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Prickly perch: A DIY cactus key holder

02 May 2024

Looking to add a touch of whimsy and functionality to your entryway? Try this DIY Cactus Key Holder. With just a few materials and some creative flair, you can transform a simple pine board and terracotta pots into charming cacti-inspired key holders. Not only will these prickly plant replicas add a unique aesthetic to your space, but they'll also help keep your keys organised and easily accessible.

You will need:

  • Pine untreated board, 140mm x 18mm x 900mm
  • Jig or band saw
  • Pine picture frame moulding
  • Wood glue
  • 2 terracotta pots
  • Paintbrush
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Adhesive glue
  • Stones
  • Resene Quick Dry
  • Resene testpots in your favourite shades. Fleur used Resene Laurel, Resene Covert and Resene Jacarta

Step 1: Start by using a jig saw or a band saw to cut out two cactus shapes from the wood.

Step 2: Cut and glue a piece of thick picture frame moulding to each cactus – this gives it a more three-dimension look. While the glue is drying, paint the terracotta pots with a coat of Resene Quick Dry inside and out. 

Step 3: Once the glue has dried, paint the cacti roughly with your chosen Resene colour – Fleur used Resene Laurel. Leave some of the wood exposed for a rustic look. Paint the pots inside and out with two coats of your other chosen Resene colours – Fleur used Resene Covert and Resene Jacarta for hers.

Step 4: Once the paint on the cacti has dried, bang in some skinny nails for the prickles.

Step 5: Glue the cacti into the pots with strong adhesive glue and fill with small stones.

The wall is painted in Resene Bullwhip and hall table in Resene Sea Fog.

project and images Fleur Thorpe

Published: 02 May 2024