How To Decoupage Clay Pots With Napkins: The Ponds Farmhouse Style

Hey friends, I’m back with another way to decoupage with napkins for a unique Ponds Farmhouse Style. I’ve shared several napkin decoupage ideas with you, but today we’re going to apply two napkins to simple, inexpensive clay pots to create stunning flower planter decor. So grab your favorite napkins, terra-cotta clay pots, and a few more craft supplies, and let’s get started creating the plant pots of your dreams.

Napkin decoupage planter on dining table

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Supply List

Terra Cotta Clay Pots
Two styles of coordinating paper napkins – Green Print & Hydrangea Stripes
Scissors
Mod Podge
White Craft Paint or Chalk Paint
Small Paint Brush
Small Plastic Saucers (optional)

How to Prepare Clay Pots for Decoupage

To prepare the clay pots for napkin decoupage, I first removed any stickers or dirt from them. Then I painted the pots with white chalk paint, both inside and out. If you can still see the terra cotta color bleeding through the white paint, add a second coat to the outside of the pot. The inside will not be exposed once you fill it with your plants. However, for a more professional appearance or if you plan to sell your decoupaged pots, you may want to paint the inside as well. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding.

two coats of white chalk paint on clay pots

Insider Tip

You will want to paint your pots with the background color of your napkins. Most will have a white background but I’ve seen some with a dark background. If you fail to cover the underlying color of your pots, the color will still be visible even after the napkin is applied.

How To Prepare the Paper Napkins

The next step is to prepare the paper napkins. Begin by separating the layers. Most paper napkins are three-ply. You will only need the top layer for your flower pot project. I use a piece of tape to help separate the layers. Apply the tape to the backside layers and pull apart, being careful not to tear the delicate top layer.

Once you have divided your layers, you can begin cutting the napkins into sections. I am using the green print napkin for the base of the pots and the striped napkin for the top rim. Begin by measuring the base from the bottom of the rim down. Then add approximately 1/2 – 1 inch. Cut the sides at an angle, with the top being wider than the bottom, so that the napkin fits evenly on the lower section of the pot.

Next, prepare the striped napkin to apply to the rim. Cut the napkin approximately 1 inch wider than the rim of the clay pot. You will need 2 – 3 strips for each planter, depending on the size of your pot and napkins.

cut the napkin to fit the bottom section of the clay pot

How To Apply Napkin To Clay Pots

To apply the napkins, work in small sections at a time. You want the pattern to run vertically with the pot, so working with small pieces will ensure a consistent vertical position.

How To Add Napkin To the Base Of Pots

Apply a light coat of Mod Podge with a small brush.
Align the napkin over the Mod Podge just under the rim of the pot.

apply napkin to the lower section of pot

Gently smooth the napkin over the section.
Continue to smooth with another coat of Mod Podge over the top of the napkin.

Apply a coat of mod podge over the top of the napkin

Ensure that you have some of the Mod Podge around the bottom of the planter and use the brush to smooth the napkin over the glue.

turn napkin under the bottom of the clay pot

How To Add Napkin To the Rim of Clay Pots

Apply Mod Podge in sections around the rim of the pots.
Add a section of the napkin and smooth with additional Mod Podge on a small brush. Ensure that the napkin wraps under the rim slightly to meet the original napkin application.
Use the brush to adhere the napkin under the rim.

apply striped napkin around rim of pot and smooth with brush

brush under the pot rim to adhere the napkin

Apply Mod Podge to the inside rim of the pot and wrap the napkin around the inside.
Cover the inside with a final coat of Mod Podge.

wrap napkin around the top rim of the pot

brush mod podge on the inside of the rim to secure the napkin

Allow the Mod Podge to completely dry before decorating with it. I used tin cans so that the napkin wouldn’t stick and damage the finish.

How To Decorate With Decoupage Terra Cotta Planters

There are many ways to use the DIY decoupage planters. You can add fill them with flowers or greenery for your tablescapes, mantel, shelves, and more.

Napkin Decoupage Planters for Tablescape

I created two decoupage terra cotta pots with plans to use them on a summer tablescape. I added vibrant green ferns to the planters to help create a festive summer table.

napkin decoupage planter with greenery on dining table

Combined with feminine floral dishes, tropical napkins, and pink water goblets, the table is perfect for a lady’s summer brunch.

Options For Decorating with Napkin Decoupage Pots

After the ladies’ brunch, you can continue to use the planters all around the house to add a splash of summer color. You can group your planters or keep them separate. Below, I added one of the planters to my open shelf in the kitchen for a summer fresh look.

napkin decoupage planters on open shelf.

I placed the second planter on the countertop and added a decorative plate and DIY charger underneath to prevent water from damaging the DIY concrete countertops and to add a splash of color.

napkin decoupage planter on kitchen countertop