Glass Totem Tutorial for Garden Art
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Do you have a stash of pretty glassware tucked away in a cabinet, closet, or garage? This glass totem tutorial is a fun way to turn thrifted vases, plates, bowls, candle holders, and other glass pieces into unique garden art. The best part is playing with different shapes and colors until the pieces look like they were meant to be together.
This EASY glass totem tutorial is just what you’ve been looking for. I have many tips at the bottom of this article- things I’ve learned from making countless glass totems!
Are you looking for a way to repurpose all that old, vintage glassware you have around the house?
True trash-to-treasure people fall into 2 categories. Those of us who have never made a totem and those of us who have made tons of totems. They are sort of like potato chips… betcha can’t make just ONE! Over the winter, I shopped and shopped for glassware. I couldn’t stop! I tried really hard never to pay more than 50 cents for any one piece. My guest room became my totem workshop!
Vintage Glassware for Garden Totem
I think making these totems is the closest I’ve ever come to being artistic. Stacking the pieces and seeing what works well together is so much fun. I really like the colored glass pieces; however, they can be a little pricier.
Vary Colors in your Glass Totem
I really like tucking pieces inside of other pieces. On the top of this one is a cute little cherub. Blue is my favorite color, so I ended up with several shades of blue glassware when I started this marathon of craft sessions.
I love this green one. My friend Cathy has this one in her yard. As you are getting ready to craft your pretty topiaries, sorting like pieces together will help your projects be more cohesive.
Why this project works:
Glassware totems are budget-friendly, creative, and completely customizable. Each one looks different depending on the pieces you find, and the finished project adds instant charm to a flower bed, porch, or garden corner.
Glass Totem for Flower Garden
If you look closely, you can see that the bottom vase has another vase inside of it. If a plate has a curvature or a lip, be sure to flip it upside down so it won’t hold water.
A sweet blue panda rests atop this glass garden totem inside a small glass.
Yes, that is some sort of depression glass on top. I got it cheap, and I thought it looked pretty with the red vase. My friend Cathy also has this one in her yard.
This is my “bluebird of happiness” totem. 🙂 The bottom vase of this piece is a beautiful candle holder that one of my former students gave me. Part of it got broken, but I held on to it because it was so pretty. When I started putting pieces together for my totem, I knew it belonged with these other pieces. The bottom of this is a heavy microwave turntable, but I have mulch covering it up, which helps steady the tall topiary.
Can you choose a favorite? This is just a sample of all of the garden topiaries I’ve made over the years.
Practical Tips for Making Glass Garden Totems
Choose sturdy glass pieces
Look for thick, heavier glassware that feels stable. Thin or delicate pieces may not hold up as well outdoors.
Start with a solid base
Use a wide plate, bowl, or heavy glass piece at the bottom. A wider base helps keep the totem from tipping.
Turn plates upside down
If you use plates or shallow bowls, place them upside down when possible. This keeps them from collecting rainwater.
Dry stack before gluing
Stack your pieces without glue first. Try different combinations until the shape, height, and balance look right.
Check the balance
Make sure each piece sits flat before adding the next one. A slightly crooked piece can make the whole totem lean.
Use the right adhesive
Use a clear outdoor adhesive made for glass, such as Silicone II. Make sure it is waterproof and suitable for outdoor use.
Glue in small sections
Instead of gluing the whole totem at once, work in sections. This makes it easier to keep everything straight and stable.
Use a level
A small level can help you make sure each section is straight before the adhesive sets.
Allow plenty of drying time
Let the adhesive cure completely before moving the totem outside. Rushing this step can weaken the bond.
Display it safely
Place the finished totem in a sheltered garden spot, flower bed, or near a porch. You can bury the bottom plate slightly in mulch or soil for extra support.
Bring it in during harsh weather
If you live in an area with strong winds, freezes, or storms, move the totem to a protected area when needed. Glass garden art is pretty, but it still needs a little care.
What will you make?
I hope you learned something from my glass totem tutorial tips!
Before you donate those extra glass pieces, try stacking a few together to see what happens. You might be surprised by how quickly a simple vase, plate, or candle holder turns into something special for the garden. Have you ever made a glass totem, or do you have a favorite piece of glassware you would use for one?
Once you make one glass totem, you may find yourself looking at every vase, plate, and candle holder a little differently. They are such a fun way to add color and personality to a flower bed, patio, or tucked-away garden corner. Start with sturdy pieces, take your time with the stacking, and enjoy creating something pretty from glassware that might have otherwise stayed hidden in a cabinet.
