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Monday, September 2, 2013

Stacked Stone Garden Markers-Cairns

There is something so appealing about natural smooth stones.
In my family's garden, stones collected from beaches 
over the years are displayed as garden "art".
I wanted to share the unique beauty of these natural forms.
How do you make these?
The answer is simpler than you think....


Each art form is a simple  "stack" of stones 
carefully balanced on each other. 
Nothing else holds these together...just 
their shape and their "centered-ness" on each other. 
These stone markers have an interesting past as they 
have been used to mark trails throughout history up to current times.  
Their official name is "cairn" or a "duck".

Cairn. Photo credit: Lisa Jarvis
"A cairn is a large pile of rocks, typically 3 feet high and 2 or more feet wide. 
More common perhaps in the east than the west, these piles are visible in even the worst conditions, helping the hiker to find his way home. 
It is also said to be good luck if you add a rock to the cairn, 
which may explain their enormous and growing size," 
(Howtowilderness.com. Photo credit: Lisa Jarvis).

Trail Duck
"In other regions, ducks are more commonly used. A duck is a much smaller rock pile, typically stacked just high enough to convince the observer it is not natural. For most, two rocks stacked could be a coincidence, but three rocks stacked is a duck,"(howtowilderness.com)

While I was investigating stacked stones, I also came across these 
items that allow you to bring the stacked art inside.
These stacked stone necklaces are from Cape Cod beach stone jewelry,

The Cairn Lamp, is from Timberstone Rustic Arts.
The Stacked Stone fountain (photo from ebay)
.
 
I have become fascinated with this simple yet powerful art form. 

For more ideas, there are some beautiful photos over at Pinterest to amaze you!
lachyoga.nl - Overige diensten
(pinterest) 

sharing with:
Inspired Sunday at Sunday View 
Tablescaper
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Dwellings-the heart of the home--Amaze me Mondays
Before and After Party at Thrifty Decor Chic
The Scoop Party at Cedar Hill Ranch  

at

19 comments:

  1. jadreSeptember 3, 2013 at 1:22 AM

    I like lamp, and necklases verry much. Interesting post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. StacySeptember 3, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    How cool to create garden art using stones from the beaches you visit. That is very creative, Aimee! I also enjoyed reading about other uses for stacked rocks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aimee at Refresh-Renew...September 6, 2013 at 10:11 AM

      Thank you Stacy! It is amazing how stones can create such beautiful displays.

      Delete
  3. Stan and Jody GabaraSeptember 4, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    I love the look of stacked stones. They look so pretty in a garden. I saw them stacked together in a shape of a rabbit, so cute! I think they drilled a hole into each rock and secured them with a rod. Another project to put on my bucket list. Thanks for stopping by with your cute comment!

    Hugs,
    Jody

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tammy NSeptember 5, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    I really like the ideas of the stacked stones. Even better that you collected them from places you've been. Great addition to a garden.

    ReplyDelete
  5. karen@somewhatquirkySeptember 5, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    Beautiful post! I love the look of stacked stones. I need to start collecting some smooth stones to do this with. Or maybe I could just build a duck!

    ReplyDelete
  6. ReviSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    I didn't know they were called Cairns. Interesting, and I love the look of them. New follower. :)
    =Revi

    ReplyDelete
  7. Robin JohnsonSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:50 PM

    I really need to make myself a couple of these for my garden. I have quite the collection of rocks since I'm always on the look out for them when we go camping, atving and floating down the river.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aimee at Refresh-Renew...September 6, 2013 at 10:14 AM

      We always seem to bring a rock or two home with us as well...makes a fun rememberance.

      Delete
  8. AnnSeptember 6, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    The smooth stones are so serene. Beautiful garden art.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Simply SimplisticatedSeptember 6, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    I Love these! I need these for my gardens:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. concretenprimrosesSeptember 7, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Great post. TFS.
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jona @ Boho WillowSeptember 8, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Love this! When we visited Sedona, I was amazed by all of the stacked stone formations. I, too, collect random stones and I have to say, the New England beaches produce some beautiful ones! Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ann @ makethebestofthingsSeptember 8, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    Love this! Our family stacks stones wherever we go. I've even blogged about it! I bring home stones from our vacations and stack them with a bit of E-6000 (just a bit, it dries shiny and you don't want it to show) and have stacked stones in my spa/bath. I love the look!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aimee at Refresh-Renew...September 19, 2013 at 9:00 PM

      Ann! Thank you for your message! I never thought of using a little E-6 on the stones! Great idea! I'm gonna check out your post on the stacked stones! thanks for your comment!-aimee

      Delete

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