It's a mini maypole. It stands about 3 feet high, including the planter. I bought the planter part, which was an ugly black and silver thing with a cracked glass lining. I took out the lining with a chisel and hammer, welded in a piece of pipe in the centre to hold the "pole", then painted it. The pole is a wooden curtain rod which I cut to length and painted. The ribbons are just the regular type from Fabricland, but my porch is covered so I figure they should be reasonably safe. The planter is lined with a piece of cocoa matting, which can be purchased at Canadian Tire or any garden centre. If anyone has any other questions, please feel free to ask.

I'm happy with the result. I've always associated the maypole with the beginning of spring. At school, we always had a "Mayfest", a day in May when we celebrated spring and danced the maypole, and I have some very fond memories of it. 

Any and all comments are appreciated. This is my first project I've posted!