How to Decorate Old Shovels

Decorate a Hand Shovel for the Fourth of July

• 1

  Sand the handle of the shovel to get rid of any splinters.

• 2

  Paint red, white and blue stripes up the length of the shovel handle. For instance, if the shovel handle is 6 inches in length, start by painting a red stripe that is 1 inch in width around the circumference at the top of the handle.

• 3

  Paint a small white stripe that is 1 inch in width next to the red stripe.

• 4

  Paint a blue stripe that is 1 inch in width right next to the white stripe.

• 5

  Repeat painting the red, white and blue stripes all the way to the top of shovel handle.

• 6

  Allow the paint on the handle to dry, and then apply a layer of paint sealer. Let the paint sealer thoroughly dry before handling the shovel.

• 7

  Display the shovel in your garden for a special Fourth of July party.

Paint a Picture on the Blade of a Hand Shovel

• 8

  Use a cloth to remove any rust or dirt from the shovel blade.

• 9

  Find a reference photograph to use as inspiration for painting the blade.

• 10

  Paint a simple picture on the blade, such as a bouquet of flowers, or another type of plant.

• 11

  Let the paint thoroughly dry on the blade.

• 12

  Apply a coat of varnish to protect the painting on the blade of the shovel. Allow the varnish to completely dry.

• 13

  Place a hook on the wall for hanging the new shovel "painting" and mount it where you can enjoy it.

Pyrography on a Garden Hand Shovel

• 14

  Sand the handle of the shovel to get rid of any splinters or rough spots.

• 15

  Use a pencil to trace the pyrography transfer images on the handle of the shovel. Choose words or images related to gardening.

• 16

  Clamp the shovel in place on a large table before wood burning the images on the handle. Slowly wood burn each image or letter, and do not directly touch the stylus of the pyrography tool as it is hot.

• 17

  Display the shovel on a hook on the wall or in a basket after taking the time to decorate it with intricate pyrography work.