I recently spent a wonderfully relaxing Sunday morning taking part in some workshops to harness the power of plants in Central London, learning how important plants are to our health and well-being. It was a thoroughly enjoyable few hours and one of the activities I took part in was learning how to make our very own hanging planters, something which were all the rage in the 1970’s but are now seeing a full-blown resurgence. It was such a simple task but so beautiful to complete I thought it would be fun to share a tutorial on the blog.
What you’ll need:
-A ball of string
-A round chopping board/bread board
-An ‘S’ hook
-Assorted small plants & pots, somewhere between 2 and 4 depending how much space you have on your board
Method:
-Take the string and measure out 3 x 5m lengths (note: not 1 x 15m string but 3 separate strings each measuring 5m). It doesn’t have to be exact so don’t worry too much about being precise.
-Gather the three strings together at the top and fold the 3 lengths in half, and then in half again.
-Tie a simple knot in the middle of your new shorter lengths (this will be the part which hangs from the hook when you suspend the planter). Once you’ve tied the knot in the middle, you should have one end of the lengths which is all free, loose ends, and one end of the lengths which is looped.
-Suspend the strings from the ‘s’ hook which itself needs to be hanging somewhere stable – as a temporary measure you can use a washing line if you have one. The knotted part of your strings should be at the top of your hanging lengths.
-Gather together the bottom of the strings and tie them together in another secure knot. It doesn’t matter if there are some loose ends at this point, once your board is in place you can do something creative with them or just cut them off.
-Try to separate your string strands into 4 lots of 3 strands – it’s easier to untangle them before you slot the board in.
-Now taking the board, slide it in between the strings and push it down flat until it’s resting on the bottom knot. It will be supported and balanced by your 4 lots of 3 strings on either side.
-Carefully arrange your plants on the board, making sure to balance them evenly so it doesn’t tip on either side. And you’re finished! I really enjoyed getting crafty with plants, unfortunately at the moment Pete isn’t convinced that the hanging planter will hold so I’m going to have to put it up sneakily when his back is turned. Maybe a project for our third bedroom once the renovations are finished.
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I never thought about using a chopping board, it comes up so beautiful. Funnily enough my daughter has something similar to this, but we call it her Teddy Bear swing, it hangs above her bed and she loves it. The plants look awesome on it I love your pics!
This is such a great idea, why have I never thought of this before? Genius!
#HomeEtc
Great idea, I like this. Popping over via the HomeEtc linky. I love your blog!
Thanks so much Abi that’s really kind of you X
I love that this can be made with any old chopping board in theory! Such a creative idea. I’m looking to create a kids space in our garden soon and may be “borrowing” this awesoe idea! 🙂
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Ooh yes do so, I love anything that’s easy and pretty 🙂 X
I remember these. My aunt had some and my in-laws STILL have theirs hanging in the kitchen! I didn’t realise they were making a comeback. Yours has turned out beautifully.
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I feel like everything comes around again sooner or later…just hopefully not the mottled brown velour sofa that my parents had in the early 80s! X
This is lovely! I admired them on your Instagram but I’d never have guessed it was a chopping board! Love getting a bit more greenery around the house. #HomeEtc
AW thank you hun, I’m so happy to have something that’s a bit more interesting than another plant pot too Xx
Great idea! I really like this! 🙂 I’ve seen them with plant pots and macrame too which I’m keen to have a go at! Alice xxx
http://www.woodenwindowsills.co.uk
There are so many options aren’t there? I shouldn’t be so scared to have a go at crafty projects Xx
What an amazing idea!! It’s such a clever use of a chopping board!! 🙂 Love it Lins — you missing your calling — you should so have been a Blue Peter presenter!! 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with us on #HomeEtc — Caro x
haha well only when I’m following someone else’s instructions 🙂 Xx