I found these sapucaia monkey pods — natural tree pods from South America — at the wholesale florist near my studio for $6 each. They’re substantial in size, about 5–7 inches across, so I picked up several to experiment with.
After a few days I finally started playing with them and realized they make excellent storage vessels for office supplies and small plants. With a quick makeover they take on the look and texture of stoneware or stained concrete, and their weight gives them a satisfying, durable feel.
There’s not much to this project — it’s mostly about repurposing an unusual natural object for practical storage. If you want step-by-step instructions, here they are. First, sourcing the pods can be easy if your local florist carries them; otherwise you may need to look online, where prices tend to be higher.
Start by cleaning the inside of each pod. Before hollowing out, they held nut-like seeds similar to Brazil nuts, so there can be rough patches and leftover debris. Remove any loose material and sand away sharp or uneven areas. You may or may not need to sand the exterior depending on how smooth the surface already is — use your best judgment.
Next, use a paintbrush and interior wall paint (it offers better coverage than standard acrylic) and apply two coats to the outside of the pod. If you plan to use the pods only for office storage, you can paint the interior as well. Allow the paint to dry completely, and they’re ready to function as holders for pens, clips, succulents, or other small desk items.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Assisted by Anissa Saxton
Will you try this quick organizational DIY? How are you getting organized this year? Share your favorite organizing tips and ideas for a fresh, functional workspace.