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June 19, 2017

Clay Pot Lighthouse

I've had an infatuation with lighthouses for years. I've collected decorative items featuring lighthouses and nautical things for some time now.  When I first saw the idea for a clay pot lighthouse back in March I knew I had to make it so I saved some links on my Pinterest Board called "Clay Pot Lighthouses" for inspiration.

Here's my tutorial...

These are only two examples that I saved on Pinterest but the small stone trim gave me inspiration.

First it was glued together (using a 100% silicone caulk) For reference the bottom tray is 14.5 wide.  After spraying the purple on I used painters tape to cover the purple and then the white was painted on.  I cut a paper bag and wrapped the body and taped it to the bottom pot area and then the black paint was sprayed on the tray. The doors and windows I used came from these little sets I found at a store with fairy garden accessories.  The example of the (square) window is the only one I could find to show you because I didn't take a before picture, but anyway I unscrewed the window and used the backside as my front because there were holes on the front side.  The door was kept as is but I built around it with stones to make it appear larger.

I sat outside one day and played with stones and glued them on with the same silicone caulk.

It was laid on the side and supported with towels so I could glue the windows and stones on around the windows.  The silicone is a little slippery at first so you have to wait a bit for it to set up.  Eventually I added more stones  to the door area (it's addictive to play with them) and then went around the edge of the tray with a bunch more.

The top tray area ended up getting more detailed than when I first imagined it all but I'm so happy and grateful for my hubby's help on it.
He used a 3/16th" brass rod cut into 2" pieces, a 1/4” chrome ball bearing that he glued on with epoxy and a very tiny screw set (that he saved from an old electronics project) Using a carbide tip drill he drilled several holes around the perimeter for the chain fence.  
I found a chain in the jewelry area at Michael's that I felt had the right look.  After setting the little posts and figuring out the length of chain to use he screwed it together - then it was spray painted with a gold color and then a clear coat.  The clear color dulled the gold a bit but I liked it and felt it was the best look.

I hunted around to various places and finally found this large round stepping stone to set the lighthouse on.  I didn't want it to be directly on the ground so the paint wouldn't start to erode and it would be splashed with dirt all the time.  The big stone just before it was already there but I did have to dig some plants, relocate them and removed a large pink quartz accent stone to create the setting for the lighthouse.

This will keep it elevated and cleaner.


Did I mention that this lighthouse is maintained by my fairies?  Yup!  That's one of the reasons I chose the purple and white colors instead of the usual red, black, white etc.  My fairy garden is just around the corner- I will show that soon!


I love how the top came out and at night it's real cute!
You can't see them but there are a few extra holes for drainage in the tray.

What's nice is there are batteries that can be changed out in the light fixture so it's not a thruway if it starts to die off which used to happen to the solar path lighting.  We found the pathway light at a big box store.

 The ground sedum is very forgiving.  I just dug a bunch out of the way and then reseated it and it took right off growing again.

There's about $40 into this but you can do it less costly than the path I took.  I am not good at painting things like the doors and windows so when I saw the ready made window and door pieces it knew it was right for me!

I hope you like my Clay Pot Lighthouse!

I was featured at Share Your Cup
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15 comments:

  1. This is so adorable and creative Liz and perfect for your fairies! You should share this post and tutorial on Hometalk :)

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  2. You come up with some of the most creative stuff I've ever seen!!! How you do it I'll never know! You could sell these bad boys and make a ton of money!!! You pay such close attention to the details...that's what people like!!!

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  3. I love it , Liz! The attention to detail makes it a beautiful piece for your garden. I like the new look of your combined blogs. Have a nice afternoon. ♥

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  4. So cute and clever. What a lovely addition to your garden. I am with Alycia, you could make and sell these. Hometalk is a great place to share this.

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  5. Great job - it really looks terrific. I did a bird bath that way using clay pots.
    Enjoy your week and thanks so much for the DIY.

    Mary

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  6. That's so darned cute! You have quite a creative approach to your garden's decor. I'd love to try my hand but with two 90-pound dogs,I'm happy if the plants survive!
    Sandra @ Dinner at Eight

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  7. Darling little light house with a real working light! Love it and your potting bed too. I'm going back to reread your post again and look at all the pictures again too.

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  8. Hi Liz, this is just adorable. I love it and how fun for the fairy garden. It's perfect with the light too and I really like the colors you chose. This is a post I will have to save and try. I have to go back and read it all again. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week!!

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  9. Oh, Liz, this is just so cute! It's a great addition to your beautiful garden!

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  10. LOVE THIS!!! Must share with my sister.
    So clever!
    xoxox
    A

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  11. Liz, this is so clever...I love lighthouses. You have inspired me to give this a try!

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  12. This is absolutely precious, Liz! What a wonderful fairy lighthouse and trimmed in my favorite color, too! And I love how you trimmed the windows and door in stones! They really look authentic!

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  13. Liz, this is darling! I love the addition of the stones. They add so much to the lighthouse. Thanks for sharing it with SYC. I will be featuring you tomorrow.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  14. Your clay pot lighthouse is awesome. What a great project! Thanks for the tutorial. Pinning!

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  15. Amazing! You did such a fantastic job. Thank you so much for sharing?

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Thank you for your comments! I don’t always get a chance to reply but I do read them!




ABOUT ME



Welcome to Home and Gardening With Liz. I have combined my previous blogs “Infuse With Liz” and “Sit With Me In My Garden” into this new blog. I love interior decorating and gardening. I enjoy redefining interior spaces by moving things around and reusing decorative items already found in the home. I also enjoy creating tablescapes and an occasional crafting project. I'm so pleased you've stopped by. I invite you to follow me and I do hope you will keep coming back! Liz
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