2nd Time Designs: Delaware Couple Creates Whimsical Recycled Metal Art Sculptures
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Two-faced Sunflowers
Recycled Metal Gets New Life as Whimsical Sculptures
Creating works of art at the Hagen household is a family affair. Lou Hagen does the welding and his wife Judy does the painting. Both do the creating and the myriad of other steps necessary to bring their recycled metal art sculptures and designs to life. This couple has evolved into a formidable team that makes artwork guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of everyone who sees their imaginative creations.
I had the pleasure of viewing and photographing some of their work at the Lewes, DE, Fourth of July Arts and Crafts show yesterday. I then drove to Slaughter Beach, DE and visited the DuPont Nature Center at the Mispillion Harbor Reserve where their giant, 6 foot replica of a red knot, affectionately known as "Knottie" is on display. I'll tell Knottie's story in a moment, but first I want to tell you a little bit more about where Judy and Lou's work has been highlighted.
It's been featured on WHYY News, WBOC-TV (Fox and CBS Network), WMDT-TV (ABC Network), Delaware State News, Wilmington News Journal, and in the book, Delaware Curiosities by Beth Rubin. Judy and Lou Hagen have also been featured on the "Offbeat America" HGTV program.
In addition to Knottie, they have other large sculptures on display at the Wilmington Blue Ball Dairy Barn Folk Art Museum, the Waterfowl Ward Museum in Salisbury, MD, and multiple pieces at the Children's Guild in Baltimore. And if you're lucky enough to visit Great Britain and Moscow, Russia you might also view their work in those countries.
Now that you've learned a little bit about their background, let's go see some of their creations starting with Knottie.
Knottie, The DuPont Nature Center Greeter
Knottie Looking Out at the Delaware Bay
Knottie's Creation Story
When the Hagens were commissioned to develop a sculpture for the DuPont Nature Center they began by using several realistic models of the red knot, a small shore bird that visits the Delaware Bay every spring. The red knot is an endangered species and spends about 2 weeks resting and gorging on the eggs of the spawning horseshoe crabs on the banks of the Delaware estuary, so that they can build up the fat reserve needed to complete their 15,000 mile migration from the tip of South America to the Artic Circle.
Looking at the plump little bodies of the red knot, the Hagens decided to use a big air tank for Knottie's midsection. Lou then attached the head, neck, legs, beak and wings. The basic structure was sturdy enough to let Lou hop on and "ride" like a cowboy and there are some delightful photos of him doing just that at the 2nd Time Designs website, http://www.2ndtimedesigns.com/general-information/knottie.
There was still much work to be done on the details, but Knottie arrived on time for his debut and was unveiled amid much fanfare. Even Governor Minner was on hand to welcome him.
Colorful Spinner Flowers Have Pinwheel Action
Spinner Flowers Made From Recycled Bicycle Wheels
Though much smaller than Knottie, the brightly colored spinner flowers are prettier and more charming. About as tall as a 3 or 4 year old child, each flower's center is made of a recycled bicycle wheel that's attached to a metal stem and spins like a pinwheel when even a modest breeze blows. The flowers come in different designs and colors, and both sides are painted so they can be appreciated from any angle.
Giant Colorful, Pansies and Ladybug
Cluster of Giant Pansies With Ladybug on Stem
Though they lack the action of the spinner flowers, the giant pansies are just as whimsical and the ladybug detail on one of the stems shows the degree of detail that the Hagens use in their recycled metal creations.
Though I didn't get a picture of the backside of the pansies, it is also painted so it looks great from all directions.
Colorful Giant Fish Garden Sculptures
Hey, AA Zavala, It's A Camaflage Helmut Turtle!
Giant Dragonfly Sculpture in Lewes Garden
Judy Hagen at Lewes Arts and Crafts Show
I Love These Sculptures: Where Do I Get One?
Lou and Judy Hagen welcome visitors to their studio/home on route 24 in Millsboro, Delaware which is about 10 miles from the beach towns of Lewes and Rehoboth. Studio visits are by appointment at 302-945-3988 or by chance. The house number is 26380 Rt. 24, Millsboro and the front yard is delightfully conspicuous due to the latest metal sculptures that are always on display and are reason enough to swing by if you're in the area.
Potential buyers can visit the 2nd Time Designs website at http://www.2ndtimedesigns.com/general-information/about-us where they can find out more information regarding ordering and shipping.
Wonderful Hub About Creating Your Own Children's Garden
- Planting Your Own Children's Garden
Planting a children's garden can be both fun and educational. Use your five senses to create magic in your own backyard.
Directions to Rt. 24 Millsboro, DE
Metal Sculpture Poll
Do you like brightly colored metal sculptures?
