In this DIY, we’ll show you how to transform a non-working electric toothbrush into a polymer clay planter. Our beginner-friendly mini planter is a fun, quirky idea that works beautifully for small succulents or air plants. It’s is a great way to keep plastic out of the bin while adding something unique to your shelf, windowsill, or garden nook!

do It Over Designers

We’re all about fun and quirky upcycled planters and we’re sharing this one just in time for this month’s ‘in the garden’ challenge.

This post is part of the Do It Over Designers blog Hop, hosted by Ann at The Apple Street Cottage. We’re a group of bloggers who take something old and/or unused and ‘do it over’ into something new. These items can be found in closets, barns, garages, yard sales, thrift stores, you name it! Be sure to check out the projects at the very end of this post!

Right before I came down with a brutal case of vertigo and unrelenting dizziness, Hubs and I signed up for a polymer clay course. He wasn’t exactly eager to join. But since he had to drive me anyway, he figured he may as well pass the time by taking the class too.

The instructor had plenty of project inspiration on hand, as you can see above. But being the rebel I am, I couldn’t resist putting an upcycled spin on mine. Cue Hubs’ broken electric toothbrush. I hate seeing plastic end up in the garbage, (as I explained when I participated in the eco-conscious Crochet Coral Reef exhibit 5 years ago). So I’m always up for a fun repurpose challenge like this!  

Materials

If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• Acrylic rolling pin
• Sculpey III polymer clay – sampler or individual colours: green, natural, yellow
• Clay modelling tools
• Oven thermometer
• Toaster oven (for baking)
• Non working electric toothbrush
• 3 eyelets

About the Clay We’re Using

There are several types of clay within the Sculpey line, but for this course, we’ll be using Sculpey III for our polymer clay planter. It’s considered a beginner-friendly polymer clay because it’s soft and easy to condition and shape. However, once baked, it can become brittle; especially in thinner areas.

Polymer Clay Planter

First, I conditioned a block of skin-coloured clay. Soften it by warming it up and squishing it in your hands. This part is not fun if you have arthritis, but luckily I have my own clay conditioner: Hubs!

As Hubs was happily making his frog project, he took time out to help me! By the way, for someone who was reluctant to a participate, he couldn’t wait for the next class!

Anyhow, I digress!

Form the Clay

I rolled out the conditioned clay, using spacers to get an even thickness, and traced around my own hand.

Then, I cut out the hand shape and added ‘fingernails’. I also added grooves to represent the knuckles.

Lastly, I flattened the edge at the wrist (for balance, just in case I wanted it to stand).

Baking Considerations

It was looking pretty good but I ran out of time and didn’t want to bake it flat, so I had a week to mull over how to actually form it to look like it was holding electric toothbrush. The course instructor couldn’t offer much advice on that front because my project was, well… a little unconventional!

The beauty of using polymer clay is that doesn’t dry out. It stays soft until it’s baked, so you can continue working.

The following week, I brought along the cardboard roll from a roll of cling wrap, which we rarely use anymore. Luckily, I also packed some parchment paper. When I wrapped the clay hand around the cardboard tube, it wouldn’t stay put, so I secured it by wrapping parchment around it and adding wire at one end.

Because this post is going live before the next class, I used marker on the raw clay to highlight each letter. But I actually recommend you use markers after the polymer clay planter is baked so you don’t get plasticizers from the clay on the nibs.

This set of markers is perfect for getting into stamped lettering because it has both fine and extra-fine dual tips.

Forming the Clay Planter

Next, I formed a little trinket dish of sorts to plant in. The instructor thought I should use a pinch pot technique, but I wanted it more uniform. So when I got home, I rerolled it and cut it with a 4” cookie cutter.

I added an eyelet on the bottom of the dish to strengthen the part that will slip over the electric toothbrush spindle. Although you won’t really see the underneath, I also stamped some butterflies just to see if it would work.

I also rolled a ball of clay and inserted grommets at each end (which will raise the planter, as you’ll see in the reveal). Be sure to fit the clay onto the spindle before it’s baked so it will fit on properly after the polymer clay planter is assembled.

Baking the Hand

Typically the course instructor bakes everyone’s pieces. However, she was too afraid to bake this one as she didn’t want to be responsible for an outcome I might not be happy with. I was actually happy to try this on my own because it’s a great learning experience for me – and I can pass what I learn firsthand (excuse the pun) onto you!

To bake the hand, I put the whole package onto a tray.

Ideally, a polymer clay piece this thick should be slightly elevated off the baking tray so the hand doesn’t flatten during baking. I used binder clips to secure the parchment paper to the cardboard tube to prevent the clay from drooping, then added a second clip underneath for extra height. Regrettably, I only raised one end, which resulted in a slight misalignment of the fingers as it baked. 

Baking Sculpey lll

Bake at 275 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Let it sit in the oven until cool before removing.

There are plenty of opinions online saying polymer clay is non-toxic, and that’s not exactly true. From Sculpey’s website: “at higher temperatures the polymer clay starts to degrade and break down and generate noxious fumes, while not acutely toxic, they are an irritant to the eyes, nose and mouth. We recommend baking at the baking temperature and times listed on the package and using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is reaching and staying at the desired baking temperature”.

With all my sensitivities, there’s no way I’d bake my project indoors. Instead, I use a thrifted toaster oven out in the garage. This particular Black+Decker model is terrible at maintaining an even temperature, so I literally sat there monitoring an oven thermometer the entire time to make sure the heat didn’t fluctuate.

