If you are into art glass you probably know her. If you go to the local garden shows around the town, you’ve probably seen her work, or maybe spoken to her. Barbara Sanderson of Glass Gardens NW is working away to “the next best thing” in the world of glass. Yes, Chihuly, step aside.

Barbara has the honor of gracing the front cover of a national magazine, "Better Homes and Gardens," next month - the June issue that will hit the newsstands in mid-May. I have written about her before in regards to her wonderful glass bubble terrariums, which are perfectly darling. "Better Homes and Gardens" chose to highlight her floats.

But, neither of these two products even scratches the surface of what Barbara really creates.

After all, she makes carrots, too.

Barbara has done a public installation here in Seattle where you can go to see her work. In August of 2007, she was commissioned to create glass sculptures for the US Bank Center at 1420 5th Ave. between Pike and Union.

There are five separate glass sculptures located in the atrium at the front entrance. This is quite possibly the first installation of glass artwork in a public building in the area. Are you reading this, Chihuly?

And she does some really great garden art. My most favorite, are her garden lights: fantastical cone shapes that spiral up with a twist at the end. They come in various colors that have a gradation from dark to light, that give the whimsical cones even more movement which is especially apparent by day. But here’s the fun part: with the light system that is included, at night they are magical.

Barbara has fountains complete with pumps and all the gear you need for the easy install. Garden totems are colorful modern day glass totem poles that catch the light and are great for filling in areas of the garden where you need it.

Wee mushrooms and big garden flowers in a wide range of colors, (you’ll wonder how she got the textures), arbors and fencing, to delineate the different rooms in you garden and, of course, vases, bowls, votives and lampshades, too.

The list is extensive, and I’m sure I’m missing something. You can meet Barbara and see her work tomorrow, April 25, at her open house in Mukilteo. Think about coming up, this rising star may shoot into stardom, and you may not get a second chance. Best ask for her autograph come to think about it!

Click here for directions and open house Information.