DIY – Adorable Fairy Water Feature
It seems I’m on a mission to make things for our garden fairies before the seasons change. Last week we shared a tutorial for a fantasy fairy daybed complete with a tufted mattress and this week we have another adorable fairy craft for you. A miniature fairy water feature complete with “running” water 😀
I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out, and I got to play with some really cool stuff too. A resin that cures in 2 minutes 😉 Where has this stuff been all my life? And what’s more, you don’t have to measure and mix the resin either. It comes pre-mixed and hardens under UV light or when it’s exposed to sunlight. Best invention EVER and I love the way it looks like real water.
Those sparkles you see. That’s fairy magic
Okay, but before we get to the tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
Right, let’s make that water feature shall we 😉
What you need
For this project you’ll need to following:
- Craft knife
- Glue
- Ruler
- Acrylic paints – black, white and burnt umber
- Dried herbs and moss
- Marine sealer (if going outdoors)
- Gesso (you can make your own using this recipe)
- 120 grit Sandpaper
- Fairy water feature template (download here)
- Curved noodle bead or thick wire
- Balsa sheets
Balsa sheets come in long, thin sheets and it’s really easy to cut with a craft knife. Common sizes range from 0.75mm (1/32”) thickness to 19mm (3/4”) thickness, by 5cm (2”) to 15cm (6”) wide, and are usually 91cm (36”) long. I use it all the time to make frames. For the fairy water feature, I used 5mm (1/4”) and 3mm (1/8”) balsa sheets. If yours is thicker you may need to adjust the measurements in the template.
To mimic water you’ll need:
- 2-minute resin (there’s an affiliate link at the bottom of the post)
- Thin wire or fishing line
- UV light
Making the Fairy Water Feature
The Trough
Using the template cut you balsa sheets into the following pieces:
- 1 x base – 10 cm x 5.5 cm (4”x 2 ¼”)
- 2 x long sides – 10 cm x 3 cm (4” x 1 1/8”)
- 2 x short sides – 6.5 cm x 3 cm ( 2 5/8” x 1 1/8”)
Glue the pieces together to form a rectangular box as shown below.
Cut the platform for the pillar as follows:
- 1 x inside panel – 5 cm x 2.5 cm (2” x 1”)
- 1 x top panel – 6.5cm x 3.5 cm (2 5/8” x 1 3/8”)
Glue the thinner panel piece inside the rectangular box. Use the wider top panel to measure where to glue the inside panel.
You kinda want the top panel and inside panel to form one seamless whole. I hope that makes sense.
Making the Pillar and Water Spout
To make the pillar where the water spout will go, you will need to cut the following from your balsa sheet:
- 3 x pillar pieces – 4 cm x 2 cm (1 5/8” x 7/8”)
- 1 x pillar top – 3 cm x 2.5 cm ( 1 ¼” x 1”)
- 3 x pyramid top – 2.5 cm x 2 cm (1 ¼” x 7/8”)
The pillar is made up of three different bits; a pillar or column, a block of balsa that sits on top of the pillar and then a pyramid shape on top of that. We’ll start by making the pillar by gluing the three pieces together.
Glue the pillar top onto the pillar. Cut the noodle bead in half to make a water spout. Lightly bend one end to make it more “spout-ish” ;-)If you don’t have any beads a thick piece of wire will also work. Eyeball where you want the spout to go and squish the bead/wire into the pillar to make a hole. Did I mention already that balsa is super soft and easy to work with?
To make the pyramid that goes on top of the pillar, glue the square-ish pillar top pieces together and use a craft knife to cut, or shave away, the sides at an angle. You can also use a bead for the top.
Glue all the bits together.
And sand lightly sand to get rid of any rough edges.
Giving the Fairy Water Feature some Character
Okay, so now that we’ve built all the bits we need it’s time to start making the fairy water feature look less like it’s made from balsa wood and more like something that’s been around for a while 😀 Since this little one will go outside, I sealed all the bits with marine silicone sealer first.
Once that sealer cures (24 hours) I used spray paint to paint everything grey. The marine silicon should be enough to make it waterproof, but I really wanted this one to last and figured the paint would create another layer of protection. You can skip this step if you like.
Since the paint I used had a satin finish I gave it a light sanding with 120 grit sandpaper before applying gesso all over the water feature. We make our own so I can control the consistency. For something like this, I added more talcum powder to our homemade mix. If you’re using store-bought gesso, feel free to sprinkle on a little powder to make it thicker.
Just for fun, I used a small brick stencil to create faux brickwork along the sides of the trough.
When the gesso dries, paint the whole thing with a wash of pale grey acrylic. I just mixed some white acrylic paint with a tiny hint of black to get the right color. When the pale grey dries, thin down some black paint with lots of water and add it to all the crevices, nooks and crannies on the water feature — all the places where dirt and gunk would normally accumulate over the years 😉
The wash of black gives the water feature so much depth and adds interest. Let your inner creative soul guide you here. There’s no right or wrong, just add more paint until you’re happy with the look.
