You know how Gary and I both love turquoise. The other day we went to an antique mall and picked up this unique patio set for our deck. The arms and the table top are shaped like wagon wheels. I'm sure this set was hand crafted by an artistic wood worker, it's very sturdily built. The set was originally painted red and was repainted this turquoise color. Looks like our garden theme will be eclectic.
Would you believe I kept the pieces of this lantern or luminary under plastic for over two weeks and then put them together today? It's true. I laid the pieces on thick plastic and covered them with the same piece of thick plastic wrapped around. They stayed workable all that time. I was sure surprised.
I made the lantern in three pieces, the base, the middle and the top. It's about eight inches tall. It's meant as a table top lantern to be used indoors or out. We've been doing some work outside so I've been thinking of pottery pieces for gardens. I think a lantern would look nice on the table of our new patio set. Perhaps not the lantern I made since it has a more Asian feel to it. I think I should have made the top larger, next time. I'd like to modify the top so that it fits down over the sides to make it more stable. What do you think, any suggestions? I just realized since the lantern is in three pieces I can make another top.
The pagoda lantern above is 18 feet tall and is in the
Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon. I've been to those gardens, they're well worth visiting if you're in the area. If you're ever stressed out take a trip to a garden and let nature wash over you. It works for me every time. Stay tuned for a home project and a update on plants we've added to our garden. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Great patio set, you can find the best stuff in antique shops.
ReplyDeleteI had some pots stay wet while I was sick with the flu last Dec. It must have been about 2 weeks also. Plastic is the potter's friend.
I concur, the Japanese Gardens in Portland are wonderful, one of my favorites. They also have a Chinese Garden that shouldn't be missed.
a great start to your garden theme... that turquoise colour of your wheel furniture is lovely..
ReplyDeleteLove the furniture design! Some creative person must have dedicated hours to making it! And the lantern looks lovely, whether it has a new top or not. Good idea to make it with 3 pieces.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool patio set! I like the lantern...want to see it finished and lit! Are you champing at the bit to get your own studio going?
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be settling in well.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to find a balance between what you want to do, what you feel you should do, and what your creativite muse tells says you MUST do. And it seems that you are getting there.
ReplyDeleteLove the lantern. And eclectic is good.
Great color on the patio set!!! Great find! I love eclectic, but have just too much southwest stuff around here.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful patio set. I can not even imagine it in red. The turquoise is . It is nice to see you are finally working with your clay. I always enjoy seeing what you make.
ReplyDeleteI love turquoise as well, it is very soothing. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love the turquoise patio set. Good score! I've been to the Japanese Gardens in Portland, and yes they are lovely. I also love the Japanese Gardens in Golden Gate Park, which I know you have been to as well. Your Asian style lantern looks really cool.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks, we feel so lucky to have found the set.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, thanks, half the fun is the shopping for unique stuff second hand.
Hi Barbara, thanks, I wasn't sure the handle was strong enough to pick up the top and the middle. Ha.
Hi Suzi, thanks, now I am thinking of different ways to cut holes to make patterns with the light shining through.
Hi Joanne, thanks, slowly but surely getting things done.
Hi Elephant's Child. thanks, you are so right I feel pulled in so many directions but working in clay is always in the back of my mind.
Hi Turqoisemoon, thanks, you know this set is good for southwest or western. Ha. I know what you mean about too much stuff, I will have to curb myself. Ha.
Hi Dee, thanks, you know how they painted all the furniture years ago with that barn red color or the fake redwood color I think that's probably what it was.
Hi Linda, thanks and thanks for visiting. We had a hard time deciding if it would go here but we are so glad we picked up the set. It's just perfect to sit there after digging in the hard soil.
Hi Barbara, thanks, Oh I would love to go back and visit both of those gardens. I must see if there are any gardens around here where I can visit one of these days when it is warm.