Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Project 5 ~ Painting the Shed

 
 
 
Project 5 was one of those projects that I worked on when the weather was nice, and we all know it hasn't been the nicest of springs this year. 
 My shed sits in a back corner of my yard and it was kind of a mess back there.  You know how everyone stores "stuff" in places that we can't see, but our neighbors can?  So my first job was to pick up all the things I'd put back there so I could paint.  I cleaned the gutters and washed them, and did some tree trimming.  Then I washed down the walls to get all the algae off.  Finally I was ready to paint.
 
 
After painting the two back sides of the shed, I made a dry-stack wall under the bottom of the shed where it sits above the ground.  We have a lot of wild animals in the neighborhood and I'm trying to close up any space they might decide to take up residence.  The rocks I used were just rocks I found around the yard, so there's not much consistency in them, but no one sees them back there and they did the job.
 
 
I love the way the rocks make the shed look like its old and has been 
sitting there for years.
Then I set out to restore the rain barrel to usefulness.  It sprung a leak  4 - 5 years ago and hasn't held water since then. 
 
 
 I got a new plug for it and bought a tarp to line it with.
 
 
I stapled the tarp inside the rain barrel overlapping the excess as I went around.
 
 
Then I just had to wait for a good rain to fill it up.  I use my rain water to water plants.  I know the new models of rain barrels that are so popular right now all have covers on them, but I like the old fashioned look and mine is made from an old whiskey barrel.  Mosquitoes do like to breed in it, but if you use Dunkers, which can be bought at any garden store, it kills them and is still safe for the birds who like to drink the water.
 
 
Here is my other rain barrel covered with the fallen petals of the crab apple tree.  Another reason, I like the rain barrels without covers.


Lastly, I painted the front of the shed.  The two sides of the shed that I showed you first, I did in a bat and board style to save money and I don't really see them unless I walk back there.  But the front two sides of the shed that I do see all the time, I covered in cedar shingles to match the house.  The pillars were also made to mimic the front entrance of the house.
 
 
Here is what I spent for this project:
 
Gray house paint ~ $31.16
Tarp for rain barrel ~ $9.27
Total ~ $40.43
 
This project was more work than money, but that is great, because the next project was lots of work and money.
 

7 comments:

Linda P said...

I do like the look of your shed and the colour combination you've used for the paintwork. The stones you've used around the base look good. It's that time of year when I've been washing down outside paintwork and have a paintbrush in hand for indoor work too.

A New England Life said...

I wish my brain worked like yours and propelled me forward to actually accomplish something around the house! I used to have such enthusiasm to update everything but now I have no drive whatsoever. That said, everything you've done looks great, Cindy!!!

My Garden Diaries said...

Hey friend! You picked the prettiest color for your shed! And did I mention that your shed is adorable! What a great idea about the rocks! I have so many issues with animals finding their way under our shed through the back which is on my back yard neighbors side...she feeds the animals and they live under our shed...it is time to close up some holes around here! And your rain barrels are just stunning! I love that shot of the barrel with the petals in it! So romantic! A job well done! Are you all getting warmer temps yet?? We are finally there this week and it feels good! Happy gardening friend! Nicole xoxo

summerland cottage said...

Cindy, you did an amazing job on your shed!
And I like you prefer the old fashioned rain barrel, especially the photo of your rain barrel covered with the fallen petals of the crab apple tree.

CIELO said...

Pretty... and I like the rain collector idea.

ciel0

Judy Hartman said...

Cindy, I have just read your last several posts, and I am amazed by your skillfulness and energy! You have refinished your floor, reupholstered a chair, beautifully arranged a party and now, painted and cleaned up your shed. And each project was done so professionally! Hats off to you, my friend!

Leslie Harris said...

Cindy your shed is so pretty, I really like the paint color, great choice! Oh how I would love to have a shed and some chickens too. And those rain barrels are a great idea.

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