If you’re a fan of Unicorn SPiT like me, you’re always hunting for the next object to transform. That’s exactly how this Unicorn SPiT glass bowl planter came to life. While clearing out my daughter’s old room, I found an empty goldfish bowl tucked away. It was the perfect canvas for a colourful experiment, and although it was meant to become a lamp, it evolved into a striking indoor planter with bold, glass-stained detail.

Unicorn SPiT Gel Stain & Glaze is a vibrant, non-toxic medium that works beautifully on glass—even for beginners. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to turn an ordinary glass bowl into a shimmering feature planter using simple techniques and a splash of creative chaos.

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Turn a Glass Bowl into a Stunning Planter with Unicorn SPiT

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Materials Needed

• Glass bowl or vase (I used a goldfish bowl)
• Unicorn SPiT Gel Stain in Dragon’s Belly (green) and Midnight’s Blackness
• Air compressor or compressed air (optional)
• Spray bottle with water (fine mist setting)
• Metallic gold spray paint
• Spray-on satin polyurethane sealer (exterior grade)
• Plastic pot and takeaway container
• Succulent soil and pebbles
• Fake or real succulents
• Paper towels, gloves, and a drop sheet

Clean and Prep the Glass

Start by cleaning the bowl thoroughly. Remove any oils or residue with soapy water and a splash of vinegar.

If your Unicorn SPiT feels thick, you can thin it slightly with water—but always mix in a separate bottle to keep your original colours strong.

Add Your Unicorn SPiT Colours

I poured small amounts of Dragon’s Belly around the rim, letting it flow naturally down the glass. Then I added Midnight’s Blackness, using it sparingly so it didn’t overwhelm the green.

To speed up the process, I used short, gentle blasts from an air compressor (30cm away). If you don’t have one, use compressed air in a can or blow through a straw. Be warned: my first blast of air blew Unicorn SPiT into my face—thankfully it’s non-toxic!

Let each colour dry between layers. I allowed the green to dry fully before adding the black. You’ll know it’s dry when the finish looks dull and chalky, usually within 20 minutes in full sun. You can also use a hairdryer or heat gun.

Create Cracks and Veins

To get those eye-catching cracks, spray the rim with a fine mist of water after applying diluted black Unicorn SPiT. 2 or 3 fine sprays of water usually do the trick. Turn the bowl upside down on a paper surface and let it dry. The water helps break apart the stain, creating natural vein-like patterns.

Once all the excess Unicorn SPiT has run out, turn the glass bowl over to dry out the inside properly.

Add the Gold Backing

At this point, your bowl will probably look like a hot mess. Trust the process! Spray two coats of metallic gold inside the bowl, letting each coat dry fully. Clean off any overspray from the outer surface.

Seal everything with two coats of Spray Satin Ultra Exterior Polyurethane inside the bowl for added protection.

Prepare for Planting

Since Unicorn SPiT can’t handle water, never plant directly into the bowl. I used a small plastic plant pot inside a takeaway container to hold my succulents. This hidden container system prevents moisture from damaging the stained glass.

Add drainage pebbles, succulent soil, and your chosen plant. Use dry soil around the outer edges of the container to secure it in place, then top with decorative pebbles.

Optional: Try Sparkling SPiT

For an even more wow factor, consider using Unicorn SPiT’s sparkling range. It gives the same colour payoff with added shimmer, perfect for showpiece planters.

More great unicorn Spit Projects

I used Unicorn SPiT to add colour to this scrap wood wall hanging project.

The texture in this house number was created by burning the wood and adding Unicorn SPiT to the surface.

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