These newspaper pots are perfect for any plant or tree. Plus, they are biodegradable, so if your plant grows too large you can plant it elsewhere without repotting. The best part is that you get to choose the size and shape of the flower pot. Kids love this craft!

I learned the technique from my high school art teacher. I'm a girl scout and for my Gold Award, I created 25 of these flower pots for a special tree called the Burr Oak to bring back our dying forests. I encourage you to grow trees as well. Oak trees create privacy and a sound barrier from noisy streets. Whatever your passion: succulents, fruit trees, spices, etc., newspaper flower pots are an inexpensive alternative to the standard pot.

Supplies

Newspaper or Magazines
Clear Scotch Tape
Modge Podge (matt finish- looks best!)
Old Paint Brush

Step 1: Folding the Newspaper

1.) Carefully tear the newspaper in half(down the fold). Each of the pages will become a strip.

2.) Take one of the newspaper halves and fold it in half hotdog style.

3.) Open up the newspaper and fold the sides into the center where you made the crease.

4.) Repeat step 3 two more times. You've folded the sides into the center 3 times in total.

5.) Fold it hotdog style one last time and make sure it is creased well or all your folding will come undone.

*Depending on the size of your flower pot you will need more or fewer strips.

Small succulent pots: 25-30 strips (little larger than a coffee cup)

Tree seedlings: 50-60 strips

House plant pots: 100-200 strips (about the same size as a basketball)

Step 2: Taping the Strips Together

1.) Make sure the ends of the strips are touching, NOT overlapping.

2.) Apply a piece of tape horizontally and wrap around to the other side.

*Use my pictures as a guide!

Step 3: Coiling the Newspaper

1.) For bigger plants that won't be sitting on a shelf or counter, you need to make a hole in the bottom so the water can drain out. You can do this by wrapping a strip around two fingers and taping the end.

*For smaller plants roll the strip of paper like you would when making a snail shell.

2.) Keep wrapping the strips and taping more strips together as you go.

MAKE SURE YOUR COILS ARE NOT LOOSE!!!

Once you've made a small coil give it a squeeze. If it isn't firm, then it's too loose. Having a tight coil is key.

3.) To tighten, place the coil on a flat surface(table) and pull the loose strip. It should twist and tighten.

4.) When you think the coil is big enough, tape the loose end to the side so that it's flat.

Step 4: Pushing Out the Flower Pot

HARDEST STEP!!!

I prefer the original flower pot shape but be creative, make whatever shape you desire.

1.) Gently, GENTLY push around with your thumbs to get the desired shape. DO NOT push too hard or the whole coil will unravel. This is where almost everyone messes up. If it does unravel, it's ok just wrap the coil back up again.

2.) Once you have the desired shape. Make sure the top of the flower pot is even, not lopsided.

Step 5: Applying Modge Podge to the Flower Pot

Final Step

1.) Grab your old paintbrush and Modge Podge, and lay down some extra newspaper so you don't make a mess.

2.) Set your coil pot right side up, and coat the inside of the pot with Modge Podge.

*Make sure that you don't put so much Modge Podge that it's goopy. Allow 30mins at least to dry!

3.) Once the flower pot is dry, flip it over and coat the outside with Modge Podge.

*DO NOT plant anything until the flower pot is completely dry!

Wait an hour for it to dry and you're ready to plant.

I hope you enjoyed! Please share with your plant-loving friends!

Step 6: Epilogue of the Newspaper Pots

Here are some photos of the coil pots being used as beautification in a natural reservoir. I want to give a special thanks to Wildlife Management Biologist, Chris Blunk and the Arbor Day Foundation for making this possible. I planted 30 Burr Oak saplings! Have fun crafting and make the world a better place!