Blacksmithing Your Own Garden Art

Is there is a special look or garden art piece that you have in mind but can't find for sale? Are you handy and looking for a new project? Why not make it yourself?

I get into some of the most interesting things because I follow my desires and end up learning new skills. I may not always become a skills craft person but I love the learning and doing.

I have a lot of wrought iron patio furniture and blacksmithing is a great fit for making my own art that compliments my patio decor. Using slightly modern tools an techniques you can easily perform blacksmithing on your own. It is a really good idea to take Blacksmithing Classes to get yourself started with proper safety and techniques. A good class will get you everything you need to know in a weekend and you should even come out of the class with something that you have made yourself.

Blacksmithing, highly reccomended!

Garden Lighting

Garden lights are an excellent way to add a focus point in your garden after dark. You want to start with path lighting and area lighting to make sure you create an enjoyable outdoor living space in the evening. After the basics are covered think about that night time focal point. Up lighting a tree can create a very dramatic effect in your garden. Another good option is to light a pond or other water feature. You can either down light these or actually place submersible lights into the water feature itself for another dramatics effect.

Outdoor garden lighting can also be used to set a mood by using colored lights. You can find lights with changeable colored lenses so you aren't stuck with just one color when you purchase your lights. Changing the lights to match the seasons or holidays and other celebrations is a fun way to add to your garden party. You can even get colors to match your favorite college sports team when they are playing a big game.

Lawn and Garden Decor

When you are thinking outdoor decor, you should think about lawn and garden decor. It is easy to focus just on your garden or patio area, but your lawn is a great destination for your decorating tough as well.

Items that you can add to your lawn include the ever popular pink flamingos :-) Beyond that, think subtle with a bird bath, or a sun dial or possible even a large item like an arbor or fence and gates.

I like to do small modifications to the lawn landscaping areas to add to my decor themes. The shapes of the lwan and edges can play a dramatic role as well as adding walkways and pavers.

Outdoor Garden Decor

Outdoor garden decor has less restrictions on is as far as what is considered "in good taste". Common outdoor garden decors include whimsical themes such as Greek gods, mythical creatures (unicorns, gnomes, elves) or fantasy creatures like gargoyles and wizards. Just about anything goes with outdoor garden decor as long as it is subtle in its execution.

Religious themes are also very popular. Items include things like angles, Madonnas, cherubs and religious icons.

Location based themes are also popular. One of my favorites is an Asian theme with items like a bamboo garden fountain and pagodas.

Follow your heart and make an outdoor garden decor theme work around it. Add pieces one at a time and before you know it you will create a backyard oasis that is uniquely your own.