It’s Lovely Outside!

Barb Lewis’s Tree Danglers are just as described: 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, brightly hued and metallic beads, round mirrors mixing together to create an eye-catching outdoor decoration, with the mirrors creating dancing lights. And at the bottom is a larger piece: found and thrifted treasures, vintage salt-and-pepper shakers, pieces of repurposed jewelry, or seashells, adding “a piece of whimsy with the sparkles.”

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 25 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. She sold these and other handmade crafts in Wisconsin about 20 years ago. Her creations are constantly evolving but with a common theme of reusing and upcycling everyday items when possible.

Now Barb specializes in outdoor décor and bookmarks. “I love to reuse or upcycle items,” she says. She finds pieces for her Tree Danglers, Suncatchers, Garden Art, and Solar Patio Decor in thrift stores, garage sales, and antique stores. Barb offers bookmarks with a metal hook featuring previously loved jewelry to hold your page which are also attractive in the book on a shelf. She also has simpler bookmarks made with ribbons and cords.

You can find Barb online under Barb Lewis Design on Facebook and Instagram. She can be found in craft and art sales across the region, in Makers on the Minnesota gift shop in Granite Falls and also at Mo’ Than Antiques in Currie, Minnesota. She is interested in finding more consignment options if you’re looking for a little sparkle in your shop.

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.