Painted Watering Can

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Painted Watering Can

Painted Watering Can Adapted from Gifts for Herb Lovers by Betty Oppenheimer (Storey Books, 1997).

A painted watering can 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.

MATERIALS
Galvanized 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.

2  Optional: Paint background before transferring your design to the can.

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.

garden tools

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.

These decorative containers make wonderful personalized gift baskets for gardeners or for those who enjoy house plants.

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