DIY Paint Can Flower Box

 

Add a punch of color to your playhouse windows with this easy DIY paint can planter.  It's details like these that can add big character to your tiny house.  Don't forget to get the kids involved with this project.  Start making memories!

 STEP 1:  Round up all the supplies.

1.  Paint cans - The number may vary depending on how wide your window is.  Old used paint cans work great too, and are a good way to teach your children about recycling. 
2.  Small can of paint that matches your window trim.
3.  Board to attach all of the paint cans to.  I used a 1x4 cut to 17 1/2" long.
4.  2 small D-Ring hangers (3 if your using more than 3 paint cans).
5.  2 large (1 1/2" long min) wood screws to hang the planter on.
6.  6 small (3/4" long) wood screws to attach the paint cans to the board.
7.  1 nail for making holes in the bottom of the paint cans for water drainage.
8.  Hammer 
9.  Tape measure
10.  Paint brush
11.  Drill

STEP 2:
Cut your board to the right length.  I cut my board to 17 1/2," but the length may vary a bit depending on what size your paint cans are.  (For a small window you could use quarts instead of gallons).  Line the cans up side by side.  Make sure the board goes an inch or two past the center of each of the end cans.  This isn't an exact science.  The goal it to get the board long enough to attach all three cans to, but not so long that you'll see it once it's mounted to the window.

STEP 3:
Paint all sides of the board to match your window trim.  It can dry while your working on the rest of the project. This is a great part to let your child do. 

STEP 4:

Using a hammer and nail, punch several holes in the bottoms of the paint cans so water will drain out.  If your children are old enough, this is a good job for them.  Always keep safety in mind.

STEP 5:  
Attach the D-Ring hangers about 3" from each end.  After attaching them, hold the board up to your window (make sure it's centered), and mark where the D-Rings are.  Screw a wood screw into the window trim at the marked points for the planter to hang on.  This will allow you to take the whole planter assembly off the window, making it easier to plant flowers in the future.

STEP 6:
This is the tricky part, but totally doable. Attach the center can first to the center of the board.  In order to do this you'll need to pre-drill holes in the paint cans, before you try screwing them to the board.  You could also use a hammer and nail to punch a hole in the can.  I used two screws for each can, and drilled them in at an angle.  This part is easiest if you have someone to help hold the cans while you drill.  Try to get all three cans at the same level.

STEP 7:
Now for the fun part!  Plant your flowers.  I did this before I hung it on the window.  It's a little less messy that way.  My son really enjoyed helping put the gravel in the bottom of the cans and filling them with dirt.  He also went along with me to help pick out the flowers.

Don't forget to water!