How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters

Planter

A website I regularly post to had a competition, and the theme was to make anything out of PVC Pipe.

This was my entry which won runner up.  This project was also inspired in part by my Great Niece who visits me on a regular basis.  On one of her visits, we planted some plants. And on every visit, she would want to water them.  She was a bit rough with some of my plants so I made these planters that were hers alone to look after.  So she was able to tell which were her plants I added her photo which turned out super cute.

PVC Pipe Photo Planters

How to make PVC Pipe Photo Planters

**This post may contain affiliate links. Which means I earn a small commission on links used at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.**

Material Needed

Cutting the PVC Pipe

The supplies for this project were leftovers collected from a construction site, I am very lucky to have a builder for a Son who can get all the leftovers when a job is completed. 

How to make PVC Photo planters.

The only downside is the materials are never in great condition. I measured out the size that I wanted my planters to be which was 150 mm and 100 mm high and used a hand saw to cut the pipe.  The top of the pipes was left really rough, but a rub over with some sandpaper worked perfectly. 

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Clean up the PVC pipes

Next, I washed the pipe with soap and water which removed most of the dirt.  Scrubbing did not remove all the numbers and the barcodes that were on the pipe.  I did not want to use sandpaper on them because the surface would then be scuffed up and would pick up dirt.  To remove all the black text you can use nail polish remover or acetone, they both work great. 

Pvc pipe photo planters

To attach the end caps I used superglue.   I did have a few people tell me that superglue was not waterproof but my planters have never leaked.  It is possible that the caps seal the pipe. If your planters leak you can add some silicone sealer around the base.

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Transferring your images

I found the pictures that I wanted to use and used a free online programme called Lunapic to edit them. The images needed to be mirrored and altered to be black and white.  To transfer the images to the PVC pipe I used temporary tattoo paper.  This is one of the easiest and quickest image transfer methods I have ever used. The image is transferred in seconds no rubbing or waiting 8 hours for products to dry.

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Print images onto temporary tattoo paper

The Temporary Tattoo Transfer Paper comes in two parts, the paper you print on and the carrier film that you use to transfer the image.  The paper is loaded into an inkjet printer face down like normal paper and you print as normal.  When printing is complete you do need to wait for a few minutes for the ink to dry.  Once the ink is dry you add the clear film on top of the printed image. Start at the top and smooth out any bubbles with a credit card.

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Next, cut the images to the size that you wanted so you could have an accurate view of what it would look like.  Then removed the clear film and placed the image face down on the PVC Pipe.

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Transferring you images

You can then use your fingers to smooth the image down to make sure there are no air bubbles. Next use a damp cloth, do not soak it.  Hold the damp cloth on the backing paper for a few seconds I am guessing about 15.  Depending on your image you can see it through the backing paper, which you can then just peel off.

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Peel the backing paper off slowly so you do not lift the image with the backing paper.  I did have some very fine creases in mine I am thinking it was the way I pulled off the backing paper.  But I was able to gently straighten out then film even though the instructions say you cant. To seal and protect t the image, you can add a layer of mod podge to or add 2 coats of clear acrylic spray. 

How to Make PVC Pipe Photo Planters photo image transfer

Add your plants

To finish off my planters I added some pebbles into the bottom of the pipes for drainage because succulents do not like to much water.  You need to add a suitable soil for succulents, then add your succulents.  

I had to do an update on this post so I thought I would update the image (6 months later) so you could see they are still going well.

How to make a PVC Pipe photo planter

I have since discovered an even simpler image transfer method, no waiting and no rubbing and perfect images every time.  The image below is 12 months along.

Planter

More projects

If you are looking for more gift ideas check out these Unicorn spit glass vases.  No skill needed.

Unicorn spit on glass

Or this really cool steampunk lamp made from galvanised pipes and given a mixed media makeover.

Galvanized pipe lamp

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you. Please feel free to share or leave a comment we would love to hear your thoughts.

Pinterest pin

How to make a planter as a gift.

