GARDEN Art DIY: Watering Can Garden Art Tutorial

Watering Can Garden Art Tutorial

If I had to pick a favorite collectible garden item, metal watering cans would top the list.

If they handle really well, I use them for watering the plants. The rest are made into garden art.

This watering can garden art project is very simple and adds a fun touch of whimsy to the garden. You'll need just a few materials and it should only take an hour or so to complete.

PROJECT TIME: 1 HOUR

Wires are threaded through the spout and secured inside the watering can.

Crystals, beads, and marbles are attached to the wires to look like water spilling out. That's it!

Selecting a watering can

When using a watering can for garden art, it doesn't matter if there are holes in the bottom. In fact, this is good for drainage if it will also be used as a planter.

Make sure the watering can spout is designed in a way that you can easily thread wires through it. Some have openings too tiny for this.

I've created a collection of materials needed here.

Wire
Select your wire gauge based on how firm you want the wire to be. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the wire.
I use 16 – 20 gauge for most garden art projects.
Wire snips (cutters)
Gloves
Safety glasses

3. Attach crystals and beads to spout wires.

Make one big crystal water drop or use a bunch of different sizes and lengths to get a dripping effect.

(Optional) Wrap copper wire around marbles, leaving enough length at one end to secure to spout wires.

Done!

As you can see in the photo ( left), I like to display my garden art collections on old wooden ladders. I love the contrast of the rustic ladder with the elegance of the crystals.

More Watering Can Garden Art Ideas

Stack large watering cans one on top of the other, forming tipsy pot planters.
Hang watering cans with crystals (like I've shown you here) over bird baths or planters.
Turn them into garden planters by adding a few drainage holes in the bottom. This post tells you how to plant containers and keep them looking great all season long.
Hang them on a fence or shed wall in order by size or grouped by colors.

You really can't have too many.