How to Make Easy Dish Flowers Out of Pie Tins

Garden Art that’s light and cheerful

You can do this!

Love those whimsical dish flowers but not the weight of multiple glass and ceramic plates? Well, then, why not make dish flowers out of pie tins? You probably already have most everything you need to make one. Best of all, no special tools or know how is required!

Making dish flowers out of pie tins is sooooo easy! The’re just as cute as their glass and ceramic sisters, yet are super light weight and much less fussy to plant in the garden. Less breakable as well. They can even be used indoors. For that reason, dish flowers out of pie tins are a hit with senior citizens and others who don’t want to have to wrestle with the more elaborate set ups needed for the glass and ceramic ones. I know because I make them, too!

I can’t think of a more simple, low-cost outdoor craft that has such a big pay off. I’ve often marveled at the infinite number of little art projects you can do with just a can of spray paint. You can make these for your own yard or garden, and they make wonderful gifts for practically any occasion! Even someone who lives in a condo or apartment can stick one of these sweeties in a large pot with a houseplant. So, ready to give it a try?

What you need to make dish flowers out of pie tins

Pie Tins

Just breeze on through your local thrift store/dollar store to pick up your pie tin(s) and additional flower parts. You’ll need a middle piece that could be a tin or aluminum or a plastic/melamine plate or bowl or other item that is fairly flat, and a smaller center. Look for things that have a scallop edge or a flower-like shape to them such as jello molds. More great centers for dish flowers are found among the candle stuff (like the gold frilly one in the picture above). Let your imagination run wild!

Wood Stakes

Next, stop off at the hardware store for a wood survey stake. I like to use the ones that are 3ft x 1/2 inch. The only problem here is that most big box hardware stores sell wood stakes in bundles. The ones I bought were in bundles of 10 for $20 bucks. TIP: If you don’t want to have leftovers, ask the store if they have any singles from broken bundles or find a store that sells survey stakes individually.

Paint

Pick your favorite spray paint colors for your flower (at least two that will look good together). I use a separate primer on metal pans. You’ll also need a small can of green exterior paint or stain for the wood stake which will be the stem for the flower. THRIFTY TIP: if you’re only painting a few wood stakes, you won’t need much paint. Many stores sell a small “sample size” for a lower price.

Approx TIME to make: 1-2 hours. Note: This is a 2-part project as spray paint needs time to dry thoroughly before assembling the flower.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

• Pie tins and flower parts
• Wood stakes
• Spray Paint (2 colors) + Primer (optional)
• Green exterior paint or stain for wood stake
• Drill and drill bit 11/64 (You don’t need a large hole for this)
• 3/4″ wood screw #8-32 OR 1 1/2″ machine screw #8-32 & nut
• Exterior glue such as E-6000
• newspapers or drop cloth

Directions Part 1

1. Drill hole in the center of pie tin. Note: Pie tin and wood stake are both soft materials and are quick and easy to drill through with a regular drill bit.

2. Apply a primer coat to the pie tin(s) and flower parts. Follow directions on can. The primer dries very quickly and can be sprayed with your favorite colors in just a few minutes.

3. Apply your spray paint colors. Follow directions on the can.

4. Paint the wood stakes. Since they will be used outdoors, I usually do 2 coats. It dries fast.

Part 2

5. Attach the pie tin to the wood stake with a 3/4″ wood screw. If you’re using a machine screw, instead, you’ll have to drill a hole thru the wood stake and insert the screw.

6. Glue center pieces to the pie tin using an outdoor glue such as E-6000. For best results, put a bead of glue around the entire outside edge.

Because the wood stakes have a nice pointed edge, the dish flower can easily be planted anywhere you like in the yard or garden. They look cute in planters, too!

I make a lot of these to sell at the Palmer Senior Center. We’re very fortunate to have a modern, bright and cheerful place for such a small town. Older seniors have said that the ones on wood stakes with their pointed tips are so much easier to stick into the ground and are not heavy. That makes them more manageable for some.

Because they cost less to make and don’t involve as much labor as my elaborate glass and ceramic dish flowers do, I offer them at discounted prices for our seniors. Proceeds from the gift shop sales support programs for Mat-Su Senior Services.

I do hope that you’ll make some dish flowers out of pie tins. You can even add a spatula for a leaf if you like! Plant 3 or 4 of them together in a group for nice outdoor display, sure to bring on the compliments. I’d love to see what you come up with. Send me a photo and I’ll share your creativity with the whole world!

Other super easy crafts you may enjoy:

How to Make Simple Bundt Pan Flowers

Plant Flowers in a Boot Just For the Fun of It