The-Artistic-Garden's Blog

Are Plastic Pots OK To Use Instead of Clay Pots
For A Pot Person Project?

Stan emailed me and asked:

You have a great website! Just a question about making a pot man. Do you recommend using the plastic pots at all, or just strictly the clay? Thanks for the help. Stan

My reply:
Hello Stan:
Think about this … plastic pots do not weigh very much, even collectively, and if a strong enough gust of wind comes along, your plastic pot person may just go flying across your yard! That is unless you secure it down somehow.

Personally, I would only use clay (also referred to as terra cotta). I think clay pots are just a nicer look for a pot person project. And over time, clay / terra cotta will age nicely, and maybe, if you’ve placed your pot person in a shady spot, it will start getting a little moss growing on it, again adding to the overall charm of it.

For instructions and recipes about how to get moss to grow on garden items, please take a look at my article: how to grow moss on garden planters.

Also, I personally think that plants growing from terra cotta just look a bit more “natural”, versus plants growing in a green or black plastic pot, don’t you think?

But, maybe you are planning to paint all the surfaces, or dress up your “person” with a hat or clothes, which in that case yes plastic would be OK … but again you have to deal with the lightweight-ness of plastic.

So … the bottom line is this project is doable, but I strongly advise securing it to whatever or wherever you are placing it. Good luck!

For a set of instructions to make a clay pot person, please refer to my pot person instructions how-to project article.

Clay Pot Woman – Do You Have Project Instructions?

I received an email from Renee who asked:

Quite a while ago I saw directions for a terra cotta (clay) woman pot person. Then my house burned down and I lost the directions. Do you have directions for a woman pot person? Thank you.

My reply:
Hi Renee:
Thank you for contacting me and I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your home. I cannot imagine what going through an experience like that would be like. I do hope you and your family are now able to put that situation far behind you.

About instructions for a clay pot person … I do offer a good set of instructions on my website: Terra Cotta / Clay Pot People.

And of course with the addition of your creativity, you certainly should be able to feminize it.

Here’s a really cute idea for a female pot person that shouldn’t be too hard to duplicate:

It looks like a bag of sphagnum moss (you can find that at most indoor gardening areas in stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or of course gardening centers), an old straw hat, about 16 medium sized pots, about 12 small sized pots, and 2 medium-large sized pots are all you need for this project. Oh! Well yes … you will need a chair or bench of some sort, too!

And again … using your creativity, you can certainly paint your pots, or add more clothing or accessories to give it your special touch.

I do hope this information helps you. Good luck with your clay pot person project.

Ideas For Using A Garden Mirror
And Outdoor Safety Tips

Wanda emailed and asked:

I want a mirror for my garden. I have heard there are plastic mirrors or that stainless steel would be good for a mirror. Can you tell me if you have made one and how you did it. I want it to be fairly large.

Oh, and thanks for the info on your garden mirror page on your website. Thanks for your help.

My reply:
Hello Wanda:
I did have a mirror in my garden area a few years ago, however used an old (real) glass mirror that had a neat looking distressed frame around it, so I wasn’t too worried about the silver backing wearing off in spots due to exposure to the elements. I hung it on a wall in my garden area. I have since taken it down for various reasons.

But to further answer your question, if I were to do it again, especially a large one as you are mentioning you want to do … I would buy a plastic mirror because it will be lighter in weight, safer for outdoor use, and last much longer if left outside than a glass mirror. Also, I think that a large piece of glass is really not a wise choice to be placed out in one’s garden, mine included.

I would also wager that from a cost standpoint, you will find a plastic mirror much more affordable than a piece of highly polished stainless steel. It might be a bit hard to find a plastic, or sometimes also referred to as ACRYLIC, mirror supplier but I just did an online search via Google and do see suppliers. Type these words into the search box: plastic acrylic mirrors. You can check out the various websites.

Other than that, as far as making a mirror that is attractive for outdoor use, my suggestion is to provide an interesting frame of some sort (distressed looking; or painted in lively colors; etc.) that suits your outdoor décor and garden “theme” and basically mount the piece of mirror onto the frame as you would mount a picture into a frame.

Another idea would be to find an interesting looking, old wooden door; cut out an area in the middle, and mount the mirror onto the door from the backside, thusly the door is serving as a “frame” … and then prop the door in a corner of your garden, as example, to serve as an interesting and unique focal point.

You want it to be large … just remember birds are known to fly right into garden mirrors (they could break their necks from this – poor things!), and if the sun reflects just “right” off the mirror onto another surface that is combustible … you could have a fire start (just like the way children can start a fire by using a magnifying glass to project an intense beam of sunlight). So PLEASE be careful of the ultimate placement of your garden mirror.

And, of course I am sure your imagination will give you lots of other good ideas to make one, too! Put on your creative thinkin’ cap!

Good luck!

Garden Art Or Junk Art …
Painted Bowling Balls Are Really
A Fun & Funky Look In the Garden

I recevied this email from Freddie who asked:

I found your website by accident and I love it. I love trying new garden art projects, especially junk garden art! I have tried to make garden spheres many times….some came out better than others….and this year I was lying in bed and it occurred to me to use bowling balls. Sheer Genius, right?

My boss brought me two from his last bowling night, one real beauty that I wouldn’t consider painting, but one I’ll paint. What do you suggest I use for paint?

Of course my husband thinks I’m nuts with bowling balls in our garden. Let me know about the paint. Thanks. Freddie

My reply:
Hi Freddie:
Thank you for contacting me and for the kind compliment about my site. I do try hard to offer great information.

About painting bowling balls (yeah, I kinda love junk garden art, too!) – here’s my suggestions:

•  take sandpaper and scuff up the surface really good; this will help a primer coat and/or paint to adhere much better

•  prime it with something like “Kilz” (there is an exterior all-purpose version–you can find it at Lowe’s or Home-Depot as examples)

•  paint with latex or oil-based paints (I’ve been successful using both)

•  finish with at LEAST a couple of liberal clear top coats (matte, gloss or semi-gloss – whatever you prefer)

If you take care with all the steps, your painted bowling ball should last many years in the sun. But be warned, UV rays really take a toll on everything, and even the best paint job might start showing “age” in a few years. I am sure you understand this.

That is why taking extra time to “do it right” the first time will save you peeling paint before the year is finished.

Does this help? If not, please do not hesitate to contact me again. Have fun!!

~~~

Freddie wrote back to say:

Actually your instructions were what I was thinking about doing anyway, it just seemed too logical and easy.

I’m a big recycler, so reusing bowling balls just seemed a no brainer. My boss actually brought me two of them from his league night at bowling. I’m sure he must think I’ve lost it, but I wanted to make a couple for my sister and her gardens.

Can’t wait to get this funky bowling ball garden art project rolling.

Thanks for the info … Freddie