Okay, so I’ve been wanting a cute watering can for my indoor plants for ages. I saw this adorable elephant-shaped one online, and I just had to try making it myself! I’m no metalworker, mind you, but I’m pretty crafty, so I figured, why not?
Gathering My Supplies
First things first, I needed to round up some materials. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, so I headed to the local hardware store to see what I could find.
- Metal Sheets: I grabbed a couple of thin, flexible metal sheets. I think it was galvanized steel, but honestly, I just picked the ones that looked easiest to bend.
- Metal Snips: Because, well, I needed to cut the metal somehow.
- Gloves: Safety first! I didn’t want any nasty cuts.
- Hammer and a rounded anvil: I had a small rubber mallet at home already, and borrowed a friend’s curved anvil.
- Some rivets and rivet tool: I have never used rivets before, but seemed like the most robust option.
- Metal file: To make the sharp edges smooth.
- Some Spray Paint:I chose Grey color, of course.
The Fun (and Frustrating) Part: Shaping the Metal
This is where things got interesting… and a little messy. I sketched out a rough design for the elephant’s body and the spout separately. Using other watering can and my imagination, I cut out the shapes with the metal snips. It wasn’t perfect, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
Then came the bending. Oh boy. I used my hammer and the rounded anvil to slowly shape the metal sheets. The body was kind of like a big cylinder, and the spout was… well, it was supposed to be a long, curved trunk. Let’s just say there was a lot of hammering, a few dents, and a bit of swearing involved.
Putting It All Together
Once I had the basic shapes, It was time to assemble. I used the rivet tool and rivets to secure the edges. Again, a bit of trial and error here. The rivets kept popping out at first, and I had to redo a few. But eventually, I got the hang of it, and the elephant started to take shape!
Then, I filed all the sharp edges so I should be able to avoid cutting myself when using the watering can.
The Finishing Touch
Almost there! I gave the whole thing a good sanding to smooth out any rough spots. Then, the best part: spray painting! I chose a lovely gray color, naturally, to make it look like a proper elephant. I added some googly eyes for extra cuteness, because why not?
The Result
It’s not perfect, not by a long shot. It’s a bit wobbly, the spout is a little wonky, and there are definitely some visible hammer marks. But you know what? I made it! And it actually waters my plants. I’m pretty darn proud of my little metal elephant watering can. It’s got character, and it reminds me that even if you’re not an expert, you can still create something fun and functional. It is a win-win, I am pretty happy, it looks amazing, and it is usefull.
