DIY Toad House made from a Broken Clay Pot

Broken Clay Pot Craft: DIY Toad House

One rainy afternoon, my then five-year-old daughter innocently asked, “Where do toads go when it rains?”  I didn’t really know what to say, but it prompted a visit to the library for some books on frogs, toads, and other amphibians.  The books didn’t really answer the question, but she learned that toads hide in loose dirt, in mulch, and under bushes.

We often have toads in our flower beds.  The tiny ones are so cute.  I had a broken clay flower pot that was destined for the trash can when I had an idea.  My daughter painted it in bright colors, and we put it in our flowers.  Now the frog has a place to go when it rains.

Supplies

• Broken clay flower pot
• Craft Paint in bright colors
• Paint applicators in different sizes – I used a sponger dauber, a pencil eraser, and a paintbrush handle.
• Clear acrylic sealer

Instructions:

1. Choose a piece from the pot that forms a dome shape.
2. Make sure your pot is clean and dry.
3. Using the sponge dauber, make large dots on the pot.  Dip your dauber into the painter after each time you dab.  You don’t want too much paint though or it will run.
4. Using the eraser end of the pencil, make dots in another color.
5. Turn your pencil around and use the other end for another color.
6. Fill in any blank spaces with tiny dots made with the tip of a paintbrush.  I put them in little groups of three.
7. Let your pot dry.  It might take a few hours depending on how thick you applied the paint.
8. When your paint is dry, apply two coats of acrylic sealer.
9. Put your toad house in your garden or in a large flower pot filled with flowers.

This is a fun project for learning the difference between toads and frogs and finding out if toads really give you warts.

This Toad House DIY was Contributed by:

Pam from P.S. I Love You Crafts shares DIY and craft ideas for all seasons. Head to her website to see more ideas like this toad house garden craft!