Laughing Latte

I don’t really have a green thumb. I kill just about any flower plant given to me. But when my Mom gave me a collection of plants, including both colorful flowers and lots of green leaves, I was shocked that I actually kept at least the green plants alive!  And because it’s so far been a success, I thought it was about time I re-pot them for a pretty display.

Isn’t it amazing what a huge difference a little task can make!?!

When you live in a small space I think the best way to decorate is to think creatively, because sometimes it’s the simple things that make a place homey. It was amazing how much this little task transformed our little dining area to the point where I actually want to sit at the table. Otherwise I would take three more steps and just eat on the couch.

Materials needed:

• scrubby
• clay pots & saucers
• sponge brushes (various sizes)
• white semi glossy spray paint
• white sateen paint
• gold metallic finish paint

1. Wipe down the pot with damp scrubby.
2. Place pot and saucer face down on the ground. Spray on an even layer of paint. Spray onto the sides rather than straight on top to get an even layer all around. Don’t spray on too much or else you will get drips down the sides.
3. Allow to dry (takes about 5 minutes or less) and spray on three or four more layers for a base. This serves as a nice primer.
4. Take a sponge brush and spread on a smooth layer of paint. (I used an acrylic paint because I have had good luck with it on all surfaces. So far so good with clay.) Allow to dry completely and add on two or three more layers. (I have a feeling white takes many more layers than a darker color would.)
5. Take a sponge brush and apply the gold paint to the inside of the saucer and the inside top two inches of the pot. The rest of the pot will have dirt in it, so no use wasting paint. Allow to dry completely and apply one more layer. The gold went on ten times easier than the white!
6. Because the gold applies easier, use the gold to touch up where the colors meet.
7. Place plants in pot with plenty of dirt. Display and enjoy!

I chose white because I simply love the all white cottage style of interior decorating. It gives a fresh and clean look. Since it’s not completely ideal for decorating when it comes to my life, I like to pull it in when I can. And who doesn’t love a metallic gold. It adds an elegance to an otherwise rustic piece.

I don’t know how the paint will hold up since I’ve never painted clay. But I will be sure to come back to this post and update anything you may want to know if you are thinking of giving this a try

Luvv, Leigh B