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Make rare planters re-using home junk

by M.C. Langer on May 29, 2010 Table of Contents Make rare planters re-using home junk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Make rare planters re-using home junk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: As always, the initial and useful Blablabla: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Planter Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 5 5

Step 3: Bobby Da Crab! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Step 4: Globule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Step 5: More ideas? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Author:M.C. Langer

Mario Caicedo Langer I'm Mario Caicedo Langer, A.K.A. "Cyborg". I'm a colombian sculptor who makes toys, accessories, crafts, props, planters, some strange weapons and a lot of vibrobots, using ordinary stuff (damaged toys and hardware, deodorant tops, computer pieces, whatever across my way). Follow me on Facebook: "Mario Caicedo Langer: Basura Desencadenada (Trash Unleashed)" All rights reserved. VIVA COLOMBIA!!!!

Intro: Make rare planters re-using home junk

(UPDATE: Check out for my new robo-planters pictures: http://www.instructables.com/id/New-Robo-planters/) Tired of simple or sissy planters? Do you want more attitude flowerpots? Well, it's your lucky day, because today's instructable is about how to make planters using cheap stuff. Due to the extremist group "Sons of the Atari" protests (see "Rob Zombie" comments), I won't use joysticks (just kidding, boys!) but a damaged coffee machine funnel, a feet deodorant cap and a Cologne cap for these "three amigos". What about the green? I will plant cactus, because they will look beautiful in the smaller pots, don't need so much water and will be awesome as the "robo-planters" pilots! (and my friends of Cyclus Ecodesign want to buy my planters with cactus especifically, so my daffodils have to wait). Well... LET'S GET GREEN!!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Step 1: As always, the initial and useful Blablabla:

First, remember M.C. Langer building rules: 1. If you don't have it, replace it! 2. Use protective equipment (dust mask and goggles) 3. Beware of drilled and soldered hot surfaces 4. Work in a good ventilated area. 5. Always have junk in stock 6. Enjoy! (7. Don't put your thumb on the way of a high speed drill bit. It hurts... a lot!!!) TOOLS tweezers screwdivers scalpel pliers Dremel Rotary Tool And don't forget instant glue for fix the joints.

Step 2: Planter Man

Do you remember those Mega Man's classic enemies? Well, I always wanted to do something like that. So, meet Planter Man, Master of the Garden Stage!!! MATERIALS: 1 damaged coffee machine funnel 2 Oven knobs 8 iron pieces for picture frame 2 small iron angles 1 roll-on deodorant balls screws and nuts Copper wire Rubber hose (for the wire) 1 Heat gun nozzle (What I did with the rest of my damaged heat gun? Wait for my next instructable!) 1 plastic cap (for the hand) 2 plastic cylinders that fit with the nozzle and the cap.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. The funnel

Image Notes 1. Drill the oven knobs. Did you remember my Valentine's Robogrinch?

Image Notes 1. Fix the pieces to the knob. Use screws and nuts. Make two legs.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Fix both legs to the funnel.

Image Notes 1. This will be the face.

Image Notes 1. Cut in half the deodorant ball.

Image Notes 1. Toy cylinder 2. Heat gun nozzle.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Fit the nozzle in the cylinder and fix with screws.

Image Notes 1. Fix an angle for the elbow. Use screw.

Image Notes 1. Now, use two iron pieces for the rest of the arm.

Image Notes 1. Camera roll container

Image Notes 1. Drill three holes for the fingers. 2. Drill one hole for the thumb. 3. Plastic cap.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Fix the pieces in the same way of the gun arm.

Image Notes 1. Bend in "U" shape two wire pieces.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Introduce the wires for the hand fingers.

Image Notes 1. Cut four sections of rubber hose, for the fingers.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Cut the surplus. 2. Glue the hoses to the hand.

Image Notes 1. Paint it black.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Hand ready.

Image Notes 1. Fit the hand to the rest of the arm.

Image Notes 1. Fix the eyes to the funnel, using black screws.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. For avoid the robot falls below, I put some weight on the back section. I use an iron ball, assured with a plastic frame. 2. Hole for the water excess.

Image Notes 1. Fix the arms to the body, using screws and nuts.

Step 3: Bobby Da Crab!

My first planter is an angry crab. Don't mess with him, because has powerful nippers for... well, for put important notes. It will look awesome with a cactus. MATERIALS: 1 Cylindric deodorant cap 2 small iron angles 16 iron small pieces for picture frame 2 black vents (from a joystick) 2 roll-on deodorant balls Copper wire Rubber hose (for the wire) 2 alligator clips screws and nuts 2 black plastic pieces for the eyebrows

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Iron pieces for picture frame. We will use two for every leg.

Image Notes 1. Use the pliers for make straight legs.

Image Notes 1. Join the pieces using screws and nuts.

