Just last week I braked for a roadside freebie- a tire! I tossed it in my trunk and headed straight to the store for spray paint and rope, LOL! This project was similar to one I'd seen years ago and I was ready to make it mine! I knew what I wanted and that tire was making it happen.
Hangin' With My Gnomies Tire Swing Planter
First I washed the tire with Simple Green and a scrub brush .
I laid out a sheet of plastic to paint on. Cardboard is good too- anything to keep you from having the wrong color lawn.
I sprayed around the exterior twice. Then the interior spraying more on the inside sides then the bottom which would be filled with dirt and the top which would be hidden. Once dry I flipped it over and sprayed that side and checked for missed spots. It took me 1 can of spray paint but might take you a bit more depending on the size of your tire. I love the new summer colors Rustoleum puts out! This one is a blue called Satin Seaside.
Then a hole drilled in the top to hang it. We could've just tied the rope around the tire but the paint will scrape off when it swings so this worked best.
Seriously use a large drill bit and expect some smoke because you're burnin' rubber!
We had this eye bolt set already. It was rather long but free wins out.
Screw the eyebolt into the hole you drill with a nut on the inside to secure it.
I had hubby drill some drain holes in the bottom. More smoke!
I knew this gnome tire planter swing was going in Fairy Forest...in the gnome section of course!
Then it was a matter of getting that rope up in the tree- this was a little difficult but a ladder saved the day! Then tie the rope to the eyebolt.
Next a bit of pea gravel... but in hindsight I should've put a little landscaping fabric in first. I'll do it next Spring when I add new flowers.
Then the dirt ....
Got my flowers and planted them in the tire along with one of my gnomes and that could've been enough but I had an idea....
I thought it would be cute to paint words on the tire but my tire was a low profile tire and too narrow. So I took a board and had hubby trim it a bit. Then I painted it to match the color I used on the tire. I made a stencil on my Cricut just because I don't have a steady painting hand, lol.
I also sprayed the sign with clear spray paint to help it last longer.
Then he drilled holes in the sign to attach it to the tire.....
I love this new tire planter and think the "Hangin' with my Gnomies" wording is so darn cute!
I tried to include a complete supplies and tools list of anything you might need below. But all I actually purchased was the spray paint, rope and flowers (which were marked down!) . Everything else I had already so this was a cheap DIY.
It really adds to the whole look don't you think? I'm pretty sure the gnomes are impressed!
Enjoyed the project?
Questions on this post
Have a question about this project?
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Tec26894873 on Jul 31, 2018
What font did you use for your lettering?
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Sunny on Jul 31, 2018
That is adorable!! Excellent way to use a used tire! But my question is, where did you get that awesome owl?
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Kelly-n-Tony on Aug 01, 2018
It was a kite that someone put out in their trash lol
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Sunny on Aug 04, 2018
Oh my! Lucky find!
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Mar14176411 on Aug 02, 2018
Gorgeous!..but l have been very disappointed in the Rustoleum spray
I sprayed a cane seating..2 chairs & couch..gorgeous color like your tyre.
not even 1 year ago. it's under cover, but the paint is coming off..& I did 2 coats..disappointing, as it cost me $100 Australian..can anyone give me any reason/feedback please? Because your tyre is outdoors too.
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Kelly-n-Tony on Aug 02, 2018
Did you clean it well with something soapy and rinse well or perhaps wipe it down with mineral spirits? You want it clean and grease free as possible. It's rubber though and so I think it naturally has a bit of issue holding the paint due to the chemical composition. As for mine it's going to be out in the summer and put away for the winter to prolong the life.
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Thelma on Aug 03, 2018
Hi Mar, Always use some sandpaper to roughen up the finish on an item before you paint it. Also, make sure you use primer on it before painting or use paint that has primer in it. The paint must also be recommended for use on the type of material on which you're using it, i.e. metal, wood, plastic, vinyl, etc. After the paint is completely dry, seal it with a clear polyurethane, polyacrylic, Marine Spar varnish, etc. to protect the paint & keep it from peeling. Good luck with repainting your couch & chairs. I love Rust-Oleum paints, hope they work better for you in the future.
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Elliebgood on Aug 31, 2019
Whatever you’re going to paint, in order for that paint to have longevity, it has to be prepped.
Thats 90% of the project... the cleaning, scrubbing, repairs, sanding, etc etc ... HAS got to be dry, dirt, dust and grease free in order for the paint to stick.
We’re all busy and like quick projects and fast gorgeous results, but I guarantee, the time spent prepping your project is so well worth the extra effort.
I’m a senior, daughter of a home builder, and widow of a home builder. I’ve been around wood, tools, all kinds of leftover goodies from the home building process. I’ve used all kinds of stuff for all kinds of projects and learned early, if you don’t take the time to prep, you’re wasting your time.
Just wish I had a cell phone years ago to get pictures of the projects I’ve done.
I do remember most of them though.
Another thing... not so much to do with painting tires but, if you’re ever going to refinish a deck, DONT POWER WASH IT FIRST!!
I’ve seen more than a dozen on the high end custom homes that several years after moving in, the homeowner will use a pressure washer on a Friday after work and then pant on a Saturday or Sunday. Guys and power tools, they think it ups their manlihood.
It forces water into the pores of the wood and takes at least 6 weeks before you can put a stain on otherwise, it bubbles off. Solid stain has the hands down best longevity.
Power washers are a great tool for cleaning, but there’s plenty of excellent products or DIY solutions that work perfectly fine, just not on a deck unless you have the 6 weeks plus lots of patience.
Just had to share that.
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Carmine on May 25, 2020
Hi elliebgood, I just read your comment about painting a deck, what process do you recommend to paint it or varnish I’m a first time home owner and trying to do stuff myself and planning to paint my deck?
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Comments
Join the conversation
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Jana on Aug 01, 2019
You are immensely creative and clever! Just stunning! Thanks for sharing!
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Wendy Terrill on Aug 01, 2019
I love it. Very clever and creative.
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Lynne on Aug 01, 2019
this is just too cute!! i love gnomes, and thanks
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Kite Flyer on Aug 02, 2019
Love it! My cats would be up in it watching the world go by!
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DeeAnn Cecchetti (Yard Artist) on Aug 04, 2019
Love this! We love Gnomes, too!
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Kelly-n-Tony on Aug 04, 2019
I love what you've done!
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Valerie Cairns on Aug 18, 2019
Its really sweet and a fun idea
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Sandra on Sep 19, 2019
I love all of these projects
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Dianne on Oct 23, 2019
Fantastic job!! Love your whimsical gnome creation! 🥰
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Debbie Agan on May 22, 2020
I love gnomeville. Adorable project
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Patty on May 25, 2020
Your whole gnome garden is adorable. Great idea.
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That would be kingthings willowless
https://www.dafont.com/kingthings-willow.font
Thank you!
I agree with you the whole gnomies area looks beautiful and quirkie - I love quirky :)
Can you believe the bird was sitting at the curb free on a pile of junk?! It's a kite and it works so well in that space. It's wired to a pole to hold it in place.