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Recycled Shade Arbor with Stained Glass Window

susyn, member

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Susyn Stecchi

Susyn Stecchi

Susyn Stecchi

Photo: Susyn Stecchi

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My cottage home's backyard is tiny, and consists of a surface of wood decking, pea gravel and brick, and I have three dogs.  My landlord lets me be creative, fortunately. I used rescued landscaping timbers to create low planter beds in one corner to create a "puppy poop zone" away from where the humans hang out.  It is covered with a mulch surface, and surrounded by colorful, fragrant flowers (to both give my dogs something interesting to check out and help mask the doo odors until I do my doo duty diligiently). The sun sets on that side and I always wanted beautiful colors coming in from there, plus it needed shade so it would not be too hot for my dogs.  A shade arbor with a stained glass feature solved both issues handily.  I used more landscaping timber set in cement to create the posts of the arbor, two corner brackets I have toted around for six years to create the shade structure, an old plain exterior window mounted into the arbor, and pieces of scrap stained glass glued into the window panes with clear marine adhesive (no grout needed). I also took four ornate metal wall candle holders, cut off the candle bases, and mounted them in each corner as a decorative, weather proof bracket for extra detail. The entrance to the poop zone made use of two staircase posts that I rescued years ago. Now, I get all the color I could wish for when the sun sets as the rays come through the window panes, my dogs get shade, they get their own area for taking care of business in, and I really like looking at my hard work (took me one and a half days total to construct this by myself). No animals (or humans) were hurt in the creation of this structure.

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Comments (3)

shabbychick writes: What a fun space and fun commentary! (and what a great landlord for letting you use your creativity there)! You've thought of everything for a relaxing retreat for you and your dogs! :)

Thanks for sharing with us!

Kathy

P.S. A cottage home...sounds divine! Posted: 10:23 am on June 1st

alicemom writes: WOW! It only took you 1 & 1/2 days. What did you do with the rest of your day!! Build the brooklyn bridge! THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Great job. I love the PPZ too!
smiles,
alice Posted: 9:44 pm on May 31st

monakent writes: WOW!!!!! I sit in awe of you and what you have accomplished at your cottage home. This is just wonderful. SUPER idea with your PPZ (puppy poop zone) - great sense of humor - you had me laughing throughout your missive!!! I can only guess your landlord LOVES you as a tenant and probably wants you to live there "forever." You add so much to your home. You have made yourself one heck of a place to live. It's homey, colorful, peaceful and quaint. You have every right to be proud of what you have accomplished. Thanks for sharing. gailmarie

P.S. If you are ever in the Milwaukee, WI area and feel the need to help others, please let me know!!!! Posted: 12:28 pm on May 31st

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