WOWSER is right! Could I do this? I think I can!!!

Beautiful Chris I love the leaves but I'd make a royal mess trying to do anything like that.

Great Article Becky.

I think we can all do this Dahlia and Margaret. It's about finding the space to work in and to take it slowly as we experiment.

Yes, Dahlianut, you can do it! Mindy too! The great thing about this is you can make anything you want. Only you will know if it turns out exactly as you had planned.

I'm good at the 'when a plan doesn't come together' thing

Chris, I understand about the paint breaking down in the birdbath but what about the exterior parts of the birdbath? The outside of the vessel & the pedastal? Will paint hold up on those parts?

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
Will Rogers
I like this. I feel the same way....

Yup, give me the dogs! I also love mules; they're pretty cool! I know you know this but others might not --- mules can see all of their feet at one time whereas horses can not see their front feet. That's why mules are more sure footed for mountain trails & things like the Grand Canyon. I've been to Mule Day in Georgia ( I think near Bainbridge but can't remember). They had some IMPRESSIVE mules there. Anyone who thinks a mule can't be purtty hasn't looked well.

Ann,

Chris is out of town right now but she'll be back to answer your questions about the painting. I am assuming painting the exterior is fine since the other projects she's created are out in the weather and they are painted.

Quikrete also has a tinting product but my guess is the colors aren't bright and happy.

Thanks Becky.
Ann

Oh, I am SO gonna make the balls with the leaves imbedded in them! Those are just awesome!!!!!

Hi Ann, just popping in here for a quick minute. I haven't had any problems at all with paint peeling on the surfaces that have been sealed with Behr Wetlook Sealer. Since I live in an area where we get snow in winter I do put them in the garden shed for those months. Hope that answers your question. Are you going to give it a try?

Becky is correct, I'm not too texcited about the tints you can add to the cement. I guess I just prefer the brighter colors.

Sally, I'm thrilled to hear you're going to make the balls. That'll do it - you'll be hooked for sure after that.

Chris, I certainly AM! But it's going to be a while before I can but I'm CHOMPING at the bit! You see, we bought 5 ac. & have to build a house on it soooooo, and are renting at present in a place totally unsuited to doing such not to mention I'm going to have my hands so full that I won't be able to do it until the house is done & we're settled in. Then just wait!!!!! I'm going to make some leaves, & balls & birdbaths & oh, I just have all kinds of ideas. A year, it's probably going to be a year but THEN....!!!!!! I like the bright colors too!
We only get in the 20's here so everything should be fine outside all year.
Thanks for popping in to answer my question.
Ann

Sure does sound like you're going to be busy for a while. How exciting to be building a new house - but lots of work. 5 acres sounds wonderful! Best of luck.