How to make a water Fountain From Gourd and Scraps
This is not a easy project or at least for me. Could not have pulled it off without the Proxxon Tools.
Finished Project
Proxxon Scroll Saw
Proxxon Delta Sander
Proxxon Jig Saw
Drill with long drill bit 12 to 14 inches long
hole cutting bit 1"
hole cutting bit 1"
Small water pump & Tubing
Tools for cleaning the gourds
Drain Plug
Supplies
Glue
Bamboo - length cut according to design. I used 14"
Plaid Folk Art Paints
Gorilla Glue
Silicone Glue
Thin wire
Greenery Optional
Rocks and shells
L shape PVC pipe to ( attach bamboo to bottom of bowl & tubing to pump)
A very Large Gourd
Three pieces of scrap gourd for waterfall.
Rubber gloves if pouring
Your first step is to cut your bowl I used the Proxxon Jig Saw to cut the top off leaving enough of the gourd that is deep enough to hold a considerable amount of water.
Clean out the gourd guts using scrapers or gourd tools.
Then I used the Proxxon Delta sander to smooth the inside of the gourd. Next I used a two part resin. (Make sure you mix it evenly or it won't dry properly) to coat the inside of the gourd.
I poured the paints for the outside of this bowl. I thought it would look better than a straight brush stroke on the fountain. If you are not familiar with the pouring process You Tube has several instructions videos. Facebook also have sites that show step by step directions. If you are not interested in pouring use a brush and any design you like.
I Used Plaid Paints
Martha Stewarts Celadon #18065
Apple Barrel Key west #21481
Folk Art Sap Green #458
Floetrol ( to help paints flow easily.
Folk Art winter white #429
to paint the outside of this bowl.
Pouring is quick and easy but very messy. I use two huge pieces of cardboard and placed the bowl upside down. I poured each cup and let it run over the sides. I would lift and turn the bowl the this way and that as I needed the paint to run. Again if your going to pour watch a few demonstrations first to see how to mix and layer paints.
Now I painted the waterfall pieces the same way.
These are the petals that the water will flow down.
I free handed the fish and painted them around the bowl.
Cutting of the Bamboo was done on the Proxxon Scroll Saw
Next the bamboo had to be drilled out at the nodes so the water would flow freely.
Sorry I did not get a photo of that process could not figure out how to hold two pieces and a camera.:-)
At this point we tested the bamboo length to make sure it was going to work. Noticed that our pump had an adjustment for water flow. I didn't want the water shooting to the ceiling. So we adjusted the flow to more of a trickle. Length of bamboo plays a role in this as well. Check it out before the next step.
Yes, Yippee it worked good.
Now to add the L Shaped PVC to the bottom of the bowl.
With Gorilla Glue. This gives support to the bamboo and keeps the tubing inside from crimping.
Ok after that we had to cut a hole in the lower part of the bowl to be able to get the rather large plug on the outside of the bowl. (I did not want it up high on the bowl.) Do not cut and splice the cord. It is too close to water.
Now a lot to be done this to make this water tight.
We used a drain plug used to seal the hole.
Take the drain stopper and cut off the ring that pulls plug and drill a 3/8 hole in middle. Next make a cut from the outside to the hole across the stopper, spread it slightly and put the cord inside the hole. After you have it where you want place a good amount of silicone glue inside of the plug and snug it up against the gourd. Secure with tape until dry.
The wire that was not cut was painted black.
Now we are trying to attach the petals that are to direct the waterfall.
the top petal has a hole drilled and is pushed on to the bamboo.
The second petal is attached with wire and secured with Gorilla Glue
The third Petal is put on the same as second
Test the project to make sure all is working
Add some shells and rocks to the inside of the petals with Gorilla Glue
trying to place then to direct the water the direction you want it to flow.
Thank you for visiting and commenting on this project. Also I would like to thank Proxxon and Plaid for their support.
I also have to thank my Blog partner Carol for assisting with this post as it may never have been completed without her help.
I also have to thank my Blog partner Carol for assisting with this post as it may never have been completed without her help.
This is a original design by Misty Orlove and this project is the prototype
I am sure it has room for improvement.
But I was pleased it turned out as well as it did.
But I was pleased it turned out as well as it did.
Please feel free to use and add or delete steps and design.
Your Input and comments are most welcome.
Your Input and comments are most welcome.
22 comments:
What a wonderful idea.... just beautiful work.. I love all your projects and the step by step instructions.
This came out really nice. The artwork is beautiful and it sounds so peaceful. Love it. good work!!
I will comment again as I do not see my first one. This project is wonderful. Not an easy one but you made the instructions easy and the video was great. Don't know how you get these ideas, but this one is a keeper. The artwork and detail is beautiful. Keep up the great work Misty. Congratulations on a wonderful project.
Aww thank you Terry sorry you had a rough time posting. Knowing how busy you are I am so grateful for the effort and time you put in to commenting. WAho knows, might be rewards coming your way.
Hugs and Love
That what I get for not previewing.
Great idea. Love reading
Thank You Don and Joyce I appreciate your time
and comments.
Wow this is so cool. Lots of work but beautiful results.
Misty I love this idea and cant wait to try this project But you might have to give me advice quite a bit I bet The coloring on the goldfish look so real Cant wait for your next blog
Misty this is so great How do you and Carol come up with these ideas I am glad you do
Misty, what a nice project! I love the whole idea and the way you painted it. The poured paints added a special touch you couldn't have achieved with a brush. Keep up the good work !
Anonymous, thank you for the kind
comments. Oh course you could ask for help
if you find a
stumbling block. Be glad to help with directions.
As for
where we come up with the ideas danged, if I know.
Carol has a lot of woodworking experience and
she has a lot of projects she is capable of making.
As far as
my idea's
go I know what I like and just go for it. that is also
how I paint I know what I love and like to look at and
what touches my heart. Then I go for it. Sometimes it
is great that way sometimes I have picked something a
bit out of my reach . I just keep reaching till
I finish. Thank you again.
Lynn and Nell thank you both for your time
and the lovely comments.
Misty I think you out did your self this time I really like it and the instructions are very clear when I get by deck done I am going to give this project a try
Hugs and thank you so much. Am right here if you need help. Hugs and Love
It turned out beautuful!! Thank you for sharing the tutorial for us.
wow misty , that is so cool, you have done a fab job , thanks for sharing
Suzee Cue and Rhonda want to thank
you for stopping by to view the steps
to making this project.I appreaicite you
and the comments so much.
Have a beautiful Sunday.
Wow Misty! I've never seen a gourd fountain before! Beautiful piece! Terrific project.
Thank you Barbara that is what I thought. I have never seen one before. So wanted to try it. It was not easy and it sort of got designed as a step by step for me as well. But being the first I just had to jump in and see what came of it. lol. I really like it and is sounds so good. There are a few things I might do differently another time with this under my belt. Yiu know how much I value your opinion and appreaicite you. Thank you for stopping by. Hugs and Love. Hope to see you before too long.
Loved it, the concept was great, the colors were soothing. Another wonderful project. Thanks for sharing.......
What a wonderful project--so much work. Thank you for sharing.
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