{"id":712,"date":"2019-04-15T23:33:02","date_gmt":"2019-04-16T07:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?p=712"},"modified":"2023-02-18T18:59:29","modified_gmt":"2023-02-19T03:59:29","slug":"happy-hub-cap-flowers-and-how-to-make-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/happy-hub-cap-flowers-and-how-to-make-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Hub Cap Flowers and How To Make Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
You’ll love these easy to make, happy-looking hub cap flowers! They are light-weight, hold up well in any weather and are virtually unbreakable. After all, they’re hub caps…how many miles have they seen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve personally made a few sets of hub cap flowers. All you need are common household tools. The materials are plastic of one sort or another and virtually effortless for the minimal amount of cutting and drilling required. They’re also fairly cheap to make when compared to similar crafts. The estimated total cost for all materials, hubs, plastic conduit, spray paint and hardware to make the three in the photo above was right around $30.00. (Less if you already happen to have some of these things around the garage)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hub cap’s size and unique design are ideal for painting bright, bold primary colors. They are major attention-getters so be prepared for the compliments. Follow these step by step instructions and my helpful tips to add a little fun to your lawn or garden this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following materials are readily available at your local hardware store: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hubs caps can be found at an auto<\/strong> salvage<\/strong> yard and sometimes at thrift<\/strong> stores<\/strong> or garage sales<\/strong>. I found one on the side of the highway last year. So, keep an eye out if you participate in your community’s Spring Clean Up Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, snap off the metal ring from the brackets on the back side of the hub cap. For me, this was the only difficult part. The rings are tight and sometimes rusty and can be a real bear to get off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For best results, give those hub caps a real good scrubbing; and do it outside. In addition to ordinary dirt, there’s lots of grease and grime. Fill a small bucket with hot water and add a liquid dish detergent with a good degreaser. (like you would if you were washing the car). Dip your rag or scrub brush into the soapy water and wash off the hub cap. Use an old tooth brush to get hard to reach places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n NOTE:<\/strong> It’s important to get it as clean as possible so the spray paint sticks and makes the finished job look nice.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rinse with a hose and towel dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a regular drill bit to drill a hole directly through the center. The plastic is thin and easy to drill. SAFETY TIP<\/strong>: The hole will leave plastic barbs on the other side. While they are plastic, they are still rough enough to potentially prick a finger, so I always snip these off with pliers or wire cutters. Or use a file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a primer as a base coat; one that’s formulated for outdoors and plastic. These days, most major brands of spray paint combine both paint and primer. You do not have to use a separate primer. But I highly recommend it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A primer or “base” coat seals and protects. It preps the surface for a nice smooth paint job which means you get better coverage. A primer coat dries super quick. After about 10 minutes, you can spray your color coat right over the top. Don’t worry about the logo in the center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Should you paint the back side? Yes. Again, you don’t have to. It may not be necessary if you’re planning on showcasing your hub cap flowers against a wall, like the the side of the house or a fence where the back won’t show. However, if they will be free-standing in a garden bed where the back of it will be visible, you’ll want to spray paint both sides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since I don’t have a garage, I do all my spray painting outside. The only thing I have to worry about is good weather and mosquitoes landing in my paint. argh! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make the stem with 1″ PVC pipe. With the tape measure and a pen, mark a line for the length you want the stem to be. I typically make them 3.5 feet tall, but they can be taller or shorter. Using a hacksaw, cut the PVC to the desired length. It’s soft and very easy to cut. Sand off the rough edges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, drill a hole through the stem piece. Lay the hub cap face down with the 3″ screw inserted. Position the PVC stem piece so the top is up against the flap on back side. Use a pen to mark the location for the hole. Drill hole thru the PVC pipe. File off rough barbs on back side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before attaching the flower head, paint the PVC stem piece with a green spray paint (one that bonds to plastic) I like to use a medium “Christmas” green in a gloss finish, but you can choose whatever you like…it’s your <\/em>project! (TIP<\/strong>: wait until the next day to attach the hub cap to the post. That allows spray paint to dry completely) Finally, insert the screw through the center of the hub cap and through the post. Fasten the screw with a wing nut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Afterwards, you can make a center for your hub cap flower to cover the logo. Use whatever looks nice to you and fits. Try a jar lid or some other round plastic bowl or small dish. Spray paint it a contrasting color and glue it on. Any adhesive for outdoor use will work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you’ve got some garden cuties to show off to friends and neighbors. If you make them, please let me know. Send some pics and I’ll post them on my blog for the whole world to see!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Make Easy Dish Flowers Out of Pie Tins<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Get the Most out of Your Garden Decor<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Instructions for Hub Cap Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Remove ring on back side<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Wash<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Drill hole<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Primer Coat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Add your favorite color<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Make the stem<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Paint the stem piece<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
More Garden Art Topics You May Enjoy:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n