DIY Dutch Shoe Planter {Contributors Column}

The following was written by Victoria Major, repurposing contributor for Brooklyn Limestone.


Hi Everybody! Victoria here from Confessions of a New OldHome Owner, back again with another re-purposing / up-cycle project.



For a while now I have been collecting these wooden Dutch shoes from Holland. I’ve bought them from thrift stores and yard sales for never more than a dollar or two and some for even as little as a quarter. I actually have the pair that my great grandmother used to wear as a little girl when she lived in Sweden, and some of them are really quite colorful. Needless to say I think they are pretty cool and deserve some sort of display of honor. So I gathered my little stockpile and set to work. I really wanted to create a centerpiece that was colorful and set the tone for how I wanted the rest of the porch to look since that's where this piece would be going.



You don't have to make your planter quite as large as mine-- if you want one half the size cut it down to your desired length, but generally speaking here’s what you will need.

Pine Board – 4’ x 6”
Dutch shoes
Thompson's Water Seal - Multi Surface
2 sets of hook and eye hangers
Wood screws
Drill and drill bit
measuring tape
pencil
Exterior latex paint
Starter Plants- I used petunias, but most anything will work

Start by painting your wooden back board, I chose white because the siding on my home is white but you can paint it any color you desire. While it's drying coat each shoe inside and out with a few coats of Thompson's water sealant. Once it's all dry measure and mark where you want each shoe to sit. I started my arrangement from the center and worked my way out but again you can personalize the arrangement to your own taste.



Next pre-drill the holes where they will be attached to the board, once finished drill two or three 1/4" holes into the toe of the shoe. This will allow the excess water to drain out of the shoe, keeping your plants from getting root rot. Screw each shoe into place with a sturdy wood screw.



Install your hook and eye hangers at the end of each piece where they will hang from your chosen spot. Finish by planting your plants in each shoe and enjoy the view.



Needless to say I am so in love with this piece now. I literally started with a pile of wooden shoes not really knowing where I was headed with it all and ended up with a really cool conversation piece. Until next time!