Uncover the secrets to transforming ordinary, inexpensive large plastic bowls from your local dollar store into stunning, high-end, low-sided cast stone or cement-style planters. Achieve a sophisticated aesthetic without the hefty price tag or the heavy lifting!
Earlier this fall, I shared my technique for giving a shiny ceramic thrift store planter the authentic look of aged concrete using a clever faux stone paint method. The results were truly captivating, achieving that desired weathered texture and subtle patina.
I was absolutely delighted with how that project turned out, adding a touch of industrial chic to my decor. Building on that success, I soon found myself envisioning an even larger concrete or cast stone bowl. My goal was to create a statement piece for the sideboard in my foyer, something that exuded a serene, Zen-like quality and modern elegance.
My overarching vision for the interior design of my home, particularly for high-traffic areas like the foyer, kitchen, and living room, involves a curated approach: less clutter, more impact. The decor I choose to integrate must be clean-lined, slightly over-scaled to command attention, and always include a subtle nod to nature, bringing an organic feel indoors.
In pursuit of this perfect piece, I embarked on a search for a large, low-sided stone or cement planter. I discovered a striking option from West Elm that perfectly matched my aesthetic desires. However, my excitement quickly waned when I saw the $330.00 price tag. For a dedicated DIY enthusiast, such a revelation prompts only one thought: if I can’t buy it, I’ll build it!
And so began the journey to create this large, custom-designed faux cast stone bowl. What I discovered was truly remarkable: making this high-end looking DIY bowl was not only incredibly satisfying but also surprisingly easy! This project offers an affordable and creative solution to elevate your home decor with a luxurious, custom touch.
How to Transform Dollar Store Plastic Bowls into High-End Faux Cast Stone Planters
Genuine cast stone planters are meticulously crafted from composite mixtures designed to replicate the authentic appearance and tactile feel of natural stone. However, they come with a significant advantage: they typically weigh only a fraction of their solid stone counterparts. This DIY project harnesses a similar principle, allowing us to achieve that coveted look and feel but at an even more astonishingly reduced weight and cost, by cleverly utilizing common household items.
To embark on crafting my impressive faux cast stone bowl style planter, I started with two generously sized plastic bowls. These incredibly affordable finds are readily available at party supply stores or dollar stores, making this project accessible to almost anyone. I happened to have a couple tucked away in my entertaining supplies – bowls that, due to recent changes, hadn’t seen much use. Instead of letting them gather dust, I decided to repurpose them for a striking decorative purpose.
In addition to these versatile plastic bowls, another key component for constructing my low-sided planter was a collection of everyday plastic grocery bags. These humble bags play an unexpected yet crucial role in creating the desired shape and adding lightweight bulk to the structure, proving that stunning decor can truly come from the most unexpected materials.
My DIY Faux Cast Stone or Cement Bowl Planter: A High-End Look for Less
Behold, the culmination of this creative endeavor: my finished faux cast stone bowl. It perfectly embodies the specific dimensions (6-1/4″ high x 18″ diameter) and the sophisticated aesthetic I envisioned for my foyer sideboard. This piece now serves as an anchor for my decor, lending a sense of calm and natural elegance to the space.
For the festive holiday season, I adorned this magnificent bowl with a bed of soft moss, topped with an arrangement of large, exquisite ornaments that I personally crafted. Each ornament was meticulously covered with strips of elegant handwritten script paper, adding a personalized and sophisticated touch to the seasonal display.
- Discover How to Make Your Own Handwritten Script Paper Ornaments
The beauty of this project lies in its deceptive simplicity. What started as two flimsy plastic bowls has been ingeniously transformed into a single, cohesive unit that appears robust, thick, and weighty, just like authentic cast stone. Yet, the true marvel is its exceptional lightness, making it effortlessly movable and safe for any surface, unlike its genuine heavy counterparts.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Large Faux Cast Stone Bowl Planter
One of the most appealing aspects of this DIY project is its clean and straightforward execution. You won’t need any actual concrete or cement, eliminating the mess and complexity of mixing and curing. Our method achieves the durable and authentic look of cast stone using readily available materials and a simple faux finishing technique.
Supplies Needed for Your DIY Faux Cast Stone Planter:
While I sourced my bowls from a party supply store – and they remain available online – the beauty of this project is its adaptability. Feel free to use any two plastic bowls you have on hand, provided they are of a similar style and one is slightly smaller than the other to create the crucial gap for the “thick” look.
- Large plastic bowl: This will form the outer shell of your planter.