PVC Planter
PVC Pipe planters
PVC Pipe Planters
Pinterest pinPhoto Planters

You Might Also Like

70 Comments

  • Reply
    Susan Gremillion West
    November 17, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    LOVE!

  • Reply
    Virginia Lee Pratt
    November 17, 2017 at 11:32 pm

    This one is cute and multi-practiable. Good idea

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 19, 2017 at 7:35 am

      Thanks can be used for many things and will make great presents for Christmas

  • Reply
    Mary. Landeros
    November 18, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    I wiii try this project

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 19, 2017 at 7:36 am

      Very easy to do, would like to see what you do.

  • Reply
    Teresa
    December 6, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Can you use this to transfer photos or a newspaper cooking on to glass?

    • Reply
      Teresa
      December 6, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      Supposed to be newspaper
      Clipping

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 7, 2017 at 12:33 am

      You could use it on any paper printed on an inkjet printer that I know off. To do a photo like I did you need to scan the photo and print it out onto paper, I dont think it will work on photo paper. But saying that I have not tried it. Maybe try a test on first.

  • Reply
    Liz
    December 18, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    what is the exact name of the product you used to transfer the photos

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 19, 2017 at 9:08 am

      Temporary tattoo paper, It is use to make temporary tattoo that you put on your skin. I posted a picture of the one I used but I believe they are all called the same thing. In the US you can buy it from Amazon, it is a Cameo product. Hope this helps

  • Reply
    Heather
    January 13, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    Love these but want to know , what is the Wish site? do you have a link to it so I can order temperary tattoo sheets ?

  • Reply
    Larry
    March 22, 2019 at 9:10 pm

    Do you know if this method will work for transferring photos to wood?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 24, 2019 at 12:17 am

      Hi Larry, Yes this works great for wood too.

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    July 12, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    I can’t believe how sharp and clear those transfers come out! This is a cute idea.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 13, 2019 at 2:30 am

      They are like that every time, that is why it is my favourite image transfer method.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    July 23, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    Congrats on receiving runner up! Such an original idea. When I look at PCV pipe, photo planters do not come to mind. They are really cute! And I bet your niece feels really special having her own plants to water.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 24, 2019 at 3:20 am

      Thank you, I did surprise myself with that one. And she loves them, I have had to split them up twice already because they grow so well.

  • Reply
    Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy
    July 24, 2019 at 5:29 am

    Adorable! I would love for you to link this post to the new GATHERING OF FRIENDS LINK PARTY 3
    http://graceforagypsy.com/a-gathering-of-friends-link-party-3/

  • Reply
    Elise L Ho
    July 24, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    This is such a great idea. It is inexpensive and adorable

  • Reply
    Chas Greener
    July 25, 2019 at 1:15 am

    These turned out absolutely lovely. I think I need to make some of these for my home. Thanks for sharing with To Grandma’s House We Go, Pinned and I’ll be featuring you next week!

  • Reply
    Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy
    July 27, 2019 at 1:53 am

    Hi Anita! I love this project! Thanks for linking up at the GATHERING OF FRIENDS LINK PARTY 3!

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    July 27, 2019 at 5:27 am

    What a creative idea! Thanks for sharing at the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home! –Jennifer

  • Reply
    Rhonda Gales
    July 27, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    I love the PVC Pipe Photo Idea. I’ll be featuring your post on Sunday’s Best Linkup. Thanks for sharing.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 28, 2019 at 12:14 am

      Thank you so much for the love and the feature. I will be sure to grab a featured button if you have one.

  • Reply
    Cecilia
    July 29, 2019 at 1:12 am

    What a fun project! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

  • Reply
    Kristi Dominguez
    July 29, 2019 at 3:42 am

    These are so lovely, Anita!! What a fantastic craft idea! I can see these as being a great group craft project…or perfect as gifts!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 29, 2019 at 4:44 am

      Thank you so much, I do agree they will make great gifts.

  • Reply
    Nina Lewis
    July 30, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    This is such an awesome idea! I’m going to make a slew of this with my grandkids.