Even with a thermometer, the heat still crept up on me and I ended up with a bit of scorching on the pinkie finger. It’s exactly why baking polymer clay should always be done in a well-ventilated space outdoors or in a garage; overheating will release fumes that you don’t want indoors. Even though this was baked outside, my eyes still stung for hours after, so I was even more diligent to keep the heat in check with my second bake.

Troubleshooting Polymer Clay

If I make this again, I’ll pick up a pair of chopstick holders to support both ends of the tube. I’d also cut the parchment into narrow strips, rather than using one full sheet, so I can better see and adjust the position of the fingers. Once everything was wrapped up, all I could do was keep my fingers crossed that the placement stayed put. Ironically, one of the fingers shifted during baking and actually ended up looking crossed!

Fixing Shifted Pieces

If you ever want to fix a piece that has shifted here are the steps – direct from an email I got back from an inquiry to Sculpey customer service:

“You can usually reheat and gently reposition Sculpey III after baking, but with some caution because Sculpey III is softer and a bit more brittle than some other polymer clays once cured.

Here’s the safest way to try it:

1. Preheat your oven to about 250°F (lower than the normal curing temp).
2. Place the piece on a baking surface and warm it for 2–5 minutes.
3. Check it frequently — you want it slightly warm and flexible, not hot.
4. Carefully nudge or support the shifted area back into place while warm.
5. Let it cool completely before testing the strength.

A few important things:

• This works best for small shifts or bends, not major reshaping.
• Thin pieces are more likely to crack when adjusted.
• If the clay resists movement, stop rather than forcing it.
• You can re-bake polymer clay multiple times as long as it doesn’t scorch.

If the piece does crack:

• You can repair it with liquid polymer clay or fresh clay and re-bake.
• Many artists also use a strong glue after baking for decorative pieces.

For future projects, supports can help prevent shifting during curing:

• Polyester fiberfill
• Crumpled foil
• Baking soda or cornstarch bed
• Cardstock tents or props

A gentle reheating attempt is reasonable with Sculpey III, especially if the movement was minor.”

In the end, I didn’t end up trying to fix this because you can’t actually see the mistake on the final project.

Baking the Dish

I baked the clay on top of this metal dish, but it did get a bit distorted on one side. It isn’t even noticeable if you turn the dish, and I don’t even mind an organic look in this instance. But next time I’ll bake the clay on the inside surface instead to see if there’s a difference in uniformity.

When I baked this piece, I tented it with aluminum foil to prevent scorching/cracking since my toaster oven is so unpredictable.

Assemble the Electric Toothbrush Planter

To display my polymer clay planter, I’m using a live edge wood round. I added a screw on one side.

That will help support the sign once it’s assembled. A dab of hot glue will keep it in place.

Hot glue the electric toothbrush to the base of the wood round. Then add the polymer clay hand. I don’t really find it necessary to glue hand because it basically stays put, but you can if you prefer.

If you like, you can touch up some of the imperfections in the polymer clay with sandpaper. And you can also lift any dust that has settled by gently wiping the surface with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or acetone to dissolve and lift the debris. But I’m still in the throes of that aforementioned dizziness, so I’m keeping my finessing to a minimum these days.

Lastly, you can add some gloss clear coat to the finger nails if you like a shiny look on your nails. I prefer a matte finish, so I didn’t do this.

Durability

Once baked, Sculpey III is waterproof, won’t melt in the summer heat, and doesn’t crumble in the cold (it won’t be out in the winter anyway). Like all plastics, Sculpey III will eventually become brittle and fade after prolonged exposure to direct UV light. So if you have a covered outdoor area, even better.

As for the electric toothbrush, it’s already sealed and waterproof so I think it will be ok exposed to rainy weather. If you are concerned about leaving it outside, display your polymer clay planter indoors. The dish is removable for watering; leave it to drain and pop it back on the spindle.

Reveal

I enjoy the challenge of taking unexpected items, like this electric toothbrush, and reimagining them as planters. You could even say I’ve developed a whole new ‘flossophy on upcycling’! Here is our DIY Polymer Clay Planter nestled in our rock garden (which you can read about in Rock Garden: Low Maintenance Gardening Part 2). All-in-all, I’m pretty thrilled with the result, even with the baking challenges.

Be sure to check out our post on 46 Insanely Amazing Upcycled Planters. It might just change the way you look at items headed for the trash!

I wonder what Hubs will make next time? I knew he would enjoy the course as much as me! I’m having so much fun with polymer clay that I made this DIY bag charm!

Pin Polymer Clay Planter

If you found this upcycle project inspiring or helpful, why not share the love? Pinning is a great way to support our charitable work and helps others discover creative ideas too! Just click the Pin button and save it to your favourite board; you’ll be able to find it later when you’re ready to try it yourself. Every pin makes a big difference and keeps the creativity flowing!

Do It Over Designers

Now, our talented blogger friends have some amazing and inspiring ‘in the garden’ DIYs for you! Don’t forget to visit these posts for more upcycled do-it-over transformations!

• Little Vintage Cottage
• Pandora’s Box
• Purple Hues & Me
• Unique Creations by Anita
• Sum of Their Stories
• Vintage Style Gal
• The Apple Street Cottage
• Birdz of a Feather (that’s us)
• Exquisitely Unremarkable