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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

The Tacoma Home and Garden Show 2017 - Part The Last

Let's take one more look at the Tacoma show today and tomorrow we'll get a sneak preview of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.  

I'll admit it, I like silk flowers and plants. Sure there's nothing like the real thing but for someone like myself who usually doesn't take very good care of cut flowers (they want water) silk has the benefit of not becoming slimy green pre-compost in the vase in a few weeks.  Interesting lighting also interests me.  However, putting the two together is a bit strange.  


Well, isn't that different.

No glowing flowers came home with me but there was something a bit fascinating about them, like seeing a flower back lit by the sun.  (You know, that warm thing we see in the sky in the summer.)

Marenakos  Rock Center always has a nice display at the Tacoma show.  You may recall that they are the ones who provide, free of charge, all of the rock for the show gardens at the NWFG Show.






It's always a pleasure to chat with glass master Gary Barber of Octopus Studios Stained Glass, who I'd met at the glass shop a few years ago.  Gary's work is imaginative and masterful.

In this set of panels, Gary has chosen glass with colors, textures, movement to beautifully suggest elements of the image.

Here, the artist has created new effects by fusing glass to attain his desired look. 



It's always a pleasure to see the work of someone with such a variety of skills who really enjoys creating something unique.

Make sure you check out Gary's portfolio to see more of his great use of glass in a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary. 





Thanks to all of the vendors at the Tacoma Home and Garden Show!  It's a pleasure to have such a fun event so close to home. 

15 comments:

  1. That glass artist's work is so very colorful! Love it.

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  2. I want that grove of skinny evergreens. That glass is stunning. I don't know if I've ever seen any with so many different effects.

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  3. Glowing fake flowers. Oh god. I bet #45 would love those.

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  4. This is like painting with glass; I can't begin to imagine the time it take to create such an elaborate glass piece.
    Have you ever been to the Marenakos rock center? Jaw dropping. I recommend it, but wait for better weather. They are probably under a few feet of snow right now.

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  5. What day(s) will you be at the NWFGS this year? I hope to see you there!

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  6. Wow, the stained glass is incredible! I'm OK with silk flowers occasionally. They make sense in a restaurant or a small business--particularly when the season offers few fresh flowers. The scenes and sets they put together for garden shows are incredible, aren't they?! I'm trying to decide if I want to venture out to the Madison Garden Expo this weekend. I'm not feeling it, but it is a fun event. :)

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  7. I love the under-the-sea glass-scapes!

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  8. They are both artists, that rockwork is amazing and the glass speaks for itself!

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  9. Is that a stained glass madrone? Yes please!

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  10. Thank you Peter for your pictures of the show that I missed!

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  11. I love all of those rocks/boulders, DH and I loved collecting them.

    Those stained glass works of art are truly amazing!

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  12. I'd like to have a nice big pile of those rocks...and a he-man to move them around for me.

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  13. I'm usually not a big fan of contemporary glass art, but the tall dark piece with the blue-green jellyfish is fabulous. The glowing tulips, not so much, but I do appreciate your showing us what's out there!

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  14. I would like some of that stained glass for my very own.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.