Episode 130 - Simply Extraordinary
Segment #1 - Fountains
Activity - Stacked Terra Cotta Pot Fountain

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Fountain pump (available at hardware and discount stores)
• Pump tubing (long enough to reach from bottom layer of clay pot tower all the way to top pot)
• Strong metal file tool
• Drill with masonry bit
• Safety glasses
• Three clay pots in different sizes (6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch) with drainage holes
• Three clay drainage trays without holes in larger sizes (8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch)
• Scissors
• River rock, marbles (optional)
• Acrylic paint, paintbrushes (optional)
• Paint sealant (optional)

LET'S GET STARTED:

1. Stack the pots for the fountain in this order: 12-inch clay tray, 10-inch clay pot (turned upside down), 10-inch sized clay tray, 8-inch sized clay pot (upside down), 8-inch clay tray, 6-inch clay pot (upside down). Measure enough pump tubing to reach the top.
2. Each clay pot drainage hole must be wide enough for the pump tubing to fit through snuggly. Expand the drainage holes on the bottom of the pots to accommodate the tubing if necessary. Wearing safety glasses, an adult should use a drill and a masonry bit to make holes in the center of both the 8-inch tray and the 10-inch tray to accommodate the tubing. Note: this step should be done outside as it creates a bit of dust.
3. On the rim of the 10-inch clay pot make several small notches with a file (or an adult could carefully use the masonry bit). One notch should be large enough to allow the pump's electrical cord to pass under the clay pot rim. The other notches will allow water to flow under the pot and into the pump.
4. Place the pump in the center of the 12-inch clay tray. Push the tubing up through the holes of the stacked pots and trays until you reach the top. Fill the 12-inch tray with water and turn on the pump. Trim any excess tubing that extends out of the top.
5. Add small rocks or marbles in the trays.
6. Keep the fountain the natural terra cotta color or paint it. (Pots should be dry and free of any dust particles from drilling.) Paint designs as desired. Let dry. Coat all surfaces of the pots and trays with sealant to provide extra protection for the painted designs. Always keep sufficient clean water in the fountain and keep the fountain out of reach of young children and pets.

OTHER ACTIVITIES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Fountains
Slate Stack Fountain
Clay Pot with Marbles Fountain
Stacked Terra Cotta Pot Fountain
Micro Mâche
Micro Mâche
Chicken with Melon (Persian Style)
Chicken with Melon (Persian Style)
Coffee Filter Flowers
Coffee Filter Flowers