Painted Watering Can
If you are the creative type, this painted watering can makes a wonderful gift all by itself. Or, add a few gift items to make it a homemade gift basket. Painted Watering Can Adapted from Gifts for Herb Lovers by Betty Oppenheimer (Storey Books, 1997). Filled with dried flowers from your summer garden makes a lovely display. Use one outdoors during the season; then bring it indoors during the cooler months to remind you of your garden. Whether your intention is to make a practical gift or an ornamental one, use plants and books for reference. 
MATERIALSGalvanized metal watering can Vinegar and a clean rag Acrylic paints and gloss medium, or Oil-based enamels with thinner EQUIPMENT Masking tape Carbon paper, to trace a design Pencil Various brushes (round, oval, flat, thick, thin) 1 Remove the oily finish from the metal by wiping it with the clean rag and a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar. 3 If you have drawn or traced a design, tape it to the container and slip a piece of carbon paper underneath. Use the pencil to transfer the outline onto the metal. 4 Paint the basic leaf and flower shapes in the dominant color, using a relatively large brush. To blend colors, do so while the first coat is wet. 5 Add details like veins and flower parts when first layer is dry, using a fine brush. 6 When the painting is complete and dry, brush acrylic medium or varnish over the design, or use acrylic spray finish. A smaller size decorative watering can would make a lovely container to hold bath or spa items. Choose bath products of all the same fragrance; gardenia or lavender would be lovely. Then build up the bottom of the watering can with crumpled paper so that the gift items will be visible above the rim. Top it off with a small potted plant or stems of silk greenery. A painted watering can make wonderful personalized gift baskets for gardeners or for those who enjoy house plants.
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