School repair >New articles 2015

Tropotop started work on the green sculptures in the winter. The forum user created his works in the technique of classical topiary. All that it requires: a metal frame, plants (grass, bushes) and further curly cut. Tropotop made the first figures in art-topiary style. Master filled frameworks of turtle, seal, puppy and crocodile with substrate and planted them with ornamental grasses. As soon as plants have sprouted, the sculpture became “alive”.

In the new year, forum user decided to make not only a decorative piece, but also useful – a chair. First he drew a few sketches. Then glued three-dimensional models, of which the family council chose the most attractive.

The next step is the creation of full-scale paper template of the “Chair” elements. You'll need a pencil and scissors. Tropotop made three “patterns” for backrest, seat with armrests and sides with the front end. It is important the figure to have as few joints as possible, and the surfaces contacting with the man had a minimum of joints. In determining the size of the elements Tropotop took into account the size of the grid, of which the details were cut.

Forum user cut all the details of welded grid with a mesh of 50x50 mm, using paper templates. Tools: wire cutters and pliers.

Details have to be cut with a margin! The remaining gap at the edges is to be used when connecting details.
All the elements are ready. Tropotop gathered sides and a seat with armrests, formed the rear backrest. Then he modified the figure, cut wire tails and stripped barbs.

Later it turned out that the “Chair” can accommodate a child but not an adult. Forum user had to strengthen the structure. It had to be done so that the frame was solid, but did not loose its grace. Tropotop also would like to do without welding, because his welding machine was broken. Master tried several options until he stopped at reinforcing contour of the two U-shaped arcs that are connected by two bridges. He made reinforcing of metal rod with a diameter of 8 mm. The connections of the details are the screws. Tropotop produced bottom contour of the corner of 30x20 mm and fixed it with rivets.
The lower contour is an important element. This is not only a support for the reinforcing contour. It also fixes the wire frame, increases the footprint shapes on the ground and connects all of the elements.

Tropotop shortened the protruding ends of the reinforcing frame a bit. Later, they will go into the ground and will keep the “Chair”. The final stage is painting of the figure in the two layers of silverfish. This cover looks pretty and protects metal from rust. Recent tests have shown that the “Chair” will not deform under the weight of even not thin adult. The figure has stood for almost a hundred kilograms host. Green furniture has taken its place in the garden in spring. And what will come out of it in the summer? Chances are it will be something like this chair. Surely, this garden decor will not be disregarded both by children and their parents.