See results without voting
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Recycled Metal Yard Garden Folk Art 14" Goat Sculpture MI133
Current Bid: $31.95
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CHOPPER STYLE MOTORCYCLE WELDED-RECYCLE/SCRAP METAL ART/CRAFT ORIGINAL SCULPTURE
Current Bid: $200.00
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COMPUTER TECHIE~Orig Recycled Iron Metal Sculpture ART
Current Bid: $22.99
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Thanks Craftybegonia, I appreciate you taking time to leave a comment and your good wishes.
I LOVED it. just great. I only noticed a few times you had our last name spelled wrong. Is there any way to tell people about the 2 pieces at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. You can call me for more info but I love what you have done.
Welcome Judy Hagen, am so glad you loved the article and so sorry for changing your last name half-way through it. Thank goodness you pointed that out so I could correct it before too many people saw the wrong spelling!
I'd LOVE to add information about the 2 pieces at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore and will call you tomorrow afternoon for the full story on those works of art.
Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a comment and for being gracious enough to let me hang around your whimsicle garden display yesterday snapping all those photos! It seemed like your creations were a big hit.
Gail-this is such a bright, colorful and 'happy' hub, LOL
Really lifts the spirits looking at all of those delightful metal creatures.
My dad loved to work his art through many materials, including metal.
Great hub and voted it up and awesome!
Thanks Denise, that is exactly how these sculptures make one feel when seeing them in person.
Danette wrote a hub that included your Dad's "Square World" sculpture which was really cool.
Thanks for the vote up. I really appreciate it.
Gail, such beautiful sculptures! And thank you for noting in the picture of the turtle, that it was my helmut and not my head that reminded you of me. I never knew Delaware was so colorful! Voted all the way up.
Glad you liked it A.A. and thanks for putting a smile on my face when I read your comment about your head! Also thanks for the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
Beautiful and inspiring...
Great reporting skills displayed in this hub...
Voted up...
Happyboomernurse, your hub has made me think: ...I cannot imagine how the recycled metals were looking like before, but I can see what they have become through the Hagens' art.
What can't our Creator, the Divine Artist, do to make who we are reflect more who He is? Let's surrender our lives into his hands.
Welcome Stolive, and thanks so much for your inspiring and thought-provoking comment. It's lovely to think of our creator as a Divine Artist in the sense that you've stated. May God continue to bless you, my hubber friend.
Must be great to have such a talent! I wish I could turn junk into something so nice!
Me too, but it was fun just looking at the Hagen's scultures. Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. I appreciate it.
Gail - I help Judy at her shows and I will say that the Lewes Historical Show was her best. If you get a chance, a visit to Judy's studio and shop would be great. It would be another great photo op. Your cheeks would hurt because you'd be smiling so much!
How very Neat and Clever these Whimsical Metal Art Objects are...and made from Recycled Metal to boot...Of course I LOVE the Turtle. Wonderful, Informative Hub, Happyboomernurse, yes I too am Smiling!
Hi Debbie Coker, thanks for stopping by and leaving such a great comment. I think visiting the studio is a great idea. I was going to follow-up with Judy today, but have unexpected company. Will try to follow-up tomorrow.
I believe you and I met at the Lewes show and you were the one pointing out the detailed features of the sculptures, such as the bicycle wheels on the spinners and the two-sided faces on the sunflowers. If so, thanks for your help.
b. Malin, so glad this brought a smile to your face. As soon as I saw those turtles made out of helmuts I knew I'd have to give a shout out to A.A. Zavala and he was really cool about it today. I'd also expect that you, the author of the delightful "A Turtle Tale" would love that sculpture best.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment.
What a wonderful way to use 'junk' so pretty and I absolutely have always loved garden art as every yard we have owned has become our personal pallet for making gardens. I've always never seen much use for huge lawns. I'd rather see gardens with flowers and garden art. Great hub.
Thanks BobbiRant, I agree that small yards made into gardens are beautiful and add a lot of character and charm to a house.
Glad you enjoyed this hub.
These are really cool, now I will have to make some of these for the yard, thanks for sharing these and all the great ideas.I love the turtles.
God Bless
Hi Vietnamvet, glad to give you and Bobbi some inspiration. Sounds like you both love a pretty, bright yard. The turtles are awesome, especially for a Vet!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
An inspiring hub, it gives me ideas for some scraps which can be recycled into some creations. Thank you for this useful hub.
Welcome agusfanani,
Glad it inspired you to make some of your own creations. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Some people are so creative. The yard art was a delight. Thanks for sharing.
Hi mckbirdbks. It's amazing that people can create such beauty from a heap of old rusty metal. I think there's a life lesson in this kind of art. It makes me realize that if we see things as they could be, instead of as they are, we can create stunning transformations.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
What a delightful, bright and cheery hub filled with pretty and whimsical sculptures. Thanks for showcasing the Hagen's yard art. Am certain that they appreciate it and because of you more people now know about them and their wonderful creations. What a fun job they have!!! I like the idea that many things that might normally be discarded are being recycled in this fashion. Up, beautiful and useful!
Hi Peggy,
Thanks so much for your lovely comments and vote up. You really brightened my day.
