This just in from my spousal unit: Just about anyone who gardens has contended with all kinds of critter invasions. Over the years we’ve dealt with rabbits, squirrels, cats (ours), and worst of all, deer and elk. We tried electric wire fencing and the deer soon learned to just jump through it, since they have to be grounded to get shocked. Finally an elk tore it all down and we started over.
We used 50″X16’ hog panels for the bottom and cobbled together a top system using concrete reinforcement wire we had around. After twenty years, the wood has deteriorated to the point that the panels are falling apart. I ripped down the bad parts and replaced them with two wires – one about two inches from the top of the rail and one level with where the top system used to be.
I noticed neighbors doing something like this and then hung up CDs or DVDs, which spun around and apparently spooked away the deer. It seemed like a great idea, but not very attractive. So I decided to use shapes, and turtles seemed like something fun (see previous post about our turtle haven). Here is my how-to. I noticed other metal art projects tell people they need a grinder or band saw, but I just used metal shears and old aluminum siding.
I suspect you could find aluminum panels at a scrap yard. We had some that were ripped off a building.
Turtle pattern was printed out in a couple of sizes. This is the biggest one.
The trick to cutting is to having one side up or one down. Metal won’t cut flat when using cutters.
Trace the pattern with pencil or chalk.
Ready to cut!
Work carefully. Wear gloves to be on the safe side. I don’t.
Scrap your metal bits and recycle them.
Here’s a gang of turtles.
Drill holes top and bottom, a ruler helps if you can’t visualize perpendicular or you’re pickier than I am.
Got holes, ready for hangers and beads!
I bought these ring things but a big jump ring would work, or make your own. 
I decided to add beads, because I had them. I doubt that the deer will be impressed. Fishing line is tied on, long enough lengths to place them wherever you decide between the two wires.
Here’s how to tie on the bottom beads so they don’t fall off!
I cut the fishing line on-site and tied both ends to swivel fishing hooks. Then I tied wire to the bottoms to keep them from sliding around.
Kinetic art is fun to watch, and so far Bambi and his gang haven’t come near them. If you want to see one in action, check out the YouTube Video:
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out our suspension bridge book. Here is the link:
Building a Small Cable Suspension Bridge with the Cable Locking System
Images, diagrams, and text copyright 2013-2017 by Marvin Denmark unless otherwise noted. Please do not copy and post my content anywhere without my permission. Thank you.
Wildcat Man 