- Medium plastic bowl: This bowl will sit inside the larger one, creating the interior space of your planter.
- 3″ square blocks of foam or wood, approximately 1-1/2″ high: Essential for creating a stable base for the inner bowl.
- Hot glue and glue gun: For securely fastening the bowls and risers together.
- Plastic grocery bags: Used as lightweight filler between the bowls to create bulk and stability.
- White spray primer: Crucial for ensuring excellent adhesion of subsequent layers and a uniform base color.
- Painter’s tape or duct tape: To secure the edges and provide a seamless surface.
- Ready-Mix Stucco Patch– 1 quart tub: Available at most home improvement stores, this is the magic ingredient for the stone texture.
- 2″ wide paint brush: For applying the stucco patch and base paint layers.
- Old toothbrush or stiff bristle brush: For creating realistic splatter effects.
- Water-based paint or stain – acrylic, latex, or chalk paint: The finishing touch for your faux stone look. I achieved my desired effect with:
- DecoArt Americana – Cobblestone: Provides a natural, earthy base.
- Craftsmart – Grey and Black: For adding depth, shading, and aging effects.
- Craftsmart Barnwood stain or Antique Glazing Liquid: To achieve an aged, weathered appearance.
Time needed: 2 hours
Achieve the elegant look of genuine cement or cast stone with this simple, step-by-step DIY guide to crafting a beautiful, lightweight bowl-style planter.
- Source Your Plastic Bowls
Begin by looking through your kitchen cupboards or visiting a local dollar or party supply store for plastic bowls. The color isn’t important as they will be fully covered, but you will need two bowls of the same overall style, with one being noticeably larger than the other. This size difference is crucial for creating the thick, substantial edge of your faux planter. Any durable plastic will work, just ensure they are clean and dry.
- Create a Riser for the Inner Bowl
Carefully place the smaller bowl inside the larger one. Observe the height difference between their rims. To achieve the low-sided, thick-rimmed look of a cast stone planter, the smaller inner bowl needs to be elevated so its top edge aligns perfectly with the rim of the larger outer bowl. I used small pieces of Styrofoam, salvaged from packaging, to construct a stable riser. Securely hot glue these blocks to the bottom center of the larger bowl. Then, apply hot glue to the bottom of your smaller bowl and center it precisely on the Styrofoam riser, pressing down firmly to ensure a strong bond. Allow the glue to cool and set completely before proceeding.
- Ensure Perfect Edge Alignment
Once the hot glue has cured, inspect your assembly. The rims of both bowls should be perfectly level and aligned all the way around. This precise alignment is key to creating the illusion of a single, solid, thick-walled planter, rather than two separate bowls. Take a moment to adjust if necessary, ensuring a smooth, continuous top edge. This attention to detail will significantly enhance the final, high-end appearance of your faux cast stone planter.
- Fill the Gap for Structural Integrity
To further stabilize the smaller bowl within the larger one and to create the necessary bulk for the thick rim, tightly fill the void between the two bowls with plastic grocery bags. Systematically stuff the bags into the gap, working your way around the entire circumference. Continue adding bags until the space is completely packed and the plastic bags meet the top edge of the bowls. This not only provides stability but also contributes to the lightweight nature of the finished planter while giving it a solid feel.
- Secure Edges with Tape
With the gap filled, it’s time to unify the bowls and create a smooth surface for the stucco. Apply strips of painter’s tape or duct tape all around the open top edge where the two bowl rims meet. Overlap the tape slightly to ensure full coverage and a continuous surface. Once applied, run your fingers firmly over the tape’s edges to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles, creating a seamless transition and preparing the surface for the next step. This taping step is essential for a professional finish.
- Prepare with Spray Primer
Before priming, lightly scuff the entire exterior and interior surface of your combined bowl structure with 100-grit sandpaper. A quick, gentle pass is all that’s needed to create a微-roughened surface, which significantly improves paint adhesion. After sanding, apply one light, even coat of white spray primer over all surfaces of the bowl, both inside and out. Ensure complete coverage without heavy drips. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Priming is a critical step that ensures the stucco patch adheres properly and provides a uniform base for the subsequent layers.
- Apply the First Layer of Stucco Patch
Now for the magical transformation! Using a 1″ to 2″ wide paint brush, begin applying a thin, even layer of the Ready-Mix Stucco Patch to the entire surface of the bowl, both on the exterior and the interior. Work in small sections, spreading the stucco evenly to create a subtle texture. The goal is a consistent, light coating that begins to build the stone-like surface without being too thick or uneven. Allow this first layer to dry completely; drying time will vary based on humidity and thickness, so consult product instructions. This layer forms the foundational texture for your faux cast stone.
