How to Make Flowers from Plastic Tablecloths

How to Make Flowers from Plastic Tablecloths (That Last Through Every Season!)

Learn how to make vibrant DIY flowers from plastic tablecloths using this easy, budget-friendly tutorial. These weatherproof faux blooms are perfect for outdoor decor, from garden beds to porch planters, and they won’t fade or wilt in the summer sun. Whether you’re decorating a wagon wheel wreath or adding charm to your backyard, this upcycled project proves that pretty doesn’t have to mean pricey.

Just the other day, I was talking to a friend on the telly, and she was complaining about the prices of flowers. Now me? I don’t get all worked up about a flat of flowers because I know what’s going to happen — they’ll die. They always do. I learned a long time ago that flowers come here to pass, never flourish. It's just the way things are, so I don't even try anymore.

While I was hmming and ohhing about her flower woes, a little lightbulb flicked on upstairs. What do you do when flowers are too expensive to buy — and artificial ones are creeping up in price too? (Yep, I checked. Of course they are!) I didn’t dare mention it to her mid-vent, but I tucked it away and started dreaming up a new idea.

If it worked — hooray! Another affordable way to “grow” flowers without the stress. And if not? Well, I wouldn’t be out much. 

Now, if you’re anything like me, you might over-love or under-love your blooms. I do both. If they can’t make it by God's grace alone, then they’re probably not surviving around here. I tend to forget about them... or give them too much water and they drown. Poor babies.

When I started this project, it was really more of an experiment. But deep down, I had a sneaking suspicion my little idea might just work. And I already knew exactly where I’d put the first batch of my DIY blooms.

If you've been here a while, then you know plastic tablecloths and I go way back. I’ve made wreaths with them before — it’s kind of a thing around here. But this time? I wanted to take the concept up a notch and make something a little different.

DIY Plastic Tablecloth Flowers: A Budget-Friendly Garden Hack

Materials:

• 3 plastic tablecloths (still $1.00 at Walmart, I checked!)

• 1 wagon wheel wreath form (you can find them at Dollar Tree)

• Scissors

Note: No, I did not measure my strips — I just go with it. Life’s too short to be serious all the time.

Instructions:

1. Cut tablecloths into 1" wide strips, about 7–8 inches long depending on how full you want your flowers. 

2. Take a strip, wrap it around a spoke of the wagon wheel, and tie a knot. I began with the very center and worked my way out. 

3. Slide the knotted strip to the center of the wheel.

4. Keep tying strips until every spoke is tightly covered. They should be snug, with little movement.

5. Trim any pieces that look too long or wonky.

6. Place your flower wheel outside in a planter or stake it directly into the ground in your flower beds.

Whew! What I thought would be a quick craft ended up taking me three and a half days. Usually I can whip out a wreath in a day, but all those spokes really tested me. Still, I have to say — I think my faux flowers turned out daaaling, donchathink?

Can you believe this project cost zero dollars? I have a stash of plastic tablecloths in the basement — doesn’t everyone? No? Well, you’d be amazed at all we have down there just waiting for a makeover.

Let’s break it down: for just $4.50, I made enough faux flowers to fill an entire tin. My friend would’ve spent three times that on real blooms that wouldn’t last a month. No thank you! I’ll take my no-maintenance flower wheel and see how many years I can squeeze out of it.

I almost bought a green tablecloth to add “leaves,” but I stopped myself. Gotta stick to my no-spend promise. Maybe next year.

You Might Be Wondering…

Will the plastic tablecloth hold up outside?
Yes! I made a white tablecloth wreath last year and hung it on our garden gate. It survived winter in Ohio — snow, ice, and all — and it still looks great.

The rock garden is great, does anyone know how to keep my neighbor's ivy from coming under the fence? 

Is this an easy craft?
Absolutely. If you can tie a knot, you can make this. It’s time-consuming, yes, but simple. And simple is my usual modus operandi  — I like everyone to feel like they can jump in and try.

Can you use this as a wreath?
Of course! I used mine to fill a tin and add color to our rock garden, but this project is flexible. You could hang it on your front door or even inside.

Seriously, Cara, you’re calling this flowers?
You bet I am. I might not be able to grow them, but I can sure create something that brings joy and color without needing water or sunshine. Times are tough, and creativity is free. That’s something I cling to.

I thought about pulling the ivy before photos, but I like to keep it real around here

More Ways to Use DIY Tablecloth Flowers

Not a green thumb? No problem. These no-water, no-wilt flowers can be used in so many creative ways around your home and garden. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

• Add them to a rusty tin or planter like I did — instant curb appeal with a vintage touch.

• Stake them into flower beds to bring cheerful color where blooms won’t grow.

• Make a wreath using a wire frame or wagon wheel form for your front door, garden gate, or porch wall.

• Use them as party decor — think birthday parties, baby showers, or tea parties. They’d look darling on tables or as photo booth backdrops.

• Decorate a child’s room with a cluster of soft pastel or rainbow flowers on the wall.

• Create seasonal variations — red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July, or red and green for Christmas along your fence.

• Tuck one into a gift bag or tie it onto a present as a reusable “bow” that doubles as decor. It would need to be a small frame, or one large gift, but it works either way.

Honestly, the only limit is your imagination. These flowers are light, flexible, and fun — and they’ll never wilt, no matter the weather.

What is up with the bind weed? Anyone know how to get rid of it? I pull it out of the fence everyday!

Other than the bind weed and ivy, our rock garden is awesome, no weeds!

I’ve even been toying with the idea of making these for our wrought iron fences out front — can you imagine how cute they’d be for Christmas with red and white tablecloths? I held off this time (no-spend year and all), but maybe next season.

The wagon wheel wreath form worked well for giving these flowers a full, circular shape. No wheel? No problem. I also considered tying dental floss across a basic wreath form like a spider web to create a similar effect. The wheel’s just a bit less fussy in the long run.

I am so glad we decided to do this project, although I do not think either of us thought it would be a big project, we were wrong

I am loving my faux flowers!

Let’s Chat for a Minute

This little project reminded me of something I heard the other day.

I was listening to another creator recently. She said something that stuck with me:

“We always find a way to create.”

She was talking about sewing and how JoAnn Fabrics closing could affect everything — from fabric shopping to McCall’s patterns possibly going out of business. It gave me pause.

That line stuck with me — we always find a way to create.

It’s not about giving up or throwing in the towel. It’s about staying true to yourself, even when the materials change.

I think back to my childhood trips to JoAnn Fabric with my mom, sitting in those blue plastic chairs — some visits I loved, others I dreaded. But the memory stuck. And hearing that McCall's patterns may go out of business? That hit me. Are we moving away from homemade?

I don’t think so. Not as long as there are folks like us who keep finding ways to create.

When I thought about starting a blog nearly five years ago, a friend told me, “You really know how to stretch a dollar — I know others would like to see your creativity too.” And here I am, still sharing ideas. I always try to make sure my ideas are creative, budget-friendly, and fun.

Maybe the big room change-ups slowed down, but the joy I’ve found in upcycling, reinventing, and sharing it with you? That’s been the biggest win.

You don’t need fancy supplies or big budgets. You just need to believe that what you make matters.

Don’t let anyone steal your sparkle. We’ll keep creating — together.

Next time you're staring at your sad flower beds or overwhelmed by the price of decor, remember — you can always create your own. Use what you already have. Be bold. Be playful. And keep making.

We’ll find a way. We always do.

Ciao,

Cara