Great Hub, Happyboomernurse, and great new ideas for some of my junk!
Thanks WillStar,
I don't think I'll ever look at junk in quite the same way again, either. It's incredible what can be done with a whole lot of imagination and craft skills.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Hi Gail, I don't know how I missed this..Mck told me about your hub and I am so happy he did..What a creative couple..We had made spinners that hung from trees with attached plastic bottles with colored water one year as we had seen one..it was so much fun to make..I would love to try this.This hub was awesome and I loved all the pictures..What a great way to make money from home..Thank you for sharing..and thank you Mike for steering me this way..All the buttons pushed for sure!!
Sunnie
Wow this stuff is amazing! How creative this couple is, and thanks to you for sharing their story and awesome creations!
Hi Sunnie,
Am glad you found it, and that was sweet of Mck to pass this hub on to you. Sounds like you have a creative talent on top of all the other things you're talented in. Thanks for voting it up.
Hi Chatkath,
So glad you stopped by and enjoyed the hub. I really appreciate your feedback and support.
What an interesting hub, Gail. Thanks for the reminder, too, about how much fun a road trip can be. This really was a very cheerful and energetic and uplifting hub. I like Stolive's comments too. Good insights about a fun and whimsical side of our Creator. Hmmm - good contemplative value here. Thanks:)
Thank you Kim,
Glad you found it cheerful and uplifting. I also enjoyed Stolive's profound comment. He's new to Hub Pages and only has a few hubs posted but they're worth checking out because they're really inspirational.
Some people are just too talented!! I loved that happy sunflower. This hub really lent itself to photos and you took some great ones here. Voted up and awesome.
Hi Danette,
Thanks so much for the vote up. Glad you enjoyed the photos and I love that bright sunflower, too.
Beautiful and inspiring hub...I loved that happy sunflower.It shows that many things that might normally be discarded are being recycled in this fashion.Great work
Welcome Fashion,
Thanks so much for taking time to leave such a lovely comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Nice pics ..Thanks
Hi htodd,
Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the pics.
These are beautiful and so creative. I love to see repurposed materials become art. This will be one of my very favorite Hubs. I really enjoyed it and love the photos.
Thanks Hyphenbird,
Yes, it's great to see things repurposed, especially when the final product brings smiles to those who view it. So glad you enjoyed the photos.
Happyboomernurse, Delightful hub! What a wonderful, colorful, array of unique whimsical metal artwork! The pieces have such a joyful animation about them! I think they would really enhance any garden…. Great photos too!
Thank you for sharing, In HIS Love, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
So glad you enjoyed the hub and photos DeBorrah K. This was a fun piece to write and share and I've been pleasantly surprised by the positive response.
God Bless You, and I hope you are having a wonderful summer.
Awesome! Trully inspiring.
Thanks celeBritys4africA, I appreciate you taking time to comment. Glad you found it inspiring.
I love these especially the pansies
Hi Annmackiemiller,
So glad you enjoyed my hub. I love those bright pansies too, and the ladybug on their stem is so cute!
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
These pieces of art our great. I think I can find room for one of these on my patio. They are very creative and an easy way to add style and color to a space. I think I would get one of the ones that actually spins, maybe it is the child in me but it seems that the moving function is part of the whimsy. Thanks for sharing these decorations.
Hi danfresnourban,
Thanks for taking time to read my hub and leave a comment. Am so glad you liked it. The spinners are an excellent choice- very bright, whimsical and unique and it didn't seem to take much wind to get them activated. There's also something cool about knowing the spinning action comes from a bicycle wheel. I tried capturing the action on video but the video didn't work right.
I think things that make us feel like a child are the very things that keep us young and joyful.
Gail ~ You've done an outstanding job on this very fun and uplifting hub. Reading this and enjoying the fabulous photos of yours is just what the Doctor ordered.
I woke up "on the wrong side of the bed" this morning with no explanation to be found. I tried shaking this feeling away. Nothing worked. Then I said to myself, "self...check out Gail's Hubs and see what happens."
I selected this one and "happy bugs" begin to crawl all over me. Just like those cute ladybugs. This story caught my interest because of the recyling - I'm a huge advocate for recyling.
What an inspiring story this is and what wonderful people this Delaware Couple are. So glad you presented this tour as it truly cheers up the heart.
It was easy to vote Up and straight across on this one!
Hubhugs.
Hi Vocalcoach,
I'm thrilled that you found this hub so joyful and I laughed out loud at your delightful description of "happy bugs", like those cute little ladybugs, crawling all over you!
When I saw these sculptures in person I was amazed at the items that Judy and Lou Hagen were able to recycle. Can't think of anything better than repurposing unused scrap metal into whimsical art!
Thanks so much for your own uplifting words and for the vote up. They're greatly appreciated.
Sending Hub Hugs and Love Your Way,
Gail
craftybegonia Level 2 Commenter 10 months ago
Very clever and creative! Wish you the best!