    I’m going to feature it at our Party in Your PJs link party tonight! Thanks so much for sharing!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 31, 2019 at 4:11 am

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment and the feature. X

  • Reply
    Marie
    August 1, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    These are so cute! I must make some of these with photos of my grandkids for my daughter, she’ll love them. Pinned 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 1, 2019 at 11:25 pm

      Thank you, I really loved how they turned out.

  • Reply
    Roseann Hampton
    August 1, 2019 at 8:55 pm

    What a fun project (and an adorable niece)! Thanks for sharing with us at The Snickerdoodle Link Party – this will be one of my features this Saturday!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 1, 2019 at 11:30 pm

      Thank you so much for all the lovely comments and for the feature.

  • Reply
    Calypso in the Country
    August 2, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    Cute idea and great tips! Thanks for linking up to Best of the Weekend. I featured your project this week along with a bunch of other fun tips. I will be pinning and adding to Instagram stories this weekend. Thanks again for joining us and have a great weekend!
    Shelley

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 3, 2019 at 6:43 am

      Thank you so much for hosting and for the feature.

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    September 6, 2019 at 6:59 am

    Such a stunning idea Anita. We love using PVC pipes to make things

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 7, 2019 at 10:49 pm

      Thank you so much, I made it for a competition on Instructables. Won a runner up prize.

  • Reply
    Linda at Mixed Kreations
    February 9, 2020 at 11:51 am

    Oh, what a great idea and super cute! My grandson is into planting and he would love these. Of course, his little sister would want one as well so this would be perfect for them.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 10, 2020 at 5:02 am

      Thank you so much, they would make great gifts for both. lol

  • Reply
    Maria
    February 9, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    What a great and lovely idea.

  • Reply
    NanaBee
    June 12, 2020 at 5:35 am

    Great craft idea especially Mother’s & Father’s Day. Do you make any drainage holes in the end cap so excess water doesn’t become trapped? Succulents need to drain otherwise, their roots will rot.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 12, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you, No I did not drill holes in the bottom but I did add a large layer of stones to each one for drainage.

  • Reply
    10 Cheap and Easy DIY Christmas Gifts - Homegrown Self Reliance
    October 1, 2020 at 2:54 am

    […] PVC Pipe Photo Planters […]

  • Reply
    Deana Landers
    November 3, 2020 at 11:35 am

    I love this project. It’s amazing what you can do with PVC piping!!

  • Reply
    Sara
    November 3, 2020 at 10:25 pm

    These are incredible; and I love the images! How wonderful that you get to play with leftovers from construction sites!? Congrats on your I’ble win!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 9, 2020 at 9:49 am

      Thank you Sara, she is such a cutie. It helps when my Son is a builder and I get all the leftovers.

  • Reply
    Pam
    November 3, 2020 at 11:45 pm

    This is such a great repurposing idea! Love it!

  • Reply
    Linda Johnston
    November 4, 2020 at 12:04 am

    Cute fun idea.

  • Reply
    Meegan
    November 5, 2020 at 9:37 am

    What a great personal gift. You make it look so easy. Thanks for the tutorial.

  • Reply
    Kim
    November 7, 2020 at 3:15 am

    Absolutely darling!! We have tons of this in the garage…might need to try.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 9, 2020 at 10:09 am

      Thank you Kim, I still have more just waiting for inspiration. So if you have any new ideas, please share.

  • Reply
    rosemary palmer
    November 9, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I love this. So unique.

  • Reply
    50 DIY Gifts for Best Friends (Really Good Ideas) - lineup-mag
    December 6, 2023 at 11:36 pm

    […] DIY adventure guides you to craft unique, personalized photo planters. With your creativity, these handcrafted pieces become heartfelt, custom gifts for your cherished […]

  • Reply
    How to make easy Indoor plant supports (a roundup) - Hushy Homemade
    January 14, 2024 at 12:34 pm

    […] source: unique creations by antia […]

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.