First Garden totem ( photo / image / picture from theailurophile's Garden ) My very first garden totem! Whoohoo! moderator's note: split this post into it's own topic
That's spectacular! Your first garden totem? I think you have a real talent--keep on practicing though. We want to see just how good you can get!
My Own Variation I decided NOT to use expensive copper pipe as a support. I found something called CPVC in 1/2 inch diameter. This means that the external diameter is a TRUE 1/2 inch. I epoxied a slender length of rebar inside extending out the bottom. I will put some paint on it and then glue it into the bottom of the totem. I've uploaded a photo so you can see what I mean. Although the clear silicone holds the PVC to the rebar just fine, it's not strong enough to hold the whole spike in the totem. Came loose immediately. I think I'll have to try Liquid Nails. painted PVC with rebar attached ( photo / image / picture from theailurophile's Garden )
Now that's what I call a real beauty!! It's hard to believe that it's your first attempt at a totem. Well done you.
Totem support I added a picture of my innovation for a support for the totem but I inserted it above into my previous post. I found that silicone just doesn't hold the CPVC pipe very well into the glass. Never realized how heavy one of these things ends up being. So I thinking I need Liquid Nails. My question about Liquid Nails is this: Does it dry clear?
No, it doesn't. Use a 2 part marine epoxy. It dries clear. just be sure to read the mixture amounts. One is hardener, and other is resin base. (Hubby is an artist) www.ginodiavonti.com He gave me this advice for you.
Link? Hi, Thanks Your link got cut off. Is there another way you can send it to me? Oh...nevermind just figured it out. Where would I find Marine Epoxy? Easily? Is this something they carry in the big box home improvement stores?
Hi again, another post to let you know I read your reply, but Gino is unavailable for me to ask now. He should be home this evening, and I'll ask him about your new question.
Sorry I took so long. Gino says Marine resins are really only found at marinas or marina supply outlets. He did say another alternative is to go to a good craft/art store, and get 'Casting Resin.' It is not a two-equal part resin, but the packaging will give you recipe. Follow exactly. AND: Do it outside. This stuff stinks to high heavens and the smell lasts for days (if done indoors) It is a better alternative though, a little goes a long way, and the finished product is crystal clear, better than marine resins. Also, he said make the pour in temperature listed on can. Very important. Hope this helps
pretty I was just wandering if its really needed to use a bar or something to stabilize pieces? I am considering trying a totem, not sure what all I'm using yet. Just wandered. Thanks.
Garden Totem The combined weight of the glass tends to make it heavy. it really needs something to stabilize it. Wood rots. So metal seems the logical choice.
