Succulents are some of the only plants I can keep alive, and I love that they can thrive even with the smallest amount of attention. They’re perfect for adding touches of green in unexpected places.
I had an idea in my mind of creating a succulent planter wall hanging with a coffee cup cut in half with my tile saw, but when I was in Goodwill searching for the perfect cup, I came across this cute little gravy boat, and thought it would be even more perfect! It was only $1.29. I liked the shape better than a coffee cup, and I liked even more the idea that anyone could make this project since no fancy tools like a wet saw are needed.
Tools & Supplies:
- MDF (thinner MDF is preferable)
- Jigsaw or circular saw
- Gravy boat
- Frame
- Tiles (I used 3 3″ x 6″ subway tiles)
- Tile adhesive/grout
- Grout float and sponge
- Small rocks, soil and succulents
Instructions:
This project is really simple and pretty straight forward. I started by using my jigsaw to cut down a piece of scrap MDF to 8″ x 10″. I wanted it to fit into a standard frame size.
Next I used a hammer to break up the subway tiles. I didn’t bother to wrap them up in a towel, like I’ve seen most people do. I find I have more control over how the pieces break if I use a hammer and firmly tap the tile with the edge of the hammer head.
Next I arranged the gravy boat and the tile pieces, adhering them with the tile adhesive/grout. I just used my finger to spread adhesive on the back of each tile piece.
I let the adhesive dry for a few hours, and then grouted the tile. After letting it dry overnight, I stuck it in a frame. I actually used the tile adhesive around the lip of the frame to attach the frame to the mosaic piece, and then I filled in the gap where the frame met the tile with more grout.
After everything was dry, I added the pebbles, soil and succulents to the gravy boat.
Simple, right? The hardest part about this project is waiting for the grout to dry. 
I’m not exactly a patient person, so waiting for stuff to dry can be torturous to me. I’ve ruined many a project because of my impatience.
Anyway, I’m kind of tempted to make a few more of these, using different sizes and shapes of gravy boats, to make a grouping for a wall. Now I just need to find a wall to put them on!
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I'm an interior decorator-turned-blogger, and a DIY fanatic. My blog is where I share 
Love this idea! (and the original coffee cup too!) Did you have any problems getting the curved side of the gravy boat to stick to the board? It says you only used the tile adhesive and I just wonder how well that will hold on a curved surface.
I didn’t have any trouble at all. I used quite a bit of the adhesive right behind the gravy boat, and it took several hours longer to dry than the tile pieces, but once it did dry, it was incredibly strong and secure.
wow, that is neat! i love succulents, and this is such a different way to display some.
the cape on the corner’s Latest Post..Nice day for a wine wedding
OK, when I saw this title in my feed I had to check it out, because I could not possibly imagine what this could be!
Great job…and thanks for the advice about succulents being “low maintenance,” since I think I’m wanted in a few states for killing plants.
That is really sweet! So fresh and original… I see another mega pinned project on your hands
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I LOVE this! Like you, I have a hard time not killing plants, so this is right up my alley!
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What a terrific project! What sort of hardware do you plan to use to hang this?
Well, it does have some weight to it since it has ceramic tile and a ceramic gravy boat, so I’m hoping to find a very small Ook Hangman French cleat (about three inches) to use to hang this, with it attached to the MDF that the tile is attached to. In other words, not attached to the frame. I’m not even sure if they come that small, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a small one at either Lowe’s or Home Depot.
This is too cute! I love how you combined a traditional, cottage feel with the earthy elements of nature. Plus, you laid each step out clearly so it looks simple to accomplish. Good job! It’s hard to find a DIY blog that I can follow from start to finish and actually get the desired result! Usually, I find myself perusing through my DVR recordings from the HDTV or DIY network so I can at least pause, rewind and replay a step just so I can keep up at home! Luckily, I have the Hopper from Dish, their new whole home HD DVR. It has tons of memory so I don’t have to be choosey about which projects I record. Thank goodness because, between working at Dish and maintaining a steady household, a creative outlet like DIY is the only thing that keeps me sane! Thanks again and I’ll let you know how the project goes!
i could not stop my self to post the comment
that i usually dont .
what a delight to see this.just wonderful and so pretty.
Hello Kristi: your gravy boat wall art looks wonderful (I would have never thought to do that!!) and I’ve got this linked to my DIY succulents post too today, for inspiration!
Inspire Me Heather’s Latest Post..project: succulents
I used to be a diy, but was labeled disabled, and quit doing things. I love your ideas, and believe it’s time to get off my duff, and make fun stuff once again. Thanks for giving me some great ideas.