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Nowadays it seems like every gift store is selling table top fountains for $40 or $50. They're attractive, they're desireable, they're decorative - but they lack that personal touch that makes them 'yours', don't they? I've seen dozens of these fountains and they all were just a little bit too identical to each other for my tastes. I started wondering how to go about making my own, did a little bit or research, and have worked out the details and yes, made one of my own (picture to come when my stupid scanner works again). This isn't the cheapest craft idea out there, but it's an enjoyable one, unique, and will give long lasting pleasure. Materials: Epoxy glue, A waterproof container (I used a terra cotta planter bowl with no holes in the bottom, about 18 inches across and about 4 inches deep. I got it at the thrift store for $2.), A miniature fountain pump (purchased from pumpworld.net for $15, including shipping), Some flat (or not flat, your choice!) rocks in varying sizes and shapes (free or very cheap. For a little more money you can buy rocks with a hole drilled in them at the gardening supply shop, these are nice for pushing your tubing through, but not required), Pebbles, marbles, seashells or other ornamental items (free or very cheap), optional: small statuary or fish tank plants (very cheap), Clear plastic tubing to fit your pump (pennies). Procedure: After washing all of your parts completely in warm soapless water, place the pump in the container and attach the tubing. Adjust the flow to the volume you prefer. Fill the container with the pebbles or marbles, covering the pump completely. Taking your rocks, arrange them around the tubing in a way that is appealing to your eye. Use smaller pebbles to make spaces between your rocks, and epoxy into place. (Don't put the epoxy on the tubing, this is very bad karma indeed.) Bend your tubing over one rock near the top of your construction and place another rock (supported on pebbles and epoxied) over it to conceal it. Trim any excess tubing away. If you are using fish tank plants, now is the time to decide where you would like to place them, as well as any small statuary that you are using. I concealed my tubing behind and among plants and rocks at the top of my structure, and it looks gorgeous. The final step is to decide where to place your table top fountain (the coffee table is always nice) and fill it with enough water to completely cover the pump, then turn it on and enjoy. Time: one to three hours. Cost: The primary cost is the pump, I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there than the ones that I found online, but I felt that $15 including shipping was acceptable. Other than the pump, if I spent $5 that's an overestimate. Difficulty level: Average. Kids can do this one with minimal help from an adult. For some tips on gathering crafting supplies with minimal cash outlay, please check my Gathering Supplies article. Happy Crafting!
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