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    Topography Inspired Planter

    By Stacy 25 Comments

    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.

     

    wood topography insipred planter

     

     

     

    I think the view from the top is my favorite!

    topography inspired planter

     

    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.

     

    topagraphy inspired vase

     

    Supplies Needed:

    (affiliate links)

    Plywood

    Pencil

    Wood Glue

    Spade Drill Bit

    Jig Saw

    18-Gauge Brad Nailer

    Drill

    Bud Vase (I like the test tube style) or Succulent Plant

     

    #1. Start by drawing the smallest shape first. Just freehand it.

     

    draw-shape-on-plywood

     

    #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.

     

    trace-the-shape-and-draw-a-little-bigger

     

    #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.

     

    continue-to-cut-them-out-until-you-have-enough-stacked-up-for-a-vase-or-planter

     

    #4. Sand them smooth.

    sand-wood-pieces

    #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.

     

    every-few-layers-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.

    spade bit

     

     

     

    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.

     

    wood vase

     

    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.

     

    wooden topography planter

     

    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?

     

    topography inspired planter

     

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    Filed Under: DIY & Tutorials, Houseplants 25 Comments

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shawnna

      February 09, 2016 at 7:25 am

      oh this is so cool!

      Reply
      • Stacy

        February 09, 2016 at 11:26 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Amy

      February 09, 2016 at 11:25 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Stacy

        February 09, 2016 at 11:27 am

        I think I will make a bigger one. I am curious what it would look like big and outside :)

        Reply
    3. Patty

      February 09, 2016 at 11:53 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Stacy

        February 09, 2016 at 1:05 pm

        You are absolutely right! I almost painted one white so it looked like ceramic. A bold color would be fun too!

        Reply
    4. cmt

      February 09, 2016 at 8:37 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Stacy

        February 09, 2016 at 11:02 pm

        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!

        Reply
    5. DazzleWhileFrazzled

      February 22, 2016 at 10:15 am

      So neat and creative! Love it!! Visiting from Monday Funday.

      Reply
    6. Kim~madeinaday

      February 23, 2016 at 11:30 am

      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

      Reply
    7. Whitney

      February 23, 2016 at 11:01 pm

      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! :)

      Reply
    8. Marie, The Interior Frugalista

      February 24, 2016 at 9:42 am

      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!

      Reply
    9. Cassie @ Little Red Window

      February 25, 2016 at 5:58 am

      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

      Reply
    10. Lara

      February 25, 2016 at 2:23 pm

      This is so awesome! I love succulents! Pinning!

      Reply
    11. amy @ one artsy mama

      February 29, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      SO COOL!

      Reply
    12. Deb

      March 17, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Awesome and YES would look great as big planter.

      Reply

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