I have done some more totems-you can see them in my post Repurposed Glassware Totems & More.
Thanks!
gail
Oh my goodness! This is marvelous, I’ve been collecting glass for years and never did anything with it. Now I can reduce my stash beautifully. Thank you!
ohhhh Jane! I’m so happy you found my glass totem tutorial. I think they are so charming in the flower gardens.
Have fun!
gail
These are absolutely gorgeous!!! I have been buying up vintage glass for three or four months ago for another project but seeing your work is making me want to do a few (maybe more 😂 )glass totems too!!!! ❤️
Daphne,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I made my first one 14 years ago, and I still love it just as much as I did when I made it. It had a little mishap with a ladder. It took off the top layer, but I still have it displayed in my yard.
Have fun!!
gail
What a fun idea, and I’ve been wanting some more yard art. These would be simple and pretty! Pinning!
Oh my goodness sakes alive! what a marvelous site! I’;m 76 and can’t do showes anymore so I’m on a hunt for things I can
do here at my home to enjoy and you have given me so many ideas as well as your other friends. I love the totems with small
figures inside of the larger bowls and vases and my idea is to make a pole with an angel inside one of the tall vases to use ans my gardian angel and also make one with a cat to use in a small garden especially for him or her with their own garden of cat nip, mints and other plants they aren’t allergic to so they can have their own special place. There are just so many ideas going through my head now it’s hard to decide which one I want to start with. Got to go to all the yard sales and thrift stores and build up my supply, my goodness will we all be busy from now on.
Thank you for sharing your ideas with all of us, so many want do that and they just don’t know how much they will be refunded when they share, thank you again and have fun creating with the blessing of a creative mind.
Phyllis
Phyllis,
Be careful, these hobbies can be very addicting. Placing these pieces together is only half the fun. The real fun is hunting for the glass items at yard sales and thrift stores. That is the part that can become the real addiction.
Enjoy, and thank you for your sweet comment, I truly appreciate sharing what I lean with others.
gail
Fabulous article! these are over 4 years old. They are Mes Belles totems.
I agree with you – it is very addictive. I have made about 20 totems – some I gave away, but most I have on a large dresser is a bedroom. And so much glass to use up – My room is big, but it is still very cluttered, and I continue to buy more – yardsales – Thrift Stores, etc. I love doing this. So glad I ran into it on pintrest. I notice you mix a color in the middle or so with all clear – I need to try that as I don’t get that many colored pieces to try to get together. Enjoyed looking at your site. Thanks
happy you stopped by My Repurposed Life Elaine. I haven’t made any of these for a while. But I still love the ones I have.
gail
Gail, I want you to know how much I enjoy seeing all your projects. You are truly an artist and so creatiive. 🙂 I have a bunch of glassware and dishes that I have received/inherited over the years from my mom, my grandmothers, my mother-in-law, the list goes on and on. I had thought about donating them until I saw your garden totems. I now know what I will be doing with the glassware and dishes. I will create them in honor of all the wonderful ladies in my life that I miss every day. They will make beautiful additions to my yard and wonderful gifts for family members..
Thank you again for all your inspiration and please keep up the good work.
Demetra
Demetra,
Thank you so much for your very kind comment. I appreciate it more than you know. It warms my heart when I can inspire people to use what they have, and the fact that you will be honoring your family members is even better.
gail
Oh Gail. I’m an indoor addict making tiered dishes. Once I started I just couldn’t stop. Yesterday’s haul brought home more than i have a place for. Now I need to be super creative. Thanks for posting about outdoor totems. I wanted to make a bird feeder but we do have a lot of squirrels.If I put it too low, the rain will pool and the blue jay’s will make a big mess, too. So I think I’ll stick to indoors. I had a thought of my bare front porch but if someone knocked it over we’d both be devastated and I’d hate to have to take a friend to urgent care, too.
~Heidi (outside Charleston, South Carolina)
I just found this I am so excited can’t wait to go looking for glass I want a totem pole !!!!!! Wish I had run across this a couple yrs ago I closed my floral business and gave away some of the most beautiful vases to friends and family. I am working in my back yard and on my patio redoing everything. I have a punch bowl I wanted to do something with think I will try to include it in my project.
Wnat more colored glass? Here is a tip-mix food coloring with Elmer’s glue and paint the inside of some of the clear vases-ones that you will be using upside down so water can’t get into them to wash out the “paint”-I have also heard that you can put clear sealer over one painted with this and keep it from washing off. Anyway -that would be a way to get colored glass cheaper and your color options are infinite! For instance mix blue and green together to make an aqua vase.