Build a Terra-Cotta Fountain: DIY Strawberry Jar Water Feature

Create a Charming Tiered Fountain

Strawberry jars (with side openings) are handmade and unique — buy the jar first, then fit other terra-cotta elements to it. Create your own tabletop fountain with our how-to.

Materials Needed

• Safety glasses, electric drill, 3/8" drill bit
• 3/8" vinyl tubing (several inches longer than stacked jar + pot)
• 3/8" pipe fittings: male input with barb, reducer, flare
• Fountain pump (fits inside plastic saucer and upside-down azalea pot)
• Plastic saucer (fits inside upside-down azalea pot rim)
• Terra-cotta azalea pot (rim fits inside terra-cotta bowl base and over saucer)
• Large tapered terra-cotta bowl (base > azalea pot rim, fits aquatic plant) — glazed or sealed
• Terra-cotta saucer (sits in strawberry jar top opening)
• Large strawberry jar (~22" tall)
• Silicone glue, pebbles, electrical cord, aquatic plants

Pipe Fitting Details

Specific parts used (similar parts work):

1. Anderson Barrows #A294 (3/8 x 3/8") — barb to MIP adapter through saucer hole; tubing attaches below
2. Anderson Barrows #P44 (3/8 x 1/8") — brass reducer screws onto adapter
3. Anderson Barrows #U242 (1/4 x 1/8") — flare (tubing to male pipe half union); use all three for bigger jet, first two for gentle bubble

Instructions

1. Drill saucer: Center hole in terra-cotta saucer (wear safety glasses).
2. Prep azalea pot: Drill 4-6 aeration holes 1" from rim. File notch for electrical cord.
3. Seal plastic saucer: Silicone-glue into large bowl (plugs hole).
4. Install pipe fittings: Assemble fittings with tubing through saucer bottom.
5. Assemble fountain: Pump in base → attach tubing → thread through azalea pot bottom (align notch with cord) → snake through strawberry jar → set on upside-down azalea pot → attach tubing to fittings → rest saucer on jar top.
6. Finish: Place near power. Add pebbles, aquatic plants (roots-in-water types). Secure roots with stones.

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