A few months ago while searching on Pinterest for random inspiration, I came across the most awesome caged planters ever. Unfortunately I could only find them at a small place in the UK, and the shipping was crazy expensive. So I gave up the idea of having them. That is, until I found copper wire at the home improvement store. I realized it would bend perfectly so that I could make my own DIY modern caged planters!

So I got to work and honestly, I am surprised by how easy they came together. Especially considering how difficult the project looks. The only thing that tripped me up was deciding on what color to paint them. But after a few different color attempts, I think I am happy with the blue and yellow.

Materials for DIY Modern Caged Planters:

-White Concrete Mix (I bought a big bag of masonery concrete at Home Depot but you can also find some on Amazon)
-One round mixing bowl for your mold
-Mixing bowl for your concrete
-Half of a plastic ball pit ball
–6 gauge copper wire (5′ for the yellow planter, and 7′ for the blue planter)
-Wire cutters
-Rocks to weigh down the inner bowl
-Vegetable oil
-Spray paint (optional)
-Plants

Begin by cutting down your copper wire into three equal pieces. For the small yellow planter I cut my pieces into 18″ lengths. For the blue planter, I cut them into 26″ lengths. Then bend the copper wire around a jar or tube to create an even bend. The wire bends fairly easily, but is still stiff and holds its shape.

Next, you will want to prep your bowls that you will use to mold the planter by rubbing oil inside the outer bowl and on the outside of the inner bowl. Then use a third bowl to mix up your concrete to make it a thick pancake batter consistency. You will need to eyeball the amount of concrete needed depending on the size of the bowl you are using for your mold.

Once you have your concrete mixed, pour it into your mold and place the inner bowl in the center and press it down into the concrete. Use the rocks to hold it in place.

Next, place the ends of the copper wire into the concrete around 1/3-1/2″ away from then end and let the ends press down into the concrete to stabilize it. Repeat with the other two wires over lapping them at the top to form your cage.

I found that once all the wires were in, I didn’t need to prop them up to support them at all and the concrete held them in place very well. Once they are all in, let the concerete set for 24 hours, then simply pop out the concrete and remove the inner plastic ball piece and rocks.

At this point your can sand the planter a bit and leave as is for a more industrial look, or use spray paint to paint it a solid color. Then they are ready for your favorite plants.

I love the unique look of these DIY modern caged planters and can’t wait to experiment with an even larger one for my patio! What do you think of them? Unique or too bizarre?!