The warm weather ☀️ has finally arrived in SE Michigan (thank goodness), so I have been spending time on our patio out back soaking in some much needed vitamin D. The warmth of the sun, and sound of the sweet birds soothes my soul, and calms my anxiety which has increased after getting older. For those of you who suffer from anxiety- I sure hope my posts bring you a soothing vibe from my heart to yours that helps you to beat anxiety for the day. With that being said, I created something so simple this month, yet so cute & colorful. Rainbows have always been something that bring me immense joy, so here’s hoping you get a kick out of my thrifty “Glass Rainbow Garden Tower”….
Before I get to the rainbow 🌈 reveal, I want to give you my special invitation to visit all of my thrift store teammate’s makeovers this month that I have shared at the end of this post. These gal pals of mine are the sweetest, and they have such unique ideas that I know soothe my soul every month…
Our DIY Patio Gazebo with the New Glass Rainbow Garden Tower
If you are a Redhead Can Decorate SUBSCRIBER and remember what our patio out back looks like, then you may recall this next photo? If not, Rick and I pretty much had a blank canvas to start with when we moved in two years ago, and the transformation is quite shocking. CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW I ORDERED THIS DIY GAZEBO online that protects us from the elements so we can spend a little more time out here while it’s warm- which isn’t long in Michigan. This year I used back sheer curtains, and no rug required. I find that rugs attract bugs and get too wet.
Now that you know (if you clicked on that link up there👆) what our patio looks like, you’ll understand why each year I need fresh ideas on how to decorate it. However, I don’t want to buy something new…I don’t need any more stuff I have enough to work with. So, I decided to reserve this very sunny corner of our patio for something I could build using my colored glass collection. I took one colored piece from each shelf and boom! The “Rainbow Garden Tower” came together quite quickly…
I love how this piece catches my eye as soon as I walk out to the patio. Each piece transforms from someone’s discarded thrift store donation, into something that means way more to me than just colored glass 😉 . Color in the garden adds personality, charm, and fun! 🌈
Before I get to how I attached the glass pieces, let’s take a look down memory lane and see if you remember a few of my other colored glass creations? I do have quite an obsession with colored glass and I think it may stem from my mom’s “Avon” red glass I grew up admiring.
Thrifty Rainbow Glass Birdbath
Thrifty Glass Fountain/Birdbath
How to Attach the Glass Pieces & Stabilize the Rainbow Garden Tower
Getting back to the latest glass masterpiece…attaching the glass pieces is easy using any products on the market used for glass adhesion. I’ve used “maritime” glue, and I’ve used many high rated 3M products, and they all work, but I warn you the elements will eventually wear it down and cause it to fall apart. These lovey creations are not meant to last a lifetime, but maybe a season or two. The more protection they have from wind, rain, and temperature fluxuations the longer they will survive. I actually left the green bottle free to be removed so I can switch things up if I desire.
As far as stabilizing the Rainbow Garden Tower, I put it in a very protected spot surrounded by trees and our gazebo, and I also created a deep trench to set the base in. The mystery remains daily…how long will it survive? I have no idea 😆, but it sure looks pretty right now. Here’s a few photos showing how I attached the glass using basic adhesion stick pads that you can find at any store these days.
So, what do you think? Is this something you would try, or does the glass worry you? I totally get either side, but I will tell you I am quite proud of the rainbow I created 😊.
Before you click out of here, check out my sweet talented blog friend’s affordable projects below…
The Thrift Store Decor Team Projects
My Repurposed Life DIY Outdoor Fairy Light Lampshade
Shop At Blu Refreshed Vintage Metal Patio Chair
Our Crafty Mom Thrift Store Lampshade Makeover
Funky Junk Interiors DIY Upcycled Globe Light, Cloche, Pedestal Bowl and Paper Towel Stand
Exquisitely Unremarkable Thrifted Botanical Print Makeover
Rainbow Fruit Cake Tutorial
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It’s very pretty, Julie! I love colorful elements in the garden and your tower is so cheerful, no wonder if makes you smile.
Thank you, Kim!!
Julie,
Bright colors make me smile and so does your rainbow garden tower. I have been making glass garden totems since 2009, but never have I used such colorful pieces. I’ll have to remedy that.
I still have all of the totems I’ve made. Only one got broken (the topper was knocked off with a ladder incident) .
I’ll have to add this to my to-do list. It would look fabulous at The Hideaway.
pinned!
gail
Thank you, Gail!
Hello from the NWLP of Michigan! That was quite a storm last night! Is the globe pictured a George F. Cram Company, Inc., by chance? If not!..it looks really similar to ones I’ve seen for sale online! I have one in traditional colors and on a floor stand….see, I’m a Cram! Maiden name….so just asking! Either way, it is really beautiful!
Hi Patty, are you referring to the blue glass globe?