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1. ToddinWestwood
   Member Profile

   

   Where in W.S. can I find some "different" art for our backyard. Like big steel stars or iron plant pot holders. Looking to fill up some bare space on the side of a garage and a cinder block wall.

   Thanks,
   Todd

   Posted 3 years ago #         

2. westseattledood
   Member Profile

   

   Hey Todd -

   I'm not sure if they are still operating, but last time I drove by, that place in the same white building as the dog wash place. Shoot. Can't remember the name, but it's about two blocks south of El Salvador Bakery right where the road curves.

   I have yet to go in there myself.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

3. ellenater
   Member Profile

   

   Man you can find the best stuff in New Mexico. But there is a garden art store in North Seattle that has some very cool stuff. A bit overpriced. It's on the way to Golden Gardens. I wouldn't be surprised if their prices have come down since I was last there. Also, check the thread for someone wanting ideas for art groups on here. There was a poster whose wife was a welder and her site has some very cool stuff. In South Park, I believe.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

4. westseattledood
   Member Profile

   

   E-nater,

   I know the place you are talking about, maybe.

   On 85th, between Aurora and 15th NW?

   YES! I have always meant to get in there too!

   Posted 3 years ago #         

5. westseattledood
   Member Profile

   

   Hey Todd -

   I just thought of another place I like to go scrounge around in for GREAT used items for garden apps. Second Use down by the dump - especially great to get the creative juices going.

   I love Second Use - I've got an account there. If you bring in useable stuff, you get $$ credit for it and can purchase "new" and different junk from the credit. ;) Awesome!

   Posted 3 years ago #         

6. Magpie
   Member Profile

   

   I just got back from 2nd use and purchased a piece of wrought iron for $5 that I can use as a trellis.. You can go through their stuff and if you feel the urge can come up with all kinds of creative ideas.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

7. JoB
   Member Profile

   very little of it is steel.. but try big lots in burien... they have some great stuff at moderate prices.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

8. Alcina
   Member Profile

   Todd, I agree with JoB about Big Lots in Burien being a good option. I was just there this past week and they had some big metal stars. Having purchased some of their metal garden art several times in the past, I've found some items seemed to be painted with what might be interior latex paint. I now give whatever I buy there several coats of exterior spray paint before I put it outside.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

9. Ken
   Member Profile

   

   Oddly enough, Grocery Outlet in Burien starts out the spring with all kinds of garden stuff that is either cheap or odd or both that seem to be overstock or terrible mistakes of the graymarket. I have bought some pretty cool stuff that's only flaw seems to be poorly translated packaging.

   And now that I think of it, I think I have a huge aluminum star (more like a rising sun) somewhere in my garage. I think it was left from some advertising campaign from a long defunct ex employer. It is too large and too sharp to be put in a garden unless you glue it to something flat or have really good liability insurance.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

10. ellenater
    Member Profile

    

    dood,

    yep, that's it. They have some gorgeous stuff-spendy,but gorgeous. And really unique. But man, all I can think about are these alley shops in NM with walls and walls of suns.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

11. ToddinWestwood
    Member Profile

    

    THanks for the tips. W.S. Nursery had some really kool stuff. WE were impressed by all the art, jewelery, and kids stuff they had.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

12. Mike D.
    Member Profile

    If one wishes to learn how to fabricate and weld together their own unique steel garden art piece I would suggest they check out our website. Click on Metal Work Classes.

    http://mimiriley.com/Site/Home.html

    We live in West Seattle, and our studio is just across the Duwamish River.

    We also design and fabricate custom pieces for your home, garden or business.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

13. JoB
    Member Profile

    Mike D...

    all i can say about studio steel is wow.

    if i had strength in my hands and a little more stamina i would be in your next class.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

14. squareeyes
    Member Profile

    

    If Jeff Bowman is still located in West Seattle, he creates amazing metal yard art and has (had?) an annual sale at his house every Mother's Day weekend. If I remember correctly, people could make appointments to see his work and he did commissions. I have several pieces of various sizes around my yard. His website is no longer working but I have an email address that may still be active. Let me know if you want it.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

15. JanS
    Member Profile

    

    hmmm...find an old iron/metal headboard and use it as a trellis...cruise garage sales for unlikely things - ya never know what's out there, if ya use your imagination :)

    a website that I fell onto this weekend... http://www.chocolaterflowerfarm.com located in Langley on Whidbey island...but mail order works. Taking a ferry up there is even better :)

    Posted 3 years ago #         

16. Mike D.
    Member Profile

    Job -

    -Thanks for the kind words.

    -Some students in the art welding classes have been upwards of 80 years old and many have had a physical challenges of some sort or another. About 65% of attendees are women. My wife Mimi teaches the class and she is really great at passing along simple welding techniques that most anyone can master and utilize to create art and other structures.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

17. JoB
    Member Profile

    mike D...

    thanks.. 80 year olds regularly whip me in water exercise classes:(

    but i appreciate the thought.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

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