Barb Lewis’ Tree Danglers are just as described: long lines of beads and small, round mirrors, that run about 30 inches, from branch to mid-air, when hung from a tree. Each Tree Dangler is uniquely crafted—a mix of clear and colored, bright hued and metallic, round and oval shapes mixing together to create an eye-catching outdoor decoration, with the mirrors creating dancing lights. And at the bottom is a larger piece: small Jell-o molds, vintage salt-and-pepper shakers, pieces of antique jewelry, seashells, “a piece of whimsy, the size of your palm.”

Barb is retired now but spent 30 years as a graphic designer. “I’ve always been a creative person and that has evolved over time,” she says. “One day about 20 years ago, a 3M technician was in our building ripping out old telephone lines. There was a big heap on the floor of these brightly-colored plastic-coated wires and I asked if I could have them. Of course, he obliged.” Barb took the tangle home and set to work, fashioning the wire into Wire People Cards. “It was the height of rubber stamping,” she laughs, “so my little figurines on cards were a distinctive option.”

Now Barb specializes in outdoor décor. “I love to reuse or upcycle items,” she says. She finds pieces for her Tree Danglers, Garden Fairy Wands, and solar light patio pieces in thrift stores, garage sales, and antique stores.  Her fairy wands fit right in to a flower box or pot, “wherever you want a little sparkle.” Her wire work has evolved too, now taking shape as bookmarks, with a page-topping hook on top and a miniature string of gifted and thrifted jewelry to hold your page.

You can find Barb online on Barb Lewis Design Facebook page and in craft and art sales across the region.

The 4th Annual Starbuck Vintage & Artisan Market will be held on the shores of Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck’s City Park. Find artisans, vintage merchants, and food vendors on Friday, August 1st from 4-8 PM and Saturday, August 2nd from 9 AM-4 PM with the Lake Minnewaska Classic Car Show on Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM.