DIY Garden Totem

Last week I had a contest on my facebook page...the winner gets to make a Garden Totem Pole with me,  to keep.  I provided the supplies and the instructions.  The winner was Sherry!



This is Sherry with her completed Garden Totem Pole.

Below, is instructions on how to make your own totem pole with dishes you might have around the house, attic or garage. (you can always pick up some dishes at your local Goodwill, dollar store, or second-hand store)

Above is a picture of my own Garden Totem, using mismatched dishes from my mother, grandmother and a hummingbird feeder ball that my son gave me.

Get out all of your dishes you don't know what to do with.

For this craft, you will need an assortment of dishes in different sizes.

For the pole: bowls; plates; saucers; vases; goblets; glasses

For the top piece: a glass or ceramic trinket; tea pot; tea cup; etc....

Give your dishes a bath...dry...

then clean off any labels and wipe down with rubbing alcohol.

Stack them in different ways until you find something you like.

The bottom piece MUST be a taller item with a hole in it....like a flower vase.

 (this will fit over a rod or pole that is in the ground - keeping your garden totem "upright")

Secure your bottom piece upside down in an extra medium sized bowl or container with popcorn kernels, sand, rice or something that will hold the vase in place while you glue all of the parts together.

Now, using a waterproof glue that works with glass (like E6000)

glue the pieces together.

Two pair of hands work better than one....make sure you center each piece.

Let the pieces dry for 24 hours before moving, lifting, or putting outside.

This Garden Totem Pole will be standing in Sherry's garden this spring
 with her beautiful flowers all around it. 
When you are ready to stand your pole in the ground, use an 18" or taller x 1/2" up to 1" rebar or metal pole of your choice. Mark the place the vase bottom reaches to after inserting the rod.  Push the rod into the ground to that line.  Put the Totem Pole on top.  If it jiggles, you can wrap duct tape around the rod for a snug fit into the bottom vase piece.
We have snow, so the garden totems are hidden away until warmer weather...but this is a great craft to do while you are stuck inside.

Pictures of the Garden Totem Poles in the Garden
to come this spring.....
Keep Calm and Kerri On!