DIY Terra Cotta Pot Fairy Garden – A Magical Spring Craft. Create a whimsical stacked terra cotta fairy garden with clay doors, moss, and magical miniatures to add charm to your spring porch!

DIY Terra Cotta Pot Fairy Garden

Spring is the perfect time to add some enchantment to your outdoor decor, and this DIY Fairy Garden made from terra cotta pots is the perfect way to do it. This whimsical stacked design is not only eye-catching, but it’s also a fun project to make with your children.

Thanks to Hobby Lobby’s Spring Department, I was able to find everything I needed to create this fairy tale-inspired display—adorable figurines, natural moss, decorative lights, and so much more.

Whether you’re decorating your porch, patio, or backyard, this fairy garden adds a magical touch that will delight kids and adults alike. Let me show you how easy it is to make your own!

Supplies You’ll Need

All of the materials for this project can be found at Hobby Lobby, especially in their Spring Department, which is full of fairy garden elements this season.

• 4 terra cotta pots in varying sizes
• 3 terra cotta pot saucers (bases)
• 1 moss-covered birdhouse (used as the “roof” for the top fairy house)
• Green moss
• Gorilla glue (or a strong, fast-drying adhesive)
• Sculpey clay (or any oven-bake polymer clay)
• Rolling pin and craft knife
• Acrylic paints for doors and windows
• Small ladder, mini birds, faux mushrooms
• Fairy lights and light-up greenery garland
• Decorative tape (optional, for holding pieces while drying)

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Start by laying out the terra cotta pots in descending size order to create a tower. I used four sizes of pots, each flipped upside down, with three terra cotta saucers between them to give the structure added visual interest. The moss-covered birdhouse serves as the whimsical roof of the fairy tower.

Position your components without gluing at first. This gives you time to adjust spacing, check balance, and visualize where you’ll add doors, windows, and decorative accessories.

Step 2: Assemble and Glue

Once satisfied with the layout, begin adhering the pots and saucers together. I used Gorilla Glue, which sets quickly and provides a strong bond. Apply the glue generously to the contact points between each pot and saucer. Stack each level carefully, pressing down for a secure fit. Let the entire tower dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Sculpt Windows and Doors

While your glue dries, it’s time to create the doors and windows. Roll out your Sculpey clay using a rolling pin to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife to cut out whimsical shapes—arched doors, circular windows, even tiny shutters if you like!

Tip: Dip your fingers in water to smooth the clay edges and give your shapes a polished look.

Step 4: Bake the Clay

Place your clay shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 1 hour, or until hardened. Alternatively, let them air-dry overnight. Once set, your pieces will be lightweight, durable, and ready for paint.

Step 5: Paint and Customize

Paint your doors and windows using acrylic paints to match the warm tones of your terra cotta pots. I used a muted brown for doors and an earthy charcoal black to fill in window panes for contrast. Use a small detailing brush to define features like window grids or door handles.

Let the paint dry completely before attaching the clay pieces to your fairy tower.

Step 6: Glue on Windows and Doors

Using Gorilla Glue again, attach each door and window to the corresponding pot level. I used strips of painter’s tape to hold them securely in place as the glue dried. Give it at least 30 minutes before removing the tape.

These hand-sculpted elements are what truly bring the structure to life—giving it a handcrafted charm that kids will love.

Step 7: Add Moss and Detail Work

Now for the fun part—adding character! Use adhesive to glue green moss around the edges of the pot saucers. This softens the transition between levels and gives it an earthy, overgrown feel. You can also glue moss around the birdhouse roof and base for continuity. Use a small paintbrush to paint the insides of the windows black to give them dimension.

Then, begin embellishing with miniatures: perch tiny birds on windowsills, tuck faux mushrooms along the base, and position a ladder climbing up one of the pots. Hobby Lobby’s selection of fairy accessories makes it easy to customize your garden with magical touches.

Step 8: Move to Final Location

Once your fairy tower is fully assembled and dried, carefully move it to its final destination. This piece is ideal for a covered porch, garden entryway, or patio nook—anywhere that could use a little springtime magic.

