Thursday, 28 August 2014

How To Create Scrap Metal Garden Art

By Linda Ruiz


Just about everyone knows what garden ornaments are. Many people choose to buy yard decorations in the local garden supply shop but there are a growing number of folks who choose to make their own. There are several websites that provide step by step instruction on creating metal garden art from scraps and junk. The first step is to start collecting things that you think will make an interesting ornament for your yard.

The first thing folks need to know is how to identify scrap metal. You can start by checking your own garage, basement, or shed for metal pieces that no longer serve a purpose. These items might be a broken and rusted garden tool, watering can, old silverware, old window frames, or an old rim from a tire.

Other things that can be used in the yard as ornamental are wheelbarrows and old ladders. These things make a great starting point for unique creations. With some imagination just about anything can be turned into yard art. Some of the items you find can be sanded and painted to add splashes of color to your yard.

Combining your painted items with some pieces left in their natural rusty state creates a unique look. Also gather some wire and old hooks, a wire cutter, tin punch, and pliers. These tools will come in handy for creating your art. If you feel adventurous, you might even try welding some items together to create yard animals.

Once you have a good collection of junk you need to study it to get an idea of what you can create. Arrange and rearrange the pieces to get ideas of how you want to use them. Sometimes it is necessary to add to the collection of junk if nothing appeals to the eye. Once an idea is sparked you are ready to start the project. You may envision an original design when you look at the scrap.

Some very interesting pieces have been created when folks let their creative side take control. Coffee and soup cans are often used to create tin men using an old tin funnel for the hat. Using a thin piece sheet metal and tin snips you can create wind catchers and sounders to hang in the yard.

Use the internet to find instructions and video demonstrations on how to make a tin man for the garden. Using old silverware and wire hangers make wind chimes for the yard. Bed springs, an old kitchen pot, and an old rim from a tire, can be used to make garden creatures. Get creative and let the imagination go wild.

Use tin snips to cut metal strips and twist them. Punch a hole at the top of the strips and use wire to hang them making wind catchers. String small strips, 3 by 1 inch, together and create wind sounders which are similar to wind chimes but create a softer sound. The strips can be hung from a wire whisk or old silverware. Just use your imagination and there will be no limit to what you can create.




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