Indoor water fountains create a wonderful environment, says fountain designer Annee Geldert. "They sound so soothing and they block out noises you don't want to hear, like traffic." But you need not pay top dollar for a designer creation--you can make your own indoor fountain for a fraction of the cost. Here's how:
- Find a suitable bowl. Most people think the most important element is the pump , but the key to a homemade fountain is finding the right bowl. It should be flat -bottomed and fairly wide, with enough depth to keep the pump under the water--to camouflage it and also so it will work.
- Rest the bowl on another surface. The bowl will leave rings from condensation , much like a drinking glass, so place it on something that can get wet and still be attractive. For this arrangement, Annee chose a piece of slate for a natural look . A tile, a ceramic platter, or a piece of cork would work well too.
- Decide what's going to be the "front" of the fountain. "The pump does have a cord , and it will need to be out of the way in the back," says Geldert.
- Place the pump with the cord to the back (figure A), which you'll then camouflage. Find a ceramic planter with a drainage hole, in a color that complements the bowl, and that will fit inside easily.
- Turn the planter over and set it over the pump, so the pump sticks out of the bottom hole (figure B). This will hide the pump and also provide a nice surface for the water to flow down.
- Place stones front and back of the pump, and anchor with a heavier stone (figure C).
- Keep stacking stones until you like the look.
- Add water. With this size pump and bowl, you'll need to add water every third or fourth day. To keep it fresh, add a bit of liquid color-fast bleach.
- Let 'er rip. Once you've got the pump running, you should adjust the stones as needed.
- Consider adding small statuary, like turtles, or greenery.
- Set a small votive holder in a shade similar to the planter on the slate or other base, to create a "fire and water" effect, (figure D).
Guests Annee Geldert
Fountain Designer / Owner, Mt. Woodson Waterworks
PO Box 2680
Ramona, CA 92065
Phone: 760-788-7340
Fax: 760-788-7340
URL:
www.fountainsubuild.com
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