New and Unread Tree-Mails
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Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a)              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 mistakenly thought I'd be able to find something like an self-leveling epoxy that I could just pour over the whole thing but then couldn't find a product that was waterproof or water resistant.  I decided to use a waterproof construction adhesive and had to remove all the pebbles and re-create the design a second time.  Spread small sections with the adhesive, quickly arranged the pebbles to re-create the design and continued to spread more sections of the adhesive until the entire board was covered. 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!  |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) 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.  The idea to use wood for a frame was tossed when I realized the maintenance involved (weatherproofing, etc.) plus it would be difficult to work with the thickness of the board and uneven pebble edges so a trip to Lowes provided the almost perfect option. The J-channel used for trimming vinyl siding would be weatherproof and flexible enough to fit over the pebble edge. PLUS it was cheap (about $6) and I could paint it!   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.   |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) 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.  The photo was taken before they were actually "done" - I grouted them after taking the photo for a more "finished" look.  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! Maybe more pebble garden art in the future for me?  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?  |
Name: Vicki North Carolina            |
| 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/ |
Name: Nancy Buffalo NY     nap Jul 22, 2011 7:40 AM CST |
| A wonderful job, Debbie!! I think it's fantastic! |
Name: Chris Ripon, Wisconsin        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 |
Name: Becky (Boo) Phoenix, AZ 85022 finding joy one day at a time!       |
| 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 |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) rcn48 Jul 22, 2011 11:05 AM CST |
Chris, I remember your pebble balls - that's what gave me the idea for the mushrooms!  |
Name: Pegi Putnam Norwalk, Ca. zone 10b     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. |
Name: Chris Ripon, Wisconsin 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 |
Name: Becky (Boo) Phoenix, AZ 85022 finding joy one day at a time! |
| 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 |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) 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! |
Name: Carole Clarksville, TN (Zone 6b)     SongofJoy Jul 23, 2011 12:20 PM CST |
Love this pebble art! It's great!  The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched -- they must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) 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! I didn't like the white grout on the roof though so I've since painted it to match the bottom. |
Name: Chris Ripon, Wisconsin goldfinch4 Jul 24, 2011 4:07 AM CST |
| Debbie you've sure made lots of cute things. I like dragonflies too, and frogs, and turtles...... Cubits Store: The Sempervivum Patch - plants, containers, accessories! Also stop by Timber Treasures and Garden Buddies on Cubits |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) rcn48 Jul 24, 2011 4:37 AM CST |
 Well I have all you garden art enthusiastics to thank! I still haven't mastered the art of painting but you've given me plenty of ideas to get me started on other things and now I can't stop! |
Name: Becky (Boo) Phoenix, AZ 85022 finding joy one day at a time! |
| Love the bird house! ALL THINGS PLANTS ~ Garden Art ~ Purslane & Portulaca ~ MY CUBITS ~ Trust in the Lord ~ MY WEB SITE ~ Joyful Times Today |
Name: Pegi Putnam Norwalk, Ca. zone 10b 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. |
Name: Debbie Lexington, VA (Zone 6a) rcn48 Aug 6, 2011 8:48 AM CST |
| Pegi, I should have more pictures soon. |
Name: Charleen Barnesville, Ga. Zone 7b-8 (Zone 8a) Walk in Peace / I'm Charley's Mom.         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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