Painted Pots

By Robin Magdahlen

My pots and vases are not only decorative but also very functional. They can be used for planting, cut flower vases, utensils, free standing or whatever your imagination can conjure up. Here's how.

If you have bought a vase shaped pot and plan to use it as a vase you will notice a rim on the inside of the pot. This feature adds extra stability for receptacles used for cut flowers.

You can plant directly in the pot however I think the best compromise for both plant and pot is to keep the plant inside the plastic receptacle that it came in. Nurseries use plastic because plants like them. You can plant directly in the pot but please do not consistently over water your plant, which could result in the pot being exposed to water at its base for long periods of time. If you over water now and then your pots should be fine. One easy solution is to place a bit of gravel or small rock over a small plate or pot saucer. This will catch the water without coming in contact with the pot and looks great as well. However, I have placed my pots directly on top of saucers with no problems.

My pots are hand painted with Golden Acrylic Paint. I also add two coats of a clear protective outer glaze. You can place your pot outdoors but please keep in mind that long exposure to drastic temperature changes; moisture and sunlight could destabilize the color over time. I have left pots outside year round to learn its affects. I am proud to say that the paint does not flake off, but will fade. I move my pots indoors during the winter. I have had no problems when placing pots in a well-lit window year round.

Here are some things I suggest you not do with your pot. I do not think you should wear your pot as a decorative hat in a movie theatre, our culture just isn’t ready for this evolutionary leap. I do not suggest you try to use these pots as floatation devices. Initial reports are that they do sink. If you do plan to keep your pot as a pet, please know that test trials show that they respond poorly to commands even when enticed with expensive tid bits.

Thank you, Robin Magdahlen