Water Wall

Pinterest can be a dangerous thing!  But I've found a project or two that have turned out pretty well.

For the Water Wall, I used several sources, including this one.

Here are pix of our new water wall in action, along with some of my how-to's.


Purchased:  inexpensive trellis (WalMart)
and a 14' plastic gutter (Home Depot).
On hand: zip ties, duck tape, recycled bottles,
kitchen scissors, box cutter, drill, jig saw,
sandpaper and sander, plus nylon cord.
 

BEFORE MOUNTING:
Measure and cut gutter to fit the space.
[We used a jig saw with a fine-toothed blade.]
Sand cut edges smooth.
Mark where holes will be drilled for zip ties; drill two holes for each point of attachment.
Zip-tie in place.
[Tie at least one at a point where trellis wires cross.  Keeps it from slipping.]

Once gutters are in place, play with the location of any plastic bottles you want to attach.
[I used a water bottle, a 'fancy' water bottle with small pill bottle attached, and a ketchup bottle with squeeze lid attached.]
Cut bottle bottoms off with scissors or box cutter; cover cut edges with duck tape.
Drill or punch holes in any bottles you want to "sprinkle."
No need to drill holes in bottles for attaching--secure them in place upside-down with long zip ties.

Ping pong balls make a good float in a narrow bottle.
Put them in, pour in the water, and watch them pop back up.
An orange plastic pill bottle fits snugly; after drilling small holes in the bottom,
I glued it to the mouth of the narrow bottle.

The clear plastic tubing's in place; haven't picked what kind of receptacle will go on the top of it yet.

After all the elements are attached, place the trellis in a plastic bin and secure it plumb and level. Strategically placed containers will help catch rolling objects and conserve water.
[This one is tied to a brick pillar with blue nylon cord.]



Fun on a hot summer day includes my attempt
at water conservation--plastic pool and containers
to catch and recycle the water.

Collect plastic cups, buckets, turkey basters--anything on hand to scoop and pour.
Bring in things that roll too--small balls, marbles, wood or plastic beads.
Color the water with food coloring if desired.


Experimenting with a ping pong ball



Wow!  It rolled all the way down.



Cover cut edges of plastic bottles with duck tape.



For now, the water wall is tied in place with a cord.
 

Change the features?  You bet.  I've already modified the angle of the gutters to slow things down.
No problem--just snip the zip ties and re-attach.

It's fun for all ages.
Helps little ones do scientific experiments,
practice cooperation, and hone motor skills.