Monday, March 16, 2026

DIY Plant Stand from Plywood

 

DIY Plant Stand from Plywood (Easy Weekend Woodworking Project)

If you're anything like me, your plant collection slowly turns into a jungle…and suddenly you realize you need somewhere to actually put them all.

That’s exactly how this DIY planter stand project started.

I wanted something simple, modern, and easy to build using basic tools. This project uses plywood and a few simple cuts to create a clean-looking plant stand that’s sturdy, customizable, and perfect for showing off your favorite plants.

The best part? You don’t need a huge shop full of tools to make it. A jigsaw, sander, and some basic woodworking tools will get the job done.

If you'd rather watch the build, I documented the entire process in this video:

Below I'll break down the process so you can build one yourself.


Why I Built This Planter Stand

I love projects that are:

• Simple
• Useful
• Customizable
• Made from leftover materials

This project checks all those boxes.

Plant stands are also a great beginner woodworking project because they don't require complex joinery or expensive materials. Many DIY designs can be built with just basic cutting, sanding, and simple assembly techniques.

Plus, they instantly elevate your space and make houseplants look way more intentional.


Materials

For this build I used:

• ¾" plywood
• wood glue
• screws
• sandpaper
• finish (optional — paint, stain, or clear coat)

You can easily build this project from scrap plywood or leftover shop material.


Tools Used

Tools for this build were pretty minimal:

• Table saw (for breaking down plywood)
• Jigsaw
• Drill/driver
• Clamps
• Orbital sander

If you don't have a table saw, most home improvement stores will cut down sheets of plywood for you.


Step 1: Break Down the Plywood

I started by breaking down a sheet of plywood into smaller, more manageable pieces.

This is usually the first step in most of my builds, especially when working with larger sheets. Once the material is easier to handle, it becomes much simpler (and safer) to cut the smaller parts needed for the project.


Step 2: Cut Out the Stand Pieces

Next I cut out the pieces that make up the structure of the planter stand.

A jigsaw works great for this because it allows you to easily cut curves or shapes in plywood. Many simple woodworking projects rely on a jigsaw for shaping parts when a table saw alone isn't enough.

Take your time here and focus on keeping the cuts smooth and consistent.


Step 3: Sand Everything Smooth

After all the pieces were cut, I sanded everything down.

This step is important not only for looks but also for safety — sharp edges and splinters are no fun.

I usually start with a coarser grit and work my way up to a finer grit to get a smooth finish.


Step 4: Assemble the Stand

Once everything was sanded, it was time to assemble the planter stand.

Using wood glue and screws, I joined the pieces together and clamped everything until it set.

This type of assembly is simple but strong and perfect for a project like this.


Step 5: Finishing the Stand

At this point you can choose how you want the stand to look.

Some finishing options include:

• leaving the plywood natural
• staining the wood
• painting the stand
• adding a clear protective finish

If the stand will be around plants and water, applying a protective finish is a good idea.


The Finished DIY Plant Stand

The final result is a clean, modern planter stand that works great for houseplants, small pots, or even decorative objects.

One of the things I love about this project is how easily it can be customized.

You can:

• change the height
• adjust the width for different pots
• paint it any color
• build several for a multi-level plant display

And since it's made from plywood, it’s also budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.


Watch the Full Build

If you'd like to see the entire process step-by-step, including all the cuts and assembly, check out the full video here:

๐Ÿ‘‰ https://youtu.be/nv3xnVpT9Dk


Final Thoughts

This is the kind of project I love making — simple, useful, and something you can knock out in an afternoon.

If you end up building one, I'd love to see it.

Tag me on Instagram: @wood_brain


Friday, March 6, 2026

Cyanotype Printing with Sea Treasures | Fabric Prints, Bandannas & DIY Driftwood Hangers


Today I dive into the magical world of cyanotype printing on fabric, using treasures from the sea like seaweed, seashells, and coral to create one-of-a-kind ocean-inspired prints. This was such a fun learning experience—I'll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and everything I learned along the way. Whether you're curious about cyanotype, ocean-inspired art, or just love DIY projects, I hope you enjoy watching as much as I enjoyed making these prints.



I experimented with both pre-treated fabric and DIY chemical mixing, creating custom-sized fabric sheets to print on. After exposing my cyanotype prints in the sun, I brought them inside to our guest bathroom, where I washed them in a bathtub using water and hydrogen peroxide to develop the final deep blue tones.
Once everything dried completely, I pressed each piece with an iron and cleaned up the edges using electric fabric shears and Fray Check to prevent fraying. I also sewed pockets at the top and bottom of each piece to keep the fabric taut for display, then hung them from ocean-collected driftwood that I cleaned and soaked in bleach water before drying it thoroughly. I also made a small batch of 100% cotton bandannas, fully sewn on the edges and printed with cyanotypes of coral, seashells, and seaweed. A limited run of these bandannas will be available on my website if you want to snag one!
Supplies used:– Cyanotype chemicals (pre-mixed + DIY kit)– 100% cotton fabric– Hydrogen peroxide– Driftwood– Fray Check– Electric fabric shears Stay Connected ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @Wood_Brain ๐Ÿ’› Support on Patreon: Support Here ๐Ÿ“ง Business Inquiries: WoodBrainLZ@gmail.com ๐ŸŽฅ Filmed with: Canon Rebel SL3 ๐ŸŽฅ Filmed with: Canon GX7 Mark II ๐ŸŽฌ Edited in Adobe Premiere Pro ๐ŸŽต Music by Epidemic Sound