Some projects just need to be done because they make you feel good. For a fun winter project, try this heavenly angel.
Materials:
4-inch by 4-inch pressure-treated board
6 feet of 1-inch by 10-inch pine board
Sheet of 1/2-inch plywood
Circular saw
Jig saw
Tape measure
Sandpaper
Drill/screwdriver
Baling wire
Exterior screws
Latex exterior paint and primer
Raffia or yarn
Marking pen
Step 1: Angels on earth
Cut out a base for the angel using the plywood. Measure out a square 7 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches and cut out using a circular saw. Sand smooth with a piece of 120-grit sandpaper. Paint the piece with latex exterior paint white, of course.
Step 2: Heavenly body
Cut out the body using the 4-inch by 4-inch pressure-treated lumber (basically a deck post). Cut to a 36-inch length using a circular saw. After you have cut the piece, sand the edges smooth with 120-grit sandpaper.
Paint the body of the angel (white is a good color). Then scuff it up with sandpaper.
For the face, paint from the top down about 5 inches with a soft tan or beige, making sure to curve the face at the chin. Draw the smile and the eyes with a black magic marker.
Step 3: Can I get my wings?
Cut out the wings from the 1-inch by 10-inch pine board. My wings measured 24 inches in length. The design was made up as I went, but remember angel wings are soft and, well, you know, angelly!
Cut out the design using the jig saw with a scroll blade (the scroll blade will make sharper curved cuts). Sand the edges with 120-grit sandpaper. Paint the wings with a color that you desire. I used a green exterior paint that I had on my leftover paint shelf. This is a great way to use up old paint.
Step 4: Star light, star bright
I cut out the star and sunflower using the 1/2-inch plywood. I used a design that I thought would look heavenly and fun. The star is about 4 inches in width and the sunflower about 6 inches. Use the scroll saw and cut out the shapes, then sand smooth.
Paint the star the same color as the wings, and the sunflower with something bright. For the center of the sunflower, use a bright red or burgundy. Use a small amount to add rosy cheeks to the face of your angel.
Step 5. Oh boy! The garden can't wait
Attach the wings behind the body using exterior-grade wood screws (the top of the wing should be about even with the bottom of the chin).
Drill a pilot hole in the star and sunflower and run baling wire through both. The star uses one strand and is attached to the top of the head with a galvanized nail. Wrap the wire around the star and then attach to the nail. For the sunflower create a loop and hang on a galvanized nail that is driven into the body of the angel 4 inches below the chin.
Add raffia or yarn for the hair using a nail and you now have a garden angel.
My garden angel only graces my yard on pleasant sunny days; in bad weather she prefers the indoors.
Matt Fox writes this column with Shari Hiller. They also co-host the Home and Garden Television show "Room by Room." For more information, visit www.hgtv.com.
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