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rcn48 Jul 22, 2011 3:02 AM CST |
Even though I have concrete garden art to share I thought I'd start by sharing a few pieces I made using pebbles. We used to go to Michigan every summer and bring back some of the most unique pebbles we collected and last year I finally found a project to use some of them! Since our mailbox is located just down the road at the nursery we've never had an address marker so I came up with a design and made one. Most of the pebbles used were from our collection but I did buy a few of the bags of "River Rocks" from Michael's for some of the details. Unfortunately I don't have photos of the whole process but I started with a leftover piece of cement board from the tile floor we had installed the previous year. Having no experience with a project like this I had the whole design laid out before I realized I had no idea what I was going to use to glue the pebbles. ![]() ![]() I decided to use a waterproof construction adhesive and had to remove all the pebbles and re-create the design a second time. ![]() ![]() I made sure that every little space was covered with pebbles but now that I've started working with mosaics I realize I could have just grouted the whole thing. Lesson learned, next time I'll know better! ![]() |
rcn48 Jul 22, 2011 3:04 AM CST |
Then the real test, how to frame it and attach to a post/column to display at the top of the driveway. ![]() ![]() ![]() Mitering the corners wasn't easy without a miter box and even though it's not perfect it worked. THEN to figure out how to make something to attach it to! This project went unfinished for about six months but by November the structure was constructed and the pebble address plaque was finally finished. ![]() ![]() In the end I decided not to "attach" the plaque and just position it against the structure....just in case I have any repairs to make with pebbles that might come loose, etc. ![]() ![]() |
rcn48 Jul 22, 2011 3:57 AM CST |
So now this project is done and I have leftover pebbles - what to do with them? ![]() About the same time I finished the address plaque I became interested in mosaics and found this site with instructions for Pebble Mosaic Pots: http://www.cultivatinglife.com... I didn't follow these instructions exactly because I found other instructions which were easier using Thin-set Mortar instead of the adhesive. However, it did involve one extra step, it was necessary to paint the terra cotta pot with a flat latex primer before applying the Thin-set. Also, you should use "Polymer Fortified" products for both the Thin-set Mortar AND Grout if you plan to leave the pots out over the winter because the polymer fortified products allow for more flexibility with extreme temperatures. Even though these pots are now planted for the summer the only photos I have are before they were planted. ![]() I did use a lot of the leftover pebbles but also picked up a few more bags of different size/color pebbles and used them to cover a few concrete mushrooms I made last winter. ![]() ![]() And imagine my surprise when I visited a friend's garden this spring and found garden art that his grandfather made OVER 50 years ago with pebbles!!! ![]() I have no idea what his "formula" might have been but it's certainly stood the test of time! ![]() ![]() Actually I've always wanted one of these "standing pebble pots" but they're outrageously expensive! ![]() ![]() If I continue to 'collect' enough stones I can make my own! ![]() There are so many projects out there for Pebble Garden Art - anyone else have ideas? ![]() |
Oh, I just love this... We were in Michigan a couple summers ago and I brought 3 buckets of stones/pebbles home with me. It wasn't near enough ![]() ![]() ALL THINGS PLANTS ~ Garden Art ~ Purslane & Portulaca ~ CUBITS ~ Trust in the Lord ~ Heart Strength ~ Find JOY at http://joyfultimestoday.com/ |
nap Jul 22, 2011 7:40 AM CST |
A wonderful job, Debbie!! I think it's fantastic! |
goldfinch4 Jul 22, 2011 8:46 AM CST |
Wow Debbie, all of your projects are great! But I really like your stand/address plate. Very cool ideas! I've covered hypertufa balls with pebbles and/or river rock already. Once again, I just use my good ol' QuikWall as glue and grout. Cubits Store: The Sempervivum Patch - plants, containers, accessories! Also stop by Timber Treasures and Garden Buddies on Cubits |
It's official! I am cloning myslef 4 times so I have more time to try everything I'm seeing here in Garden Art! Debbie, I love what you've done....amazing! I am fond of those pots in particular....but the address plaque is amazing! Thanks for sharing with us! ALL THINGS PLANTS ~ Garden Art ~ Purslane & Portulaca ~ MY CUBITS ~ Trust in the Lord ~ MY WEB SITE ~ Joyful Times Today |
rcn48 Jul 22, 2011 11:05 AM CST |
Chris, I remember your pebble balls - that's what gave me the idea for the mushrooms! ![]() |
Samigal Jul 22, 2011 10:22 PM CST |
Great projects. I have a lot of river rocks (had to buy mine) and could use them on a flower pot. Debbie you do have a lot of talent, love everything. I have a large cement mushroom my son bought me several years ago, think I should "dress" it up a little. |
goldfinch4 Jul 23, 2011 4:29 AM CST |
Yes, Becky, I need to clone myself too! Cubits Store: The Sempervivum Patch - plants, containers, accessories! Also stop by Timber Treasures and Garden Buddies on Cubits |
That funny (!!!!) movie Multiplicity is the best! I still laugh so hard when I watch that cloning mishap! ALL THINGS PLANTS ~ Garden Art ~ Purslane & Portulaca ~ MY CUBITS ~ Trust in the Lord ~ MY WEB SITE ~ Joyful Times Today |
rcn48 Jul 23, 2011 11:08 AM CST |
Ooooh, Pegi, I'd love to see your "large cement mushroom"! An area of the gardens I'm working on is begging for a LARGE mushroom. I've got ideas but just no real plan to get started. I picked up the cutest sleeping frog on my recent trip and he needs a mushroom to sleep under! ![]() |
SongofJoy Jul 23, 2011 12:20 PM CST |
Love this pebble art! It's great! ![]() I garden for the pollinators. |
rcn48 Jul 24, 2011 3:48 AM CST |
I forgot about this pot - my first attempt with a pebble pot. If you can't tell, I'm a dragonfly nut! ![]() Also my first attempt with a mosaic birdhouse. Guess it "qualifies" on this thread since the roof is covered with pebbles! ![]() ![]() |
goldfinch4 Jul 24, 2011 4:07 AM CST |
Debbie you've sure made lots of cute things. ![]() ![]() Cubits Store: The Sempervivum Patch - plants, containers, accessories! Also stop by Timber Treasures and Garden Buddies on Cubits |
rcn48 Jul 24, 2011 4:37 AM CST |
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Love the bird house! ALL THINGS PLANTS ~ Garden Art ~ Purslane & Portulaca ~ MY CUBITS ~ Trust in the Lord ~ MY WEB SITE ~ Joyful Times Today |
Samigal Aug 6, 2011 8:39 AM CST |
Got to keep this thread going, I love all those pebble art projects. Thanks for all the great ideas, Debbie. |
rcn48 Aug 6, 2011 8:48 AM CST |
Pegi, I should have more pictures soon. ![]() |
Ridesredmule Aug 6, 2011 11:18 AM CST |
Love it! Love it! Love it!!! gotta try this one too!! Thanks Debbie... Love the toad stools... |
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