Interest In Garden Art Blossoms; Second Workshop Planned

Things have really blossomed since last fall.

Monica Hansen of Neligh was at the local craft fair last November when she spotted garden art made from plates. She decided to buy one as a birthday gift for her sister, Yvonne Johnson of Tilden.

"We looked it over and decided we could make a few for our own yards," Hansen said. "A couple of hundred later, here we are."

She and Johnson started collecting plates and other glassware at garage sales this spring. They've scored a few boxes from consignment stores as well.

"After making some for ourselves and our family, we thought we had too much 'stuff' left, so we had a sister's day and I posted a picture on Facebook," Hansen said. "People saw it and thought we were teaching classes, and several asked, so we did!"

The two sisters conducted their first garden art workshop at Johnson's home on July 28. Women from all over Antelope County attended, including friends, grandmothers and granddaughters, and mothers and daughters. Johnson started the class with a tour of her gardens and her collection "upcycled" garden art. Attendees were then able to choose from hundreds of plates and other glassware for their projects. Each person left with two homemade items, including plate flowers, bird feeders and bird houses. 

"The last class was a blast!" Hansen said.

Since the initial workshop was limited to 20 participants, several people have asked them to host a second class. The next class has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30 p.m. and will last 1-2 hours. It will be held at Johnson's home in Tilden, 406 E. 2nd St. The cost is $20. All of the materials will be provided and each participant will create two items of their choice. To register, call Hansen at 887-5230 or Johnson at 368-2243, or send them a message on Facebook.

---