DIY: Watering Can Pours Crystals

By Alexa Silverberg

Have an old metal watering can wasting away in your basement? Maybe one that has holes in it and that is no longer usable for watering, but is still pretty or has sentimental value? Use this fun and easy do-it-yourself project to create beautiful garden accessories out of new or recycled materials.

Things you will need:




- Watering can 
- Beads, crystals, or old necklaces 
- Thread, fishing line, or string*
- Scissors 
- Tweezers 

Steps:

1. Cut the string of beads/crystals into smaller pieces. You want them to be different lengths about 3-5 inches each.

2. Push the cut bead string through the holes in the top of the water can's pour spout head. Use tweezers if necessary to help pull through the string.

3. Tie string into secure double knots. 

4. Repeat stringing until you achieve the desired look.

5. Hang your masterpiece in your garden!

*Pro-tip: don't have string handy? Dental floss will do the trick!



About the Author: Alexa Silverberg is a senior broadcast journalism major at the University of Maryland and is from Short Hills, NJ. She is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener Magazine this spring semester.

DIY: Chalkboard Watering Can

By India Hamilton

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Washington Gardener staff painted watering cans, which were fun to make and can be easily gifted.

Level: Beginner

Cost: Minimal

Use: Gift, Decorative, Functional

Time: Approximately 45 minutes for designing, allow to dry overnight

Materials

• Plastic watering can
• Chalkboard paint
• Stencils (with removeable adhesive backing)
• Foam paint brushes
• Painter's tape
• Chalk

Step 1: Clean the surface of the plastic watering can or pot with a wet towel. Ensure the surfaces are completely dry afterward.

Step 2: Lay stencil against the watering can and apply one coat of paint over the stencil. Be careful not to go outside the design area.

Step 3: Section off a large square area on the other side of the watering can with blue painter's tape and apply one coat of paint to the inside area.

Step 4: Allow paint to dry at least 45 minutes and repeat step 2.

Step 5: Allow paint and/ or designs to dry overnight.

Step 6 (optional): Use colored sidewalk chalk to draw pictures or write messages on your watering can.

Step 7 (optional): Place cut flowers or potted plants inside the finished watering cans for display and gifting.

Note: The chalkboard paint is not permanent and may scratch off if bumped against other items. For that reason, these watering pots are great for events and decorative use, but not for long-term use. If you want the stenciled design to last longer, you can spray them with a clear fixative.

About the author:

India Hamilton is a junior multi-platform journalism major and black women’s studies minor at the University of Maryland, College Park. She copy edits and writes feature and event pieces for the online publication, Pulsefeedz. This winter/spring, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener Magazine.

This is a monthly blog series on DIY projects for the beginning home gardener. Look for the other installments in this DIY blog series by putting "DIY" in the search box here at washingtongardener.blogspot.com.