|
|
|
7146 members, 153547 posts, 341 blogs
|
|
|
Totem How-To's - How to make a Glass Totem
|
|
|
|
|
cajunbelle
Daylily Diva
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Location: zone 8b Louisiana (Map)
Posts: 3334
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 1:06 am Post subject: Totem How-To's - How to make a Glass Totem |
|
It is really very simple. Collect your glass. I usually go to garage sales, thrift stores, good will stores etc. Keep it simple, small ones are going to be displayed on copper pipe.
The totem in the middle could have done without the bottom piece (the blue and white piece.) It made it really too big, but that was my first one.
It is really trail and error. Use GE Silicone II for windows and doors. Make sure none of the pieces will hold water. Do them in sections:
The bud vase on the bottom will hold your totem on the pipe, it is siliconed into a small bowl, it just seems to work better in a bowl. I usually glue those two first and let them dry overnight. Then I glued the small angel figurine onto the bottom of the plate. Notice the plate is upside down in order to keep water from standing. I glued the glass over the angel. Let that dry overnight. The next day I glued the small glass to the vase/bowl assembly, let that dry then put it all together. The trick is to get enough silicone to form a water proof seal to keep moisture from forming in the pieces, but not so much silicone that it looks bad. If you use a saucer with embossed or raised designs on the bottom like the one in the angel totem it is possible for a good seal not to form. Like I said earlier, a lot of it is trial and error. Make some, put them in your yard and learn from any mistakes you make.
The green one in this photo was used as a bird feeder, you can also use them as bird baths, just make sure your top bowl is not too deep, birds won't get in it if it is too deep. Disregard the big vases on the bottom of these, they are not part of the totem, I used them to stand the totems in to photograph. If the bud vase does not fit snug on the pipe, wrap clear packaging tape around the pipe where the slender part of the vase will fit. I hope this is clear, feel free to ask anything that you do not understand. And remember, you may find an easier and better way to do them.
_________________
Sharon
Phil. 4:13
|
|
| Back to top |
|
glendann
Official Garden Angel
Joined: 19 May 2006
Location: Texas (Map)
Posts: 8819
PlantStew: 289 |
| Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 1:19 am Post subject: |
|
I have something started cajunbelle I am going very slow but am working on one .When I finish I will show you all.
_________________
'Life is not measured by the breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.'
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Frank
Happy Gardening
 Administrator
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Posts: 10626
PlantStew: 2307 |
| Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 10:28 am Post subject: |
|
That seems pretty well explained to me Sharon. You are great writing tutorials I must say. I like the idea of using them as a bird feeder 
_________________
Do you have plant knowledge? Share it on GardenStew PLANTS
|
|
| Back to top |
|
bethie
Highly Skillful
Joined: 08 Jun 2006
Location: WestTennessee (Map)
Posts: 1610
|
| Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 2:41 pm Post subject: |
|
I think I see one of these delicate beauties in my future. Thank You. 
_________________
Ready to Grow?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
flowergurl
Just Arrived
Joined: 12 Jul 2006
Posts: 6
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 2:06 am Post subject: Awesome |
|
I just love making garden art and these are great! 
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Polly
Thumb Gardener
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2234
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:47 pm Post subject: |
|
Just bought several pieces of glass at a resale shop. I let you know if it turns out.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
cajunbelle
Daylily Diva
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Location: zone 8b Louisiana (Map)
Posts: 3334
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:51 pm Post subject: |
|
Would love to see the results Glendann and Polly.
_________________
Sharon
Phil. 4:13
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Shanna
Showing Great Promise
Joined: 19 May 2006
Location: Texas (Map)
Posts: 395
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:51 am Post subject: |
|
Very well detailed.Thanks now I know what to start looking for.New projects!!!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
blackrose
On The Way Up
Joined: 20 Mar 2006
Location: Galway
Posts: 197
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 4:24 pm Post subject: |
|
i'd gladly give it a try!  hope i could build one before every glass breaks.. thanks for the ideas! 
_________________
Just Kearneys
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Frank
Happy Gardening
Administrator
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Posts: 10626
PlantStew: 2307 |
| Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 9:22 pm Post subject: |
|
moderator's note: unlocked by request
_________________
Do you have plant knowledge? Share it on GardenStew PLANTS
|
|
| Back to top |
|
glendann
Official Garden Angel
Joined: 19 May 2006
Location: Texas (Map)
Posts: 8819
PlantStew: 289 |
| Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 10:42 pm Post subject: |
|
I'm glad you unlocked it Frank as I enjoyed making these and I'm sure the new Stewbees will love making these too.I would love to see bethie,s Hyperturfa explanation explained and the tippy pots unlocked too.
_________________
'Life is not measured by the breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.'
|
|
| Back to top |
|
kuntrygal
Texas Rose
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
Location: Texas ~ Zone 8
Posts: 3115
PlantStew: 313 |
| Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 10:59 pm Post subject: |
|
I agree with Glenda... I think the newbies might enjoy reading and participating. Thanks for the un-lock!
_________________
Gaylyn ~ 2277 ~ 
'Quitcherbellyaching'
|
|
| Back to top |
|
kuntrygal
Texas Rose
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
Location: Texas ~ Zone 8
Posts: 3115
PlantStew: 313 |
| Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 11:14 pm Post subject: |
|
I forgot to mention, this is a good time to look for angels (if that is your theme) as stores have started to put out their Christmas ornaments. Also snowmen, western items, etc. Happy totem making!
_________________
Gaylyn ~ 2277 ~
'Quitcherbellyaching'
|
|
| Back to top |
|
Frank
Happy Gardening
Administrator
Joined: 25 Jan 2005
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Posts: 10626
PlantStew: 2307 |
| Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:11 am Post subject: |
|
| glendann wrote: | | I would love to see bethie,s Hyperturfa explanation explained and the tippy pots unlocked too. |
Here is the Bethie's Hypertufa topic unlocked:
http://www.gardenstew.com/about1779.html
If for some reason you want a topic unlocked then I'll be happy to oblige 
_________________
Do you have plant knowledge? Share it on GardenStew PLANTS
|
|
| Back to top |
|
cajunbelle
Daylily Diva
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Location: zone 8b Louisiana (Map)
Posts: 3334
|
| Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:59 am Post subject: |
|
Thanks Frank.
_________________
Sharon
Phil. 4:13
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
You're looking at one of the many forums on GardenStew.com. Register for free to join in the discussion.
|
|
|
|