- Apply a Second Coat (If Needed)
Once the first coat of stucco patch is thoroughly dry, assess the surface. If your plastic bowls originally had a dimpled or uneven texture, or if you desire a more pronounced and solid stone appearance, apply one more light layer of stucco patch. This second coat helps to further smooth out imperfections and build a consistent, robust texture. Remember to keep the layers thin to avoid cracking and ensure proper drying. Allow this second coat to dry completely before moving on to the painting stage, which will bring the faux stone to life.
- Craft Your Custom Faux Stone Finish with Paint
At this stage, your bowl will likely have a light tan color from the dried stucco patch, which some may find appealing on its own. However, to achieve a convincing cement or cast stone look, we’ll introduce color. Mix equal parts water with your chosen craft paints (grey and cobblestone are excellent for this). Using a paint brush, apply this watered-down mixture to the bowl. Immediately after, use a dry, then slightly damp, paper towel to gently rub and wipe away some of the paint in various areas. This technique prevents a solid, uniform color, creating a transparent wash that mimics the natural variations found in real stone. Continue dabbing and wiping in circular motions until you achieve a depth and unevenness that you love. I initially planned for a darker grey-brown but opted for a lighter version that beautifully complemented my foyer’s existing decor. Feel free to experiment with colors to match your personal style; the key is layering and blending for an authentic finish.
- Add Realistic Imperfections with Splattered Paint
To truly sell the illusion of aged stone, add subtle imperfections. Dip an old toothbrush or a stiff bristle brush into a mixture of grey and black craft paint that has been lightly swirled but not fully blended. Alternatively, an antiquing glaze can be used for a similar effect. Hold the paint-loaded toothbrush over the surface of the bowl and firmly run your thumb across the bristles. This action will cause tiny flecks of paint to splatter onto the surface, mimicking the natural mineral deposits and wear seen on real concrete or stone. If you’re new to this technique, it’s highly recommended to practice a few times on a piece of scrap paper to get a feel for the control and desired splatter pattern before applying it to your planter. This small detail adds significant realism.
- Allow to Dry Completely
Once all paint and splatter layers have been applied, allow your newly transformed faux cast stone bowl planter to dry completely. This might take several hours, depending on humidity and paint thickness. I chose not to seal my bowl, as it is intended for indoor decorative use and will not be holding live plants or exposed to the elements. If you plan to use your planter outdoors or with actual plants that require watering, you would need to apply a clear, outdoor-appropriate sealer to protect the finish from moisture and wear. Otherwise, simply let it cure and enjoy your beautiful, lightweight, high-end looking creation!
Creative Styling Ideas for Your Faux Cast Stone Bowl Planter
The versatility of a large, low-sided bowl-style planter extends far beyond simply holding plants or succulents. Its impressive size and sophisticated faux stone finish make it a focal point in any room, offering endless possibilities for creative and elegant displays that adapt with the seasons and your personal aesthetic.
These stunning pieces can be strategically placed on any table surface, sideboard, or even a fireplace mantel, instantly elevating the decor. Imagine filling it with a lush bed of preserved moss, an array of seasonal ornaments, vibrant fresh fruit, smooth decorative stones with a large pillar candle, or even a curated collection of small, treasured objects that tell a story. The clean lines and natural texture of the planter provide a perfect backdrop for almost any display, adding an element of sophisticated simplicity.
For my personal holiday display, I began by layering the bottom of the bowl with shredded paper, creating a soft, voluminous base. This was then elegantly draped with sheets of rich green moss, providing a vibrant, natural texture that contrasted beautifully with the faux stone.
Finally, I added my handcrafted Christmas ornaments, letting them nestle amidst the moss. Placed atop a verdant faux cedar wreath, my foyer sideboard was instantly transformed. It was perfectly arrayed for the holidays, embodying a simple, clean-lined aesthetic with an undeniable connection to nature.
This was precisely the refined, understated look I had envisioned – a high-impact piece achieved through clever DIY. My faux cast stone planter brings a sense of tranquility and modern elegance that elevates the entire space, proving that luxury can indeed be affordable and attainable.
Buying Option: Achieve the Look Without the DIY
If the elegant aesthetic of my faux cast stone planter appeals to you, but you’d prefer to skip the DIY process, there’s no need to compromise on style. I’ve found a similar, beautifully designed option available for purchase that captures that desired high-end look without breaking the bank. It offers a convenient solution to bring this chic, understated luxury into your home with ease.
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