Step 9: Add Fairy Lights and Finishing Touches

For that final sparkle, wrap a strand of fairy lights or a light-up greenery garland around the base and up the tower. Secure with floral wire or small adhesive clips. As daylight fades, your fairy tower will begin to glow—just like a tiny enchanted village.

A Hit With the Neighborhood Kids

Our neighborhood children absolutely adore this project. They’ve already been spotted peeking in the “windows” and dreaming up stories about the fairies who might live inside. This DIY is more than just decor—it’s an invitation to imagination.

Get Everything You Need at Hobby Lobby

If you’re inspired to make your own fairy garden, head to Hobby Lobby! Their Spring Department is brimming with whimsical fairy garden items, from moss and miniatures to paints and pots. Don’t forget to check their social media channels for updates on sales and more crafting inspiration.

Creating a fairy garden is such a sweet way to celebrate the season and engage with your kids in a hands-on, creative way. I hope this tutorial inspires you to add some magic to your home this spring!

xoxo

The post DIY Terra Cotta Pot Fairy Garden appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Early Fall Inspiration

As the heat of summer begins to wane and the first hints of autumn start to appear, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Early fall brings with it a unique charm that captures our hearts. With its crisp air, warm hues, and cozy vibes. It’s the perfect time to infuse your living spaces with a touch of the season’s magic. And what better way to do so than by embracing delightful boho fall porch posts. And adorning your home with DIY felt leaf garlands and free printable leaf templates?

Welcoming Fall at Your Doorstep

Delightful Boho Fall Porch

The transition from summer to fall is an exciting one. Your porch is the ideal canvas to express your seasonal spirit. Imagine stepping onto your porch and being greeted by a charming boho fall porch. That sets the tone for the months ahead. Incorporate elements like a woven wreath door hanging, velvet pumpkin garland over the door, rustic wooden sign, earthy planters, and woven baskets filled with pumpkins and gourds. A bench draped with a cozy throw. A few bohemian-inspired cushions creates an inviting spot to enjoy the changing scenery.

Captivating Mantel Magic with DIY Felt Leaf Garland

Your mantel serves as the heart of your home. Adorning it with the essence of fall is a beautiful tradition. This year, take your mantel decor up a notch with a DIY felt leaf garland that radiates autumnal warmth. The process is both creative and soothing,. It allows you to craft a garland that perfectly complements your existing decor.

To get started, you’ll need a free printable leaf template, which I provide for free. Just click on the link above to grab the free printable template. Trace the template onto various colors of felt, then cut out the leaves. Glue them together in small bunches and add them to a beaded garland. The result is a visually stunning garland that can be draped across your mantel, framing it with the rich colors of fall. The tactile quality of the felt leaves adds an extra layer of coziness to your space, inviting everyone to gather around and bask in the seasonal splendor.

20 Ways to Decorate with Pumpkins

No fall decor is complete without pumpkins. These versatile gourds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a perfect canvas for your creativity. From simple arrangements of pumpkins on your porch steps to intricately carved designs that cast mesmerizing shadows at night. The possibilities are endless. Consider grouping pumpkins of varying sizes and colors on your dining table as a centerpiece. Or even painting them with boho-inspired patterns to match your porch aesthetic.

Embarking on Fabulous Fall DIY Projects

The early fall season is an excellent time to indulge your DIY urges. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting, there are endless possibilities for creating charming decor that brings the outdoors in. Try your hand at making wreaths from dried leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Craft a macramé wall hanging featuring autumnal colors and textures, or create a garland of twine and mini pumpkins to adorn your fireplace.

Inspiration from My Fall Home Tour

Looking for even more inspiration? Take a virtual stroll through my fall home tour. I love sharing a plethora of creative ideas for infusing your home with the beauty of the season. From porch setups that exude cozy elegance to mantel displays that evoke warmth and comfort; you’re sure to find ideas that resonate with your personal style.

Delicious Fall Flavors

As you embark on your fall decorating journey, don’t forget to tantalize your taste buds with the flavors of the season.

Rustic Apple Galettes

Embrace the bounty of autumn by trying your hand at recipes that feature seasonal ingredients. Rustic apple galettes, with their flaky crusts and cinnamon-spiced apple filling, are a delightful way to celebrate the harvest.

