How to Make a Rope Plant Holder

Rope holders give plain flower pots more pizazz.

Nautical and rustic-style gardens can both benefit from rope-wrapped flower pots. The rope gives even plastic pots an organic feel, helping them blend into the rest of the garden. Kids can get in on the action by helping you dye or color the rope before you wrap it around the pots. If you want a more natural look, use natural-fiber cord. For an industrial feel, try colored nylon cording. The style is totally up to you.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Flower pot
• 10-foot rope: plastic, nylon, cotton, hemp

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of the widest part of the pot and its height. Multiply the circumference by the height to get roughly how many inches of rope you need. For instance, if the pot measures 12 inches at its widest point and measures 5 inches tall, you'll need 60 inches, or 5 feet, of rope. Cut this amount from the 10-foot piece of rope.

2. Squeeze a dime-sized dot of hot glue onto the bottom edge of the pot. Press the end of the rope into the glue.

3. Wrap the rope around the base of the pot, keeping it taut. Pass the rope around the pot again, right above the first coil. Continue coiling the rope around the pot, moving upward to the top edge. The coils should fit tight together with no gaps between them.

4. Secure the end of the rope to the top edge of the pot with hot glue. Allow the glue to cure overnight before planting anything in the pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Try crocheting strips of fabric to create original rope. Braid or crochet thin rope to create thicker coils.

• Spray the outside of the pot with waterproofing spray, especially if you're using the pot outdoors. The spray will protect the rope from decay.

• Dye the rope before wrapping using alcohol dyes, tie-dye powders or watered-down paint. Food coloring, powdered beverages and plant dyes usually will fade quickly in the sun.

• Any kind of rope, from twisted nylon cord to twined hemp, works for this project, so pick one that fits your personal style.

References

• Yard and Garden Rescue: How to Make a Creative Planter