A few years ago, someone introduced me to the “Flowerpot of Truth.” You’re probably asking yourself, “What is that?” Well, a group of us were asked to take these terracotta clay pots for a special “honesty project” and to go through the magazines, newspapers, books that were provided to us and identify words, pictures, all kinds of expressions that we thought shared our feelings about the different persons in the room. We would cut out the “truth,” as we saw it, and glue it to the pot of that person. Sometimes, the pot had so many statements from the participants that it was covered with all kinds of words, pictures, designs, expressions, etc.
I have done this many times since then and each time I am fascinated with how people see each other. Well, what we have here is the same idea, but I am asking you to design what you would like to have on your own flower pot. This makes a great family project.
This is what is required to get started:
1. A terracotta clay pot
2. Paint ( The color you desire)
3. Glue
4. Polyurethane
5. Rubber gloves
6. Magazines, newspapers, books (that no longer have purpose)
7. Scissors
8. Potting Soil ( You don’t see it in the picture)
Now, the next thing that you see is the painted terracotta pot that is a wonderful bright yellow.
It is at this time that you decide just what theme you would like on your pot. where is it going in your home or outside? How big is it going to be? If you want it for a child’s room, you might decide on a theme that the child would like. You decide on the color, the theme, or whether you want to use this flowerpot for other purposes rather then planting flowers. I decided that my theme around the pot would be uplifting phrases and beautiful pictures of flowers. These are glued to the pot. Once it is dry, you spray polyurethane on it and let it dry for permanent sealing.
( the floral plant is the kalanchoe)
Remember, you make your own design and it’s up to you to decide what would most please you. I enjoyed sharing this with you, but I’m sure that you have many creative ideas that you could share with us. We would love to hear what you have to say.
1. This is an awesome idea. It adds such character to this pot. I am sorry, I am going to have to steal your idea. Thank you for being so creativite!
by Richelle — 3/6/08 at 10:17 am #
2. My sister did this project one time but the pictures bubbled up after the plant was potted, causing the decorations to crumble off. Should the inside of the pot be coated some how to prevent the leaking of moisture through the pot?
by Carol — 3/6/08 at 3:38 pm #
3. The idea of creating a truth pot to share with someone is an absolutely fabulous idea. I am not a creative person but even I can do this. This is an excellent idea to use at a birthday party to keep children entertained. It is also a great gift idea and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
I LOVE this!
Bertha
by Bertha [...] — 3/6/08 at 4:36 pm #
4. Hi Richelle,
Dear Friend! That is the purpose of providing the “How To.” We hope that you copy. It makes for a wonderful gift. I did two for the entrance of a house that had the Parisienne theme. They were sprayed silver with the different landmarks in Paris. They were quite lovely and the clients loved the idea. You can do anything and it can be a great contribution to the home. Good luck to you! Let me know how you make out.
It’s always good to hear from you!!
by Betty — 3/7/08 at 7:49 pm #
5. Hi Carol,
I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s pictures bubbling up after the plant was potted. In order to prevent something like that from happening again, she must, after painting the pot, put the permanent bonding glue on the pictures. She must make certain that this glue/cement is water resistant. A very good glue for this is Dap Wellwood Contact Cement. I must say that it’s great!! Also, she should seal it by spraying the polyurethane all over it. That process is great for protecting the pot and it keeps the terracotta from chipping and breaking so easily. It’s always best to make certain that the place on the pot that you put the pictures is smooth and without any oil content.
I am not prone to put Polyurethane on the inside because of the plant life. It might be all right, but I would not be comfortable with it touching the soil. With the paint, polyurethane sprayed on the outside, the inside should be quite secure. Tell your sister to use this method the next time and let me know how she makes out.
Good luck!
by Betty — 3/7/08 at 8:03 pm #
6. Hi Bertha,
You are so righ! This Truth Pot is something that everyone can make. It is very simple and requires imagination and the determination to have fun. I did this project for a group of young ladies that were training to be debutantes and they loved it. In the evaluation, this was the most rewarding experience in their training program.
