Create a Propagation Stand

Hello everyone and happy Friday, Cinnamon here and I am going to show you how I created this propagation stand for plant cuttings. I have been picking up these test tubes from Michael's for a dollar for over the past few years and I've finally found a way to make good use out of them.

Supplies:

• Creative Paperclay
• Test tube (Can be found in a local craft store)
• Steel Galvanized wire (16 gauge or lower in numbers for strength) 
• Pliers
• Sand paper
• Masking Tape
• Acrylic Paint
• Tape measure
• Sealer, varnish
• Xacto Knife (optional)

Make sure that the wire you use can hold it's shape and support the weight of a test tube filled with water and a plant cutting. I am using an 18 gauge wire here, but I strongly recommend going with a stronger wire that's at least 16 gauge. 

Start by making a a box out of the wire to start the base of the piece.

Use your tape measure if you want to make sure that all of your sides match up. 

I used it here to ensure that the back support beams were the same length for stability reasons.

Get your masking tape and start wrapping around the areas that you wish to have covered with clay. I left an opening in the top so that I would be able to put the test tube through it.

When you are done with the tape, begin covering the piece with clay. Keep in mind that the bottom part of the base should be heavier then the top so that it doesn't topple over while it is being used. Make it twice as thick as the top and a bit wider if you need to!

When covering the piece with clay, keep an eye on the opening on the top part that holds the tube. Check periodically by placing the tube in the middle to keep track with how wide the opening should be.

When checking the size and fit for the stand with the tube, push the tube down slightly into the bottom. You'll want to can make an indent for the tube to sit properly so that it doesn't slide around after the piece is done. 

Set the piece aside to dry.

When the piece fully dries, sand it down to get it to the level of smoothness that you would like it to be. I'm using a sanding stick to open up the center a bit more, the opening was too small for the tube.

Paperclay shrinks a bit while it dries, keep track of how the tube fits throughout the process and make adjustments if needed by either sanding the clay down or adding more. 

Paint your piece with acrylic paint. I used black here for the base coat so that I could top it with the a gold dry brush technique.

I am lightly brushing on gold paint on top of the black undercoat here to give the stand an antique look. Seal with varnish when completed.

Here's how it came out! I am accepting all forms of positive vibes to help encourage my little basil cutting to grow some roots!

Thank you all once again for stopping by, and I hope that you enjoyed today's tutorial! You can find Creative Paperclay® at the following retailers Creative Paperclay® Online Store, Michael's, Amazon, Joann's.

See more of my work at Melandolly.com, catch updates on 

my Instagram page and here is a link to my shop!