DIY Mini Gradient Egg Cup Planters

It’s no secret that I love gradients. You may remember these large gradient planters or these gradient vases I made. Well, when I saw these mini egg cups in the Target dollar spot, I knew that they were just begging to be made into mini gradient planters for spring. A little bit of experimenting with spray paint later and these adorable mini planters were done and ready to display. They are perfect for a place setting for Easter or line up a bunch as a table runner, or they can even be put on your desk for a little pop of color and greenery at work.

Materials:
-Spray paint in 2-3 colors for each planter
-Ceramic egg cups
-Dirt, succulents, and rocks (I actually used faux succulents and cacti I found at the craft store)

Step 1: I tried a few different methods for creating the perfect gradient pattern and there are a few options, but the one that I found the best for creating a 2-3 color gradient was to begin by spray painting the middle color first. Just take your cups outside and use the spray paint to paint the center portion of the egg cup. Depending on the size of the egg cup you use, the paint may completely cover the entire egg cup, but that is okay for this first color.

Step 2: Turn your egg cups upside down on a protected surface outside and then spray paint the protected surface around the egg cup, letting the overspray barely touch the part of the cup touching the protected surface. This will give you a small overlap of colors, creating a two-color gradient.

Step 3: For the last color, wait until the paint from step 2 is dry and then flip the egg cup over. Repeat the process of spray painting the protected surface around the egg cup and letting the paint barely overlap the base of the egg cup. This will create the three-color gradient.

Step 4: Once dry, add your dirt, succulents, and a few rocks on top to cover the dirt. Or you can just use faux succulents or mini cactus from the craft store to put in the mini planters.

I could not be more in love with how they turned out and can’t wait to make a few more so that everyone who comes to Easter brunch can take one home to keep. And if you don’t have a ton of spray paint colors like me and don’t want to invest in a bunch, just stick to 1-2 colors and vary which color is on top and which is on bottom for a little variation! xo. Kara

 

Credits // Author and Photography: Kara Whitten. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.