How to Clean & Repurpose a Copper Planter
Ever wanted to take an old copper kettle and make it something more useful and beautiful? Then, this DIY is for you! Learn this simple hack for upcycling and repurposing tired copper.
1 - Find your copper piece.
I happened to find this beautiful copper planter with blue willow handles at the weekly Misc. & Antique Auction. Once you have your piece, it’s time to begin.
2 - Purchase and gather your materials.
For this simple DIY project, all you need really is a bottle of ketchup.
Squirt ketchup liberally to the entire piece and let sit for about 15 minutes. You can rinse, and check to see if you need to repeat this step. Once you see the ketchup turn really dark, it has absorbed the oxidation and rinse at that time. Repeat until satisfied with the result.
3 - Shine it up!
Rinse completely, really making sure you get all the ketchup out of any hiding places and dry with a clean cloth.
4 - Put it to good use!
Your copper pot is ready to use and here we have lined it with a cloth napkin and filled it with crackers to be used for a fun office party. Just add some meat and cheese (we purchased some from Yoder’s Meat & Cheese located next door) and voila a beautifully themed office charcuterie party platter.
Your copper kettle can be used in a variety of ways:
Store pre-packaged snacks
- Fill with your favorite succulent
- Store your remote-control collection
- Use as a storage container to decrease kitchen or bathroom clutter
- Use for essential items you need to quickly carry from room-to-room
Every week, the antique auction is filled with fun finds and as we continue to share ideas, we hope you begin thinking of some of your own.
Once you have a huge collection, you might just decide it’s time to take the leap and begin your own little side-hustle and sell at the Shipshewana Flea Market.
