DIY Copper Garden Art from Copper Tubing

I love the look of copper in the garden-so much so that I have made a few different pieces for my garden and also a rain chain.  I like to use copper tubing because it is flexible and I can manipulate it any way that I want.  The added bonus is that it is beautiful and elegant.

I created this recently from a roll of copper tubing, some concrete and an old nursery pot:

DIY copper garden art

Here is another piece I made last year:

DIY copper garden art

 Here is a picture of the first one I created a few years ago:

DIY copper garden art

These pieces of garden art are extremely easy to create-you just need to use your imagination and find your artistic side.

In this post I will show you how I created my newest addition to my garden so that you can go out there and create one for your garden.

For this project you will need:
1.  An old nursery pot (I think this is a 3 gallon size) and a roll of duct tape.

2.  A bag of concrete mix-any will do.  I use Quikrete.  Also a tub to mix the concrete in.

3.  A roll of copper tubing (I picked this one up at Menards it is enough for a couple of projects)

4.  A pair of tin snips or pipe cutter.
5.  A tape measure (optional)

Here are the steps to create your garden art:

1.  Use the duct tape to cover the holes in the bottom of the nursery pot like this:

2.  Roll out the tubing and cut into the length you desire.  For mine I cut them into 6 foot lengths.  Just a note-I like to work in odd numbers so I cut 5 lengths for this project.

3.  Mix up the bag of concrete according to the package directions.

4.  Let the concrete sit for a few minutes to hydrate then add to the nursery container.

5.  Let the concrete sit for a few minutes then start inserting the copper tubing into the concrete like this:

6.  In order to hold the tubing in place I use a nylon tie at the top:

7.  Let sit for a week (if you use regular concrete) to cure.
8.  After the concrete has cured you can cut the nylon tie:

9.  Use your hands to gently bend and guide the tubing-do not bend to sharply.  This will cause a crimp.  Always bend slowly. 

Now start on the next one:

Just continue to bend each piece to achieve the look you want.  Just remember that this is your piece of art-it does not need to be perfect.

Almost done:

After I had it the way I wanted it I did solder a few of the areas together just to be sure it was sturdy:

You will also notice that it started to patina-I did this treatment before I put it in the garden so I wouldn't kill or damage any plants.  If you want to keep the copper color you might want to seal it.

10.  Cut off the pot.

11.  Find a spot in your garden:

12. Dig a hole and plant your piece of art:

12.  Sit back and enjoy your own piece of art:-))

DIY copper garden art

DIY copper garden art

I hope you try this project out-you can create your own original art work that you will love and your neighbors will admire.  And of course it was easy!

Until next time-Happy Planting!

Rhonda