The Supplies & Directions for Making an Umbrella

Whether you want an umbrella to dress up your patio, or need one for protection from a sudden storm, you can make it yourself from simple materials that are either close at hand or easy to acquire. The waterproof material for the umbrella's canopy can be a basic tarp or plastic garbage bag, or canvas from a fabric store for a more polished look. For the frame and base, you can use branches or combine wire coat hangers with a dowel.

Waterproof material
Duct tape
6 coat hangers or 7 branches
Dowel
Scissors or sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  Decide whether you want to make the umbrella with branches or hangers. If you prefer the branch design, set aside the largest branch for your base. Take the remaining six branches and whittle them down to equal size. If you choose the hanger design, gather six hangers for the frame and a thick dowel for the base. Unbend the hangers so that they are long wires with a slight 'U' shape.
- 2
  Take two of the branches or hangers and make them into a cross. Secure them with duct tape at the point where they cross. Tape the center pole to the middle of the cross leaving about 3 inches at the top. Secure it with plenty of duct tape so it will not fall apart.
- 3
  Repeat the same process with the remaining frame pieces, making crosses and securing them to the base. Space them apart so that they resemble the spokes of a wheel.
- 4
  Measure the diameter of your completed frame. Cut out the canopy material several inches larger than your frame. Push the center stick through the material. Tape the edges of the canopy to the spokes of the frame. Tape the canopy to the underside of the frame as well so your umbrella is sturdy.

Preferred Height to Hang a Porch Swing

Melrose Gazebo Specs

Garden Furniture