Image Notes 1. Fix the angles to the cap bottom. Use screws and nuts.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Make eight legs.

Image Notes 1. Use a longer screw for one of the angles.

Image Notes 1. Put four legs in each angle.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Drill a hole in the center of the cap, for the plant's water excess.

Image Notes 1. Then, you must have something like a spider.

Image Notes 1. Make two drills, one for each side of the body. They will be for the arms.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Introduce copper wire for the arms. 2. Round the wire in the longest screw. Then , fix it with a ring and a nut.

Image Notes 1. String the vents on the wire.

Image Notes 1. Now, string the hoses.

Image Notes 1. Cut the wire and made an angle for fit the alligator clip. Make the same with the other arm.

Image Notes 1. Insert the alligator clips in each arm.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Drill two holes on the front, for the eyes.

Image Notes 1. Wash and disinfect two deodorant balls, and drill one center hole in each one.

Image Notes 1. Use screws for fix the eyeballs to the body.

Image Notes 1. Decorate the eyes with black screws and rings.

Image Notes 1. Fix eyebrows (I use pieces of 3D movie glasses). Use screws.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Step 4: Globule
I can't resist any metallic half sphere. I love to make "Batteries Not Included" like robots. But this time, I turned up the sphere, and made the ideal vehicle for those cactus who like to walking around the streets. MATERIALS: 1 half metallic sphere (You can find it in some Cologne caps, like "Boss in Motion" by Hugo Boss and its cheap imitations, like this case) 2 iron pieces for picture frame 2 electric sockets 2 metallic clips form car lighter plugs 4 small iron angles 2 Oven knobs A damaged camera lens screws and nuts

Image Notes 1. Iron pieces 2. Sockets 3. clips from car plugs.

Image Notes 1. Open the socket and introduce the clip.

Image Notes 1. Close the socket. It will be the hand.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Fix the iron piece to the socket. Use screw and nut for the elbow.

Image Notes 1. Cologne cap 2. Angles 3. Oven knobs (for the feet)

Image Notes 1. Drill two holes in the bottom of the sphere, for the feet.

Image Notes 1. Bend the angles to almost 45.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Image Notes 1. Fix the angles to the sphere. Use screws and nuts.

Image Notes 1. Now, fix the knobs to the angles.

Image Notes 1. Drill a hole on each side, and fix the arms.

Image Notes 1. Now, fix the camera lens to the front of the robot.

Image Notes 1. Hole for the water excess.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Step 5: More ideas?

This is an example of how replacing stuff when you don't have it. I went to the junkyard and I found a black cylindrical aluminum case. Use two clock bells and one parfum cap, and you can make another caracter in the same way of Globule. With the other half of the Cologne sphere, I made a Globule 2.0, using a damaged circuit as eye. Now, it's up to you!!!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Related Instructables

Make a planter out of random science junk by solmstea

New Roboplanters!!! (Photos) by M.C. Langer

Vertical Garden by n.metivier

Matt's Original Inverted Planter a.k.a IPlanter. by mattl

Go Green Upside Down Hanging Planters by DebH57

Successful Container Gardening by DebH57

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 78 comments

Sekiha_tenkyoken says:
Are those christmas cacti in the first picture?

Feb 28, 2011. 4:48 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

I think so. :-)

Feb 28, 2011. 5:54 PM REPLY

jefrimonday says:
very creative i wanna...

Jan 5, 2011. 7:32 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks Jefri!!!

Jan 5, 2011. 7:44 PM REPLY

bonglim72 says:
very creative and imaginative, not to mention earth friendly

Sep 18, 2010. 2:32 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks!! :-)

Sep 18, 2010. 8:00 AM REPLY

LobosSolos says:

Jun 6, 2010. 2:03 AM REPLY So, how many times did it take before rule 7 stuck? I ask this because from your comment it seem like you know and also, rules are made after someone has done what the rule is against.

Goodhart says:
Normally it only takes ONE running a drill bit through one's appendage to "drive the message home", you might say :-)

Jul 22, 2010. 8:04 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Jun 6, 2010. 2:29 PM REPLY Well, when I was in the Navy, there was a saying: "Seguridad mat Confianza" ["Security (or safety) kills confidence"]. The meaning is that when a man get too much confidente, he can make mistakes because he thinks he's an expert, and lose the healthy fear. When I was making the Globule, I hurt my thumb with the drill because of this. Well, lesson learned!!

Pe-ads says:
I assume you mean "Confidence kills safety", not the other way round :-) Still, good maxim. Sounds like something you should frame in your workshop :D

Dec 16, 2010. 1:20 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks! :-)

Dec 16, 2010. 6:15 PM REPLY

sculptur says:
where do you get the electric sockets oh and these things are awsome

Jul 21, 2010. 1:17 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks Sculptur!!! Well, try in an electronic components store. I don't know if you cand find those in a Radioshack.

