Monday Make A – May Pole &/or Mosaic Flower Pot

Both of these were found on The Goddess Within – A Pagan Place For Women

Make Your Own May Pole

You can make your own small tabletop version of the May Pole, this apparently ancient pagan agricultural symbol around which much festivity and dancing ensues. Most agricultural cultures seem to have similar institutions.

Needed:

• Paper Towel Roll
• Paint
• Cardboard
• Ribbon or streamers
• Tape
• Scissors
• Flowers (optional)

Paint the paper towel roll a bright color and let it dry. Tape one end of the painted roll onto a small piece of cardboard so it stands up straight. Wrap colorful ribbon around the roll and secure with tape. Cut lengths of ribbon or streamer to hang on the outside of your May Pole. The ribbon pieces should be just a little longer than the roll. Going around the roll, tape one end of each ribbon length to the inside top edge of the roll. If you like, decorate the top of your May Pole with flowers.

Hand Mosaiced Flower Pots

You will need...

• mosaic tiles purchased from hobby store OR
• colorful plates carefully broken into mosaic-sized pieces
• 4 oz. bottle of tile Adhesive (purchased from hobby store)
• 8 oz. jar premixed grout (purchased from hobby store)
• Tile nippers (purchased from hobby store)
• Plastic Grout Spreading Tool (purchased from hobby store)
• Grout Sponge (purchased from hobby store)

Directions:
Dab a little glue on each of the four corners of each tile and carefully place tile on rim of flowerpot. Center the tile along the rim, a little below the top edge.  Continue gluing down the tiles until the rim is covered. The last tile may need to be nipped to fit. Continue gluing tiles onto the base of the pot so that they fit neatly together and the colors are evenly distributed. Continue working until the whole pot is covered in an attractive "crazy quilt" design. While the adhesive is still wet, tiles can be shifted with a craft stick until you are satisfied with the positioning. The adhesive will begin to dry within 5 to 7 minutes. Do not attempt to reposition the tile after the adhesive begins to set. The adhesive dries clear and can be peeled off, so don't worry if you get a little on the visible side of the tile. Make sure to keep your hands clean and free of adhesive while applying tile. Wash hands as needed. Allow the tiles to dry for at least 12 hours (overnight is better).

Grouting
Fill a container with water and have handy plenty of paper towels. Run strips of masking tape along the inner sides of the pot to keep off the grout. Using a plastic Grout Spreader Tool, scoop out grout and spread it over the tiles and into the 'crevices' between the tiles. Work the grout into the crevices until it becomes smooth and level with the tile surface. The best way to do this is by spreading the grout in one direction and then spreading it in the opposite direction. When you have finished applying grout, wait about 15 minutes for it to harden slightly. Dampen Grout Sponge with cool water and squeeze it. The sponge should be damp, but not soaking wet. Gently wipe the dampened sponge across the tile surface, removing excess grout from all surfaces. Wash out the sponge periodically while cleaning tile, as it really soaks up the grout. Allow to dry overnight. Gently loosen any remaining excess grout from tile with a wooden craft stick. Gently polish tiles with a paper towel or cloth. For extra shiny tiles, polish with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil. Give your pot as a gift or plant in it yourself!

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from `this blog.