{"id":7781,"date":"2022-07-20T23:42:24","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T07:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?p=7781"},"modified":"2023-02-18T18:55:27","modified_gmt":"2023-02-19T03:55:27","slug":"how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/","title":{"rendered":"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Little mermaid figurine made of plastic\" class=\"wp-image-7783\" width=\"420\" height=\"629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-982x1473.png 982w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Have you ever wanted to make your own fountain? Maybe you saw a little tabletop sized fountain on Pinterest or You Tube and added it to your growing list of future craft projects. Well, that was ME!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For several years, I&#8217;ve been making and selling garden art; things like dish flowers and birdbaths and other garden accent pieces. After awhile, ya just want to try something new; something different to add to your repertoire. One day, I saw a delightful &#8216;floating&#8217; teapot fountain on You Tube, and was determined that someday I was going to make one.  Well, the teapots will have to wait for another day. This is the story behind how the Little Mermaid Fountain came into being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m happy to share my little project with you. While<strong> <\/strong>not exactly a step-by-step &#8220;tutorial&#8221;, I&#8217;ll talk about the creative process and offer a few tips, along with the materials I used to put it together. If you&#8217;ve ever made a <a href=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/dish-magic-18-garden-totems-add-sparkle-and-charm\/\">garden totem<\/a> or birdbath from dishes, this is very similar. Perhaps you&#8217;ll be inspired make your own mermaid fountain&#8211; or whatever whimsical theme you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-medium-font-size\" style=\"color:#046fad\"><strong>Take a look at the finished<\/strong> <strong>artwork<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"DIY Mermaid Fountain\" width=\"663\" height=\"373\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h_Mh2yLKsD0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">Diving into a mermaid&#8217;s world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ll be honest. The hardest part of making this little mermaid fountain was finding all the right pieces that make it so magical. It&#8217;s quite time consuming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, I initially had teapots on my mind. But, I ran across this adorable resin mermaid figurine on one of my many thrifting excursions. Couldn&#8217;t pass her up, even though I had no idea at the time what I would do with her. Initially I envisioned making a beach or ocean-themed garden totem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After finding the mermaid, I began collecting ocean and beach home decor items. You know&#8230;stuff you would find in a mermaid&#8217;s world. They come in the form of votive candle holders, soap dishes and plates. I also picked up a small bag of real sea shells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ddeffa;font-size:15px\"><strong>NOTE: As an option to scouring thrift stores and garage sales, you can buy these items new or get them off sites like E-Bay or Etsy, but that would add considerable cost to your craft project. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My next amazing find was the blue glass clam shell. Colored glass is beautiful in a fountain because it really sparkles in the water. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-glass-shell.png\" alt=\"blue glass clam shell soap dish used in the little mermaid fountain\" class=\"wp-image-7787\" width=\"534\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-glass-shell.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-glass-shell-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-glass-shell-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">A fountain&#8217;s base is important, too<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, I needed a BASE for the fountain; a kind of pedestal to display the piece and give it some height. <strong>Flower vases<\/strong> that are good and sturdy work wonderfully for this and are a dime a dozen at the thrift store.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-BASE.png\" alt=\"clear glass vase glued between two plates provides the base of the fountain\" class=\"wp-image-7791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-BASE.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-BASE-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-BASE-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, a vase with a rain water texture became a thrilling find. The perfect complimentary piece for an ocean or beach-theme fountain, wouldn&#8217;t you say?     And again, it&#8217;s the glass. Glass really sparkles in the sunlight. Although the flower vase was only two dollars, it makes my mermaid fountain look extravagant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#d3ebfb\"><strong>TIP: <\/strong>Every single element of a garden totem or fountain is important because it contributes to the artistry and appeal of the entire thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The navy blue and white ceramic plates are colors associated with the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">The necessity of the right bowl<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-bowl.png\" alt=\"Fancy decorative glass bowl with blue paint on the bottom of it. Bowl has imprints of sea shells and star fish on it\" class=\"wp-image-7784\" width=\"504\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-bowl.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-bowl-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-bowl-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><figcaption>An exquisite ocean-themed bowl. I removed the patchy sprayed-on color.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The BOWL can be any vessel that holds water. For a small tabletop fountain, you might use a Pyrex mixing bowl, a galvanized metal trough, any vintage or farmhouse style ceramic wash basin. Whatever will work and ideally fit the theme you wish to create. