How to Create Art to Add Personality to Your Yard

Easy-to-make copper creations can add some personality to your landscape.

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Filed under: Trellis, Art, How To

Materials and Tools:

copper pipes or tubing (available in plumbing and refrigerator sections of your local hardware store)
fittings
tube cutter
propane torch
solder
flux
flint starter
abrasive brush
squirt bottle of water
safety goggles

Steps:

1. Be sure to take all safety precautions by wearing safety goggles and keeping a squirt bottle of water nearby when working with the propane torch.

2. Measure and mark the copper tube according to the desired dimensions.

3. Cut the tubes along the marked measurements.

4. Assemble the middle sections, connecting the t-joints on both sides to make sure all the components fit correctly.

5. Once the entire trellis is assembled, take each section apart. Clean all the pieces one at a time so you are able to remember where each goes. Use the abrasive brush to rub both the outer and inner sides of the tubes and connectors.

6. Apply flux to the joints one section at a time. Make sure to spread the flux over both the outer and inner sides of the tubes and connectors.

7. Use the propane torch to heat the joints for about 30 seconds. Touch the solder along the area where the tube connects into the fitting. Fill the joint with solder. Don't worry about getting the perfect connection; just try to make a good seal to create a sturdy structure.

8. Allow the trellis to cool.

9. Use coiled copper tubing to make a copper pyramid or invent a free-form figure for the garden.