Life in Rehab is BACK! Get ready for a slew of new projects for the new year! We just can't promise we know what we're doing!

Visit Life in Rehab's new Etsy shop
And because we're good friends by now,
our readers get 25% off
by entering the promo code
REHAB when you make a purchase!
So deck out, do some early holiday gift shopping,
strut your stuff and make a statement!


I'm on a mission. If I have never EVER not once replied to your comments, you may want to check this out: No Reply?



Wednesday, April 7, 2010

It's All About the Cats

A big pot on feet with a hole in the bottom. Yep, that's where we're starting.
Our former fountain was also homemade, but from plastic planters. It served several purposes, including providing a little music in the garden and fresh drinking water for our band of marauding felines. When the sides of it cracked, it was time to build a replacement. Thom is the keeper of our fountain, and he was pretty sad that he no longer had one to listen to, so this one was going to be a lot more sturdy.
You will need:
1. A large composite pot in a bowl shape. Composites are water tight.
2. A smaller pot that when inverted is level with the top of the larger bowl.
3. A pump
4. Decorative rock
5. Goop
6. We also recycled a plastic tray from the broken fountain.



First, using a masonry bit, drill into the pot to enlarge the drainage hole. You'll need to thread the cord from the fountain through it.
Make sure the fountain head fits the drainage hole of the small pot. I encourage you to take your pump shopping with you.
 
Thread the electrical cord of the pump through the hole of the bowl so that the pump is in the bowl. Set this on a sheet of aluminum foil.

Making sure you have enough cord inside the pot, surround the cord with small stones and grab your Goop!

Squeeze a generous amount of this watertight, flexible adhesive over the stones. Let it sit for 15 minutes and apply a little more to completely seal the hole.

Let this dry overnight, the put a little water in the bowl. Wait for an hour and check the foil. If it's dry, you're ready to rock!

Goop over flow can be snipped off.
Guide the fountain head into the smaller pot and out the hole
The plastic drainage tray was already cut from the previous fountain, and I had just used utility scissors to do that.

Set the smaller pot upside down in the bowl. Fill the tray with rocks, shells, marbles, or anything else that fits your scheme, fill the bowl with water, plug in the pump, and you, my friends, have a very fancy cat dish.
Since Thom is our Fountain Whisperer (as in it's one of his chores to maintain it), I let him do the artistic part.
Thom changed his mind a couple of times as far as decor.
I liked the results.
The Quality Assurance Committee was eager to test it out.
And there you have it. Totally Cool Receipt?

Large bowl $19 at Home Depot
Smaller Pot $1.48 at Home Depot
Those were the only purchases for this project.
And doesn't it look Fiesta-esque?




32 comments:

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

You make me tired with all you do in a week (day?)!! Love the fountain and the kitty!! I've been away so I need to catch up on all your cleverness!

Life in Rehab said...

Thank you, Heather! I'm getting great tips and suggestions in email from other bloggers too that I hope to post soon!

Erica said...

Stopping over from Tatertots and Jello party. Love the name of your blog and this lovely project!
-Mama E
www.homeandheartsblog.com

Life in Rehab said...

Well thank you, Mama E, and nice of you to pop by. I think I'll return the favor...

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

It's nice to be reminded of this fountain! Love it....what about that post you promised of tips and suggestions from other bloggers? Or did I miss it??

-heather

Lisa Nelsen-Woods said...

I like the shiny bits version of your fountain best. Is it difficult to maintain?

Life in Rehab said...

Lisa,
Not at all. We give it a rinse and spray the pump out with a hose every couple of weeks. The sound of it alone seems to lower the temperature, and the cats love it. You do need to add a little water every other day just to be safe. Thanks for stopping by!

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

This is very cool! We haven't done much outside yet. We're getting there though. I hope to be able to create some really great pieces and this is a great idea!

Thanks for linking to Transform Tuesday. I can't wait to see what you link up next week!

Life in Rehab said...

Thanks Rory, it's on there!

Sarah, you have to try this! It's so easy, portable, and so much less than the prefab ones. I actually have a new one on the drawing board for the backyard!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

Your fountain is very clever and lovely. Your instructions were good and clear. I love the sound of a fountain and yours is a great little project.

The Charm of Home said...

Very nice! What a great idea for summer.

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Thanks for joining and and helping to make this the most successful Modern Craftswoman Monday so far! Rory
ps...our cats eat out of a sterling silver dish on a silver tray, so I completely get this!

Jeanne said...

A terrific project that looks great. Good job on the fountain. It looks doable. (is that a word) smile.
Hugs, Jeanne

Life in Rehab said...

Thanks, guys! And if anyone decides they'd like to try this, please, share the photos! Drop me an email and I'll be glad to brag about you!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful fountain at NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS...I hope you had a FUN time here at NTT!

Blessings,
Linda

littlethings1 said...

Great fountain ! And yes , what we dont do for our little furry friends ! Very cute !
Eunice

Prior said...

Cool! I want to make one of these! Lezlee

Julie @ Frugal and Fabulous Design said...

I am dying to try this! Very cool project.

I'd love it if you link up to my party tomorrow.

Life in Rehab said...

Thanks ladies! And Julie, I'd be delighted! I always love finding new parties!

mle said...

the fountain looks cool and refreshing on a hot day! : )

Sew Can Do said...

What a nice fountain & the price is right! Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday!

Fawnda@Fireflies and Jellybeans said...

Very cool! : )

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

Great Job!!! I saw your link on Sunday Showcase and I am your newest follower! Nice to meet you. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Bonnie

Pam said...

Helpful tutorial, cleverly done and on the cheap. A winning combo; yeah!

Life in Rehab said...

Thank you, Ladies, and it's always nice to hear your thoughts!

Unknown said...

I love it!
Thanks for sharing at Anything Related!

Heather said...

How pretty & savvy! Thank you so much for linking up to our Fabulous Friday party. Please add a link back or grab out button to attach to this post as I'd love this helpful post to be able to stay up. Thank you again & hope to see you back next Friday!
Heather @ www.savingmoneylivinglife.com

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

What a fabulous project. I love the larger bowl - gorgeous! Great tutorial - making a fountain is on my to do! Thanks for joining the Sunday Showcase! I greatly appreciate it! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Julie @ Frugal and Fabulous Design said...

Thank you so much for linking up to the party!

Room to Inspire said...

It looks great and thanks so much for the great tutorial! And for linking up to Be Inspired last week.

Chelsea

Lady J said...

You made this look so easy! I totally want to try this!

Ginger said...

What a wonderful tutorial. Love the clay pot you used wonderful!
HUGS