Did anyone else have to create a topography map in school growing up? I remember cutting cardboard with an X-acto knife into dozens of oblong shapes and gluing them together. I can’t remember what made me think of it the other day, but I started to think about how topography maps are really cool to look at. The thought process progressed and the next thing I know I am gathering plywood scraps and cutting out oblong shapes to glue together.
I think the view from the top is my favorite!
My first idea was to make a vase and I made this before the planter. Since both the planter and the vase are basically made the same way, I have just one tutorial.
Supplies Needed:
(affiliate links)
Plywood
Pencil
Wood Glue
Bud Vase (I like the test tube style) or Succulent Plant
#1. Start by drawing the smallest shape first. Just freehand it.
#2. Cut out the first shape with a jig saw and then trace it. Once it is traced draw a shape slightly larger around it. This will be the line you follow to make the next cut.
#3. Continue doing that until you have a stack high enough for your bud vase to fit inside or deep enough for a small succulent.
#4. Sand them smooth.
#5. Start from the bottom and glue them together. Avoid getting glue in the center since you will be drilling a hole for the vase. Every few layers nail them together.
*If you are making a planter, you will need a hole at least 2-3 inches wide which is wider than a paddle bit. Drill a hole large enough for the blade of a jig saw to fit through and then use the jig saw to cut a circle in the center. Don’t cut a circle in the last one since that will be the bottom but do drill a hole for drainage.
After the holes are cut for the planter, you can glue and nail them together.
#6. Once the glue has had a chance to dry, drill a hole deep enough that your bud vase will fit down inside.
My bud vase fit right down in. But if you want, it would also look good to have a little of the glass bud vase peek out.
I decided not to stain the vase. I added some wipe on poly and called it good.
I decided to stain the planter in Early American from Minwax. Since the plywood is very porous, I added the wood conditioner before staining.
I think I might make a larger version out of solid wood. What do you think? Would it look good larger and on a patio?
oh this is so cool!
Thank you!
I had totally forgotten about doing that in school! But now that you say that I remember having to cut out cardboard…lots of cardboard! This looks great and I think you should do a larger one!
I think I will make a bigger one. I am curious what it would look like big and outside :)
I love this and yes a larger one would be beautiful on the patio. I love that each one would go with any style your home is just depending on how you finish it, I happen to love the way you finish yours, but you could paint it and do shabby sheek which would be really pretty, or paint and do a high gloss finish. I can think of all kinds of ways to finish these beauty’s to make them fit your decor.
You are absolutely right! I almost painted one white so it looked like ceramic. A bold color would be fun too!
Clever. I like the one with the succulent–the proportions look good at that size. Looks great with the feathers. A larger one could be very interesting. Would you cut out the holes as you went along and cut smaller pieces from it?
I agree. I feel like the vase was my practice round. And I guess I could use the parts I cut out for a smaller version. Good idea!
So neat and creative! Love it!! Visiting from Monday Funday.
Wow I can’t believe you cut each piece! Jigsaws scare me! Lol Very cool vase. Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on G+! Have a great week!
Kim
I had to draw topographical maps for the first time in Geology 101 in college. What a cool idea to bounce off this process! My husband is a geologist, so I know he would love these too. Thanks for sharing this creative idea, Stacy! :)
LOVE it Stacy – what a cool idea! Hmmm, looking for ideas for my daughter’s DIY Rustic wedding this summer and your awesome planter has got me thinking table centerpieces. Thanks for the inspiration!
When I was in architecture school I spent hours and hours cutting topography for models, so I’m in love with this project! So gorgeous! Thanks for linking up with us at The DIY Collective, I hope you come back and join us again next thursday! xoxo, Cassie @ Little Red Window
This is so awesome! I love succulents! Pinning!
SO COOL!
Awesome and YES would look great as big planter.