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Can you believe it is almost Mother’s Day? In my world we are still getting a bit of snow here and there so it’s hard to wrap my head around. But thanks to a generous supply of  Martha Stewart crafts products from the people at Plaid I’ve got a couple of gift ideas all ready to go.

I created two projects with the supplies I was sent for this post. I will share the second one next week.

One of my favorite gifts to get and receive this time of year are plants. In stead of giving the usual hanging basket this year I have created a small window box that is bright and cheery. You could put herbs in it for a kitchen window or some plants that smell really good for the bathroom window. No matter what plants you choose you are sure to brighten someone’s day with this project.

Let’s get crafting!

 Supplies:

• Small wooden box
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• 3 4inch terra cotta pots
• Martha Stewart Crafts paint – Mint, Habanero, Sea Lavender
• Martha Stewart Crafts Adhesive Silkscreens – Floral Paisley
• Martha Stewart Crafts paint brushes – basic brush set
• Small plants of your choice

Sand the wooden box and use the tack cloth to wipe away any dust.

Paint with two coats of Mint paint. Let dry between coats and let the final coat dry thoroughly.

Cut away the larger floral paisley image from the adhesive silkscreens.

Using Sea Lavender paint the image onto the box in a random pattern following package instructions. Be sure to paint some of the images so that they are going off the box to make the design look more random.

Let dry.

Paint the outside rims of the terra cotta pots with habanero and let dry.

Using the end of one of the paint brushes dip the tip into Sea Lavender and create polka dots on the red rims.

Let dry.

Cut away the smaller paisley image and paint it onto the box (over the larger Sea Lavender images) with Habanero. Again, paint the designs in a random pattern letting some of the images go off the edge of the box.

Let dry.

Fold a doubled piece of aluminum foil to create a liner for the bottom of the box.

I formed the foil over the outside bottom of the box to create the tray and then put it inside. It was easier to get sharp edges this way.

Place a layer of flat marbles or small stones inside the foil liner for better drainage and air circulation.

Fill the pots with small plants, and if needed, add more stones or marbles to the liner so that the polka dotted pots show above the window box.

I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for polka dots AND paisley so I might have a hard time giving this away. Do you ever make things as gifts and then have a hard time giving them up when the time comes?

See what some of my fellow bloggers made for Mother’s Day in the links below!