Turn A Boring Planter Into An Ice Cream Lover's Dream With An Easy DIY

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Is there anything sweeter than digging into a pint of your favorite ice cream? If only you could preserve and display the delight of an ice cream carton outside the freezer. Well, according to Painted Pancake Studio, a Texas-based artist, you can. She found an awesome way to show off your favorite treats (and plants) with a drool-worthy project that fits right in the garden or on a plant stand. Granted, you'll need to have somewhat of a steady hand, but the result is a sweet plant holder that lets boring pots melt into the past. 

At first glance, you might think Desiree filled an empty ice cream container with dirt and seedlings. (If you're not very artistically inclined, that could work, too if you poke drain holes at the bottom!) But she actually replicated the ice cream label design right on the planter's surface using paint and hand-drawn artistry. In her second rendition of the project, she created a "mint chocolate chip" planter to accompany a butter pecan version. To create a dairy-free planter of your own, you'll need some acrylic paints, paint pens, clear gloss spray, and a bit of patience. 

From Desiree's experience, a plastic pot is the most convenient way to start this DIY. One commenter asked if she'd considered using a terracotta pot, to which she replied that she had painted one, but it fell off the ledge and broke. Plastic is a bit more durable and lightweight, but ceramic, terracotta, or concrete pots will work fine if they're in a stable place. She started off coating the pot with an opaque layer of FolkArt Chalk Matte Acrylic Paint in White Adirondack to provide a clean canvas for the design. 

Once she duplicated the teal mint color of the container and the gold of the lid, it was time to draw the label. The DIYer drew each letter freehand with a paint pen, but a letter stencil could save some time for those who aren't as steady. She also added fun elements like the nutrition label, the Blue Bell cow and girl design, and other motifs to make this look realistic. With everything in place, Desiree then used Rust-Oleum Clear Gloss Enamel to seal the paint.

Desiree says Blue Bell is her favorite ice cream brand, which inspired this design. However, you can choose any brand that catches your eye and art skills. Ben & Jerry's and Häagen-Dazs are more intricate because they feature images of the ice cream on the label, but you could also print them as decals on vinyl sticker paper, which works well because it's water- and tear-resistant. Otherwise, minimalist brands like Van Leeuwen and Jeni's are simpler options for beginner artists. 

You'll want to let this project set and dry before you start potting your plants. One commenter also pointed out the cheekiness of putting a mint plant in the mint chocolate chip pot. This is your chance to get creative! Edible flowers, such as lavender and borage, are delicious garnishes on ice cream. Planting those will give you a constant supply of flavor the next time you reach for your favorite pint.