Make these up-cycled water fountains for the backyard!
When I was down south last summer for the World’s Longest Yard Sale, I came upon this quirky wine bottle water fountain during our junk hunts.
I smiled, questioned the gent about where he got it from, in which he proudly replied, “I made it!”
Knowing how popular it’s become on social media after I showed it around, I wish I had sat him down to write full instructions!
But it sure is cool, huh?
Here’s a few other up-cycled water fountains that would look amazing in any backyard! Which style is your favorite?
Up-cycled water fountains for the backyard
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Kettle pouring into barrel
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Kettle water fountain by Julee S on HomeTalk
… old kettles are! When I spotted this cool fountain idea, I knew I had to get it over with and make myself a water feature of some sort.
So why do I want to make a water fountain?
Once upon a time 2 houses ago, we had a pond in our backyard. It was amazing. If you sat beside it, you felt like you were at the lake or something. It was stocked with fish, waterplants, the works. BUT… it was a whole lotta work.
But a fountain doesn’t appear to be nearly the work load. And if you desire to close it down for the winter, you can unplug and drain. I like that.
Now know, I’ve never made a water fountain before. But I figure with the right water fountain kit, guidance and junk combined, it shouldn’t be too hard, should it?
Here are a few other junky ones that totally inspired me…
Kettle pouring into a dish
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Old kettle fountain by Namaws on HomeTalk
This is cool, the barrel has layered junk inside so you don’t really need anything too special. I have that old kettle!
Vintage sink water fountain
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Old sink water fountain by Old Fairfield Home and Garden
Isn’t this old sink fabulous?! More pictures on the site! I adore this so much.
Old clay pot water fountain
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Old pot fountain by Aquascape on HomeTalk
I do love this big old tipped pot.
I also have a HomeTalk Clipboard of water fountain inspiration HERE.
Now my brain’s on overdrive. Lemme see…
I envision an old clawfoot tub in the middle of a flower bed as a super easy pond… that drains! Ack! I like that.
An old sink that leaks? Cool…
Just… no toilets sprouting leaks. No thanks.
You can bet I shall be hunting for just the right thing!
Do you have a water feature in your yard? Is it a lot of upkeep?
I have total confidence that you can make a wonderful fountain. My husband and I have made a couple of them and we are busy planning one more. I think one of the most important things to consider is how the fountain sounds. Our first fountain had me running to the bathroom every time we turned it on. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Traci
HAHAHA!!
What a great idea. I love making fountains. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for sharing the great photo/idea! And that’s to that guy!
I have a lily pond in my yard. Because the plants need divided I pot the small ones up and then I dug holes in 3 different places. I put a large plastic container in the hole and filled it eith eater and planted different flowers around it. I also dug a hole and put in a large plastic container in it then I put a small pump in it and filled it with water. Over that I put a piece of metal grate and rocks. I had a fairly large rock with a hole in it so I put a piece of hose sticking out from the bottom and it looks like there is water coming out of the rock. I also have an authentic old windmill in my yard. We put an old pumpunder the wind mill and have a small stock tank in front of it. With a pump in the bottom of the stock tank it looks like water is always spilling into the tank from the pump. We love our water features and so do the birds.
At our last home, my son helped me make the most beautiful pond. I miss it so much. I love the sound of water. And sitting there was so peaceful. We have a lot of things going against us at our new place but I am still brainstorming how and where I can put another one. With my last one I thought it was a lot of work until I realized that when it develops its own ecosystem you can pretty much leave it alone. All that’s needed then is to make sure it stays full and divide plants. It took about 2 years for that to happen but I think that was my fault. One summer should do it. Ponds also do so much better if they have a water fall. Which mine did. Good luck on your fountain. Can’t wait to see what you do!
We have a small concrete fountain that looks like an old stump. I love it! The pump gets clogged pretty easily, especially when the cottonwood trees are blooming. Those trees are such a mess! Other than that, it’s no trouble. We just spray it with the hose every day to keep the water fresh. Good luck!
Like you, my husband wanted to hear the sound of water when he sat outside on our porch. While we didn’t create one – I bought it for him – the sound is quite soothing. It’s three-tiers, just a basic fountain, but I added some rocks for interest. It isn’t alot of upkeep at all, however, I do (pretty consistently) have to add water to it. I really didn’t think of that when I bought it. It’s kind of like watering a plant – not difficult, but still another thing to do.
Really?! I had no idea this had to be done. Ugh… not sure I’d remember!
I have a small pond without a fountain because the sound of running water is not soothing to me! Our pond always gets many frogs and I did have goldfish one year but ended up killing them all when I brought them inside for the winter 🙁 It is quite a bit of work because it gets leaves falling in it and sometimes dirt runoff from the rock garden beside it. A fountain is easy, Donna, to make out of anything! The key is the pump which sits in the water and then sends water up some tubing. Of course you need an electrical outlet hidden somewhere.
I love the ideas! My mother-in-law has always wanted a fountain…we just may have to make something fun like one of these for her birthday this year! Wahooooooo – let the thrifting begin and the ideas flow! (no pun intended!)
Oh goodness, I just remembered I have a photo album, (you know, old school) from several Chelsey Garden Shows with some fantastic water garden ideas. I’m going to scan the photos into my Pinterest.
These ideas are making me drool. I have some time, here in Saskatchewan, to plan something, though. I may have the perfect kettle out at the farm.
If anybody can rock a junky water feature – its you! Good luck!!!
We have a spot we want a fountain too! I have an old wooden pump that was my Grandpas and I want to have water coming through it. My hubby was hoping to get it all done last spring but it didn’t happen – may this year! I love fountains and think the work has got to be worth it 😉
We have a couple of ponds on our property, but I’ve still wanted a fountain, too. Love these ideas!
Debbie 🙂
I don’t have a water feature because of the dogs, I don’t want them getting wet every day. But, I could make one inside the pool fence. They don’t go in there very much. I would like you to make one with junk that is not immediately recognizable. No wine bottles, no Sanford and Son stuff, just well designed Funky Junk. Then I’ll make one too!
While I love a fountain on the patio, it drove my husband crazy ( to each his own). Always a person of humor, he called it the “Urination Station”. So it is no more. I gotta laugh
I have a claw ft tub, where the shower is perpetually going. With fish, a turtle and a big rock for him to sit. I LOVE IT!!
I miss my Fountain, I had to leave it when we moved North. You do need to add water but, I always enjoyed watering my plants and starting my day with my “watering meditation” time. Love your feature fountains and think the bathtub would be fabulous!
Hey Donna ~ I dug and installed a small water garden at the corner of my back porch a few years ago. If I can do it, anyone can! lol Digging down 24″ was the hardest part of it, but I completed the entire thing in two days. Rubber liner, rocks around the edges and on the shelves, pump and tubing, waterfall….and voila! Instant calm and serene oasis! 🙂 Have fun making one, girlie! Can hardly wait to see what you come up with!
xoxo laurie
I like how your creativity works. It was artistic and very resourceful too.
These are really clever ideas, I’m really getting design inspirations here, especially the kettle fountain. It helps me get the look that I want without spending much on fountain supplies. 🙂