Last month, we started clearing out our garage in preparation for a garage sale. In one of the cabinets, I found some teapots that had been forgotten. I remembered seeing where teapots were used as garden art, so over to Pinterest I went to check out some ideas. Using these ideas at inspiration, I created my own teapot garden art! I saved some of my favorites to this Pinterest board - check it out. https://www.pinterest.com/jodeeschrlau/garden-ideas/repurposed-recycled-or-salvaged/
The teapot I choose to use had a chipped spout, so I didn't want to sell it in the garage sale. It was made with holes where the handles were attached, so it was easy to hang on a garden hook. I strung glass beads, then attached them coming out of the spout to look like water.
Underneath, I placed a pottery bowl on some bricks for a birdbath.
I'm a Little Teapot
As I sat admiring my creation and watching the birds splash in their new bath, this children's song popped into my head.
I'm sure most of you have heard it and even sang it a time or two. It was written in 1939 as a dance for younger students who weren't ready for tap dance. The Teapot Song and the accompanying dance, the "Teapot Tip" became enormously popular and is still a favorite for children of all ages.
What is in Your Heart?
As those lyrics played over in my mind, the Holy Spirit asked me what is pouring out of me when I get tipped over. What gets you all steamed up, and what do you shout then.
He then reminded me of a recent conversation I had with some friends. On reflection, I did not like some of the things that came out of my mouth. My words at the time seemed like a discussion but were actually gossipy and judgmental. After repenting, I talked with the Holy Spirit about what was in my heart that caused those words to come out of my mouth. That is why Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (NIV)
Our nation is all steamed up right now, and they are shouting.
Their actions and words show what is in their heart. Only God can turn their hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. As believers, we have been given a soft heart, but it is up to us to guard it. Take a minute. Think about your words and actions recently. What is it revealing to you about what is in your heart?
What started out as a simple garden project, is now a daily reminder to pay attention to what is pouring out of me. Have you used teapots or cups and saucers, as art in your garden?. I've includes some basic instructions on how to do this project below. Let me know how it goes, I'd love to hear about it. Or send me a picture, and I'll include it in a special garden blog I'm planning
Oh, and we did ok with the garage sale. Steve had so much fun he wants to do another one. We still have quite a bit left, and some more to add to it.
To Make Your Own Easy Teapot Garden Art
Supplies:
Directions:
String several strands of beads, leaving enough wire at the top to wrap and secure to washer. I did 5 strands at slightly different lengths. Wrap ends of write around washer and secure with a bit of glue. When dry, feed the beads through the teapot spout. The washer keeps them from falling out.
You can leave the lid off (cute bird house) or glue it in place.
Next make a stand for the bird bath by stacking bricks. I used 6 bricks, the amount you need will depend on the size of you birdbath container and how high you want the bath. Place container for bird bath on top of bricks. Position Shepperd Hook so teapot will hang over birdbath. Hang teapot handle on the hook. If it doesn't hang at the angle you want it to, you can wrap wire on the handle and position it to your liking.
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