Introduction: Jellyfish Air Plant Planter

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Hope you guys enjoy making this planter as much as I did. I love making things out of recycled matierials!

Step 1: Get Your Supplies

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Cardboard
  • White Glue
  • Hot Water
  • Toothpicks
  • Balloons
  • Fishing Line
  • Water resistant sealer
  • Air Plant(I used a tillandsia)

Step 2: Make the Cardboard Cement

Place hot water and torn cardboard into your blender and pulverise it. (This is not a blender I use for food) Strain the mixture and squeeze excess moisture out. Mix the wet cardboard with glue until the texture is like clay.

Step 3: Create the Base of the Planter

Blow a small bubble in the balloon and tie it off. (I used a balloon animal balloon so that it was the right size and shape for me) Spread a thin layer of cardboard cement over the balloon leaving a hole around the knot. If you're have a clumpy surface you can smooth it out by wetting your finger and blending the clumps together. Let dry and pop the balloon.(This takes a while to dry and I will totally admit to using the blow dryer to speed up the process) Then trim one side so that the opening is large enough for your plant.

Step 4: Make Sure Your Plant Isn't Going Anywhere

Using a toothpick pierce all the way through the base of the bubble, near the hole. Cut the toothpick in half, you'll use these as pins to make sure your plant doesn't fall out.

Step 5: Create the Top of the Jellyfish

Using the same method as you did before, create the top of the jellyfish. Between steps I covered the unused cardboard cement with a wet paper towel to keep it from drying out. (I ran out of balloons so I used a latex glove instead) Make sure that your bubble will fit into the top of your jellyfish.

Step 6: Putting the Pieces Together.

Create a loop of fishing line and put a wad of cardboard cement around the knot. Pull the loop through the hole at the top of your jellyfish and attach by blending the cardboard cement together. Then place the bubble on top of the wad inside the jellyfish top at the height you want and attach by blending. (I sanded any large lumps I didn't want off with a nail file)

Step 7: Seal Your Planter

Seal your planter with a water resistant sealer. I used three coats of acrylic paint since it dries water resistant and added some color. To water my air plants I also just spray them every so often so I'm not really worried that it won't hold up.

Step 8: Assemble and Enjoy

Place the base of your air plant in the hole of the planter and secure it with the toothpick pins. If you are having trouble getting your plant to stay my local nursery recommended Quick Hold glue. Hang and enjoy!