Jul 21, 2010. 8:32 PM REPLY

TNikolas says:
Thanks to you Mr. Kipkai

Jul 19, 2010. 10:58 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Obscure and Obscene says:

that's my robo-planter! he's waiting for a green wig....;) wonderful instructable dude hasta la vista baby

Jul 3, 2010. 10:49 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

WOW!! Awesome, Obscure!!!! What's its name?????? And thank you!!! No problema!!!!!

Jul 3, 2010. 12:12 PM REPLY

Holcan says:
I love this robot! I think ill make one, thou its the first time I make something... Where did you get the iron pieces??

Jun 15, 2010. 9:01 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Jun 15, 2010. 9:05 AM REPLY Thanks Holcan! Try in Hardware Stores or in a marquetry. This piece is what you put behind some pictures to hang them in a nail on your wall.

TSC says:
Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jun 14, 2010. 10:47 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks!!!!

Jun 14, 2010. 11:02 AM REPLY

TSC says:
You're welcome!!!!

Jun 14, 2010. 12:21 PM REPLY

vektor says:
that is a brilliant idea! ill try making some myself, see how they turn out. Thanks for the instructable! :D

Jun 10, 2010. 10:57 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thank you very much, Vektor!!!

Jun 11, 2010. 9:26 AM REPLY

el santo says:
Enhorabuena, Mario!!!!!! :D

Jun 10, 2010. 2:01 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Gracias amigo!!!!!

Jun 10, 2010. 7:02 AM REPLY

yags says:
Your robot planters are amazing! I'm going to have to try and make one :)

Jun 9, 2010. 1:50 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thank you very much Yags!!! I will be waiting for your planters!!!

Jun 9, 2010. 8:40 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

nickodemus says:
That Globule guy is really nice looking. Voted for you in the contest, hope you win!

Jun 8, 2010. 8:54 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thank you Nickodemus!!!! You are the BEST!

Jun 8, 2010. 8:56 PM REPLY

Mr.kipkai says:
nice nice nice ! I'm ready to make some ! thaks for the 'able !

Jun 7, 2010. 12:56 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks to you Mr. Kipkai!!!

Jun 7, 2010. 3:16 PM REPLY

Mehehehful says:
FIVE STARS. love it. so creative, soooo awesome.

Jun 1, 2010. 8:27 PM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thank you very much Mehehehful!!!!!!!!! :-)

Jun 1, 2010. 8:29 PM REPLY

Mehehehful says:
No problem. :)

Jun 6, 2010. 9:00 PM REPLY

Nanilk says:
Wooooooooooooooooooooooow, simplemente me gusto.

Jun 4, 2010. 11:05 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Gracias Nanilk!!!!!!!!!

Jun 4, 2010. 3:42 PM REPLY

stitchdiva says:
This is the best robot planter, EVER!!!!! Yay, Mario!!!!

Jun 3, 2010. 11:29 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks my beautiful Jen!!!!! YEAH!!!!! :-) Te quiero, hermosa!!!!!!

Jun 3, 2010. 11:33 AM REPLY

Ninzerbean says:
Brilliant!

Jun 3, 2010. 10:04 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks Ninzerbean!!!!!

Jun 3, 2010. 10:10 AM REPLY

sleeepy2 says:
That Instructable was worth it for the wire-finger hand alone. I will be making that!

Jun 3, 2010. 8:39 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Jun 3, 2010. 9:03 AM REPLY Thanks Sleepy!!!!! Well, everyone has his favorites. Two beautiful ladies asked me for Bobby Da Crab. Now, I have to make two more. The ideas was to make rare planters for everyone likes. I love Planter Man for its Mega Man Mini-Boss similarity. Electronics geeks love the Globules, and girls love bulging eyes crabs. I'm making more rare planters, so stay tunned!!! :-)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/

Fataljunkie says:
Omg, these are rather epic, *hunts in shed* im gonna try make one now :D

Jun 3, 2010. 6:59 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thank you Fataljunkie!!!!!!!! :-)

Jun 3, 2010. 7:20 AM REPLY

Mr.Sanchez says:
Voticos...? se le have...UKWIM...SUERTE....!

Jun 2, 2010. 9:55 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Gracias por su voto, Compadre!!!!!! :-)

Jun 2, 2010. 1:51 PM REPLY

vivibolivar says:
Awesome!!! as always my dear cyborg!

Jun 2, 2010. 8:37 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thank you, my dear Miss Bolivar!!!!

Jun 2, 2010. 8:39 AM REPLY

luckymehere says:
Love it, I think I'm gonna try to make one too...

Jun 2, 2010. 2:47 AM REPLY

M.C. Langer says:

Thanks Lucky!!! I want to see your planter! :-)

Jun 2, 2010. 5:56 AM REPLY

view all 78 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-rare-planters-re-using-home-junk/