Howabout something like a Mobile. Look up information on Alexander Caulder--he's famous for them. It will provide you with the challenge of fabrication, as well as having to figure out the system of weights and counterbalances. The end result could be a keeper--or you might donate it to some public place. Good luck.

don't have an answer for your first question. but on the other question, the best bet is to just shop around with your local plant stores. examples: Lowe's, wal*mart, home depot or if you have any flea markets near you.. my own experience.

You would be better getting a decorative frame made that you can set smaller planters into. Once the plants grow they will cover any edges. And you can also set tubs in between the smaller planters with small conifers or shrubs to give height and a different look to the area. It also makes it easier to remove plants that do not do well and need replacing. Just my thoughts Beulah

If you're useing basket weaving outdoor decorations, it doesn't matter whether you're doing it with organic material or the new plastics. their's plenty of work with both materials. If you're going to use organic materials, make sure you get a very good finish for it and use a plastic, ceramic, clay pot, anything that's very weather resistant as a liner and you'll want to keep it off of the groung, other the organic weaving material will do what other livin now dead things do... decompose. or, you can do the plastic stuff which, somtimes can be a little harder to work with but results last a whole lot longer. To get started, look at craft books at the book store on line at amazon, or even go to a craft store like Micheal's.

the real issue is with CCA.. copper chromium arsenate.. most wood is not treated with CCA any longer.. Check with the yard and see if the wood is CCA treated and if it's not, it's not so much an issue. Now, as far as the eyesore goes.. can't help you there.. you're on your own.

There is a REALLY nice flower shop in downtown birmingham i forget what its called (i drive past it everyday). but it is an orange building with a huge metal flower on it. she has amazing iron sculptures and stands. Also, in homewood there is an iron works shop that just does iron stands and things of that nature. ps- hey to a YA from the HAM!

Take the plant stands outside and hose them down. Then scrub them with an S.O.S. pad or a Brillo pad. Hose them again to rinse well. If the stands are painted, you might have to re-paint them. American Accents™ paint works wonderfully on wrought iron. Plus, it has no fumes, so you can even paint indoors. The only downside to American Accents paint is that it's very thin, so you'll need about 5 coats to cover your plant stands. You can buy American Accents paint at Aco Hardware and also on the Internet: http://www.goog… I use the type of paint in the can. If you use spray paint, you'll definitely have to work outside...and the pens are for touch-ups only. American Accents comes in a wide variety of colors. -

There is a company located in Long Island that I deal with. They have quite an extensive selection of balusters and garden ornamental.their web site is http://www.azal… They are reasonably priced and they do installation as well. I hope than answer your question. regards deunov

Can you post a photo of it?

Metal's a conductor, so it conducts heat away from your hand. Wood's an insulator, so it makes you feel its heat.

metal, for the lack of better words, reflects heat at normal room temperatures and seems colder to the touch while things like wood absorb temperature around it seeming normal to the touch. It has to do with melting temperatures/stabalization temperatures. Since metal changes form at a much higher temperature at regular room temperatures it is cold to its relative temperature. Kind of like thinking how 70 degrees but humid feels hotter than 90 degrees and not humid. Air temperature feels relative to the amount of moisture it is holding. The moisture "Absorbs" heat from its surroundings therefore seems hotter, less moist air reflects heat therefore feels cooler. Of course there is an equalization formula which is where weathermen get the phrased wind chill on the cold side and heat index on the hot side.