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Lotus flowers have been an inspiration for design throughout history, and artist Monica Shinn shows us how to adapt a simple solar garden light to make a fun and original design element for your garden. There are many different garden lights out there, and though this particular light is based on the lotus, this project can really be done with any type of flower in mind.
Materials:Solar lights with removable light section and a 1 ¼" stake (If the stake is different adjust the center hole on cutouts)Roofing flashing metal - comes in roles 18" x 60" (makes 3 lamps) Paper 1" x 5" solid tube (Plastic, metal, wood for shaping sheet metal) Colored light Gels (if you like) Pictures of lotus petals or lotus petals
Tools:Scissors or sharp bladeCutting shears Glue brush Markers Handheld Rotary tool with 1 ¼" hole cutter bit Gloves Pencil Marker Compass
Directions:1. Using pencil and compass draw outlines of various size circles: 5" diameter, 8" diameter and 10" diameter on paper. At center of each circle, draw a 1 ¼" circle.
2. Using pictures or a lotus petal for shape, draw five evenly spaced petals around circles. Cut out patterns and center circle with scissors or sharp blade. 3. Put patterns onto sheet metal and trace with marker. Wearing gloves, use cutting shears to cut lotus pattern out of sheet metal. To cut out center hole, attach a 1 ¼" hole cutter to rotary hand tool and remove center hole. 4. Create a gradual curve by rolling petals around tube. Repeat process on all petals. 5. Separate lamp section from stake. From bottom of stake, slide sheet metal petals from smallest to largest up shaft to bottom of light fixture. Reattach lamp section to stake. This will hold petals in place. Place on garden path or other desired location. Special Thanks: Lee Corley The Steel Yard Industrial Welding Supply
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