Family Adventures in Swindon - Painting Pots

Sian Jack has some great ideas to keep your little ones fully engaged when it's raining outside - or you're looking for something fun to do without breaking the bank...

A few weeks ago, we had a thundery shower in the morning which meant that we needed to find something for the little one to do. Being only 2 and a half there are a few things that would hold his attention for long enough so decided to get creative. (Let’s face it all kids love being in charge of a paintbrush!) Instead of doing the normal painting a picture or drawing, we decided to take another route and decided to try out painting a paint pot which he can grow his first plant in. Not only is this something he can be proud of but he can have the excitement of watching it grow.

Before starting we needed to find a terracotta pot and something to plant in it. So headed out to a local garden centre to see what we could find. We let the little one choose his pot, with a little guidance; he found a terracotta pot for the bargain price of 99p! (If you cannot get to a garden centre, some of the pound shops in town stock terracotta pots). We then picked some sunflower seeds as we knew that these would grow fairly quickly and as adults we all remember the amazement of seeing a plant taller than you!

We then headed back and cracked open his poster paints. You can use emulsion as it lasts longer on the pots but we decided that poster paints were probably safer with an excitable toddler. He had an absolute ball painting it and telling us all about his pot and growing his sunflower in it. Not only is it something unique but it’s something that can be kept for a long time.

After leaving it to dry, it is recommended that the pot is varnished with marine or external varnish. However, we chose not to do this knowing that if the pot is kept outside or when the plant is watered there is a risk that the paint will chip or run. (We have kept the pot outside and although it is running slightly it hasn’t lost all the charm!)

Once it had fully dried, we then planted the seeds and watered them. After a few weeks I can honestly say that whenever the little monster comes over he is very excited to see the progress of his plant and how much it has grown. He takes such pride in watering it and showing it to friends and family when they come over.

If you are running out of ideas throughout the summer holidays, I cannot recommend planting a pot enough. They are so cheap, fill a rainy day and also make great presents for friends and family.