A Little Play does make work more fun.
Looking out into the yard among the trees, you will see a lonely stake sticking out of the ground, which marks the corner of the property line. Since I was new to the riding lawn mower game, my mowing abilities were such, that I kept hitting it with the mower and knocking it over. It was certainly in my way and my first thought was to just pull it out. Instead, I became inspired to make something pretty here.
Out here in the country there is a need for lawn mowers and trailers, therefore one thing a person might find laying around are old tires. Sure enough my dad had one and there was one in the barn with all the junk. For the most part these should have been taken to the dump, yet my thought was to recycle. In turn this could fix my issue with the stake and make something cute along the way.
I was actually somewhat surprised that I was given this tire to use, as it still looked to have good tread and be a good tire to me. I certainly did not ask questions as it would fit my project. I started with the cleaning, using Dawn Dish Soap and a good scrub brush. This did take a bit, yet I was diligent with this process making sure it was really clean so the paint would adhere well.
I already knew at this point that I wanted a Lady Bug sitting in this spot. I had seen this on the net somewhere and thought how cute it was, so not my original idea. Letting the tire sit overnight and out in the sun, to dry well, I began to paint. I purchased a good paint that would adhere to all surfaces, and gave it several coats, making sure it was dry after each coat.
After getting the basic red coat on and it was dry, I then took the black and sprayed the spots. I had purchased a plastic strainer basket from the Dollar Tree to use as the face. I painted the strainer black and then painted the eyes and mouth.
Using a silicone, I placed the face on and let it dry. I had also purchased a couple of fly swats to use for the little antennas. I simply cut into the side of the tire and the fly swats fit snugly in.
The original project was done and did serve the purpose, yet I was not satisfied on how it looked. Also it seemed so small out there in the yard all alone. This process did go really well so I decided to give her another layer. Took out the stake, added a pot with a Wondering Jew in it. They are really sturdy plants. Then to top it off I added the wind whirley. I think she is really cute now.
I was very pleased with this project, as it turned out well and of course fixed my issue with that ugly stake.
I still do have to weed wack and mow around it, I usually just spary some weed killer close to it, yet now it just seems like a pleasure instead of work because I am taking care of something so cute.
Hope you enjoyed my inspirational project.
Catch ya’ later!