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it must be <em>deep enough<\/em> to fully immerse the pump. Like the base, you want the bowl to be good and sturdy. The decorative bowl I used for my little mermaid fountain is a bit on the delicate side, yet not overly fragile, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bowl came with some kind of sprayed-on color on the back. Either it was made that way or added by a DIYer to give it more of an ocean hue. Due to noticeable scratches in the color, it looked terrible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, a long soak in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) followed by some intensive scrubbing was all that was needed to remove the paint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-Base-2.png\" alt=\"the completed little mermaid fountain; the base, and the bowl glued together.\" class=\"wp-image-7796\" width=\"537\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-Base-2.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-Base-2-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Fountain-Base-2-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#def0fb\"><strong>TIP: If you want an extraordinary garden totem or fountain, use extraordinary pieces.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">Gluing the pieces together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In my experience, the best glue to use for glass and ceramic garden art is 100% Silicone which isn&#8217;t really a &#8216;glue&#8217; at all; it&#8217;s a sealant!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a craft glue like E-6000 is a good, strong-bonding glue, it has it&#8217;s limitations for use outdoors in the weather. In hot climates like California and Texas etc., the glass absorbs heat causing the glue to soften like melted butter.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Silicone-Tube-PRODUCT-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Tube of silicone glue \" class=\"wp-image-4573\" width=\"227\" height=\"300\"\/><figcaption>Silicone now comes in a squeeze tube like this<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Instead, use 100% Silicone &#8211; Clear\/for doors and windows (exterior). I won&#8217;t go into too much detail, but you can see my professional review of <a href=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/why-silicone-is-the-best-glue-for-garden-art\/\">Silicone HERE<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Silicone is low odor, thick and easy to work with. It fills in the gaps between two pieces fitted together and really grips. In an outside environment such as your porch or patio, it is water-proof as well as sun-proof. It won&#8217;t melt or turn brittle and crumble apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ever made a garden totem, arranging your pieces together for a tabletop fountain uses the exact same technique. Here is an example of how to correctly apply the silicone. (Upper image) When you press two pieces together, some of the silicone squishes out the sides. This is GOOD! Simply use your finger to wipe along the edge and smooth it out. (SEE Lower image) When dry, the silicone is hardly visible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Example showing how to apply the glue to a vase and smooth the excess glue so it fills in gaps. Gives the little mermaid fountain professional look.\" class=\"wp-image-7288\" width=\"566\" height=\"732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH-791x1024.jpg 791w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH-982x1271.jpg 982w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/GLUING-VASE-DISH.jpg 1275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">Specialized Glue for Fountains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular 100% silicone is a great adhesive for creating your BASE, because it&#8217;s applied to an <em>outside<\/em> surface. Although it&#8217;s water-proof, it&#8217;s <em>not<\/em> suitable for gluing anything that will be under the water once the fountain is turned on and running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#def0fb\"><strong>TIP: READ THE LABEL!<\/strong>  It&#8217;s so important to read the label or do a little on-line research to ensure you are using the right product. Don&#8217;t rely solely on reviews or the sales person at the box store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I viewed a tutorial where the crafter used plumbers putty for his fountain. But according to the label, plumbers putty isn&#8217;t made to be under the water. In fact, most plumbing adhesives are made to be applied to the outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Marine glues<\/strong> are especially made for<strong> under water.<\/strong> You&#8217;ll find them at Lowes and Home Depot. However, they don&#8217;t come in &#8216;clear&#8217;. That may or may not matter to you. But because I&#8217;m gluing glass, and my little mermaid fountain was such a special piece, I was ok with being ultra picky this time. I kept calling around to various places until one guy suggested a pet store! A pet store?  For glue?  Absolutely, because they deal in fish and aquariums and aquarium repair.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Aquarium-silicone.png\" alt=\"special Aquarium glue for use under water. \" class=\"wp-image-7800\" width=\"513\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Aquarium-silicone.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Aquarium-silicone-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Aquarium-silicone-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 513px) 100vw, 513px\" \/><figcaption>Aquarium sealant is CLEAR and the perfect &#8220;glue&#8221; for tabletop fountains<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In this case, it&#8217;s my local <a href=\"https:\/\/petzoo.us\/\">Pet Zoo<\/a> to the rescue! The product they use to seal and repair aquariums is also a silicone, but a special <em>type<\/em> of silicone made for <strong>under water<\/strong>. The big plus for me is that &#8220;Aqueon&#8221; is CLEAR!  <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Add-a-subheading-2.png\" alt=\"Blue glass clam shell is glued to the stand it will sit on in the little mermaid fountain.\" class=\"wp-image-7799\" width=\"582\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Add-a-subheading-2.