Large Terracotta Pots Get French Country Style

Do you love vintage clay pots that look like they've been weathering on the French countryside for decades? Did you know you can get the look with brand new clay pots? It's actually quite easy and I'm going to show you how I transformed my large terracotta pots with French Country style.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

Transform Clay Flower Pots With French Country Style

But I couldn't stop there, I also added a French graphic onto the largest pot. It's easy to do and I'll be sharing instructions for how to do that too.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

It doesn't take long at all to completely transform ordinary terracotta pots.  If you shop for clay pots at the end of the season, you can get great clearance prices.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

Here's What You'll Need To Make It

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.


Large Terracotta Flower Pots
Matte Waterbased Paint (Chalk Style Paint)
Spray Misting Bottle
Laser Printer (can use inkjet with extra step)
Image Transfer Medium



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

You can get a glimpse of what the terracotta flower pots looked like before the French country transformation in the photo below. My apologies for not having the best photo to share.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

The weathered outdoor flower pots are so pretty grouped together on a front porch or corner of a patio or deck. Paired with other vintage decor, they are lovely set in flower beds too. The elements will weather the patina even more.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

I've been wanting the look of vintage pots on our deck for years but purchasing the real thing can carry a hefty price tag. I'm so pleased that I finally have them for a fraction of the cost.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

Here's How I Did It...

There are two ways to paint the clay pots to get the time worn weathered patina.


Option 1 - Paint Wash Patina

This is the option I used to paint my clay pots. Thin chalk paint with water to the consistency of milk. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the color Versailles.



Brush the paint on with random brush strokes and let it dry to the touch. Spray the pots with water to dampen the paint. Don't worry about drips because that just adds to the patina.



With a damp sponge remove some of the paint (this is called a wet distress technique) in some areas so the terracotta color shows through the paint (pictured below).



Option 2 - Whitewash Patina

In a small container thin the chalk paint with water to a 1:1 ratio. Brush the paint all over the pots with an inexpensive chip brush. Wipe the excess with a damp lint-free rag. If you want the paint darker, repeat the process until you have the look you like.



No need to apply a protective finish over the paint because you want the pots to continue to weather over time. All three of my pots were painted last summer and they withstood our harsh Canadian winter and still look fantastic!



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

How To Add French Graphics Onto Painted Terracotta Pots

Step 1 - Finding A French Graphic

Look for a vintage printable graphic that you like. Etsy or the Graphics Fairy website are great sources like the French Wreath With Bird graphic I used for my largest pot.



Step 2 - Print Graphic

The image transfer technique I used works best with a laser printer. But you can use an inkjet printer if you allow the ink to completely dry for a few hours. Otherwise, you risk the ink smearing in the next step.



Print the graphic in black and white on the "best" printer setting. If your graphic has any text be sure to reverse the image (mirror image) before printing.



Step 3 - Prepare Graphic

Cut around the graphic as close as you can to remove the white space (like pictured below). The less paper, the less that has to be removed.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

Step 4 - Transfer Graphic Onto Pots

You'll need an image transfer medium (see supply list) and this image transfer technique to transfer the graphic onto the flower pots.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

This is what it will look like when you are done.



How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics.

I was so happy to finally plant some flowers in these pots last weekend. Soon these lovely French Country flower pots will be bursting with colorful blooms that cascade down the sides.



For more French-country-style clay pot inspiration, you can see how I transformed these clay saucers from the dollar store into pretty French Country Coasters for our deck. I also made French Country Place Holders with mini clay pots and saucers from the dollar store.



But here's an idea for how to turn your lovely French country flower pots into a water feature like our DIY Stacked Flower Pot Fountain.



Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by these French Country Style Outdoor Flower Pots.



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If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!



If you enjoyed this DIY Weathered Terracotta Flower Pot idea, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your French Country Style Decor or Outdoor Flower Pot Ideas board on Pinterest.




How to transform large terracotta flower pots with lovely weathered French Country style with a wash of Versailles chalk paint and French graphics. #frenchcountrystyle #outdoorflowerpotideas #diyagedterracottapots

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.



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Comments

  1. I saw your post on Talk of the Town and had to come check it out. These are a beautiful solution to the mismatched pots we often gather over the years. So pretty Marie, I adore them.

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    1. Thank you, Leanna! Exactly, whether the terracotta pots are mismatched or not, the paint will unify them. I hope to make more for our flower beds but this time I'll use a Prima decor transfer like I did on the terracotta coasters.

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  2. Marie,
    Love these pots. I have some that need an update. Pinned. Congrats, you are being featured at Over The moon Linky Party. https://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com/2019/05/over-moon-linky-party_26.html
    Have a lovely day.
    Hugs,
    Bev

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  3. So glad you like what I did with these pots and thank you so much for featuring them, Bev! xo

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  4. I love these transfer projects you are doing! I need to try this technique! Hope to see you tomorrow at Tuesday Turn About... 3pm PST. ;-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Julie, I've got more in the works coming soon 😉

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  5. These are gorgeous! Nicely done - love the design you chose :)

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    1. Thank you very much Sarah! Such a great way to dress up inexpensive clay pots or unify mismatched ones. I had to stop myself at just three. LOL

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  6. Love this transformation Marie! I hope you will stop by and share your Terracotta Pots at our new link party, Tuesday Turn About at Thistle Key Lane.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle, I'm glad you like the coasters! Yes, I heard about the TTA party from Julie and I'll definitely be popping over this morning.

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  7. Marie, your terracotta pot redux turned out beautifully! I especially love the bird and wreath. I made stencils with a wreath a couple of years ago (for the chairs in our trailer) so I may borrow your idea!

    Happy spring to you and I hope you don't get any more frost,
    Hugs,
    Barb :)

    p.s. If you'd like, please come share your pots at Share Your Style this week (up now thru Monday, 6pm CST). It'd be fun to feature them! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Barb, I'm so glad you like them and how fun would it be to have matching pots for your trailer! Happy Spring back to you. I'm happy to report the risk of frost is over and we're currently enjoying temps in the 80's.

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    2. Wonderful news, Marie! I love this season when everything is growing. :) I did find your posts, thank you! I'll be featuring your terracotta pots but the French coasters are a close second. :)

      Thank you and have a great weekend,
      Barb :)

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    3. Thank you so much Barb, for the feature! You made my Friday morning. Have a nice weekend 🙂

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  8. Also, Congratulations on being featured at Style Showcase this week!!! Coming over from Janet's Shabbyfufu blog. :)

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  9. Beautiful results with the painting and the transfer.
    Happy weekend,
    Kippi #kippiathome

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