the surface of the planter

Last, give the whole decoupage pot a quick sanding. Focus on the seams of the book pages to try and make them look a little more blended and rustic.

The completed decoupage terracotta pot sits on a wood shelf. The planter is filled with faux pink and green flowers.

In the spirit of spring, I picked up some pretty faux pink blooms from Michaels and the little decorative pot was complete! This was such a fun way to use book pages, don’t you think? It’s going to look perfect on the nursery’s rustic shelves.

A closer look at the finished decoupage terracotta pots covered book pages. The rustic planter sits on a wood shelf and is filled with faux flowers.

This little pot would also make a great gift idea for Mother’s Day! It is an easy craft that you could totally get the kids involved in too if they wanted to help!

The completed decoupage terracotta pot made with old book pages sits on a rustic wood shelf. The planter is filled with faux pink flowers with vibrant green leaves.

Check out more crafty DIYs below…

Ribbons, buttons, scissors, and other craft supplies is laid out on a white background. A peach-colored circle in the middle of the image has text in the center that reads "create with me"

AND, check out what these other talented ladies came up with this month!!  Who knew there was so much you could do with book pages?!

A collage of different DIY crafts made with book pages. The crafts include wreaths, wall art, a planter, and more. Image text in the upper right hand corner of the image reads "six book page crafts"

DIY Planter from Book Pages via Making Joy and Pretty Things (that’s me!)

Easy Book Page Art via Little Bits of Home

Paper Tulip Wreath via Knock it Off Kim

Easter Book Page Banner via My Life from Home

Book Page Easter Egg Wreath via Our Crafty Mom

Wishing you a joyful day!

Want to see more of our farmhouse girl’s nursery?

Rustic Decoupage Terracotta Pots

A Rustic Decoupage Terracotta Pots made with old book pages.

If you love the look of rustic decor, you'll love these DIY decoupage terracotta pots! Use old book pages, mod podge, and some chalk paint to give plain ol' terracotta planters a rustic look.

Active Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $15

Materials

Instructions

  1. Gather the book pages. You can pick your favorite book, an old thrifted book, or if you don't want to rip apart a book, buy book cardstock from the craft store.
  2. Paint the terracotta pot with chalk paint.
  3. Apply the mod podge and book pages. Once everything is covered, apply a second coat of mod podge. Allow to dry completely.
  4. Apply antique wax. Before it dries, wipe the excess off with a paper towel.
  5. Sand down the surface of the planter. Focus on the seams of the book pages to try and make it look a little more blended and rustic.
  6. Fill the terracotta planter with flowers of your choice (faux or real). You're done!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Making Joy and Pretty Things
Project Type: Decor / Category: DIY and Crafts

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18 Comments

  3. Sarah, I LOVE this!! The antique wax gives it such a warm and worn look! P&P is my favorite novel, too, and I don’t think I’d be able to bring myself to rip it up, either! I had no idea Michaels had book page card stock – this is awesome! My “crafting book” is one from college that I know I’ll never read again, and don’t feel guilty about cutting up. But when I use this one up, I’ll have to take a trip to the thrift store or someplace to find another one!

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