For the brickwork, I used a sponge, dipped in burnt umber to make the bricks pop against the greys and blacks of the trough.
We’re almost done I promise 😉 Just a few more steps before your adorable fairy water feature is ready for the garden.
Adding the Mossy Bits to the Fairy Water Feature
To create the moss and lichen, you would typically see on a water feature; I used dried herbs and actual moss. The moss you buy in craft stores can be a bit coarse, so I put it through a cheese grater to make it finer. I did the same thing when we made our “Spirit of the Forest” wreath. Apply the moss on the water feature with a bit of craft glue and a paint brush.
Okay now for the fun bit. Adding “running” water to the spout.
Using 2-Minute Resin to Make Water
Cut a piece of thin wire and dip it into the 2-minute resin. Let the resin run down the wire and use the UV light to cure.
It’s seriously that easy. Love this stuff. Just a word of warning. It’s best to do this outside or somewhere well-ventilated. That stuff stinks like crazy while it’s curing. You can actually see the vapors and you might want to wear a gas mask or something 😀
Glue the “running” water to the spout. Next up adding “water” to the trough. Squeeze a liberal amount of the 2-minute resin into the trough and cure it in the same way.
To create the froth and ripples where the water tumbles into the trough, add a small amount of white acrylic paint around the “running” water and add some water to thin it and spread it outwards.
Ta-da, the fairy water feature is ready for the garden.
What do you think?
Don’t you just love that frothy/ripple effect?
And all that mossy goodness.
And just to put things in perspective 😉
If you want to make one for your garden, don’t forget to pin it for later
Now I just have to decide if the fairy water feature looks better surrounded by succulents, or in our fairy garden under the trees.
Or maybe I should just make another one 😉
I’m sorry it’ such a long post, but I really wanted to give you as much information as possible so you can make your own. Please let me know in the comments if anything doesn’t make sense. I will respond to all questions and answer them as best as possible. And if you want to make a life-sized version that’s a little different you might want to check out how we made this antique hand water pump using PVC pipes.
BTW if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉
Or if you prefer to buy rather than DIY then you’ll love these
And as always wishing you a beautiful love-filled week. Don’t forget to leave a little sparkle where ever you go. Happy crafting and thank you for popping in for a visit.
Absolutely gorgeous!! I learned so much from this tutorial and am going to put it to good use in my fairy garden!! Thanks!!
I’m so happy to hear that, Jenny. Fairy gardens things are so much fun to make.
I love this. I am making an out door fairy garden and might have to make this. I would like to ask you what tool you use to cut your wood? I am using wooden bird houses with polymer clay and need something small and easy to use to cut the wood.
Hey there Cheri, for straight cuts I normally use a really sharp craft knife. With that being said most of the wood we use for our fairy crafts is balsa, so it’s really easy to cut with a craft knife. For curly wurly, intricate cuts my Dremel Scroll saw is my go-to tool.
Very very cute! It’s hard to believe it’s mini.
Thank you, Kim
I just love this. I would not have ever thought of using resin to make a fairy fountain accessory. So cute with ALL the details, Michelle! You always inspire me.
Awwwww Meegan, thank you, and right back at you too
This is so cute! I agree with the comment above, you could totally write a book!
Maybe one day 😉 Thanks so much Christina
Wow, you have outdone yourself on this one. I love all the textures and colours you used, it looks so real. And the resin, I have never heard it that so I will be looking into that. Sometimes you just need a small item but you don’t want to wait 12 hours for it to dry. I was also blown away how much detail you got into such a small project. It looks big until we see your fingers in the pictures.
Whooooooo Hoooooo, mission accomplished 😀 Thanks so much, Anita. Building little things for the fairy garden is a labor of love for me. I can do it all day, every day 😉
This is just gorgeous. Your gardens must be amazing with all the fairies there to care for it. This looks so real, right down to the water.
Yup, the fairies do a really good job looking after our garden 😉
Wow! This is amazing.
Thanks so much, Amy 😀
Michelle, your work amazes me. This fountain is so beautiful and intricate. If I was a fairy, this would be my favorite place ?
Mine too 😉
Wow I haven’t done a resin piece yet! Your work is like art! You are truly talented ! Maybe I’ll try a little planter one day
I hope you do Maria. Your grandbabies will love making little fairy thing with you too.
Wow, I thought that was full sized and REAL! You sure had me fooled. So awesome.
