The little red animal cracker box is an iconic symbol of childhood for many of us. My mom used to buy me a box in the grocery store if I’d been good, and I remember carrying the box by its string and eating the animals one by one. Occasionally, I still pick up a box just for a bit of nostalgic fun, and the last time I did, I started thinking about whether I could use it to make a little decorative planter. Below, you’ll find the steps I used to create this small succulent planter box, filled with a plant known as “Elephant Bush”.

• I took the box apart and saved the wax paper bag. Once I flattened the box, I used a sponge brush to cover one side of the box thoroughly with Mod Podge. I let it dry for 5 minutes, then turned it over and sealed the other side.
• I then allowed the box to dry overnight.

• I cut off the lid of the box and used Mod Podge to seal the top side.
• I carefully removed the label from the plant and glued it to a piece of white notecard, which I then trimmed down and glued to the backside of the lid, sandwiching a wooden popsicle stick in between.
• I decorated the back with a few elephant stickers, then covered the entire thing with a coat of Mod Podge.
• After allowing it to dry overnight, I used red vinyl electrical tape to seal and finish the edges.

• I used a hot glue gun to put the box back together, minus the lid. I sealed the seams with red vinyl electrical tape for security.
• I replaced the flimsy short string handle with a piece of raffia, holding it in place with hot glue.
• I trimmed the wax paper bag and used it to line the box for a little extra protection. I then placed a layer of decorative pebbles in the bottom.
• I tucked the plants into the box, adding decorative stones around and on top to hold them in place.
• Finally, I pushed the wooden stick of the label down into the box, to appear as it the lid of the box is open and plant is bursting out.

A Few Notes:

• Although the Mod Podge makes the box stronger and somewhat water-resistant, you’re still likely to have some water escape. Always place the box on a water-proof surface or use a protective dish underneath.
• The string is for decoration only – don’t try to hold the box by the string without supporting the bottom.
• Succulents are best for this project as they require little water. There are a number of them with fun animal names, too – check out this list for ideas:
  • Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)
  • Tiger’s Jaw (Faucaria tigrina)
  • Elephant Foot (Dioscorea elephantipes)
  • Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.)
  • Burro’s Tail Sedum (Sedum burrito)
  • Bear’s Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)

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