I made the cutest little DIY gumball machine then I found four other ways to use the same idea! Yes, this is one tutorial that you don’t want to miss. Whether you want it to hold your candy or a bunch of succulents, this is one quick and easy craft that adults and kids alike will love. You can probably think of even more ways that you can use this fun craft. And you will definitely want to make several for your home!
This was first published on April 1, 2015, however, I am republishing with more information.
DIY Gumball Machine
You will be amazed at just how easy it is to make this DIY gumball machine! In the instructions, I will be sharing how to make the DIY gumball machine shown above in red. Then I will be sharing 3 other ways you can use this DIY.
You will love the versatility of this project, so be sure to make one or a dozen of these terra cotta candy dishes for your home!
Supplies Needed For Gumball Machine
- Terracotta pots and saucers
- Round glass bowls
- Wood beads
- Glue
- Wood filler
- Spray paint
- Gold leaf, adhesive, and sealer (optional)
How To Make A Gumball Machine
Step 1: Fill Beads With Wood Filler
If your beads have a hole, fill one side with wood filler and allow them to dry.
Step 2: Paint Terracotta Pots And Saucers
Once the wood filler is dry, glue the wood bead to the center of the saucer (using super glue), and allow it to dry. Then paint your terracotta pots and saucer in the color of your choice, and set them aside to dry.
Step 3: Add Gold Leaf (Optional)
Do you want a gold leaf look? Apply a spray adhesive to your painted pot then add on gold leaf while it is tacky. Allow to dry, then use a good-quality spray sealer over the entire thing.
Step 4: Attach Glass Bowl To Terracotta Pot
Once your pot is painted, you can attach the glass bowl to the top with super glue and set it aside to dry.
Step 5: Fill Glass Bowl With Gum Balls
Add gumballs to the glass bowl and put your lid on the top.
The kids can now grab a gumball whenever they want from this cute gumball machine!
Other Ways To Use This Idea
I thought I would show you a few other ways you can use your DIY gumball machine. After all, this project is not just for gumballs!
You can use it as a candy dish for just about any candy. Below I have it filled with jelly beans for Easter, but you could also paint it like a snowman for a winter candy dish!
You can also use it as a terrarium and add in your favorite succulents (real or fake!)
You can even make one and use it to serve up a dip at a party. This project really is so versatile!
My favorite is definitely with gumballs but I like keeping a variety of colors of these on hand for all sorts of uses.
So, will you make this project for your home? The kids will love it and you might just love the possibilities with this as well! Also, did I mention that you could make this project in a variety of sizes? This gives you even more options!
If you need me, I will be thinking up some more ways to use this idea because I love it that much!
You can see that there are so many things in addition to making the terra cotta candy dish that you can make with your clay pots. Be sure to stock up while you are at the store for all sorts of fun craft ideas. They make a great inexpensive base for a ton of fun projects. Get crafty and make something with those planter pots today!
FAQs About DIY Gumball Machine
If you have questions about this DIY gumball machine, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below!
How Did You Figure Out What Size Terracotta Pot And Glass Bowl To Use Together?
I usually go to the store (with an idea in mind of how I’m going to use the ”gumball machine”) and fit the terracotta pot and glass bowl together. Knowing how you are going to use the ”gumball machine” before you go shopping is so important because it can help you to determine what size terracotta pot and glass bowl you will need.
If you are ordering online, try to find a glass globe that has dimensions in the description and use that as a guide for the flower pot.
Can I Decorate The Base Of The Pot?
Yes, you can! This project would be ideal for your Cricut machine!
For example, you could add the gumball machine hardware (knob/slot) or a .25-cent sign using vinyl.
Do You Have Other Ideas On How To Decorate/Fill This Gumball Machine?
Yes! There are so many ways you could use this DIY gumball machine that the sky is the limit! Below are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
- Holiday Theme:
- Valentine’s Day – Paint the terracotta pot pink and fill it with wrapped candy hearts.
- St. Patrick’s Day – Paint the terracotta pot green and fill it with gold-wrapped chocolate coins.
- Halloween – Paint the terracotta pot black and fill it with candy corn, pumpkins, or candy.
- Pet Theme:
- Add your pet’s name in vinyl or add pawprints and fill it with treats.
- Craft Theme:
- Paint the terracotta pot any color that you like and fill it with craft supplies like pom-poms, beads, buttons, etc.
5 More Terracotta Pot Crafts
Do you love this DIY gumball machine, and are looking for more terracotta pot crafts? Then check out the projects below!
Great ideas, Angie!! Off to check out the tutorial!
So many ways to use the terra cotta dishes. So cute!!
These are so cute!
Adorable!
Love that there’s so many ways to use this craft!
Cute ideas 🙂
I want to make these with my middle school craft club for Mother’s Day presents. Love this idea!
I’m planning to make these with the kids for our next birthday party. What size is the pot you use? I see them as 2″ in diameter and up. Thanks, so cute!
What I do is usually go to the store and fit them together. It depends on the size of glass globe that you find. If you are ordering online, try to find a glass globe that has dimensions in the description and use that as a guide for the flower pot.
Hello Angie,
My question is how do you keep the gumball machine lid on the glass bowl. I may be using a clay saucer that is to small, or what is the trick to keeping it from sliding off the bowl. Please help. Joan kjoan2400@gmail.com
Mind just sits on top so I can lift it off to get the gumballs out. I had one large enough for it to sit on the glass globe.
I want to try to make one and turn it into a coin bank somehow. The wheels are turning. Thanks for an easy, cute, inexpensive idea!
I hope you’ll come share it with us if you do!!