Hasselback Apples with Coconut Streusel Topping

And if you’re craving a unique twist, whip up some hasselback apples topped with a delectable coconut streusel – a combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress.

In Conclusion

Early fall is a time of transformation and anticipation, as we bid farewell to the warmth of summer and welcome the cozy embrace of autumn. Embracing the spirit of the season through boho fall porch posts, DIY felt leaf garlands, and a myriad of creative decorations sets the tone for a season filled with warmth and joy. With inspiration from the Tatertots and Jello fall home tour, 20 creative ways to decorate with pumpkins, and a collection of fabulous fall DIY projects, your home will become a haven of fall enchantment.

As you dive into your fall decorating endeavors, don’t forget to treat yourself to the delectable flavors of the season. Rustic apple galettes and coconut streusel-topped hasselback apples offer a taste of autumn’s bounty that perfectly complements your cozy home decor. So gather your felt leaves, pumpkins, and crafting supplies, and embark on a journey of early fall inspiration that will infuse your home with the magic of the season.

More Cozy Fall Ideas

The Tattered Pew / The Secret Tip for Drying Hydrangeas

She Gave it a Go / 5 Ways to Cozy Up Your Kitchen this Fall

White Arrows Home / Easy First Touches of Fall

tatertots & jello / Fall Mantel and DIY Felt Leaf Garland

What are YOU loving this week??

Let us know in the comments!

vovo

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Make a Fairy Garden – an easy way to celebrate Fall!  Kids and grownups alike will be delighted to see this miniature garden displayed in your home! 

How to Make a Fall Fairy Garden

Fairy Gardens are so much fun, for kids and kids at heart

They’re so cute and really easy to make. I’m Dannyelle from Life is a Party, and I’m so excited to be here today sharing How To Make A Fall Fairy Garden.

Fairy gardens have become really popular over the last few years

The idea is to make a spot in a container garden where a fairy might like to come and live. These miniature gardens sometimes have a little house for a fairy, and little fairy accessories -like fairy sized furniture, and garden tools. Setting the scene in your own garden is a sure way to attract fairy visitors. These gardens are best made in containers so that everyone can admire all the little details you’ve included. It’s fun to change these little gardens seasonally too, with different plants and accessories for the season.

How to make a Fall Fairy Garden

You’ll need a few basic things to make a Fall Fairy Garden of your own. So let’s get started.

1. A Large Container

I thought it would be fun for fall to use a craft pumpkin as the fairy garden container. You could also use a large pot, or something vintage like an old bucket. You’ll need enough room in your container for some small plants and your fairy accessories, so make sure you don’t choose something too small.

Turn a craft pumpkin into a plant container

Use a sharp knife to cut the top off. I marked out my cutting line with a pencil first to make it a little easier to make a straight cut. The craft pumpkins are hollow inside, so once the top is cut off you’re ready to go. You could also choose to add some holes in the bottom for drainage, especially if it’s rainy in the fall where you live. I just added some rocks to the bottom of mine for drainage. Then fill up your container with some good potting soil.

How to Make a Fall Fairy Garden

2. Choose Small Seasonal Plants

Since we’re making a fall fairy garden, I chose some fall plants -a mum, an ornamental kale, and a pansy. These plants will all do well with the cool nights we’re getting now. I chose the smallest ones I could find for this little garden. If you live somewhere warmer, you might consider succulents, or any other small plant or miniature plant.

Pick a Color Scheme

You might also think about a colour scheme when you choose your plants. The fall colours of rust, and purple in my plants look great with the orange pumpkin container.

3. Add Some Fairy Details

This is the best part, it’s time to add in some fairy details.

The craft store miniature section, or a miniature store are a great source of inspiration. The little chair, straw bale, fence, and basket were picked up there.

Make Miniature Pumpkins out of Clay

I made the tiny little pumpkins out of polymer clay. This clay holds up great outdoors, and is great for making fairy garden accessories. I made the pumpkins from some orange clay, added ridges with a straight edge, and added a brown clay stem to finish them off. Bake according to the package instructions and you’re all set.

Add Paper Leaves

The finishing touch for this little garden was the fall leaves. I used real leaves to make the miniature fairy ones, with a leaf shaped punch.

