How to Make a Wishing Well

Wishing wells are known for inspiring thoughts of romance, fun and hope. The idea of making a wish and waiting faithfully for it to come true has inspired people since ancient times. Today, wishing wells make pretty additions to the garden. They are also used at bridal showers and weddings, where guests are encouraged to leave money and wishes in the wishing well for the happy couple. It's not necessary to be a master carpenter to make a wishing well. Grab some wood and a little imagination, and make a wishing well that is a perfect place for wishes.

Steps

1. 1
   Cut the wood for the body of the wishing well. A medium sized wishing well will require 14 boards that are 1 inch wide and 4 inches long for the body. The recommended wood is pine or cedar.
2. 2
   Lay the boards on the ground, side by side, and make sure the bottoms line up evenly. Place a board that measures 32 inches long between the 7th and 8th board, and after the 14th board. Measure 2 inches from the top and bottom of the boards, and mark spot on the wood in pencil.
3. 3
   Separate each piece of wood by 3/8 inch. Use flat head nails and a hammer to nail 2 metal straps to the the top and bottom of the wood pieces, along the spots that are marked. Overlap the metal straps by 1 inch on the top and bottom.
4. 4
   Flip the boards over and construct a circle. Nail the overlapping metal straps into place to form the basket of the wishing well.
5. 5
   Construct the rafters. Form a triangle with 2 boards that are 1 inch wide and 16 inches long, creating a 45 degree cut of wood. Do the same with an additional 2 boards that are 1 inch wide and 16 inches long so that there are 2 triangles. Make each triangle into an "A" by screwing a cross tie into each. Place each one on the longer boards coming out of the wishing well body. Bolt them together by drilling a hole through the cross tie and boards.
6. 6
   Construct the roof. Cut or purchase 2 identical roof boards. Screw them onto the rafters.
7. 7
   Drill holes in the extended wood pieces that reach towards the rafters and roof. Cut the spindle to be 39 inches long and 1 inch wide. Put the spindle through the holes. Screw a handle washer onto one end.
8. 8
   Cut off 7 inches of the excess spindle wood with a saw. This will be the handle arm. Screw the other handle washing onto this arm. Screw the arm onto the spindle.

 Tips

• Have fun personalizing the wishing well with paint, words, plants and flowers.
• Pre-made plans and blueprints for wishing wells are available at hardware stores, lumber stores and party stores. If a larger or smaller well is desired, find plans to ensure proper wood size is cut.
• The wishing well does not need a bottom because the basket part of the wishing well will sit on the ground.

Things You'll Need

• 14 boards, 1 inch by 4 inches
• 2 boards, 1 inch by 32 inches
• Measuring tape
• Flathead nails
• Pencil
• Hammer
• 2 galvanized metal straps
• 4 boards, 1 inch by 16 inches at 45-degree cuts
• 2 cross ties
• 2 roof boards
• Long screws
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• 1 spindle, 1 inch by 39 inches
• Saw