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Add-a-subheading-2-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Add-a-subheading-2-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><figcaption>The glass stand for the shell will be under the water. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I glued two glass candlestick holders together and used the <em>aquarium sealant <\/em>to glue the stand to the bottom of the bowl.  I also used it to glue on the blue clam shell and the mermaid figurine as both would be in water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">Using the right-size pump <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As it turned out, Everything I needed for my little mermaid fountain was at Pet Zoo of all places! <strong>The pump<\/strong> is the same one used in dog and cat water bowls. And the effect is the same; a slow flowing, gentle trickle of water. (as in the Video)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the size of your tabletop fountain and the water capacity of your bowl, you could probably go with the next size pump or one beyond that if you desire a little more action. Make sure the pump is a <em>fully submersible <\/em>pump. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>plastic tube<\/strong> is also available at Pet Zoo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#def0fb\"><strong>TIP: To preserve the longevity of your pump, do not use well-water. The reason is that all the mineral deposits (lime, rust and scale build up) will over time, clog up the pump and hinder its performance. Get your water from another source or use the inexpensive drinking water that comes in jugs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Pump.png\" alt=\"small pump used for the little mermaid fountain.\" class=\"wp-image-7804\" width=\"572\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Pump.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Pump-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Pump-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><figcaption>Small submersible pump made for dog &amp; cat water bowls<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-heading\">Putting the fountain into action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tabletop fountains are typically made with two vessels; a bottom and a top. The bottom one contains the water and the pump. This style of fountain requires drilling a hole in the bottom unit to slip the pump cord through. And then it&#8217;s sealed, of course. Another hole is drilled in the upper vessel to feed the tube through from the bottom level to the top. The water exits out the tube and drains back down into the bottom.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\">A simple fountain design <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>But you don&#8217;t <em>have<\/em> to do it that way! In fact, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for the little mermaid fountain because the glass bowl cannot be drilled. It&#8217;s true that some glass is thick enough to be drilled without breaking. But not this one! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I just found another way for this fountain to work. That&#8217;s why it has only <em>one<\/em> vessel which contains the pump. I just drape the pump cord over the edge of the bowl, hiding it on the backside. That way, when the fountain is on display, the cord will not be too visible. I plan to disguise the pump, too. Maybe I&#8217;ll place a sea shell over it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:23px\">Precautions for resin figurines<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Resin figurines fade quite easily in the sun. And the mermaid will be in constant contact with water. (as mermaids usually are). I decided to spray her down with a few coats of a wood preservative called <strong>Spar Urethane<\/strong>, which is supposed to seal out water. It also prevents fading for wood decks and fences. I get the stuff in a spray can. It comes in different sheens, like paint; satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Just something to consider if you use a resin figure, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:26px\">Directing the water flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, I wrapped the plastic tube around the mermaid&#8217;s backside and found that it lodges perfectly underneath her arm. In this position, the water flows exactly the way I wanted it to. Additionally, it has everything to do with how your fountain sounds. The way the water flows adds to the imagery and brings excitement to the fountain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, it fills up the small clam shell the mermaid cradles on her lap. Then, it overflows and spills into the larger blue clam shell. Then, it drips out the shell into the bowl. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your fountain will be different and come with its own set of challenges to make it work and look the way you want it to. Bottom line, strive for the least obvious so your fountain looks as natural and realistic as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/by-Kristen.png\" alt=\"The little mermaid fountain all finished and photographed against an ocean backdrop\" class=\"wp-image-7805\" width=\"582\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/by-Kristen.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/by-Kristen-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/by-Kristen-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>\u201cNow he is certainly sailing above, he on whom my wishes hang, and in whose hand I should like to lay my life&#8217;s happiness. I will dare everything to win him and an immortal soul.\u201d<\/em><br>\u2015&nbsp;<strong>Hans Christian Andersen,&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/work\/quotes\/245197\">The Little Mermaid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At it&#8217;s simplest, all you really need is 1) a bowl, 2) some kind of base to rest it on 3) pump and tubing. The types of dishes, plates and bowls you use&#8230;their color, shape and style&#8230;will convey the overall theme of your fountain.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swap your pieces around until you come up with a pleasing arrangement. Then glue them together. I recommend clear, 100% silicone in the squeeze tube because it&#8217;s easier to control in your hand when applying.  