This blog started with small daily paintings then changed to a more personal sharing of projects, events and photos. Enjoy!

Monday, May 31, 2010

New Life for an Old Watering Can

This old watering can has been sitting in our yard with no handle and a rusted spout for the longest time, but the body is sound--no holes! I went and looked at colorful shiny new cans and their colorful prices and thought...a handle...I could make a new handle--I can't solder, but as my grandmother would say, "where's there's a will there's a way!" So I relocated a beautiful black widow to a different home, got out some old ropes, some old long sneaker laces and a very strong flat piece of braid, one that I had for such a long time--never finding a use for--till now, so many years later, which makes me think of another saying, "waste not want not."

After tying some loose knots, bumbling with the ropes and having it all come slipping off the can more than a few times--(my daughter and granddaughter laughing at my attempts), I figured out a way to make it work.


A test run...notice the duck tape on the hose! hmmmm--A duck tape handle?...

It works! I also plugged up some rusted holes in the spout with that ugly foamy Gorilla Glue, to keep the dribble down to a minimum. My granddaughter took this picture!

8 comments:

Chris Beck said...

Your fabulous handle makes me think of the book "How to Wrap Five Eggs" -- long out of print, although I think there's a followup book of similar title. Anyway, it's all pix of traditional Japanese ways of wrapping and securing packages and products. Very artful, just like your watering can handle!!

Melissa Mead said...

Susan..this is just further proof that you are brilliant and beautiful! I can really appreciate your failed attempts and learning curve to create such a functional and beautiful finish.

martha miller said...

Sue, let's get this straight: when YOU have the will, there's a way!!! You are a genius, sister! "Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without!"

martha miller said...

P.S. HOW MUCH Patience is learning from her cool grandma.

Susan Beauchemin said...

Hi Chris, I'm definitely looking up that book! Thanks for letting me know about it! Sounds right up my alley!

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Thanks Melissa--it's definitely functional--don't know about the beautiful part, and yes, I had to try, try again!

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Hi Martha, I did take it on as a challenge. I like that quote--is that a gramma quote?

Dean Grey said...

Good as new, Susan!

How resourceful of you!

-Dean

Susan Beauchemin said...

Thanks Dean--It felt good to make it useful once again!

Sandy Sandy Art said...

A labor of love! Ingenious . . .:-D