| Making a Planter From Auto Art |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-151 |
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Imagine a unique planter made from automotive parts. Metal artist Ann McNamara uses discarded car parts to create candleholders, lamps and unusual lawn decorations. She calls her craft "auto art" and explains how to put together a planter. Materials:
Automotive fan blade
Two automotive suspension coils
Hubcap
Metal washers in graduated sizes
Bolts and nuts
Cleaning solvent
Spray lacquer sealer
Socket wrench
Hose clamps
Hammer
Nail set
Rubber gloves
Safety glasses
- Soak all automotive parts in cleaning solvent to remove grease. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when using solvent, and work in a well-ventilated area. After cleaning the parts with solvent, spray them with lacquer sealer to protect them from rust. Parts may be sprayed before or after assembly.
- Sizes of the nuts, bolts and washers you use will vary. Begin the project by turning the blade of an automotive fan upside down. Position one of the suspension coils on top of the fan, and use washers in graduated sizes stacked on top of each other, starting with the largest washer atop the bottom spring of the coil, to reduce the size of the opening down to the size of the bolt. Secure the bolt by affixing a nut to the bolt under the bottom of the fan blade (figure A).
- Place the second suspension coil on top of the first, and secure the two with hose clamps (figure B).
- Pierce a hole in the center of the hubcap by hammering a nail set into the metal (figure C).
- Place the hubcap on the top coil of the suspension coil. Place washers in graduated sizes under the top coil to cover the diameter of the coil and reduce the diameter down to the size of the bolt. Insert the bolt from underneath the coil, up through the pierced hubcap, and secure with a nut inside the hubcap (figure D).
- Place a potted plant inside the hubcap, and you've created a very avant-garde planter.
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