How to make a Broken China Garden Shovel
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Express yourself in a fun and creative way by adding a colorful mosaic shovel to your garden. Every garden needs some interesting garden art ... the more unique the better. My idea of garden art is anything that I can put in my garden that makes me smile.
This was one of my favorite garden projects. It's an easy project that you can do even if you're new to mosaics. Best of all the majority of the materials came from thrift stores and garage sales.
I was looking for something colorful and unique to add to my garden when I came upon the idea of creating a broken china garden shovel. I also just happened to have this rusty old shovel (from an estate sale) sitting around gathering more rust. It was fun giving the rusty old shovel a make over. Now it's not only garden art but a great conversation piece.
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| Start with an old shovel. Don't worry about the rust. |
Sand off any lose rust or sharp edges.
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Tape off the shovel handle and spray paint with your favorite color.
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I used a variety of old china for this project. Colorful souvenir travel plates work great.
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Put the plates in a paper bag and cover with a towel before smashing.
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China plates have a thick ridge on the back so you won't always get a flat piece.
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Use a tile nippers to trim away the ridge.
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Place a small drop of gorilla glue on the china and start assembling your mosaic. Leave spacing in between for grout.
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| Use an old spatula or putty knife to push the tile grout in between the china. |
When I got to the sloped area of the shovel I used painters tape to hold the china in place until the glue dried. |
When you're done grouting use a sponge to wipe the excess grout off the top of the china. Don't let it dry. |
When the grout is dry apply 4 coats of Minwax waterproof sealer or spray waterproof sealer to the entire shovel. |
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Supplies Used
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I apply Gorilla glue with a toothpick because you only need a small amount and it expands.
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Tile nippers are optional but, come in very handy. |
Colorful old souvenir plates work great for this project.
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Alternative to broken china.
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Tile grout is a must. |
Apply 4 coats of sealer when done. |
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This mosaic garden shovel was created over 4 years ago and it's held up well despite going through cold winters and humid summers. We leave most of our garden art outside all winter so it has to be durable.
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The Wildwood Cottage is a web site that provides tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration for unique art projects and crafts.
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Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.
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