When we were brainstorming for ideas to include in the DIY chapter in our new Gardenista book, the flowerpot pendant light made the final cut because it was practical—and made us smile every time we looked at it.
Inspired by a design by Australian eco-gardener Joost Bakker (who is famous for using terra cotta in unusual ways), our flowerpot pendant lamp has its own personality, including a yellow cord (because: sunshine) and a globe incandescent lightbulb to cast a soft, flattering light.
See materials and step-by-step instructions below:
Photography by Matthew Williams for Gardenista.
![](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-diy-hanging-black-fence.jpg)
Materials
![Ready to assemble.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-light-diy-materials-733x530.jpg)
- Painter’s canvas drop cloth
- 1 can Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2x Sun Yellow spray paint, high-gloss finish ($3.98 at Home Depot)
- 1 cord set (consider the weatherproof Fantado Single Socket Pendant Light Commercial Grade Outdoor Cord Kit, which is $11.18 at Amazon, if you plan to use the fixture in an exposed outdoor area)
- Wire cutters
- 4-inch Terra Cotta Pot ($.98 at Lowe’s)
- Wire stripper
- 15-Amp Quick Wire Plug (a two-pack is $6.98 at Home Depot)
- Clear globe 40-watt incandescent lightbulb
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Ceiling hook (optional)
Step 1: Snip
![Use the wire cutters to snip off the pendant cord\2\17;s plug.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-light-diy-snip-plug-733x530.jpg)
Step 2: Strip
![Use a wire stripper to strip off about a half inch of casing to expose the two wires on the cord\2\17;s open end. Follow the installation instructions included with your plug to attach the wires to the plu](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-light-diy-strip-wires-733x488.jpg)
Step 3: Paint
![Cover a work surface in a well-ventilated room or outdoors with a drop cloth. Paint the cord with two coats of glossy yellow spray paint. Let dry between coats.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-light-diy-yellow-paint-cord-733x530.jpg)
Step 4: Assemble
![Thread the cord through the terra cotta pot\2\17;s drainage hole (the light socket end must be inside the pot.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-light-diy-assemble-733x553.jpg)
Follow the installation instructions included with your plug to attach the wires to the plug.
Step 5: Screw In
![After assembling, screw in the lightbulb.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/flowerpot-pendant-light-diy-bulb-733x530.jpg)
Suspend the pendant light from a hook in your porch ceiling or covered overhang.
![See more of our favorite DIY projects in our new book, Gardenista: The Definitive Guide to Stylish Outdoor Spaces.](https://media.gardenista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/gardenista-book-matthew-williams-diy-workspace-733x530.jpg)
N.B.: More of Alexa’s favorite DIYs to try:
- DIY: Bug Repellent Balm.
- Steal This Look: Floral Arrangement in Cocktail Glasses.
- DIY: Moroccan Preserved Lemons.
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