Remember to switch to an &#8220;under-water&#8221; adhesive for any parts that will be continually in water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hope I&#8217;ve jump-started your imagination. After finishing my little mermaid fountain, I&#8217;ve concluded that it&#8217;s well worth the extra time and attention to detail to make it as fanciful and magical as it can be.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Now, I&#8217;m going swimming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\">More whimsical garden crafts for you<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Fairy-CLOSE-ZZZZZZ.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7294\" width=\"253\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Fairy-CLOSE-ZZZZZZ.png 940w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Fairy-CLOSE-ZZZZZZ-300x251.png 300w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Fairy-CLOSE-ZZZZZZ-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/take-your-garden-totems-to-the-next-level\/\">Take Your Garden Totem to the next level<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Hub-Cap-Trio-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3720\" width=\"190\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Hub-Cap-Trio-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Hub-Cap-Trio-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Hub-Cap-Trio-982x1309.jpg 982w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/happy-hub-cap-flowers-and-how-to-make-them\/\">Happy Hub Cap Flowers<\/a><\/p>\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.drpeterscode.com\/index.php\"><img src=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/dpabottomofpostpage\/apixel1x1.jpg\" ><\/a><table><\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dive into the world of imaginative fountains as the artist shares her passion and creative processes for this delightful mermaid-theme composition. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7783,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[906,909],"tags":[972,973],"class_list":["post-7781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-tutorials","category-garden-art-tutorials-for-re-purposed-crafts","tag-fountain","tag-mermaid"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain | Make it a Garden<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain | Make it a Garden\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dive into the world of imaginative fountains as the artist shares her passion and creative processes for this delightful mermaid-theme composition.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Make it a Garden\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MakeItAGarden\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-07-21T07:42:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-02-19T03:55:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-683x1024.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kris Spencer\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kris Spencer\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/\",\"name\":\"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain | Make it a Garden\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-07-21T07:42:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-02-19T03:55:27+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d12b5536a655b80834869ce9ed19c182\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":1500},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/\",\"name\":\"Make it a Garden\",\"description\":\"Creating imaginative &amp; inviting places\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d12b5536a655b80834869ce9ed19c182\",\"name\":\"Kris Spencer\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/737a92c2bc79acdb353b77f26d2bda24?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/737a92c2bc79acdb353b77f26d2bda24?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Kris Spencer\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain | Make it a Garden","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain | Make it a Garden","og_description":"Dive into the world of imaginative fountains as the artist shares her passion and creative processes for this delightful mermaid-theme composition.","og_url":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/","og_site_name":"Make it a Garden","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MakeItAGarden\/","article_published_time":"2022-07-21T07:42:24+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-02-19T03:55:27+00:00","og_image":[{"width":683,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close-683x1024.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Kris Spencer","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Kris Spencer","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/","url":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/","name":"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain | Make it a Garden","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png","datePublished":"2022-07-21T07:42:24+00:00","dateModified":"2023-02-19T03:55:27+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d12b5536a655b80834869ce9ed19c182"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png","width":1000,"height":1500},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/how-i-made-my-darling-little-mermaid-fountain\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How I Made My Darling Little Mermaid Fountain"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/","name":"Make it a Garden","description":"Creating imaginative &amp; inviting places","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d12b5536a655b80834869ce9ed19c182","name":"Kris Spencer","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/737a92c2bc79acdb353b77f26d2bda24?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/737a92c2bc79acdb353b77f26d2bda24?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Kris Spencer"}}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Mermaid-Close.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7781","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7781"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7781\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7831,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7781\/revisions\/7831"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}