Five Summer Decor Ideas
Add a Traditional Rope Swing
By Yuki Hayashi
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Add a Traditional Rope Swing to Your Front or Back Yard
A rope swing is a great way to bring both physical activity and old-fashioned whimsy to your yard. Just as important, this decorative play element looks spot-on in a cottage garden, formally landscaped space, or predominantly decked yard – anywhere where a big and chunky prefab plastic play structure just looks awkward. We love this quirky, earth-friendly and ready-to-hang Longhorn steer swing made from non-toxic, recycled tires. Just hang it from a sturdy branch … and try not to get bucked off. But you can easily make your own DIY swing, too.
A round wooden saucer swing can be sat or stood upon. Start by jig sawing a plank of 1½-inch-thick pine into a 12-inch circle. Next, drill a hole in the middle the same diameter as your length of heavy-duty rope. Sand all the edges, then prime it with an outdoor wood primer. Have your child decorate the swing with acrylic paints (freehand or with stencils), then cover it with a coat of protective clear varnish. Finally, hang the rope from a sturdy branch, passing the end through the saucer’s hole, knotting it securely a few times. Check it again after some use as additional knots may be needed as the rope stretches and the knots tighten.
For other project ideas, check out our home section.
Photo courtesy of The Home Depot.
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