Restored Terra Cotta Flower Planter

This is a planter given to me by my best friend to restore...when I got it from her, it was not painted at all, just a plain terra cotta finish.  The interesting thing about this piece was that on each side where the top portion of the leaves are, each leaf pattern is three dimentional.

I simply started with the existing leaf design, and added flowers and expanded the pattern. I am very proud of this piece, and my friend loved how it came out!  In addition, by doing this project, I was able to teach myself a new shading technique for the leaves; because of having to deal with the three dimentional relief design.  It matches the decor of her house very well.

I really enjoy taking a simple and unfinished piece of pottery and creating something totally different with it.  I have had much success with these hand painted pots, and I receive many compliments on them.