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Grow Shovel

August 20th, 2008 in projects
suewhitney Sue Whitney, editor
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Where did you get those shovel-seeds?
Where did you get those shovel-seeds?

Where did you get those shovel-seeds?
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We hit pay dirt with this piece of junk. Are army shovels attractive? Not so much when you see them at the market or surplus store. Don't let this stop you! Pick one up, employ a little junker's magic, and a thing of beauty will be sprouting from your garden!



Junk Market Style Difficulty Meter


Materials:
Small army surplus shovel
Vintage metal stencils
Scrap fabric
Instant glue (we used Gorilla Super Glue)
Wood cleaner (if desired.)

Tool List:
Tin snips
Scissors

Method:

Step 1: Clean shovel with metal cleaner or soap and water (if not too dirty.)

Step 2: Freshen up wooden handle with a wood cleaner (if desired.)

Step 3: If your stencils are connected, snip letters apart with tin snips.


 Depending on the stencil, this may take some forearm strength.

Step 4: Measure and cut scrap fabric to fit behind stencils. Choose a fabric that will stand out and make the letters easy to read.

Step 5: Adhere fabric to back of stencil with glue and let dry.


 Too much glue and the fabric gets crusty, discolored, and weird!

Step 6: Measure shovel face so your word is centered.

Step 7: Apply glue to back of each stencil, place on shovel face, and let dry.


 Remember to glue the actual stencil, not just the fabric.

Tip: Now all you have to do is plant it in your garden or flower container and let it GROW. No watering necessary!

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posted in: projects, outdoor spaces, funky, garden
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Comments (5)

thriftythriftgirl writes: You can also use license plate letters for this project, then there would be no need for the fabric, and easier to find. Posted: 3:02 pm on October 31st
junkinhart writes: L O V E I T ! Posted: 3:44 pm on August 28th
suewhitney writes: GoGo Girl,

LOL....you just saw my gardens! Everyone should know that Georgia is from CA and unfamiliar with MN weeds. She thought mine were lovely. The only reason my pots look so nice is because Rebecca Kohls just shot a DVD at my house. I'm a leetle beet busy right now! No worries Georgia you can have a blooming garden next year!

Ta ta for now!
S. Posted: 6:48 pm on August 20th
georgiamoon writes: Sue this is one of my favorites! Love the way this looks in your potted plants, I think anyone would want this in their garden...I know I would, if I had one. Gardening has been pretty low on the to-do list this year, but it is not too late! Maybe for Fall??? Your friend, gogo Posted: 3:27 pm on August 20th
CottageElements writes: Got to get me some of those stencils! Lots of things I could do with them! Posted: 2:59 pm on August 20th
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