Upcycled Glass Garden Totem: A DIY Guide

Updated at: 01/06/2025

Transform discarded glass into a stunning, eco-friendly garden ornament with this DIY guide to creating an upcycled glass garden totem. Tired of watching beautiful glass bottles and jars pile up in your recycling bin? Imagine instead, a vibrant, shimmering centerpiece for your garden, crafted from these very materials and reflecting sunlight in a dazzling display. This project is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal tools and showcasing the transformative power of upcycling. It's a perfect blend of artistry and sustainability, allowing you to contribute to a greener environment while adding a unique touch to your outdoor space.

Forget expensive garden decorations; this project offers a budget-friendly and creatively fulfilling alternative. From choosing your glass containers to the final assembly, this guide will take you through each step of the process, providing clear instructions and helpful tips along the way. Let's get started and create your own breathtaking upcycled glass garden totem!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Upcycled glass (from thrift stores)
  • Gorilla Glue (or E6000)
  • Painter's tape
  • Level
  • Gems (optional)
  • Silly Putty (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses when working with glass to protect your eyes from shards or flying debris.
  • Use caution when handling broken glass. Sweep up all fragments thoroughly to prevent injuries.
  • If using a hot glue gun, be mindful of the hot glue and allow it to cool before handling the totem. Keep it away from children and pets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base

    • Glue a piece of glass to the cake plate base (upside down).
    • Glue the candlestick to the base, then add another glass piece on top.
    Glue the candlestick to the base, then add another glass piece on top.Glue the candlestick to the base, then add another glass piece on top.
    Prepare the Base

  2. Initial Construction & Drying

    • Glue two or three pieces together at a time, letting them dry overnight to prevent tipping.
    • Use painter's tape to hold pieces in place while the glue dries.
    • Use tape to secure pieces and maintain levelness during drying.
    Use tape to secure pieces and maintain levelness during drying.Use tape to secure pieces and maintain levelness during drying.Use tape to secure pieces and maintain levelness during drying.
    Initial Construction & Drying

  3. Adding Height and Detail (First Stage)

    • Continue gluing pieces together in stages, ensuring each layer is level using a level.
    • After 24 hours of drying, add more pieces, using clear gems for a cohesive look.
    After 24 hours of drying, add more pieces, using clear gems for a cohesive look.After 24 hours of drying, add more pieces, using clear gems for a cohesive look.
    Adding Height and Detail (First Stage)

  4. Refining and Waterproofing

    • Apply extra glue around joints for waterproofing.
    • Use Silly Putty to temporarily fill gaps and hold pieces in place until the glue sets.
    Use Silly Putty to temporarily fill gaps and hold pieces in place until the glue sets.Use Silly Putty to temporarily fill gaps and hold pieces in place until the glue sets.
    Refining and Waterproofing

  5. Final Assembly and Decoration

    • Add gems to any holes for extra color and texture.
    • Add more gems and continue assembling, checking for levelness frequently.
    • Glue the final pieces and attach the large marble to the top.
    Glue the final pieces and attach the large marble to the top.Glue the final pieces and attach the large marble to the top.Glue the final pieces and attach the large marble to the top.
    Final Assembly and Decoration

Read more: DIY: Create Custom Canister Labels with Silhouette Cameo

Tips

  • Use glue with a tip for easier application.
  • Glue in stages to prevent pieces from sliding or tipping.
  • Use painter's tape to hold pieces in place while the glue dries.
  • Use a level to ensure every surface is level for a stable structure.
  • Let each layer dry completely before adding more pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly sized glass pieces

Reason: Using glass pieces of significantly varying sizes can lead to an unstable and unattractive totem.
Solution: Pre-sort glass pieces by size and shape before gluing to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing structure.

2. Insufficient adhesive

Reason: Using too little adhesive can result in the totem falling apart, especially with heavier glass pieces.
Solution: Generously apply adhesive to all contact points between glass pieces and allow adequate drying time before handling.

3. Ignoring drainage

Reason: Without adequate drainage, water will accumulate inside the totem, leading to mold and plant damage.
Solution: Drill small drainage holes in the bottom-most glass piece to allow for excess water to escape.

FAQs

What type of glue is best for attaching the glass pieces?
A strong adhesive like exterior-grade silicone caulk or construction adhesive is recommended for a weather-resistant totem. Ensure it's rated for outdoor use and suitable for glass.
How do I prevent the glass from shattering during the process?
Handle the glass carefully and wear gloves to protect your hands. Use a soft cloth to clean the glass before gluing. If you are concerned about breakage, consider using smaller pieces of glass or starting with a smaller totem.
Can I use any type of glass containers?
It's best to use smooth, clean glass jars and bottles. Avoid anything with sharp edges or significant imperfections to reduce the risk of injury or instability in the totem.