DIY “Cutesy Creation” Botanical Folk Creature TUTORIAL

I’m a San Diego botanical artist who is an immigrant originally from Budapest, Hungary. I have always enjoyed repurposing everyday materials into functional art, having learned the value of resourcefulness at an early age while finding new purpose in discarded materials. Currently my botanical designs transform recycled glass containers into living 3D botanical sculptures— promoting zero waste and creative reuse. I have taught myself to drill holes in glass to create an “immersive bloom” with vertical botanical rosettes emerging from, and within, vessel walls. For the “Cutesy Creations” contest, I wanted to design a playful folk-like botanical character with colorful exaggerated facial features reminiscent of the folklore traditions in my native Hungary.

For this botanical project I used succulents due to their wide color variations and adaptability. Succulents can thrive in various repurposed vessels and decorative arrangement styles because of their shallow root systems and specialized water-storing leaves. They can grow vertically to emerge from the glass wall.

The key is to drill holes using a power drill and diamond bit: 1-2 drainage holes on the bottom to prevent root rot, and 4 holes in a facial feature pattern for your design. Supplies you will need:

1. empty glass jars/mason jars of all sizes, with labels removed
2. power drill with diamond bit
3. safety glasses (recommended when drilling glass to protect eyes)
4. water spray bottle (recommended when drilling glass to prevent glass from overheating)
5. spray paint, chalk paint, or any other paint for glass
6. potting soil
7. botanical / succulent cuttings

Remove label from glass jar.

Drill 1-2 holes on bottom of jar for drainage using power drill and diamond bit. (*This is ESSENTIAL step!! Most plants won't survive without drainage.) Then drill 4 holes on front of jar for 2 eyes, 1 nose, and 1 mouth.

*SAFETY TIP: Keep glass wet while drilling (a spray bottle works well). Water cools both the glass and diamond bit, which helps prevent overheating and reduces the chance of the jar cracking or shattering. Drill slowly and avoid pressing too hard.

Paint glass jar using paint. For this Folk Creature I used spray paint and acrylic paint, but you can also use chalk paint; Mod Podge mixed with paint or food coloring; or other types of paint. This is where you can get really creative with your creation!

Once paint dries, add potting soil and plant cuttings. I used circular rosettes for facial features (inserted vertically) and long succulent cuttings to resemble hair on the Folk Creature. Enjoy!

*For these types of planters I prefer to water from the bottom, leaving it submersed in water for a few hours so that the moisture can be evenly distributed. Then make sure to allow excess water to properly drain to prevent root rot.