Handpainted bright checks make this pot stand out in the crowd.

You'll need:

24cm terracotta pot
All-purpose sealer (water-based)
1 inch bristle basecoat brush
FolkArt Acrylic Gouache paints in the colours: Oyster Pearl, Amethyst, Dioxazine Purple
Tape measure
Chalk pencil
Scotch Magic Tape
½ inch flat brush
Good-quality varnish brush
Satin varnish (water-based)

Here's how

1 Seal the pot inside and outside with all-purpose sealer and allow it to dry.

2 Using the basecoat brush, apply one or two coats of Oyster Pearl inside the pot and out and allow it to dry.

3 Use the tape measure and chalk pencil to draw the check design onto the pot. To accommodate the shape of the pot they will need to taper upwards: the width should vary from about 4cm at the base of the pot to about 7cm at the rim and the height of each row should be adjusted so that the squares look even (that is, they should be taller towards the top). Use the Magic Tape to mask around the outside of the checks that will be purple.

4 Make the purple paint mix using one part Amethyst and one part Dioxazine Purple. With a ½ inch flat brush, paint each purple square. You may need several coats to create a solid colour.

5 When the paint is completely dry, remove the tape. Use the ½ inch flat brush and Oyster Pearl paint to touch up any marks left by the removal of the tape.

6 Let the pot dry for 24 hours. Apply two or three coats of satin varnish with the varnish brush.

Tip: varnishing is essential to protect the painted finish. You should not transfer plants to decorated pots before they are varnished.

Source: Making Beautiful Trims, Edges and Finishing Touches (Murdoch Books)