Indoor water fountains have become very popular over the last few years. Host Rebecca Kolls could never find one that fit her personality, nor did she want to spend $150 to $300 to own one. So she decided to make her own. She came up with a very simple technique for indoor fountains that costs under $40.
There are several variations that you can make, but the foundation to all these fountains is exactly the same.
Materials
waterproof container to use as the base
submersible aquarium pump (available at a fish store or local garden center)
1-1/2" diameter copper pipe
pipe cutter (about $2.50 and very easy to use)
silicone glue that dries clear
two elbow joints
reducer to go on top of the pump
T-bar
piece of copper
rocks to stabilize the fountain and make it more sturdy
Place the pump into the container. Because the hole of the pump is smaller than the copper fittings, you need to add the reducer. Then you're ready to put on the first arm of the copper foundation. Apply some silicone to the outer edge of the pipe. The rest is very simple. Attach the pieces, one after the other, but before you put in the top pipe, you need to pre-drill some holes using a one-eighth-inch drill bit, which allows a perfect flow for this fountain. Remember that the size of your copper frame must fit into the container for the water to circulate. Before you add the final arm, make sure the top part is aligned so the holes face down so that the water will flow into the container. This final arm is going to be longer since it has the pump to elevate it. First put on the t-joint, which will help secure it in the bottom. Then measure the pipe to fit and cut it down. Now the foundation is done, and it may be a little wobbly. So add some large stones to give the fountain stability, add some weight and take up space. Then fill it up with small river stone. The final step is to simply add water.Now that you've got the basics, the looks you can create are endless. Here's a very simple idea to embellish your fountain--if you have dried flowers, put together an arrangement, place it between two pieces of glass and wrap the outside edges with copper tape. Attach a copper wire loop to the top as you're taping. Then, suspend it from the top pipe, and it's ready to go.
Or you could make a slate-looking fountain. Buy a piece of slate from a tile store and with either a tile cutter or a hammer, you can cut away or chisel a nice sculpture. Then hang it from the frame and glue it with some silicone glue.
If you're looking for a fountain for the kitchen, you might like this idea. If you have a copper pan you like, create the base with it. Then flatten the flatware with a hammer and suspend it with copper wire — a cute, elegant look for the kitchen. Using the same idea, while Rebecca bought some skeleton keys at an antique shop and attached them with the wire — a very sweet look. And while she was at the antique store, she noticed a cute, little washboard. So she got some eye-hooks, attached some chain, put it in a galvanized bucket — a great look for somebody who likes antiques.
So, if the sound of trickling water appeals to you, especially on a cold, snowy day, this is a great indoor project. And the best part — it won't break the bank.
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