DIY Hobnail Planter – A Simple Vintage-Inspired Craft

Create a charming DIY hobnail planter with simple Dollar Tree supplies. A vintage-inspired craft that’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly!

A while back, I decided our master bathroom needed a little something—a cozy touch of green near the sink to warm up the space. I looked online for a small vintage-style planter, but goodness… the prices were more than I wanted to spend. That’s when I had one of those “aha!” moments in the middle of Dollar Tree (don’t you love when that happens?).

I spotted a pack of jewel stickers in the craft section and instantly thought of the classic hobnail glass I’ve always loved. Just like that, this little DIY hobnail glass planter idea came to life. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple. If you can stick on a sticker and brush on some paint, you can make this.

Let me show you how!

What you’ll need:

• Jewel Stickers – Found in the craft section at Dollar Tree. I used about 1.5 sheets for my bowl.
• Fish Bowl – My Dollar Tree only had ones with a fluted rim, so I grabbed this one at Walmart for $1.97. It ended up being perfect—the fluted edge gives it that vintage hobnail charm.
• Paint – I used white chalk paint (also from Walmart) because it sticks so well to glass, but a spray paint with primer would probably work too!

How to Make a DIY Hobnail Glass Planter

This project is about as easy as they come, which is my kind of craft. It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and leaves you with a sweet little vintage-style piece you’ll love using. Here’s exactly what I did:

Step 1: Apply the Stickers

Start by sticking the jewel stickers directly onto your glass bowl in even rows. This part takes a little patience—getting the rows straight isn’t as easy as it looks, and mine are definitely not perfect. But that’s part of the charm, right?

The stickers come off the sheet in strips, which makes the process quicker. For smaller areas, I just cut a piece of the strip to fit. One helpful tip: the adhesive sets pretty quickly once the stickers are on the glass, so try to get your placement close to right on the first try. They don’t like to budge!

Step 2: Paint

Once you’re happy with how your sticker “hobnails” are placed, it’s time to paint. I used a few coats of white chalk paint to give it that classic opaque finish. Chalk paint is my go-to for glass—it sticks beautifully without needing primer. But if you prefer spray paint, just be sure it’s made to bond with glass, or you might run into peeling or scratching later.

Let each coat dry before applying the next, and keep going until you’re happy with the coverage.

What is Hobnail Glass?

If you’re not familiar with hobnail glass, take a peek at some vintage hobnail glass pieces to see what inspired this project. The raised dots and soft texture feel so classic and timeless—especially when painted in a matte white.

This little DIY hobnail planter mimics that same old-fashioned charm on a shoestring budget.

How to Style It

I used mine as a little planter, but honestly? It would be so pretty with a candle inside, too. Picture it glowing on a shelf or tucked into a cozy corner. You could even use it to hold cotton balls or bath salts in a guest bathroom. So many possibilities!

Yes, You Can Make This

I’ve heard it so many times—“I’m just not crafty.” But friend, if you can stick on a few stickers and swipe on some paint, then yes, you are crafty. This project is one of those wins that feels so satisfying without taking hours of time or a pile of supplies.

It’s the kind of old-fashioned homemaking I love—taking something simple and turning it into something beautiful. That same spirit inspired my post, Why Great Grandma Could Do It All, if you need a little reminder of the beauty in simplicity.

Want More Easy DIY Ideas?

If you enjoyed this project, you might also love this DIY Farmhouse Crown Molding tutorial—it’s been a reader favorite and brings vintage charm to any room. Or check out how to decorate with free botanical prints for another thrifty, timeless home update.

I’d love to know if you’ve made anything lately or if you try this DIY hobnail planter! Leave a comment and tell me what you’re working on—I always enjoy hearing from you.

Thanks for spending a bit of your day with me. Until next time, keep creating a home that brings you joy.

With grace and glue,
Amanda