Light object from watering cans

Summertime is gardening time. This light fixture looks super cute and, of course, looks just as good in a window or sunroom. I came up with the idea because, as everyone knows, I can’t bring myself to throw anything away—not even my simple watering can, which had cracked after 20 years of being exposed to the elements on the balcony and was no longer suitable for carrying water. So I’m simply giving it a new purpose.

You can try this out with a pitcher of your choice—whether it’s zinc, metal, ceramic, or plastic. As always, when it comes to the design itself, anything goes—just do what you like, because, as we all know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 😉

1. Thoroughly clean the watering can.
2. Depending on the material and surface, apply a suitable primer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. At the time of this project, I used Slick Stick by Dixie Belle; today, the equivalent product from Dixie Belle is Bonding BOSS.
3. Paint the watering can with the color of your choice and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the surface and the desired coverage, several coats may be necessary. For this project, I used Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint by Dixie Belle.
4. If necessary, cut out the desired parts of the transfer design and rub them onto the surface using the included stick. Try not to touch the back of the design, as the adhesive layer may stick to your fingers. As you rub, the design will peel away from the backing sheet and transfer to the prepared surface.
5. Next, seal the finished design with a clear coat suitable for the intended use. For this project, I used Gator Hide by Dixie Belle. If using outdoors, please follow the manufacturer’s current instructions regarding application and suitability.
6. Wrap the coconut rope around the handle and secure it. I don’t just like the way it looks—in this project, the rope also protects the painted handle in places where the pitcher might come into contact with a branch, a shepherd’s hook, or a lantern bracket when it’s hanging.
7. Now we thread the light strands through the neck of the watering can so that the strands hang out of the neck and look like spilled light. This works wonderfully if you first slide a ribbon or rope through the spout from the outside to the inside and attach the string of lights to it. Then you can pull it all the way out. The battery pack can remain inside the watering can. When using the string of lights, please make sure it is suitable for the intended use.
8. Hang it up, turn it on, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out right the first time—it’s just paint. 😉 Just brush over it again and keep going. In the end, your creation will be hand-painted and designed by you—making it your very own, one-of-a-kind piece. ❤️

Have fun crafting!

Your Master of Disaster

Angela