Craft this bird bath from a terra cotta saucer, glass chips and a tomato cage.
On its own or filled with bathing birds, it is sure to please our feathered friends as well as adding beauty to your home's landscaping.
YOU WILL NEED:
Stained Glass Inlay ™ Glass Chips (We used Purple, Green & Red)
Black powder solder
Glass Bonding Glue
Grout Sealer
Glass cutter
12"Terra cotta saucer
Wire tomato cage
Pattern (We used a stencil)
Wire cutter
Pencil
Paper towel
Latex or plastic gloves
Masking tape
Disposable 1" brush
HOW TO DO IT:
Note: We used a stencil for the pattern. You can also use clip art and graphite paper to transfer pattern onto the saucer. A rubber stamp can also be used or draw on your own design.
- Use a pencil to trace around the stencil on to saucer.
- Start with the main parts of the design, in our case the leaf. Fit pieces in to the pattern using the glasscutter when necessary to trim pieces to fit. Glass chips should be placed 1/16" - 1/8" apart.
Hint: Smaller pieces are easier to place. Before starting we cut a few pieces into smaller triangles and rectangles.
- When satisfied with the placement of the chips, glue into place. Be careful to use enough glue to secure the glass but not so much that the glue oozes from underneath. We used our fingers to apply the glue but a cotton swab or toothpick will also work well.
- For the rim cut some of the green glass into 3/8" squares. No need to measure, they don't have to be all exactly the same. Try to keep the height close to the same though.
- Place and glue green glass in position around the outside of the bottom of the saucer.
- Position purple glass between the leaf and the green rim. The lighter shades of purple were mostly used with random darker shades placed in.
- Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
- Tear masking tape into 2" sections. Place around the sides of the saucer slightly higher then the top of the glass. Continue taping the sides of the pot. This will mask off the sides so they won't get stained or covered by the solder.
- Mix solder and water to the consistency of peanut butter in a disposable container. Start with a small amount of solder, approximately 4 tablespoons, and add 2-3 teaspoons of water. Mix only as much solder as you can use in 20 minutes.
- Spread the solder over the base of the birdbath up to the tape with the brush. Make sure to brush the solder into all the gaps.
Note: Solder will stain your hands.
- Wearing gloves, wipe the birdbath with a clean damp sponge. Rinse the sponge frequently, squeezing out as much water as possible every time. Allow solder to dry for 15 - 20 minutes.
- Lightly buff surface with paper towel. Let dry for 24 hours.
- Brush a light coat of sealer over a 4" x 4" area of the birdbath. Use paper towel to wipe sealer off the glass chips. The purpose of the sealer is to seal the solder. If left on the glass the sealer will form a cloudy film.
- Wait 30 minutes and then buff the glass.
- Apply another coat of sealer repeating all steps. Allow sealer to dry for 48 hours.
- To make the stand cut the tomato cage right above the middle ring.
Note: We chose to spray our cage black. First we cleaned the cage with mineral spirits then following manufacturer's instructions we primed and spray painted the cage.
© 2000 Wallflowers
Viewers are responsible for the proper use of all materials, products and tools used. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on all products and follow safety precautions and directions concerning tools. Wallflowers strive to provide error-free directions and can not be responsible for any inaccuracies.
Koren and Connie's home decorating projects and ideas can be found in magazines, newspapers, television shows and on their web site. Their creative projects are easy on the decorating budget but full of style and function. They share their love of decorating by providing detailed instructions and the general know-how necessary to complete projects easily and while having fun. No matter your skill level or decorating style there is something for everyone.
