Author Hans Christian Andersen would be more than proud with what Diane Rice has crafted in the front yard of her Germansville home.

Certainly not an “ugly duckling,” the swan Rice crafted from a large outdoor basket hanger, fishing line, chicken wire and the Golden Euonymus shrub has grown over the last 20 years into an 8-foot beauty.

“I saw a swan in the water across the street and decided to shape it like that,” Rice explained.

Her husband, Keith, made the eyes out of a milk jug and a cap from a spray paint can.

Keith’s brother, Rick, made the swan’s beak from stainless steel, which he later painted.

The swan’s tail, a board covered by the Golden Euonymus, is supported by a large rock at the rear.

Karen German, the family’s neighbor, donated the patriotic hat for the swan to wear for the Independence Day holiday.

Rice also decorates the swan appropriately for Christmas.

While it has taken some two decades for the swan to grow to its present size, Rice needs to trim the bush frequently.

“I trim it all the time,” Rice said. “It grows like a weed. I usually use scissors or a hedge trimmer.”

Rice, who is retired, is also a multi-talented crafter.

In addition to the swan, Rice quilts and crochets.

She also makes pinecone wreaths, wooden clothespin crosses and cloth covers for baskets.

“My kids used to say to me, ‘you won’t know what to do with your time [after retirement],’” Rice said.