Thanks so much, Sara. As long as the fairies think it’s awesome too 😉
Michelle, I’m new at your site and I love what I see 🙂 At the moment, I’m creating a whole Fairy Village (everything I can conceive that a village needs) on a plan, for an old 55 gallons aquarium turned terrarium. It’s rectangular and on a stand. However, I have a question about your lovely water feature, is it waterproof? Or, how could I make it waterproof? Everything that will be put in the terrarium must be waterproof because I’ll plant miniatures, and ground covers that need watering everywhere I can! 🙂 I’d appreciate any help or advice you could give me, thank you in advance, regards, Liliane
Oh Liliane, you have no idea how happy your comment makes me. Your terrarium village sounds so lovely. What an amazing project. The fairy water feature won’t be 100% waterproof since it’s cut from balsa wood, but you can do the same thing using polystyrene (styrofoam). You get thin sheets online and they’ll withstand constant water and moisture. The texture paste mixture is polystyrene safe too, so it shouldn’t eat into it and make it all lumpy. Make sure to use something like E6000 glue or Welbond to seal the joints between all the pieces, before adding the texture paste and you’ll be good to go. Have fun and if you get a chance please share some pictures of your village. I would love to see it.
You are one crazy lady, but must admit the finished fantasy is pretty realistic and and, well, fairy-like! Good job! ?
? Thank you Mary Jane ❣
Holey Moley Batman ! Excellent work…??? Thought it was real water in there and running water too ! Nicely can never go wrong with a water feature.
? Thanks so much Lucy. Mission accomplished ?
What can I say, I want one!
? Thank you Joy
Wow!! Michelle that’s just too gorgeous for words. I have a friend who is into resin, must show her this!!
Thanks so much Lynne, I hope your friend enjoys it too
Michelle the size of this little treasure shocked me. I had to go back and re read it to make sure. This project is both whimsical and beautiful as usual. It would be such a welcome addition to a flower pot. I would have loved one in all those cubicles I worked in. Lovely.
? I’m so happy to hear that Leanna, thank you.
Michelle! Wow! I can’t say enough about how impressive this is! I would never have known it was fairy garden size if you hadn’t told me. My goodness, it looks soo realistic! I just love the moss effect, and that water feature! Girl, you are a master, or should I say “mistress” at whatever you do.
? Thank you so much Florence
My mind is blown! I’ve never met anyone with so much vision and the knowledge to execute it. How are you not super famous? Or did I miss the memo? LOL. Love it and love your smarts!
? Naaa who wants to be famous. It sounds like way too much work. I’ll have to brush my hair and do my nails and dress like a normal human being ?
Once again you left me gobsmacked. I mean seriously Michelle, your creative brain never ceases to amaze me. This is absolutely ADORABLE!!!
? Thank you Marie
You did it again Michelle! This is beautiful! I’m with Mary I thought it was a large fountain at first. Very clever using the noodle bead looks just like a water spout. Love how you added the brick look and all the aging techniques. I bet you have the cutest fairy gardens in the whole world.
Adding the resin to my very long to-do list LOL. So cool that it dries that quick!
? That resin is the coolest stuff ever. I just wish it came in larger bottles. The size is perfect for small projects like the water feature but it would be quite expensive for something bigger.
Omg Michelle, I thought I can put some fish inside when I saw the pic, but then I opened your post…lol…it’s so tiny!!! So cute!! You can make an awesome models for architects to present their designs 😀
? LOL Mel. Love your comment and it would be my dream job to make miniatures for architects
Michelle,
OMG!! I am totally amazed by this!! So sweet!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! I too would love the carrots in the stew but I omit them because my son Joey, always comes for stew and would still pick out all those carrots!! LOL!!
Hugs,
Debbie
LOL Debbie, my son’s like that too sometimes, except he’ll eat carrots but rice is a no-no, and I love my stew with rice to soak up all that gravy ?
I love this too much for words. It looks incredible Michelle ?
Thank you Emily ?
This is just the CUTEST!!! You sure have a wonderful creative talent making all of these teeny tiny fairy miniatures!
Thanks so much Sam, it’s something I really enjoy doing ?
You need to publish a book all about DIY Fairy gardens Michelle, everything you come up with is beyond genius! When will you show the whole garden with all the little treasures you’ve made??
? Mmmmmm now there’s a thought. Maybe one day when there’s more time in a day I would love to write a fairy garden book ?
You’ve done it again Michelle. You fooled me into thinking its a lifesize water thingy. I tell you, those fairies have to be the luckiest ones in the world to live in your garden with all those pretty accessories!
Oh that’s awesome Mary, thank you. It always makes me happy when the fairy version looks like the real thing ?
Michelle, my daughter it so into fairy gardens lately, I have been pinning away. This is next!! Thanks so much and keep them coming.
? Thank you Kim. I would make things for fairy gardens all day if I could
Oh my God!!!! This is so incredibly beautiful!!!! What a fantasy Michelle. You must start to sell all these fairy miniatures and what a brilliant idea to use resin for the water!! Speechless!!!
? Thank you Christina. I’ve been wanting to make a water feature for so long but the mixing the resin always put me off. With the 2-minute stuff it makes it so much easier