Drab To Fab: “Glass Up” Your Outdoor Space

Claudia Knauss

Summer in Arizona is a great time to focus on sprucing up landscaping. Melody Van Ness has done just that by strategically adding glass accents to various locations in her unique backyard. Enjoying patio entertaining is a hallmark of the Van Ess family. Visitors are treated to instant information as to which type of citrus tree is about to bear fruit and what special flower has just burst into bloom. Strategically placed in front of many trees and different areas of their gardens, glass signs provide colorful identification and invite guests to fill a provided bag with the freshest home-grown goodies to take home.

In addition to helping guests recognize trees or flower patches, glass art can be used to recreate a favorite photographic memory such as a sunrise or sunset. Have an interesting bird nesting in your tree? Why not let a clever glass sign direct guests to search the bows overhead for a special feathered friend?

Planning a summer BBQ? Rather than hanging out that same old garden flag, consider displaying a unique glass creation to give a “shout-out” to your favorite athletic team. Team mascots in vibrant colors are certainly eye-catching and encourage conversation. Outdoor stands of all sizes and shapes are available for purchase to compliment glass artwork in a way that stabilizes and protects them on even our windiest days.

Visitors to the Van Ness home have been inspired to create their own yard signage. Hoping to personalize and brighten your own backyard? Email Joy Cafferty at Cafferty_J@msn.com to sign up for the next glass safety class. Prefer to commission a one-of-a-kind piece done by someone else? Several members of our Glasshoppers club are ready and willing to collaborate on special orders to help you turn a “typical” yard into a show-stopper!

Simply drop by the Creative Arts building and knock on the door of our Glasshoppers studio. We’ll be happy to help refresh your landscaping with eye-catching artwork inspired by you!