DIY Network

Water, Wind and Fire Crafts inspired by the elements From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-706

Crafters Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza are going elemental. They use water to create a tranquil garden fountain, assemble a cool votive candle display for your backyard or fireplace, and catch some air with elegant shell wind chimes.

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Indoor Garden Fountain

Creativity flows from a soothing fountain that's perfect in the home, office or backyard.

Indoor Garden Fountain

Materials:

small oval tin tub
silicone sealer (optional)
metal paint in 2 complimentary colors
Japanese "Happiness" stencils
permanent markers
fine-tip detail paintbrushes
river rocks
2 pieces of slate
1 piece 14" hollow bamboo
small fountain pump
10-3/4" pump hose
small tub of plumber’s putty
Dracaena plants (often called "Lucky Bamboo")
statues (optional)

1. Test the watertightness of the tub by filling it with water and leaving it overnight. If there is any moisture on the outside of the tub the next day, empty the tub, dry it completely and apply silicone sealer (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) to the joints.

2. Using Japanese stencils and permanent markers, outline the character(s) on the front of the tub (figure A). Use paintbrushes and metal paint to fill in the character. Add highlights and outline effects, if desired, and set aside to dry (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

3. When the paint is dry, drill a small hole in the side of the bamboo, approximately 3" from one end; avoid drilling on any ridges in the bamboo. A 1/2" paddle bit is perfect to drill a hole to fit a 3/4" hose. Insert the hose approximately 2" upward through the hole in the bamboo, leaving a section of hose extended outside of the bamboo (figure C).

4. Gently press a small ball of plumber’s putty into the base of the bamboo to create a seal (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

5. Position the pump to one side of the tub and attach the hose to the pump. Adjust the setting of the pump to "low."

6. Hold the bamboo in place and fill the tub three-quarters full of river rock. The rocks will hold the bamboo upright (figure E).

7. Lay small pieces of slate on top of the rocks, angling the rock to create the look of a Japanese garden and to provide a spillway for the water (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

8. Insert Dracaena plants between the rocks before filling the tub with water and turning on the pump (figure G).

9. Add figurines, small tree plants, etc., to the indoor garden fountain. Also, remember to keep the tub filled with enough water to keep the pump functioning properly.

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