How to Make a Cactus Cut-Out Vertical Garden
Can't get enough of tiny succulents? This hanging cactus planter is the perfect way to show off your green thumb and DIY skills.
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Can’t get enough of tiny succulents? This DIY cactus planter is the perfect spot to show off your green thumb. Just print out the template and build!](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_COVER_v_hanging.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1488769719663.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Materials Needed
- (1) 9" x 16" shallow craft crate
- (1) 1" x 10" x 3/4" pine board
- printable template
- jigsaw
- drill and 1/2" drill bit
- sanding block
- 9" x 16" piece of chicken wire
- wire snips
- exterior wood stain
- flat-bristle paintbrush
- old, clean rag
- tape measure
- pencil
- hammer
- (6-8) 1 1/2" brad nails
- wood glue
- drop cloth
- Spanish moss
- assortment of tiny succulents
- 2' rope (optional)
- hanging hardware (optional)
Measure + Cut
Measure your crate, then have a pine board cut to fit flush on top of the crate. (Our crate is 9-by-16 inches, so our board was cut to that dimension, too.)
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Step 1- Crate & Board
Measure your crate, then have a board cut to fit flush on top of the crate. Our crate is 9x16 inches, so our board was cut to that dimension, too.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step1-crate-and-board.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769719812.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Print, Cut + Trace
Download, print and cut out your design (Image A). (We chose a trendy cactus.) Set the template on your board in the position you like, then trace around the template with a pencil (Image B).
![Step 2- Print & Cut Out TemplateAfter printing out your design, carefully cut it out using scissors. This template is sized for tabloid printing which can be done at most any copy center. Or if you like you do a tiled print at home and tape it together.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step2-cut-out-template.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769724458.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Image A
![Step 3- Trace Onto BoardSet template on board in the position you like. Then, using a pencil trace around the printed template.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step3-trace-onto-board.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769721978.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Image B
Drill Pilot Hole
Before using a jigsaw to cut out your design, use a drill with a 1/2-inch bit to make a pilot hole.
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Step 4- Drill Pilot Hole
Before using a jig saw to cut out the cactus shape, you’ll need a starter hole or “pilot hole” to introduce the jig blade. Use a drill with half-an-inch inch bit to make this hole.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step4-drill-pilot-hole.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769723593.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Cut + Sand
Using a jigsaw, cut out your design. Stick as closely to the traced pencil lines as possible (Image A). Then, gently sand any rough edges with a fine-grit sanding block (Image B).
![Step 5- Cut and SandUsing a jig saw, cut out the cactus shape, taking care to stick as closely to the traced pencil lines as possible](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step5-cut-and-sand_a.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769731037.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Image A
![Step 5- Cut and SandOnce cut out, gently sand any rough edges with a fine grit paper or block](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step5-cut-and-sand_b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769725957.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Image B
Stain Surfaces
Wipe the crate and board clean, then stain it your desired color. Brush on the water-based stain, then wipe the excess off with a clean rag. Allow the crate and board to dry before moving on to the next steps.
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Step 6- Stain It
Wipe the crate and board clean, then stain it your desired color. Brush on the water- based stain, then wipe excess stain off with a clean rag. Allow to dry before moving to next steps.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step6-stain-it.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769728916.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Fill With Moss
Place the moss in the crate, filling all the way to the top. Tuck any loose ends back into the crate.
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Step 7- Fill with Moss
Place moss in the crate, filling to the top. Tuck any loose ends back into the crate.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step7-fill-with-moss.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769740358.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Add Chicken Wire
Once the moss is tucked inside, cut a piece of chicken wire that matches your crate dimensions. Once the wire is cut, carefully tuck the cut ends down into the crate so they're secure.
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Step 8- Add Chicken Wire
Once moss is tucked inside, cut a piece of chicken wire that matches your crate dimensions. Use wire snips or strong utility scissors for this. Once wire is cut, carefully tuck cut ends of wire down into the crate so it’s secure.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step8-add-chicken-wire.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769733628.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Attach the Top
With the chicken wire and moss in place, it’s time to place the lid on the crate. First, run a bead of wood glue along the crate’s top edge (Image A). Then, place the top board in place and secure with brad nails (Image B).
![Step 9- Attach TopWith chicken wire in place, holding the moss inside the crate, it’s time to place the lid on the crate. First, run a bead of wood glue along the crate’s top edge](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step9-attach-top_a.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769734324.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Image A
![Step 9- Attach Top Then place the top board in place and secure with brad nails](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step9-attach-top_b.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769736228.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Image B
Plant Succulents
To plant the tiny succulents, you may need to snip some of the wire here and there with wire snips. Plant the succulents tightly together, mixing up colors and textures. (Before hanging, be sure to moisten moss and plants with a spray bottle.)
![DIY Moon & Stars Vertical Succulent Planter Step 10- Plant Succulents
To plant the tiny succulents, you may need to snip some of the wire here and there. Plant them tightly together, mixing up colors and textures. And before hanging be sure to moisten moss and plants with a spray bottle.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step10-plant-succulents.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769737570.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
Add Rope/Hardware (Optional)
This vertical planter is super versatile; it can sit on a table or hang on a wall. We ran a rope through the top for a rustic look, but you could add hanging hardware to the back of the crate if you prefer.
![Step 11- Add Rope or HardwareThis planter box is really versatile- it can sit on a ledge or hang on a wall. We ran rope through the top for a rustic look but you could add hanging hardware to the back of the crate, if you prefer.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_step11-add-rope-or-hardware.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1488769738124.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
![Can’t get enough of tiny succulents? This DIY cactus planter is the perfect spot to show off your green thumb. Just print out the template and build!](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_COVER_v_.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1488769722237.webp)
Tomas Espinoza
![Can’t get enough of tiny succulents? This DIY cactus planter is the perfect spot to show off your green thumb. Just print out the template and build!](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2017/3/5/1/Original-HSH17_BPF_DIY-Succulent-Art_Cover_h_sitting.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1488769716879.webp)
Tomas Espinoza