DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels

Wanna hear something awesome? It was 77 degrees yesterday. In COLORADO….in MARCH. Can you believe that?? I had a picnic in the backyard with the kids for lunch and for dinner we grilled burgers and ate on the patio. It was heavenly. And even better we’re supposed to have more gorgeous weather today. As you might imagine I’m soaking in every minute of it with a big cheesy smile on my face, especially considering the fact that March is one of the worst months for snow in Colorado. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m sure as heck not complaining about it. Bring me all the sunshine! And blue skies! And pretty spring decor! And how about some cute painted pots with vintage French labels? You saw these little guys in my spring mantel post last week and today I’m so excited to show you how I put them together using vintage seed labels from France. They are so easy and affordable, it’s the perfect little DIY project for spring.

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels

OK, first up you’ll need some good ol’ fashioned terra-cotta pots. These are 5.5″ tall–that way I’d have plenty of space for the seed labels on the front. I wanted them to have a weathered look, so I dry brushed all of the pots with the Magnolia Home Old Horn White. And of course I couldn’t resist buying some of itty bitty pots just because they’re so darn cute.

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels

Now it’s time for the seed labels! I actually found these from the cutest shop on Etsy. The seller is located in Bissy, France and she has tons of vintage labels and other unique goodies she’s found from local French flea markets. I mean, c’mon. How cool is that?? And even better her finds are reasonably priced. The shop is called Simple French Vintage. I bought a pack of 14 seed labels and it was only 8 bucks with free shipping. That’s an amazing deal if you ask me. Shipping did take about 2 weeks, but it was well worth the wait. I LOVE these and I’ll definitely be using the remaining labels I have for another project.

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels

I used old-school rubber cement (fancy, I know) to glue the labels to the pots. Then I went over the top of each label with a very light layer of Mod Podge just to seal it and make sure the label was secured nicely to the pot. It worked like a charm!

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels

I loved how this mix of seed labels I got included vegetables and flowers, so I did 3 veggies and 3 flowers for this project.
DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels. Farmhouse spring decor. Perfect DIY project for spring.

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels. Farmhouse spring decor idea.

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels. Farmhouse Spring Decor Idea.

Vintage Farmhouse Spring Mantel

DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels. Farmhouse spring decor idea. DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels. Farmhouse spring decor idea.

Like many of my DIY projects, these pots only took about 30 minutes to put together. Super easy and affordable spring decor for the win! And honestly, I’m totally geeking out over these seed labels. They’re so unique and to think they came from a flea market in France makes my vintage loving heart skip a beat. I just love the way these pots turned out and I’m so excited to use them around the house for spring and summer decor. I still have several more labels from my pack, so stay tuned to see what other fun project I come up with for those.

I’m so glad to have you drop by the blog today. I’ll be back tomorrow with some fun Friday Favorites!

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DIY Painted Pots with Vintage French Labels. Farmhouse decor idea for spring.

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The Comments

  • Marilyn Soto
    March 16, 2017

    Very cute and thanks for the tip on the Etsy Simple French Market , I’m going there now.

    • Sarah
      > Marilyn Soto
      March 16, 2017

      Awesome! I’m sure you’ll love her shop, Marilyn.

  • Heather
    March 16, 2017

    Love these!

    • Sarah
      > Heather
      March 16, 2017

      Thanks Heather!

  • Areeba Adnan
    March 16, 2017

    Sarah, this is simply stunning!! making these this weekend!!

    • Sarah
      > Areeba Adnan
      March 16, 2017

      Nothing beats a quick and easy DIY right?? Have fun making them!

  • Faith
    March 16, 2017

    Very cute…shabby chic farmhouse. Thanks for the link and project. Your home is comfy, cozy, and adorable! Happy Spring!

    • Sarah
      > Faith
      March 16, 2017

      Thanks so much Faith, you’re too sweet!

  • Kim Lord
    March 16, 2017

    I am totally in love with these pots and have already ordered my labels. Making them asap!!!
    Thank you for your always super great and cute ideas!!

