I have been oohing and aahing, (actually Coveting) the faux giant clam shell planter I’ve seen on the web (at Ballard Designs). Have you seen how much they are?
Here’s my version and I think I knocked it off pretty well! Can you guess what I made it out of?
Like I mentioned, Ballard Designs carries these amazing faux giant shell planters for $152. Yes, $152 (at the time I’m writing this, in January 2021!)
Ugggh…I just cannot spend that!
Doesn’t it look pretty with the succulents? $ 152 !!! OUCH!
My favorite is Jennifer’s over at Dimples and Tangles. I love how elegant her orchid looks in the clamshell and have been on the lookout for my own ever since. She got hers from Ballard’s Backroom for a smokin’ hot deal!
Well, I’m never that lucky so I had to rack my brain a bit and improvise!
Again, $152? …OUCH!
How to Make Your Own Clam Shell Planter
I started out with this plastic clam shell that I found for 99 cents at Goodwill. I have seen them used as a soap display in bathrooms. We used ours as a chip bowl at our Luau – yes we are classy entertainers!
Pretty in orange, isn’t it? If you are not in the mood for Goodwill, you can order your very own online at Amazon here or get it at your local store.
I contemplated different ways to make it look more like a shell and decided to use Rustoleum Stone Texture Spray Paint. I have used it before on my Outdoor Planters and Outdoor Garden Urn and love the texture!
I ended up using the darker speckled color as the white stone didn’t show up very well.
I am super pleased with the results and excited that it dried in less than a few hours.
I purchased the orchid from our local nursery and planted it in the large clam shell.
I am in LOVE! and for less than $10 I think it looks stunning on my kitchen table!
If you don’t have a green thumb then maybe try one of these these faux orchids and it will look just as stunning!
I would LOVE it if you would PIN this image below! Pretty Please!
More knockoffs you can copy 😉
Here are some more awesome knockoffs, right here at curb alert!
- VanDykes Restorers KnockOff Return Air Vent Cover
- Pottery Barn Inspired Chalkboard Globe
- DIY: KnockOff TOMS Glitter Shoes
- Pottery Barn KnockOff Faux Coral
- Pottery Barn KnockOff Pillows
So what do you think about my Giant Faux Clam Shell Planter?
I’d love for you to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Tami, you never dissapoint:) Love your creativity and talent. Now I'll have to add a clamshell bowl to my list of items I'm on the lookout for when thrifting!
Yesss! You "knocked" this one out of the park! Thanks for sharing!
This is gorgeous, Tami! Thanks for the tutorial too! Pinning!
Such a creative alternative! It looks great!
What a great idea! I now going to add a giant plastic clam shell to my shopping list! I already have the paint. Thank you ~Jeanette
Clever clever clever!! I didn't have any idea how you did that until I popped over!
Oh! My goodness! You are so smart! Love love love your clam knock off! Thanks for sharing Tami.
Pinned 🙂
Tami! That is so cool! I never would have thought to turn a chip bowl into something that beautiful! Great job! Hope you're having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I never could have reimagined that chip bowl as something so pretty!! You are so clever and I love the orchid in it! Well done 🙂
Wow, girl! Ballard actually brought those clam shells to Haven last year and I remember thinking how big and heavy they were! (We used one in a decor challenge.) You certainly did an awesome job with this knockoff- the spray looks perfect on it!
Your chip dip clam looks Marvelous now Tami! What a cool KnockOff! I love anything Ballard and your BIG shell is awesome.
Tami, this is my first visit to your blog thanks to Meegan! This is GREAT! I love your sense of humor and can't wait to read more
I never would have thought to turn a clam chip bowl into a planter. I love this idea and am now going to be on the lookout for one when I'm thrifting.
HOLY SHIT! I know I shouldn't have cursed there but it had to be said! I was dying to find out what you did…I would have never guessed! You're brilliant!
No one will ever know it is not the real thing … don't tell.
Good job and smart move.
Blessings.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Love, love your planter! Gorgeous! You are so creative! Beautiful idea.
Oh my gosh. That is genius!! I love it!! Awesome job!!!
Nancy
Amazing!! It looks every bit as good as Ballard's…for a fraction of the price. I've pinned, I'll be looking around to see what I can use this spray paint on!
Saw you featured at Knock off Decor
Debbie 🙂
This is absolutely amazing I never would have guessed that was a glass shell at first, LOVE this so much!!
Absolutely love this! The power of spray paint amazes me! I'm just starting in the world of Blogville and am so inspired by the talent of people like yourself. Michelle at ourcraftymom.blogspot.com
I am so excited to try the clam shell bowl as I have two of them. I bought the spray and wonder if you used "Bleached Stone" spray paint ( shade) Rustoleum paint? Do you know the color of the paint that you used?
Thank you.
Janet
Tami this is so cool!! I love that you got this for 99 cents and you used it for chip bowl. It looks much more elegant than the orange plastic, but we are equally classy here 🙂
Love this idea… it really turned out nice!
Great find and the spray paint worked wonders on it!
This is the first time I've seen that spray paint used… and I'm blown away!! I'm so inspired. Thanks for the tip!!
I can't believe that clam was a dollar store find, you transformed it so beautifully! Like Amy I have never seen that spray paint used before either but love how it turned out! This is such a great knock off!