Summer's Last Hoorah!

Am I the only one who's having trouble believing that summer is rapidly drawing to an end???  It's already the middle of August for goodness sake!  So before we turn our minds to cooler temps (ahhhh!), changing leaves, and jack-o-lanterns, I thought it would be appropriate for one last summer "hoorah!"  This watermelon pot seemed to be a perfect send off for everything summer!

You will need the following supplies:

clay flower pot (whatever size you choose)

red, dark green, & black acrylic paints               paint brushes

spray primer                                                         scissors

lemon lime or bright green spray paint               clear acrylic sealer

kitchen type sponge       

1) Spray the flower pot with primer.  I used what I had, which happened to be grey.  Using primer is not vital, however all paints will go on much smoother and will cover better (in my opinon) if you use the primer first.  Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.

2) Paint the outside of the pot with a bright lime-green paint.  I used Rustoleum spray paint - Painter's Touch, in key lime.  But the pot could easily be painted with a lime green acrylic.  Again, allow the paint (whichever you use) to dry completely before going on to the next step.

3)  Using a plain old kitchen sponge I cut out two shapes.  First -  a square that will be used to paint the "stripes" on the pot.  Secondly, after measuring the height of the pot's rim, I used a compass to draw a half circle onto a piece of cardboard.  Using the cardboard pattern I cut a half circle from my sponge.

This will be used to create the watermelon "slices" around the rim of the pot.

4)  When painting both the green stripe and the watermelon slices I dipped my sponges into a pool of paint that I had squirted into my paint pan.  Then dab the sponge on paper towels to remove the excess paint.  Gently press the half circle onto the rim of the pot.  Repeat this action as you work your way around the rim.  After allowing the "slices" to dry, the stripes are added in the same way.  There were no exact measurements in my spacing.  I just sorta eyeballed it, and it worked out fine.  If you are on of "those" people that NEED to measure, then by all means....MEASURE!

5)  After the stripes have dried  you're ready to add the seeds.  Using black paint I put 3 seeds on each "slice."  You want your seed to be round on one end and work it's way into a point on the other.  When your seeds have dried, go back and add a white "comma" at the rounded end of each seed.

6)  After the pot is completely dry, spray it with  a coat (or 2) of clear acrylic sealer.

That's pretty much it!  Geraniums look great in these pots. They're wonderful for gift giving too!  Put some raffia in the pot and add a jar of summer's homemade pickles or preserves. The ideas limitless!  Celebrate the last days of summer! But'cha better hurry....'cause they're going fast!!!!!