    • Sarah
      > Kim Lord
      March 16, 2017

      yay!! You’re going to LOVE them Kim.

  • Kim Lord
    March 16, 2017

    OH is there another paint you would recommend in place of the magnolia market since I probably can’t wait for that.

    • Sarah
      > Kim Lord
      March 16, 2017

      I think just about any paint will do just fine for these pots. Even the cheap chalk paints available at Home Depot would be great!

  • Michelle
    March 16, 2017

    Good morning Sarah . I was wondering if I could send you some pictures I absolutely love your blog. I am looking for ways to brighten up my living room.

    • Sarah
      > Michelle
      March 16, 2017

      Yes please do! I’m always looking for rooms to feature in my Farmhouse Rehab series. Would love to help! Email me at sarah@sarahjoyblog.com.

  • Judi J.
    March 16, 2017

    Enjoy your great weather! I’m from Alberta Canada and like you, can get alot of snow and nasty weather in March so a beatiful day has to be taken advantage of. It’s great to get the kiddos outside to burn off some of their boundless energy. Love your diy vintage label pots.

    • Sarah
      > Judi J.
      March 16, 2017

      Oh yes, being in Alberta you know what it’s like! I feel like at any moment it could all change and we’re in a blizzard. Hopefully I haven’t jinxed it all and we get to keep this lovely spring weather. Thanks of dropping by Judi!

  • nancy
    March 16, 2017

    These adorable pots would make such a super end-of-term teacher’s gift..all planted by the moppets and ready to give.

    • Sarah
      > nancy
      March 16, 2017

      I LOVE that idea Nancy!

  • Heather Hoben
    March 16, 2017

    Love the pots!! I am extremely jealous of your gorgeous weather… we just had a whopper of a blizzard here in Vermont! 30 inches! We had 2 snow days and will probably be in school until the end of June, yikes!!!

  • Karen Kirch
    March 16, 2017

    Luv these….so cute. Thanks!

  • Sherri
    March 17, 2017

    Soooo cute!! I love them!

  • Kellie
    March 19, 2017

    Sarah this is such a cute project! I love it!

  • E3
    March 20, 2017

    What a fun and colorful idea for spring with a delightful vintage feel.

  • FernTrudeau
    March 22, 2017

    What a fun project. I ordered the labels which arrived in 5 days! Bought my pots at the dollar store and painted my first one tonight! I’m going to love these. Thank you so much for all your nice photos!

    • Sarah
      > FernTrudeau
      March 23, 2017

      Ahhh that’s so awesome!! I’m so happy to hear you are making these. And holy smokes, you got your labels in 5 days?? Lucky!

  • Ivory
    June 28, 2017

    Oooooh so beautiful. I love these.

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  • Liz
    March 2, 2018

    I LOVE these. Do you think they would hold up outside with plants and dirt in them? Any tips to make them more durable so they could work outside?

    • Sarah
      > Liz
      March 4, 2018

      I haven’t had them outside so I can’t say how they’d hold up. But the labels are paper, so you’d need to protect them with something! Maybe Modge Podge?

  • Farmhouse Spring Decor from Etsy
    March 16, 2018

    […] used these French vintage seed packs last year for some fun DIY painted pots, which you can see in this post. I was happy to see they’re still available. I love these and they could be used in lots of […]

  • Deborah
    May 23, 2018

    Dear Sarah,
    Your DIY painted pots with vintage seed labels was one of the first posts I saw of your little vintage nest blog.
    I get excited every time I see your email to say you have a new post to share.
    I ordered the labels on Etsy, here is what I did did this week.
    Blessings and deep appreciation for you,
    Deborah Shuler
    Also in Colorado, I like vintage, with a beach style…I want to send a photo not sure how. Here’s my Facebook: Deborah (Ramey) Shuler to
    see cover photo

  • Patty
    March 10, 2019

    Hi Sarah, I love these pots, but can you explain “dry brushing?” I’m new to chalk painting and don’t know this technique. Thanks