Watermelon Propane Tank

Many people have questioned me about the Watermelon Propane Tank that is on my right sidebar. Yes, I painted it, AND here's the story about my propane tank.

We live in a housing addition that is Geo-Thermal. Cheap green living that is all electric. So the builder of this subdivision did not put in gas lines.  Well, we all have gas fireplaces therefore we all need gas. Instead of running gas lines, we all have to have propane tanks sort of hidden close by our fireplace.

We were paying rent for a tank via the previous owners and decided that it would be cheaper to pay a lump sum up front since we plan on living here 20 years. So I called the propane company and they said that I could buy used or new. Used ones were $250 and new ones were $500. Of course, I said used. However, I didn't know they were going to bring me one that looked like this...(This is not the actual before picture, since I didn't take a before picture...ooops).

I said to the guys, "Couldn't you find me one with more rust on it?" They knew that I wasn't pleased so they said, "Well, we can paint it silver."  I knew then that I had a challenge on my hands.
In the meantime, my church asked me if I would host a garden party of 85 women! "Yes", I said, knowing I had that ugly propane tank in my beautiful yard!  I knew then that there was no stopping me with fixing up this tank.
After looking at it and debating on how to paint it, because nothing I paint is 'normal'.  I decided that I would paint it to look like a watermelon and the cap would be painted to look like a lady bug. Here is my finished project.
Now the little neighborhood kids come over to pet the ladybug and say "Hi".

An exterior varnish was used to preserve the paint job. I did not paint the base and you can see how rusty it is. I still need to do something about that.

Ladybug antlers were made by using wire clothes hangers and wood beads painted black.

NOTE: You should be able to click on most of the pictures to enlarge to see further details.
These parties I love to link up to or check out my Blog Parties tab
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch
Make It For Monday @ Cottage Instincts
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple
Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
Making The World Cuter @ Making The World Cuter
Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle Twice Owned Tuesday @ House Of Grace
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Power Of Paint @ Domestically Speaking
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Piece of Work Wednesday @  Primitive & Proper
Good Life Wednesday @ A Beach Cottage
Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
100 Ideas Under $100 @ Beyond The Picket Fence
Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
Frugal Friday @ Shabby Nest
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Strut Your Stuff @ The Saturday Morning Blog
Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal 
Sunday Showcase Party @ By Stephanie Lynn
Motivated Monday @ Be Colorful
Before & After party @ Thrifty Decor Chick 
DIY Showoff
Every Room In The House @ A Joyful Cottage