Winning water element
Add an element of Zen to your outdoor space with this fun and easy container-fountain project.
What you need
Fiberglass planter, river rocks, Beckett Container Fountain Kit, insulating foam sealer, water plants and pruning sheers.
How it’s done
Any pot will suffice, but fiberglass is recommended because of its water-retention properties. Place the fountain kit in the bottom of the pot.
Pull the power cord through the drainage hole in the bottom of the container.
To prevent the water from leaking, seal the gap around the drainage hole with foam sealant. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
Install the fountain kit’s flow-control valve 2 inches higher than the top of the pot.
Place enough rocks in the bottom of the container to hide the pump. You can go as high as you like with the rocks.
Once you have enough rocks in the container, fill it with water. Plug the power chord into a grounded outlet. Adjust the pressure to achieve the desired water effect.
Decorate the pot with container-friendly pond plants such as water hyacinths.
For an enhanced effect, add another fountain right beside this one using a similar container of a different height.|The Home Depot
Resurrect old patio furniture
If you’re going for the calm of a country cottage, secondhand furniture is a must. Tired outdoor pieces can get a new lease on life with fresh paint and new pillows. Just remember to choose pillow fabrics that are mildew-resistant and bleach-cleanable. Experts also suggest that quick-dry polyester-fill cushions are best.
Follow these wicker, metal and wood painting tips for secondhand patio furniture style.
Metal makeover
Thoroughly clean the metal frame with a sponge and soapy water, and let dry.
Lightly sand the metal with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Scrape any rust spots with a metal brush. Clean with water and allow to dry.
Spread out a drop cloth or old cardboard boxes. Elevate the piece on bricks so you can more easily spray the underside.
Prime the metal. Spray on one coat of metal primer and allow to dry. Use a metal primer that also seals and inhibits rust.
Paint the piece with exterior-grade spray paint. Let dry overnight before moving or using.
Wicker restoration
Thoroughly clean the wicker with a solution of warm water and gentle detergent. Limit the amount of water you use to clean paper fiber wicker and it may start to dissolve.
Prime the wicker. Protect your work surface, then spray on one coat of primer and allow to dry.
Paint the wicker with an exterior paint. Use gentle sweeping motions to get good coverage without causing drips. Be sure to spray from different angles so all of the exposed wicker surfaced are painted.
High-and-mighty hardwood
You can pressure-wash wood furniture to remove dirt and peeling paint. Or use warm water and gentle detergent. Rinse and dry as you go so the wood isn’t saturated.
Inspect the piece for loose boards or joints, and use wood glue and nails to repair it. Fill dents with wood filler and let dry.
Sand the wood. Rough up the surface with sandpaper to allow the paint to adhere more easily. After sanding, wipe with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.
Prime the wood. Protect your work surface, then spray on one coat of primer and let dry.
Paint the wood. Spray in smooth, light strokes to avoid drips. Multiple light coats of exterior-grade paint will give a smoother finish.|Better Homes and Gardens, “Do It Yourself Ideas for Your Home and Garden,” Summer 2007
Homemade citronella candles
Candle crafters advise against clean-burning citronella candles because smoldering smoke helps keep the bugs at bay. In addition to citronella, clove, cedar, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, lemongrass and rose geranium essential oils also have insect- repellent powers.
What you need
Candle wax or wax scraps from used candles, candle dye (optional), citronella essential oil, pre-tabbed candle wicks, ceramic, glass or tin containers, a double-boiler set up, hot glue and a thermometer.
How it’s done
Use wick stickum, a glue dot, or a dab of hot glue to position the wick tab in the center of the bottom of the container.
Melt the wax in your double boiler. Most container waxes want to be heated to about 175 degrees.
Add your dye and essential oil blend – about 1 ounce of essential oil for every pound of wax. Stir well.
Allow the wax to cool to about 160 degrees, gently stirring it as it cools.
Using a clothespin, secure the wick so that it’s standing up straight. Clothespins work for containers with an opening diameter of up to 3 inches. Improvise for larger containers by looping the wick around a wooden skewer.
Pour the wax into the container.
Put the candles in a safe place to cool. Depending on the room temperature, it will take several hours to a day before they are suitable to burn.|About.com
