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Cool Tools
Let your creativity bloom by making your own cool tools!
 SUPPLIES
v New or used garden tools
v Sandpaper
v Drywall putty & putty knife
v Screw drivers
v Grey primer spray paint
v Fluorescent spray paint
v Black spray paint
v Gloss spray paint
v Face masks
v Craft paint pens in bright colors
v Black paint pen
v Clear gloss spray sealer
v Jute rope or leather straps & scissors
 STEP 1
Gather up your garden tools and wash and dry them as this will help the paint to stick and lightly sand the wood and metal of the tools. At this time add putty to any splits in the wood and tighten all screws for any needed repairs to used tools. Also cut off any existing straps as these will be replaced.
STEP 2
Thickly spray paint tools with primer, when primer dries evenly spray two coats of fluorescent and black paint where you want the colors. After drying process lightly sand wood again to help the paint pens colors to stick. Be sure to use face mask while using spray paint and this is necessary to do outdoors. If the kids are doing the spraying it is important to give a safety lesson first.
STEP 3
Draw designs with black pen then color, geometric shapes are fun and easy to draw. Encourage the kids to use simple designs and not to stress over any smears as they can just draw over mistakes and make them part of their designs. It may be necessary to color designs twice.
STEP 4
When designs are dry, spray a clear gloss sealer on to weather proof your tools, and then lightly sand again to give the tools a slightly aged look.
STEP 5
Add rope or leather straps cut and tie off the desired lengths for hanging tools.
Make garden work a little more fun,
and never loose your tools again with these brightly colored tools.
 TEACHER TIPS:
This project can be used as a lesson in taking care of tools and as a fund raiser or community service project. The tools could be collected and serviced for other gardener’s promoting the fact that they will have designer tools that can be found easily in their gardens.
This project gets a 2 on a five point messy scale!
Developed By:
Sharon Abbott
Texas Master Gardener
Meet Sharon Abbott |
