“I’m a Plant” Planter

This compact “I’m a Plant” planter project is an attractive “biophilic” addition to a desktop, tabletop or shelf in the office or home. The integrated arrow in the letter “t” points to the plant area to proclaim “I’m a Plant” and is sure to get noticed!

Easy to make, this planter makes a great gift and/or an item to sell at craft shows or your online store!

STEP 1 – Upload Project

Open the Designer software and open the included project file(s). You can then simply compile (upload) the project(s) to your memory card.

When you compile, you may or may not get a pop-up window with an “Auto-Jig”

warning message. If you do see the message, you may safely click on “Ignore” because our actual boards will be large enough that it won’t be an issue. 

After the project is compiled, select “Normal or Best” for the File Quality setting. Click “OK” to upload to your memory card. 

NOTE: Carve times are as follows:

Good – 47 min.

Best – 1 hour 12 min.

Take and insert the card into your 

machine and load the project board. 

Turn your machine on and proceed with Step 2… 

STEP 2 – Carving

Run through the setup steps and carve the project.

Once the carving is finished, remove it from the machine and vacuum or blow off any excess sawdust.

STEP 3 – Separate Parts and Initial Sanding

Now that the project is carved, you will need to separate all the pieces from the tabs using a sharp chisel.

Sand front details.

STEP 4 – Assembly and Finish Prep 

Glue the middle sections together (don’t glue the back or front panels on yet). Tack in position with a pin nailer or CA glue, if you wish. Clamp or weigh down until dry.

When dry, sand the interior. Sand by hand starting with coarse-grit and progressing to finer grits or use a spindle sander to make the job go quickly.

Glue the front and back panels to the assembly. Clamp or weigh down until dry.

Sand the outer perimeter to smooth and blend the seams nicely. Sand by hand or use power tools. Use a 1″ belt sander to make the job go quickly.

STEP 5 – Apply Finish 

Apply the finish of your choice. Here’s what I used on the sample made from Select Pine:

• Applied two coats thinned Bulls Eye SealCoat (50/50 SealCoat and denatured alcohol)
• Sanded lightly between coats
• Painted the lettering with a green acrylic paint pen
• Several light coats Krylon Clear Acrylic overall

FINAL

Apply some self-stick cork sheet on the underside to protect surfaces, if desired. Place an artificial plant into the container section and pack with florist moss to

finish your “I’m A Plant” Planter project!