DIY Origami Wall Planter + Munchkin Maker Mamas Workshop

Last month I gathered a group of local Austin mamas for the second Munchkin Maker Mamas workshop to learn to make a simple canvas and leather origami wall planter. This series, generously sponsored by Munchkin, is a unique opportunity for moms to come to a craft workshop where childcare is provided on-site so they can enjoy some creative time while the kids enjoy snacks, games, and toys nearby.

When I came up with the idea, the goal was to support moms in their roles as caretakers and nurturers by eliminating as many obstacles as possible for them to come together and create. The first workshop, back in March, had an amazing energy and this second one exceeded expectations as well.

Because so many of my friends and readers don’t live nearby, I’ve included a full tutorial for the DIY origami wall planter at the end of this post so you can make one of your own!I designed this wall planter after experimenting with several types of hanging planters. As much as I love them, it turns out that it is really hard to find the perfect place to hang a planter from the ceiling. I loved the idea of creating a simple, hearty planter that would be able to hang on the wall as a piece of art, as part of a gallery wall, in a row of three, or simply as an accent and a way to bring life into the room.

The planter is created from canvas and leather, with a brass D ring for hanging. It fits a ceramic pot perfectly, so the plant can be watered while it’s on the wall without worrying about the water leaking. I’ve loved having mine up, and was so excited to share the steps with a group of maker mamas.
In experimenting with different event venues, I reached out to an AirBNB owner regarding using his home to host the event and he heartily agreed. It was really nice to have a house with a kitchen for the catering, a fridge to keep drinks cold, a nearby bathroom, and the whole comfortable living room for the kids to use as their play area.
As each attendee arrived the kids all received their Miracle Cup and Snack Catcher filled with snacks. They met the babysitters and started working on stacking blocks, creating art with stickers, and making music with the Mozart Magic Cubes. Moms were invited to grab a drink and snack themselves, choose a seat, and settle in for the workshop.
The creative energy in my workshops is always so contagious. Everyone is excited to be learning, and especially when teaching moms you can feel the gratitude they have for the chance to spend a couple hours working with both hands free, making something outside of their usual routine.
The room was filled with laughter, chatter, and excitement. One by one the attendees finished up their planters and the enthusiasm was awesome.

When working with a large group of people for a workshop (this one had 14 attendees) I try to ensure the project is simple enough to complete in the time allowed, but also includes some new tools or techniques so everyone is sure to learn something. I think this wall planter nailed that combination.
Of course every great workshop has swag involved, and Munchkin was so nice to provide all of the attendees with a bunch of favorite products including their Lil’ Apple Plates (which my kids use daily), the Waterpede bath toy, an Ice Heart Teether, pack of Lift spoons, and a Drink Pod for mom, which is one of my personal favorites. The extending gate gave the kids a safe, defined area to play in with the sitters while also giving moms a break.
For dessert everyone ate ice cream from our very favorite local ice cream shop Lick Honest Ice Creams. They make everything from scratch, using local, natural ingredients for the most awesome flavors. I choose caramel salt lick and blackberry lime basil for this night (topped with fresh blackberries and basil), but some of my other favorites are cilantro lime, too hot chocolate, and goat cheese, thyme, and honey. I mean, really. So good.
After all of the hours of work that go into the designing, planning, and setting up these workshops, I always walk away on cloud nine. They are a truly necessary piece of what I do, and are a breath of fresh air for everyone who comes.

Now that I’ve gushed all about the event that you didn’t attend, I’d love to share a piece of the experience with you! To make the origami wall planter you will need:

(1) 16 in x 16 in piece of canvas (I serged the edges, but you could also use fray-check)
(1) 1 in brass D ring
(2) 4 in square pieces of leather, cut on the diagonal to make 4 triangles
leather hole punch
upholstery thread
needle
this ceramic planter pot
your favorite plant
1. Fold the square of canvas in half and turn the fold to face you

2. Fold the left side up on the diagonal to make 3 triangles as pictured

3. Fold the right side up to match the horizontal line of the previous fold

4. Separate the open top and fold the front triangle down and INSIDE the front flap of the outermost fold of fabric as shown. At this point, the origami should hold itself together. We will stitch it to reinforce that.

5. Gather the leather pieces and punch holes through 3 of the 4 (the last one is extra) around the edge about every 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch from the edge.

6.Thread the needle and stitch a basic stitch from the edge corner of the folded front across to the other corner. Add the leather detail to the front with a basic stitch.

7. On one of the two remaining leather triangles cut two slits, 1 in long and 1 in apart in the center of the base. Thread the D ring up onto the leather piece, and then sandwich the front leather piece, the top of the canvas triangle, and the back leather piece with the D ring together.

8. Stitch all the way around the pieces, securing them onto the canvas planter, and creating the hanging hardware with the D ring.

Add your pot and plant and you’re finished!