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Many acquire more gardening tools than they actually use. Forgotten rakes, spades and hoes clutter garages and sheds without hands to work them. In the spirit of recycling and reorganizing, Cindy Treen shares ideas to repurpose these unused tools and give them a new life. Make an unusual sculptural lamp from three long handle wooden grip tools, or various doorknockers from retired spades and hand rakes. These projects may not be the solution to shed clutter but will certainly be enjoyed at work in their new homes. Tool Door KnockerMaterials:TrowelButchers wax Rust proof paint Decorative nail or hook Waxed twine
Tools:DrillHammer
Directions:1. Choose a trowel or hand rake and give metal a fresh coat of rust proof paint to protect. Rub butchers wax into wooden handles to bring back original shine.
2. Attach a decorative nail or hook to door or other desired location. Hang trowel or rake from a piece of waxed twine and attach to decorative nail or hook. Standing LampMaterials:Three long handle garden tools (hoe, rake, shovel)Butchers wax 3/8" threaded rod, 4" long Threaded brass nipples (enough to cover the length of threading on the rod) 6-foot electrical cord with plug attached Lamp socket hardware Copper wire Small piece of 1" stock wood, enough for two 2" circles Waxed twine
Tools:Drill with 2-inch hole saw (usually used to cut holes for doorknobs)1-inch thick piece of scrap wood Hand saw
Directions:1. Choose three long handle tools of even lengths. From 1" wood stock, cut two 2" discs with hole saw. Drill a 3/8" hole in center of each disc. Thread 3/8" rod through disc so ¼" comes through opposite side of disc. On opposite end of threaded rod twist on several brass nipples to cover and give it a finished look. Leave about 1" at end of rod uncovered and screw on second wood disk.
2. If any of the three tools do not have a hole (hanging hole) through the top part of their handle, drill them now so each handle has a matching hole. Cluster tool handles together so tops rest just under first disk that was screwed onto the threaded rod. Use copper wire to connect tops of handles together through holes and hold them in place. Screw down through the disc into the top of each handle. Screw the tool handles through their sides into second disc. 3. Tightly wrap electrical cord with waxed twine, for a finished look. Begin at the plug knotting the waxed twine and tucking the loose end under the first several coils. Continue wrapping until you are 6 to 8-inches from the end of the wire. Knot twine off, 6- 8" from end of cord leaving a long length of extra between the knot and where it is cut from the spool. This length will be used later to finish wrapping. 4. Thread wire end of electrical cord up through center of threaded rod until it comes out by the tops of the handles. Slip harp base onto rod and screw in socket base. Attach inner socket, attach ends of wires to the inner socket then slip on socket cover and harp. Screw in bulb and lampshade. 5. Finish wrapping wire with waxed twine until it reaches the end of threaded rod, knot off securely and trim waxed twine. Special Thanks: Cynthia Treen |
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