The Project
Let's be real—how many of us have a drawer or cabinet overflowing with old, scratched, or mismatched pans? You know the ones: the non-stick that's lost its coating, the cast iron that's seen better days, or that single skillet from a set you broke years ago. Before you toss them in the trash or haul them to the recycling center, I've got two projects that will turn those kitchen castoffs into conversation-starting home decor. We're talking a hanging succulent planter that adds life to any wall and a rustic wall clock that's both functional and artsy. Both are beginner-friendly, require minimal tools, and cost next to nothing—maybe just a few bucks for hardware if you don't have it lying around.
Why bother? First, you're keeping metal out of the landfill. Second, you get a custom piece that no store can replicate. And third, there's a deep satisfaction in looking at something you made from what was once "junk." I've been doing this for decades, and I still get a kick out of seeing an old pan get a second life. So grab that pan you've been ignoring, and let's make something beautiful.
What You'll Need
For both projects, you'll need the same core materials and tools, plus a few project-specific items. Here's the breakdown:
**Common to both projects:**
- One or more old pans (any material works: non-stick, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum). Non-stick is easiest to drill, but cast iron gives a gorgeous, heavy feel.
- Drill with variable speed. A cordless 18V is perfect.
- Metal drill bits (cobalt or titanium-coated, sizes 1/8" to 1/4"). Don't use wood bits—they'll dull instantly.
- Center punch and hammer (to prevent drill bit walking).
- Safety glasses and work gloves.
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit) for smoothing edges.
- Painter's tape (helps mark holes and reduces chipping).
**For the hanging planter:**
- Small pot or liner (2-4 inch diameter) that fits inside the pan. Terracotta or plastic.
- Succulents or small plants (succulents are low-maintenance and perfect for this).
- Potting soil specific to succulents/cacti.
- Three small eye hooks or screw eyes (1/2" to 3/4" size).
- Chain or rope (about 3 feet, adjustable). I prefer a lightweight chain for a modern look or jute twine for rustic.
- S-hooks or quick links (3 pieces).
**For the wall clock:**
- Clock movement kit (available at craft stores or online, under $10). Make sure the shaft length fits your pan's depth—standard is 5/8" to 3/4".
- Clock hands (usually included in kit).
- Battery (AA or AAA, depending on kit).
- Drill bit sized to the clock shaft (usually 5/16" or 3/8").
- Optional: stencils or paint for numbers.
**Budget:** If you have a pan already, the planter costs about $5-$10 for chain and hooks. The clock costs $10-$15 for the movement kit. Both are under $20 total.
Step-by-Step
### Hanging Planter
1. **Prepare the pan.** Clean it thoroughly with soap and water. If there's a plastic handle, either remove it (if possible) or leave it—it adds character. Dry completely.
2. **Mark and drill three holes for hanging.** Turn the pan upside down. Using a center punch, mark three evenly spaced points near the rim (like a triangle). I use a protractor or just eyeball it—about 120 degrees apart. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole, then enlarge to 1/4". Here's the trick most pros won't tell you: apply steady, light pressure and use a slow drill speed. High speed will overheat the bit and melt non-stick coating. If the pan is non-stick, put painter's tape over the area to reduce chipping.
3. **Drill drainage holes (optional but recommended).** Flip the pan right-side up. Drill 3-4 small holes (1/8") in the bottom. This prevents waterlogging if you use a liner. If you're using a pot with its own drainage, skip this.
4. **Attach the hanging hardware.** Screw the eye hooks into the three holes you drilled. Use pliers to tighten them flush. Then attach S-hooks or quick links to each eye hook, and connect them to a central ring or directly to your chain/rope. Adjust the chain length so the pan hangs level.
5. **Add the plant.** Place the potted succulent inside the pan. If you're planting directly, add a layer of gravel at the bottom, then soil, then the plant. Water sparingly—succulents hate wet feet.
### Wall Clock
1. **Clean and measure.** Wash the pan. Measure the center point on the back (the bottom of the pan). Use a ruler to find dead center—draw two diagonal lines from edge to edge, where they cross is center.
2. **Drill the center hole.** Center punch the mark. Drill a pilot hole (1/8"), then enlarge to the exact size of your clock shaft (usually 5/16" or 3/8"). Again, slow speed, light pressure. Test-fit the shaft—it should slide through snugly.
3. **Attach the clock movement.** From the back of the pan, push the threaded shaft through the hole. On the front, screw on the washer and nut (usually included) to secure the movement. Then attach the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand (if included). Follow the kit's instructions—some hands press on, others have tiny screws.
4. **Add numbers (optional).** You can leave the pan blank for a minimalist look, or use stencils and paint to add numbers. I've seen people use vinyl stickers or even glue on old silverware for a funky vibe. Let your creativity run wild.
5. **Install the battery and set the time.** Hang on a wall using a picture hook or nail. The pan's handle can be a feature—let it point down or to the side.
Safety First
Before you start, here's what you need to know: Drilling metal creates sharp burrs and hot chips. Always wear safety glasses—I've seen too many people get metal slivers in their eyes. Work gloves protect your hands from cuts, especially when handling freshly drilled holes. Use a clamp or vise to hold the pan steady; never hold it with your hand while drilling. If the bit binds, the pan can spin and cause injury.
If you're drilling non-stick pans, the coating can flake off. Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling particles. Also, non-stick coatings are toxic if overheated, so don't use a torch or high heat on these pans. For cast iron, the dust is harmless but messy—still wear a mask.
Never drill near the edge where the pan is thin—it can crack. And if your pan has a plastic handle that's riveted on, don't try to remove it with force; you might damage the pan. Just work around it.
Troubleshooting
**Drill bit won't start?** The bit is slipping. Use a center punch to make a dimple. If you don't have one, tap a nail with a hammer to create a start point.
**Pan is wobbling when drilling?** Clamp it down to a workbench or piece of scrap wood. A C-clamp works wonders. If you're drilling on a table, put a piece of wood underneath to protect the surface.
**Clock shaft too short?** Some pans are deep. Buy a clock movement with an extended shaft (1/2" to 1" is standard, but you can find up to 3/4"). Alternatively, use a thinner pan or a shallow skillet.
**Pan is too heavy for the clock movement?** Cast iron skillets are heavy—the clock mechanism might not support it. Use a lightweight aluminum or stainless steel pan instead, or reinforce the back with a bracket.
**Succulent dying?** Overwatering. Succulents need bright indirect light and water only when the soil is bone dry. If you planted directly in the pan without drainage, the roots will rot. Always use a pot with drainage inside the pan, or drill holes.
The Result
After about an hour of work (plus drying time for paint if you add numbers), you'll have two unique pieces that cost next to nothing. The hanging planter looks fantastic on a porch, in a kitchen window, or as a living wall accent. The clock is a conversation starter—guests will do a double-take when they realize it's a frying pan. I've made several of these over the years, and each one has its own personality. The non-stick pans give a sleek, modern look, while cast iron brings rustic charm.
If I were to do it again, I'd probably use a vintage pan with a wooden handle for extra warmth. Also, for the clock, I'd recommend using a battery-operated movement with a silent sweep second hand—the ticking of a regular movement can be annoying in a quiet room. Overall, these projects are perfect for a weekend afternoon. They're easy, cheap, and the results are genuinely useful. So go dig through that cabinet—your old pan is waiting for its second act.
