I am totally smitten and in love with terra cotta pots. It started last year when we went to Italy. Where we were staying had these amazing and huge terra cotta pots all over the grounds with simple green leafed plants, sometimes with some simple white flowers. I knew I wanted to add them outside to our back patio (sharing on that soon), but they have found their way inside our house as well and I have figured out the easiest possible way to age them, in minutes. And since it only took minutes, than it also counts as my latest 10 Minute Decorating Idea.
I picked up a handful of posts the other week and found myself filling them with herbs. I was thinking it would be temporary until it was warm enough to put them outside, but I love them so much inside I have been trying to really be diligent about watering them and keeping them alive.
I had picked up herbs that matched with the scents of our soy candles but they also happen to be my most favorite ones and I am constantly sniffing them and snipping off leaves.
I knew I wanted to age the terra cotta pots, just a little bit. When I started looking for ways to do it, the all seemed complicated or I didn’t really like the way they came out. Then I remembered that I had some of Miss Mustard Seed’s White Wax and thought it might work out perfectly – and I was right.
I applied it two different ways – some with a brush and “smooshed” it on and some with a paper towel and wiped it on. In both cases, I wiped it down with a paper towel to take it down just a bit. You can see in the picture below the areas I have waxed and those I have not. I applied it all over, even the inside edges. I did five pots and it took me less than ten minutes.
I couldn’t be happier with how it came out. I have some larger pots that I am putting outside. I haven’t decided yet if I will just let them naturally age or if I should help them along with some wax, but I will let you know! In case you were wondering, this is not a sponsored post. I just happen to love the white wax from Miss Mustard Seed.
Thanks so much for reading!
Great idea, I just happen to have the wax. I really like the old fashioned clothes pins as plant markers.
Hi Laura, this is a terrific idea, thank you! I have a question though . . . the only reason I don’t like to terra cotta pots outdoors (which I love, by the way) is because they’re so porous the water evaporates too quickly and I’m constantly checking to make sure my plants don’t need watering. Glazed pots work much better for that reason, at least for me. Do you think the wax will help with not only making the terra cotta awesome aesthetically, but to help with water retention? Thank you! Deena
I really don’t think the wax will make a difference in the porous nature of the pots. I just planted my outside ones last night so I am hoping it is not too much of a problem because I love the way they look! Good luck with your planting!
Apologies . . . I wanted to say to “use” terra cotta pots outdoors . . .
I love terra cotta, too!
My favorites are those of Guy Wolff — have you heard of him?
His pots look as vintage as can be, + I am a huge fan!
And no — this isn’t a sponsored comment! 😉
http://www.guywolff.com/
Laura, I love terra cotta pots also and have never been able to find an easy way to age them. Where do I find miss mustard seed wax? Is it something you all sell? Would love to try this technique.
Laura, I found the wax ! Needed to pay closer attention to your post. Can’t wait to get some and get started. Thanks for the tip.
Love terra cotta pots!
They are very pretty. I love the clothes Pins! Have you seen the gray terra cotta pots? I found some at my local farm store and also at Home Depot. Clay pots but they are grey. They look really nice paired with my galvanized metal which I know you love also.
Love the ages pots and clothes pins! I have those antique clothes pins, pots, and herbs. Now I just need wax! Thanks for the inspiration!
hey girl love the post! The pots are so cute!
I love terra cotta pots, too. I see them being painted in a lot of the blogs, but I just love their natural color. Your clothes pins plant markers are just adorable!
love love them! also, those clothespin markers….CLEVER! when i need a boost for ideas i always comb your blog — congrats on the success of your new home business! 🙂
Very cute idea for making the terra cotta looked aged. And I adore the clothespin label. I am SO doing that! Dropping over from the Link Party Palooza.
Great idea and I love how they look! I whitewashed one of mine with craft paint but I’ll have to try this on some!
Love this idea. I have aged with white paint, but will try this also. Question…. Since this isn’t a sponsored post, I guess I can ask if you think ANY white wax would work.
Hi Laura! Love the pots. Especially love your markers! I’m always trying to find new ways of marking my plants. Can you still find those clothes pins? Love your decorating!