Creative Upcycled Garden Decor Inspiration & My Cottage Garden

Hi Everyone! Today I thought I would share with you some fun upcycled garden décor crafty ideas and a peek at my cozy cottage inspired garden.

Upcycled garden décor is a fantastic way to connect with nature while unleashing your creativity using materials you already have at home or purchased from thrift stores. Plus, you’ll love getting your hands dirty and adding a personal touch to your outdoor space. I am not lucky enough to have a very green thumb but I try my best and love “decorating” my cottage inspired garden just as I love decorating my home interior.

Upcycled garden décor not only adds personality to your garden, but also saves you money and helps to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. When thinking of upcycled garden décor, the possibilities are endless. While it may seem limiting at first to think of things sitting around the house that you can upcycle, a creative eye can find useful items in many places. From furniture to kitchen utensils and thrift store finds, there is always something that can be repurposed to fit into your cottage style garden.

Creating a vibrant and beautiful outdoor space is a rewarding way to show off your personal sense of style. And while a full outdoor makeover can be a challenge to complete, adding garden decor pieces to spruce up your landscaping is a simple, budget-friendly way to make a big impact on your outdoor space.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to get started, then look no further. Here are some cute upcycled garden decor ideas I recently created, as well as a look at how they can fit into a cottage style garden.

Upcycling Metal Candleholders For The Garden

I found these metal candle wall sconces at my local thrift store. I loved the scroll design and knew I wanted to add them to the privacy fence on my patio. I spray painted them in a pretty teal color and distressed them for that “shabby” look I love so well.

I found these adorable faux plastic succulents in light blue and purple hues. I got creative and added a piece of Styrofoam to the bottom of some small painted pots, popped in the succulents, and added some Spanish moss for the finishing touch. They look so cute!

Faux Succulents from Dollar Tree in Clay Pots

I hung up the candle sconces, plopped in a flower pot to each “hole” and they are now cute garden décor.

Upcycled Garden Art Converted Thrift Store Wall Candle Sconce

And the best part is I never have to water these little pots!

Patio Privacy Wall Made From Fence Pickets

Another upcycled candle holder, turned garden décor idea for you! I painted this vintage metal candle holder turquoise blue, distressed it…

Vintage Mid Century Metal Candle Holder Painted and Distressed Upcycled Garden Decor

…and glued a solar garden light into each socket. I just pulled off the bottom stake and used Amazing Goop adhesive to secure each light.

Upcycled Vintage Candle Holder with Solar Lights

Crafting Decorative Garden Mushrooms and Flowers Made From Thrifted Dishes

Crafting garden mushrooms and flowers out of thrifted dishes is a fun and creative way to add personality and charm to any outdoor space. Not only is it an affordable and environmentally friendly way to repurpose old dishes, but it also allows you to showcase your individuality by creating unique designs. With a little bit of patience and some basic crafting supplies, you can transform ordinary plates, bowls, cups and vases into beautiful garden décor that will bring joy to you and your guests for years to come. Whether you choose to create a whimsical mushroom cluster or a colorful flower garden, the possibilities are endless when it comes to thrifted dish garden crafts!

Thrift Store Glassware for Making Mushroom Garden Art

All you have to do is adhere a bowl to the top of a vase with Epoxy to make these cute mushrooms. I like working with the 5 minute Epoxy as it gives you a little time to readjust your pieces if need be. Since I was working with clear glassware I added some Dollar Store glass beads and pebbles to the inside of the vases before gluing on the bowl for added interest.

Upcycled Thrift Store Glass Bowl Mushrooms

Making garden flower stakes out of thrifted plates can be a creative and enjoyable activity. It not only helps to give a new life to old plates but also adds a charming and unique touch to your garden. The best part about this DIY project is that it is very simple to do. With just a few materials, including old plates of different sizes, a wooden or metal stake (which can be substituted with copper tubing), and some Epoxy, you can start creating beautiful flower stakes. Simply glue the plates onto the stake using the epoxy, making sure to layer them for dimension and variety. You can also embellish them with paint to make them even more interesting. These decorative garden stakes will add a personal touch to your outdoor space and are a great way to get creative with upcycling.

As a collector and connoisseur of vintage home décor, I must say that the delicate and elegant milk glass flower stake is undoubtedly my favorite among all of them.

DIY Garden Art Flowers Made From Old Dishes

I even crafted a lantern out of a small saucer and glass ceiling fan lightbulb shade. Add a tealight for a warm glow on a summer night!

DIY Garden Lantern Made From Old Dishes and Ceiling Fan Bulb Shade

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEO FEATURING THESE PROJECTS!

My Cottage Garden

My summer cottage garden with upcycled garden decor

To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your outdoor space, opt for a cottage garden style. Classic florals, an abundance of greenery, and an assortment of antique-inspired décor pieces all combine to create a charming atmosphere. Try adding a vintage watering can near your entryway or a weather-worn bench tucked away beneath a blossom-filled tree. If you have room, a wooden arch at the entrance is a beautiful way to frame your garden and welcome visitors. I don’t really have a very green thumb. I plant what I like and hope for the best. Sometimes my plants thrive and sometimes they shrivel up and die. For this reason, I try not to spend too much money on my plants. When I visit the garden center I always hit the clearance section first!

On my back porch I set up an intimate seating area with two resin Adirondack chairs and an accent table made from an antique milk jug topped with a thrifted piece of glass tabletop. It is a relaxing place to sit with a magazine.

This upcycled bird bath/planter was one of my favorite creations I made for my garden. It lasted for quite a few years before the bowl finally rusted out. To make this piece I glued together an enamel bowl, an old wooden spindle and old dinner plate using my favorite adhesive Amazing Goop.

In conclusion, cottage gardens and upcycled garden décor offer a unique and charming aesthetic for outdoor spaces. They allow for creativity and resourcefulness in transforming old and unused items into beautiful and functional garden decorations. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice, incorporating these elements can add personality and sustainability to your garden. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on cottage gardens and upcycled garden décor. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts and experiences!

~Lisa