DIY flower pots made from logs – simply varnished or colourfully painted.

You need: pencil, tape measure, logs

It's easiest to get your logs cut by a carpenter or a timber merchant in your area. Or if you're going to buy your logs at a hardware store, you should also be able to get your wood cut there. It's best to choose logs with different lengths for more variety. Alternatively, you can cut them yourself using a chain saw. If you want to use wood from a tree that has only been felled recently, leave it indoors for a few days to let it dry out sufficiently. Otherwise signs of mould may start to appear on the surface of your DIY plant pot.

You need: impact drill, Forstner bit: 50 mm, Vacuum, mortice chisel, mallet, safety glasses

To make a DIY flower pot out of the log, hollow out roughly half of it. The easiest way to do this is to use a large Forstner bit to bore several holes in the log, then hollow out the bits in between to create one big hole. To do this, place the mortice chisel against the wood and tap the end with the mallet to chip away at the inside of the log. You can remove the wood shavings afterwards using a cordless vacuum cleaner.

You need: Multifunction tool, Plunge cut saw blade for wood for the multi-function tool, work gloves, safety glasses

Now the hollowed-out log is starting to look more like a DIY flower pot. Make the outside of the log look nicer by using a multi-function tool and a suitable saw or scraper attachment to remove the bark from the bottom part. When doing so, secure the log against a workbench to ensure that it doesn't slip.

You need: Multi-sander, Sanding sheet for multi-sander G120, work gloves

Once you've removed the bark, sand down the wood thoroughly using a multi-sander and 120-grit sanding paper. This will help you get rid of the last bits of bark and remove any splinters.

You need: Paint spray system, face mask, disposable gloves, clear or matt varnish, paint in the colour of your choice, protective paper or film

Now it's time for the final step. Coat your flower pots in clear or matt varnish to protect the wood. To add a dash of colour, you can also paint the area where you have removed the bark.

It's best to lay a protective sheet on the ground and tape over the parts of the log which you don't want to paint or varnish beforehand. Once you've put on your safety gear, fill the paint spray system with varnish or paint and apply an even coat to the log.

Let it dry thoroughly and then line the inside of the flower pot before adding the first plants. To protect the wood from getting damp, it's best to use cling film or pond liner. And to avoid a build-up of damp in your DIY plant pot after watering, you should add a drainage layer such as expanded clay, which is especially well-suited for indoor plants.

Do you need some more ideas for cool ways of showing off your plants? Then you should take a look at our plant hanger project.