Reuse Thrifted Glass For Stunning Decor & Amazing Effects In The Garden

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Garden art is what differentiates one outdoor space from another. The decor showcases the personality and style of the homeowner and can make a yard more memorable. While these lawn additions can be costly, they don't necessarily have to be. A trip to the thrift store can give you all the materials you need to create something that will inspire your neighbors to do the same. For example, you can create yard art made from golf clubs or repurpose mugs as plant containers.

To add a little whimsy to your yard, use thrifted glass to make garden mushrooms. Trust us, these are mushrooms that you actually want to see growing in your yard. They also would pair well with a glass gazing ball. All you need are glass pieces (one for the base of the mushroom and another for the top), weatherproof adhesive suitable for glass, and optional embellishments. The sun and flowers against the glass could create a gorgeous effect for your garden.

Just as mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, your glass toadstools can do the same. Pair tall narrow "stems" with cute little "caps," or go with squat bottoms with wide, shallow tops. If your garden flora already provides an array of colors, consider colorless glass for your mushrooms. You could also opt for monochromatic colored glass or go a little wild with as many colors as you could find. Glassware also can be clear or frosted, with diversity in patterns and textures.

Once you've chosen your mushroom pairings, thoroughly wash and dry the glassware. Adhere them to each other with a glue that is suitable for glass and can withstand the outdoor elements. Although the video above uses hot glue, that option works best with glass that has been scratched up for better grip. Instead, we recommend using a weatherproof silicone sealant, like the clear-drying GE Advanced silicone caulk, allowing for a cure time of 24 hours. 

Tucking battery-powered twinkle lights or solar lights into the overturned base of the mushroom will add nighttime interest. If you go this route, make sure the base is upside down when you glue the mushroom cap on, so that you have space for and access to your lights. If you're using a solar light, place your garden art in a spot that gets plenty of sun to sufficiently charge up the light. As you wait for the glue to fully cure, you can customize the mushrooms by gluing flat-bottomed glass gems or sparkly beads to the mushroom caps. The mushrooms can sit directly on a bare patch of soil or on top of low ground cover, like this eye-catching grass alternative.