Watering Can?

[Fauxen]

Hi there,
I'm looking for inspiration for a christmas present and was wanting to make a watering can. Bamboo seemed like a good idea however I've never worked with it before and I can't find anything online to use as an example.. Has anyone every seen or made something resembling a watering can or jug for plants with bamboo? I'd be very appreciative of any guidance!
Thanks :)

[CaroleMeckes]

First of all - you will need a really big piece of bamboo to hold enough water.

Over time - I think the bamboo would probably crack

Another thought is to use pieces of split bamboo and cover an existing watering can with the split pieces of bamboo...

Here is an example of a way to connect the split pieces of bamboo:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/502/thumbs/weavingsplitbambooDSCN0581.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1803)

Let us know how and if you proceed with the project.

Wel'culm' aboard the Bamboo Arts and Craft Network,

Carole

[Fauxen]

Thanks for the speedy reply! I'm glad I found this place :)

Im thinking that a long and skinny look is okay, perhaps I could base it on the design you might use for a cup, and add a spout wih a smaller piece and a handle.. the handle part is a challenge.

Hmm is there a rough time span before it would start to crack if it is occasionally used to water plants.. (but not store water for long periods). Finding a large enough piece will be the challenge, particularly in Sydney!

[Fauxen]

Ive been researching and scouring forums foa few days now trying to figure out how I will put a strong handle on my bamboo watering can. It is made from a single thick piece of bamboo and i imagine it will be quite heavy when (hopefully) filled with water.

Most of my options are coming from seeing pictures and trying to guess how they are attached - are there any fairly easy, recommended ways to attach a handle that could be held to pour from? Probably for both the side and top.

And would the most water repellant sealant be shellack?

Sorry for all the questions, complete newbie, but a fascinated one!

[CaroleMeckes]

re attaching the handle to the bamboo watering can:
Have you considered using wire and drilling some holes at edges of the handle and then wiring it around the bamboo???? You might have to wrap the wire several times around the bamboo to give it extra strength.

Rhizomes (the running roots) also could make an interesting handle.

The inside of the bamboo has a skin called "vellum". This is not that prominent in all species - but it is very thin and tissue like.

If you see this inside your piece, varnish or shellack will not stick to the bamboo - so you will have to remove the vellum before you add an inside finish.

You might not need to finish the inside - as long as the water does not sit in the watering can when the can is not being used - it should be ok without an inside finish.
Carole

[Fauxen]

Ended up finishing the project on time and was pretty happy with it - decided against any sealants and seems okay so far, probably will only remain for decorative purposes anyway. I used pieces of bamboo I found in our garden for the handle which made it extra special! Thanks for your help. Here's a link to a pic of it - http://www.flickr.com/photos/fauxen/3150406908/