This leaf punch was 1.59 cm, and I punched out mini leaves from lots of different colours of real leaves. As the leaves dry they curl slightly but keep their shape, just like real fallen leaves.

Add More Fairy Elements

When it comes to adding fairy details to your miniature garden the sky is the limit. You might want to add a little fairy house, paths made of small pebbles, or small pieces of wood, little signs, or other items from the miniature store. Try to think about scale as you go. Fairies are famous for re-purposing things too, so you might want to consider what you have laying around that could be used, such as a thread spool table, a thimble chair, or a button pathway.

How to Make a Fall Fairy Garden

Making a Fairy Garden is Easy!

Making fairy garden’s is as easy as that: a pretty container, some small plants, and fairy details. I’m sure once you get started you’ll be addicted. This is a great little project to do with kids, or to bring out the kid in you. Enjoy!

You might also enjoy:

Teacup Fairy Garden

Rustic Neutral Thanksgiving Table

Pumpkin Waffles

Thanks Dannyelle! Such a cute idea. I love all of the other ideas at Life is a Party!

Be sure to follow along:

 Life is a Party

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I am SO ready for Spring! One of my favorite fall projects was a Fall fairy garden I shared and ever since I have wanted to make one! And I love gnomes, they are so cute! So when Paramount Pictures contacted me about making a project for the new Sherlock Gnomes movie that’s coming out I knew I wanted to make a Gnome Fairy Garden for Spring!! We have  Gnomeo + Juliet when it came out a few years ago. They are so cute.

In the newest installment – due in theaters March 23rd, Gnomeo and Juliet recruit detective Sherlock Gnomes and his sidekick, Gnome Watson to help investigate the mysterious disappearance of the other garden gnomes in London. I love the film’s emphasis on team work AND family! We love the Gnomeo and Juliet movies because they are fun, friendly movies that our kids of all ages love. We can’t wait to see this one!

Here’s the trailer:

Celebrate this cute movie with your kids by making a Gnome Fairy Garden. This is a fun craft because kids will love to make the characters. We used air-dry clay which is so simple to use. All your kids do is make their characters and let it air dry! If you don’t want to wait for the clay to air dry, you can also put the pieces on a baking sheet and bake the clay at 200-degrees for an hour and it’s ready to be painted!

We made the main characters – Gnomeo and Juliet, plus mushrooms AND the flamingo character from the movie!

The great thing about using clay is it’s SO forgiving. Mess up? Just roll it back up into a ball and start over!

Once you and the kids have all of the characters made, you just insert a toothpick into the bottom of the character and let it dry. OR bake it (see instructions above).

After the clay is dry, the kids can paint the characters.

To make the fairy garden this what you will need:

A pot

Filling for the pot. You can use dirt, or if you want most of the pot to be “faux” like I did, you can insert some paper bags in the bottom.

Foam moss covered stones (found at the crafts store) and/or foam bricks and moss.

Pebbles or little stones

Faux succulents and/or real plants. I used one big real plant and a few little faux succulents to fill in the space.

Directions:

Make your clay figures. Let the clay dry and paint your figures (see instructions above)

Gather your materials for the garden.

Insert dirt or paper bags in the bottom of the pot. Fill until about 3 inches under the rim of the pot.

Insert your plants. I left my real plant in the pot it came in and inserted it in the pot and filled in around the plant’s pot with paper bags. If you are using dirt at the bottom of your pot you can plant your real plant inside of the dirt.

Arrange your foam stones or bricks where you want your figures to stand.

Cover the foam stones or bricks with moss.

Lay your stones and faux little plants around the pot. I made a little path at the front of the pot with the stones.

Insert your figures into the moss covered foam.

Now you have a cute gnome fairy garden.

Just remember to water your real plant(s) and your garden should stay alive indefinitely. You can use your garden as a centerpiece like I did on a table, or on a shelf OR even outside (if it’s not too cold)!

And be sure to check out the super cute Sherlock Gnomes movie with your family, in theaters March 23rd! See you at the movies!!

Follow along with Gnomeo + Juliet: 

Visit the Official Site

Like on Facebook

Follow on Twitter and Instagram

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

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