Give your garden personal style with designed pots
BYMAUREEN GILMER DIY Network

There's nothing like a potted plant to enhance the corner of a room. But how do you enhance a potted plant?

You know my answer, of course -- embellish it!

To bring more depth to a room's decor, try combining opposites. For example, a hand-painted design on a galvanized metal container adds texture and interest. The functional look of metal is softened by a fresh design.

Place a pot or two on the kitchen windowsill or use them as centerpieces at a wedding feast. Or start with miniature pots and starter plants, stake name-card holders into the dirt, and they can serve as both place cards and dinner party favors.

And remember, you can get as creative with what you put in them as you are with what you put on them. For instance, for a great summertime housewarming gift, tuck a trowel, almanac and seed packets into your painted metal pot.

Gather: Galvanized metal pot Vinegar Water Metal paints Paintbrush Paper towels Tracing paper (optional) Transfer paper (optional) Pencil (optional)

Create:

1. Clean the pot with vinegar. Rinse it well with water and allow it to dry thoroughly.

2. If transferring an image, trace then transfer it using the pencil and tracing and transfer papers. If painting freehand, skip to Step 3.

3. Paint your designs. To create those you see here, begin with the black lines for the flowerpot and decorative swirls then paint green stems and leaves. Finish by painting flowers. Remember to rinse and blot your paintbrush whenever you switch colors.

New crafters may feel intimidated by painting on the pot. As always, I encourage you to relax and have fun.

Part of the charm of this project in particular is that any little blobs or bobbles just enhance the handcrafted look. And if your brush really strays, you can always turn the 'mistake' into part of your design or just wipe it off quickly with a damp paper towel. The result will look delightfully spontaneous.

Dena Fishbein hosts the television show "Embellish This!" aired monthly on the DIY Network. To ask her how to embellish anything, e-mail her at dena(at)denadesigns.com or visit www.diynetwork.com.