A few years ago I came across a PBS painting program by Donna Dewberry She has developed a simple way of painting by loading a paintbrush with two colors. I stocked up on paintbrushes and paint and what resulted was a shed full of painted flowerpots, glass jars and votive holders.
One of the ideas I came up with for the plant pots was a bird bath using an upturned flower pot and a plant saucer on top. The birds love it and it's a nice decorative piece in the garden.