As you said it would also be a great fun project for a kids party. The kids would enjoy it because it would allow them to make something that they can treasure. The above pot was given as a gift to a person that had been ill for awhile. She and her husband love it. If you decide to design your own flowerpot, let me know. I would love to know your theme and how your family and friends felt about it. Good luck!!!
by Betty — 3/7/08 at 8:21 pm #
7. After having several of my painted terracotta pots fail over the years, I started buying one of the cheap, clear plastic liners that were always sold near the pots in the spring. These ensure that the design of the pot stays beautiful for years to come.
by michelle — 3/8/08 at 8:20 pm #
8. Hi Michelle,
Thank you for that excellent advice! We’ll all start looking for the clear plastic liners that we can put inside of out pots. Don’tt forget to spray your painted pots on the outside with Polyurethane. It’s great for giving the pot a stronger coating and bonding.
We all thank you for your advice!
by Betty — 3/10/08 at 5:53 pm #
9. I have a terracotta very large vase I don’t like the color any longer I know i want to paint it a different color something with a shine to it and something that would pop out at you what kind of paint would i buy with a glossy look and give me some ideas of colors.
by Miriam — 3/13/08 at 7:08 am #
10. Hi Miriam,
I would definitely get a spray paint, because it’s easier to get even coating. The spray paint that I use is called “America’s Finest.” You can purchase it at Home Depot. It’s very inexpensive and it is known for it’s fast dry, and a great all purpose interior and exterior paint. It has a nice gloss and I use it often. I always seal it with the fast drying Polyurethane. I chose the one that is clear semi-gloss, but it has a great glossy look. I also chose the one that says that it has supeior durability. Both were purchase from Home Depot.
The choice of color would be determined by where you are going to put the pot and the color theme of the room. However, if it is outside, the colors that might be most appealing would probably be: a lovely turquoise; a bright yellow; a pale blue; a light green; or/and a white. I hope that I have helped you. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
Remember, You can always paint the pot two colors. The top, around the rim could be one color and the rest of the pot could be another. The best part about it, you can do what you want with color.
by Betty — 3/13/08 at 7:42 pm #
11. Hi,
Do you have any ideas on how to find, interview and hire a professional organizer, one who will not be turned off by a mass (and mess) of paper clutter and also total disarray. It started with my being ill and still exists because, altho’ I have the will, the ability is not always tthere.
Thanks. Ilene
by ilene — 3/15/08 at 11:08 am #
12. Hi ilene,
Let me apologize for not responding to your question earlier. My post has had some difficulty for the last few days. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
You asked about hiring and interviewing professional organizers so that you might hire someone to help you get this aspect of your home and office together. We all know that when you get sick, you don’t feel like doing anything but trying to get well. My suggestion is to look in the yellow pages of your telephone book and check out “Office Organizers.” Go to the internet and find out if there are people in your area that do the work that you want under professional organizers. Also, check your local newspapers and search under a section such as “Situation Wanted.” There are also local business newspapers that are often found in the Super Markets, banks, office building lobbies, etc. In these papers you always have people who indicate that they do Professional Organizing and Personal Organizing. Check out these sources and let us know how you make out.
Good luck to you!
by Betty — 3/19/08 at 9:58 am #
13. Hi Betty!
I took an old clay pot that was hidden away in my laundry room to start a project similar to this one. Instead of using pictures from magazines I decopaged my own artwork to it! It was a lot of fun but I am still not finished with the project. There are a few photos to show my progress. I transferred my drawing to tissue paper by using a charcoal pencil. It rubbed right off of my original drawing onto the tissue paper perfectly. Then I applied a glue and water mixture to the pot and carefully spread the tissue paper onto it. From there I let it dry and started painting. Using this technique I am sure you can use tissue paper to even trace family photos! Those would be cute truth pots as well!
Keep the great ideas coming!
by Michelle H. — 3/27/08 at 2:49 pm #
14. Here is the end result so far! My previous response would not let me submit the photos!
by Michelle H. — 3/27/08 at 2:57 pm #
15. Hi Michelle,
Your pot sounds fabulous! I would love to see it. It sounds like you have a marketable item there. I have tried to imagine how you did it. It takes a true artist to put together a prize like this. The idea of family photos would be great. I hadn’t thought of anything like that. Think in terms of how you can make it profitable for you.
Let me know how it turns out. I would be pleased to learn. Good luck!!!
by Betty — 3/28/08 at 1:13 pm #
16. Hi Michelle,
I would love to see what you have done so far. In order for you to submit this photo of the pot, you must have it with something else that you have purchased from HomeGoods. It must be submitted under Submit Your Find. You will have to highlight your find from HG and share the space with your lovely pot.
Good luck to you!
by Betty — 3/28/08 at 1:19 pm #