Sunday, March 27, 2011

Galvanized Metal No Soliciting Sign

Or what happens when a non-gardener finds a tomato cage. We are not big on solicitors. Not that we’re mean people but we’re just not people who like other people coming to our door uninvited, and if we need something we tend to go seek it out.  And yet it’s taken me this long to actually put up a “No Soliciting” sign.
No Soliciting Closeup
I had some sheets of galvanized metal I picked up on one of my strolls through the HW store, and for reasons unknown, I always look at tomato cages as “what could I do with that” material. I don’t even love tomatoes, and Martha and I part ways at gardening. But naturally it made sense to use a tomato cage as a stand for my sign right?
IMG_5274
I thought hmmm let’s put a finial on top. OK why not! And yes Mr. Lowes man, you do carry finials, and no Mr. Lowes man I’m not some silly woman lost in the HW store making words up! So glad I could help you learn your inventory.
Lowes Wood Finials and Jute
I painted one of the finials taupe and dry brushed it w/ white.
Painted Finial
Then came the uh-oh moment of exactly how are you securing this to the tomato cage genius? So I wired it.
IMG_5278
I stuck the screw from the finial in the middle of the three prongs of the tomato cage and then went round and round with some wire. I went over that with some jute twine. This thing doesn’t have to withstand gale force winds so I think it’s OK.
I cut the letters and designs for my sign from white vinyl using my Cricut Expression and then made rolled burlap rosettes and a burlap bow:
No Soliciting Sign
Just to make sure my finial was even more secure I wrapped a couple of strips of torn muslin around it and remembered I had another skeleton key from a Michaels trip in my stash:
No Soliciting Top Closeup
And I also had this little birdcage from Michaels “used to be a dollar” section that I thought would like cute hanging from my stand so I wrapped a bit of jute around it and tied it on:
No Soliciting Birdcage
Now when solicitors are turned away, at least it will be pretty!
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25 comments:

  1. Bu bye solicitors...bu bye! Very inventive...and pretty!

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  2. this is genius...love it

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  3. Carol, this is fabulous! How do you come up with these ideas? I love it!

    Kathleen

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  4. Very clever, Carol! Love how you used the tomato cage!

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  5. What a great idea! It's like you are saying it nicely! :)

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  6. No way! What a clever idea! Turned out super cute : )

    Paula

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  7. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this!!! I cant STAND door to door solicitors...
    I WANT thatsign...all of it....

    you can make ANUTHA one for you RIGHT???

    I will email you my shipping info, so just go ahead and BOX THIS ONE UP:)

    NO? It was worth a shot!

    xoxokara

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  8. How adorable! Great idea. It's absolutely precious.

    Warmly, ~Melissa :)

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  9. That's the ticket! Turn 'em away but keep it pretty. Have you seen my no solicitor's sign? Same concept, different idea. Does yours work as well? Mine does (thank goodness.) And had to LOL, as I was just at Home Depot and the guys working there couldn't find finials either. Finally found the one I wanted in the drapery rod aisle.

    Thanks for sharing your cute sign.

    Brittany
    http://www.prettyhandygirl.com

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  10. Totally fabulous idea! Very elegant warning! lol!

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  11. Very cute!! I love the metal. I'm following your blog now...can't wait to see all the fun projects you come up with. Hope you can follow back!

    krazycraftylady.blogspot.com

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  12. I love it and it is so pretty too.
    We had some neighbor girls do a service project for the neighborhood and they made up vinyl signs. We have had very few solicitors since I put it up, so it really works!

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  13. This is SO SO SO SO SO SO cool! I love every bit of it, esp. the finial on the tomato cage!!!

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  14. Oh my that is just brilliant! Thanks for sharing :) I am now your newest follower I hope you will follow me too :)

    I look forward to reading your future blog posts.

    http://sweetenedbykagi.blogspot.com/

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  15. Also brilliant! I love anything that uses a tomato cage too!

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  16. Such a chic & kind way to say "Go Away" :) I really need to make one for our porch. Lovely idea!! Thanks bunches for supporting my guest blogger post @ Fabulessly Crafty. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a kind comment.

    Drop by The Tattered Tag

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  17. This looks great! Hope to see you at My Dream Canvas!

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  18. So beautifully done, Carol! It can be difficult to strike the right balance between delivering the message and not compromising your style and the look of your home. Your sign is such a lovely example of how to make it work! Wonderful!

    Jenn

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