Lockdown is the perfect time to have a bash at a bit of upcycling. Taking some time out to focus on small, simple and quick DIY project’s is great for your mental health and well-being, (I’m talking from experience :)). You can’t beat that feeling of self-achievement, especially right now, it’s so satisfying!
This is a great time to clear out your hallway cupboard (you know that one where every time you open the door loads of stuff falls out) and think about how you can re-use and re-purpose unwanted items instead of chucking them in the tip bag.
Earlier this week I cleared out our “cupboard of doom” and found some old tattered and outgrown wellies and I had a “light-bulb moment” – I know, I’ll upcycle these into brand new colour-popping flower planters!!!
How to Upcycle your Wellies!
Would you like to have a go? Here’s how to do it!
Materials you will need
- Polyvine decorators varnish (extra strong)
- An old towel/kitchen roll
- Paint brushes
- Rust-Oleum all surface primer
- Exterior wood and metal/all surface paint, eggshell paint or spray paint
- Compost
- Soil scoop
- Flower bedding trays
- An electric drill
Step 1
Wipe down boots, get rid of any old mud/dirt and use a towel or some kitchen roll to dry them. Remove all inner fabric linings and soles.
Step 2
Create small drainage holes at the bottom of each wellie by drilling some holes into the sole using an electric drill.
Step 3
Spray your boots with Rust-Oleum surface primer (give them two coats). This will give your top coat something for it to adhere to.
Once dry, Paint your boots with an exterior wood and metal/all surface paint, eggshell paint or use spray paint (two coats) and leave to dry.
Step 4
Seal your boots with Polyvine decorators heavy duty varnish (I’d recommend two coats) and leave to dry.
Step 5
Pop some garden stones inside then using a soil scoop fill your boots with compost and plant your favourite flowers inside!
If you decide to make these please send me a photo, I would love to see them! I am going to pop my planters at our front door and add even more vibrant pops to the exterior, I’m a firm believer that the outside of your home should be as colourful as the inside 
Hope you enjoy it!
Rachel x x
2 responses
Hi Rachel,
Came across your blog post as I was looking for ideas to upcycle my late dad’s wellies. They meant a lot to me and my sister, and bring back fond memories of walking in the fields and forests of our native Normandy.
I’ve now finished them and have planted miniatures roses, Matador and Sirius, and can’t wait to see them blossom. A lovely way for us to remember him by.
I’ve followed your instructions to the full and they look fantastic and like they’ll last through any British weather. Shame I can’t share a picture here.
Thank you for somehow helping us through this.
Anne-Laure x