tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78682683287340654982024-03-06T02:00:07.534-05:00Smirking Goddess™ ReviewGarden Blog and Sketchblog of illustrator and writer Suzanne UrbanUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-58719299821641974222020-02-10T07:40:00.003-05:002020-03-22T10:46:57.214-04:00Whimsical Christmas Tree Ornaments from Upcycled Plastic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSEKNGglEvoaawPsjzPMTNj4Je1-JRr6r_8LZP0DZe3hYtR0jJtoFWdUwz8MiSa3mQ6slRm2uO3Z7W8xJ7oU-58S8rQQXYH6ePcUcyTZ7F6DY68Ho0xgMpDb8ldDNuVowyaTKRmJCIqQ/s1600/2.29.20BirdCategories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSEKNGglEvoaawPsjzPMTNj4Je1-JRr6r_8LZP0DZe3hYtR0jJtoFWdUwz8MiSa3mQ6slRm2uO3Z7W8xJ7oU-58S8rQQXYH6ePcUcyTZ7F6DY68Ho0xgMpDb8ldDNuVowyaTKRmJCIqQ/s320/2.29.20BirdCategories.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back in 2011 an accumulated pile of plastic office folders sat on my drawing table, I'd purchased them thinking they'd last longer than paper. They did, but they were bulky, they wouldn't lie flat, papers spilled out of them. I didn't want to toss them as our landfills suffer enough waste–when a light bulb went off in my head. Why not upcycle the folders into Christmas tree ornaments? My mind churned with images, why not upcycle some of them into articulated little characters even; all I had to do was buy a marker that would dry permanently and not chip off the plastic. Easy peasy, or so I thought,<br />
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Finding THAT marker proved challenging.<br />
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I purchased several white markers all the manufacturer claimed would write permanently on plastic. But once dried, many drawings flaked off, other pens pooled out great blobs of white puddles on the plastic. Discouraged I shelved <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTcW0UWDe8_P6oQUDvGwiSRd_Lu3rlu0z3HmdgNX0cPP_cTPTTwApZQJMIkHdquPpOpu925RZQZCYNtdYQilU3pmxH2RHTveMZSYpLsDfg8rLHqmkYHFx4YfJMTBzqJneK1t6M90CwvQ/s1600/InitialQueenBeesketch..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTcW0UWDe8_P6oQUDvGwiSRd_Lu3rlu0z3HmdgNX0cPP_cTPTTwApZQJMIkHdquPpOpu925RZQZCYNtdYQilU3pmxH2RHTveMZSYpLsDfg8rLHqmkYHFx4YfJMTBzqJneK1t6M90CwvQ/s200/InitialQueenBeesketch..jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
my upcycled project until the Art Supply market provided a solution. In the meantime most of those white markets dried up during the wait.<br />
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Fast forward to 2019 I discovered these wonderful <a href="https://www.jerrysartarama.com/pebeo-4artist-oil-based-artist-markers?gclid=Cj0KCQiAm4TyBRDgARIsAOU75srCvAxaCY7c0DaMe6CcEipultKlBf0IOVfTrFLIyAJnEAaBcv2IOI0aAqVuEALw_wcB" target="_blank">enamel pens</a> and went back to the drawing table, all plastic folders were saved from 2011 so I got to work. I had a Holiday show at the wonderful <a href="https://www.redbee.com/" target="_blank">Red Bee Honey Barn Holiday Open House</a> booked in December. so I sketched out a Queen Bee character to transform into an ornament.<br />
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Happily the Queen Bee ornament was a hit and I've made more, and I'm sketching out new characters. Once the plastic folders are all used up, unless I receive some for free, or find some at a rummage sale, that's it, on to creating my illustrated ornaments from another sustainable source.<br />
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Are you an illustrator and do you create art from sustainable materials? Please share your work in the comments below, and thank you for working to help keep this planet a little greener.<br />
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My whimsical Queen Bee Christmas ornament can be purchased here:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/763575954/upcycled-plastic-hand-drawn-queen-bee?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1" target="_blank">SuzanneUrbanArt</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-56717582726800060712019-10-06T20:09:00.003-04:002019-10-06T20:13:49.412-04:00It's Stocking Stuffer Season Soon! New, Funny Fridge Magnets from Smirking Goddess™ Studio on ETSY<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/728642612/funny-cat-magnet-a-fun-stocking-stuffer?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1588" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS4busXxdUeGVxBQJ-cmDYRIO6w8xiWP_W16SJWAhyYR5kZG1DXOz64CR8V3NadFcSNcRAKMCHseb5BodLYsmmkB1BQdd7VQkgT8aBsHZ4VworIyyDVzyMSSdHwF3_arZnNbPKY1SQGQ/s320/il_1588xN.2082602513_akko.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/728642612/funny-cat-magnet-a-fun-stocking-stuffer?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1" target="_blank">Cat Magnet Purchase here: </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/728642612/funny-cat-magnet-a-fun-stocking-stuffer?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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My <a href="http://www.smirkinggoddess.com/" target="_blank">ETSY shop</a> is busy during Stocking Stuffer season and already I'm seeing some sales that are marked "gift" in my shop. So I'm stopping by here to share two new magnets I came up with this weekend. One for all ye cat lovers/owner-introverts, and the other is a play on the french philosopher <span>René Descartes </span>famous quote: "Je pence donc je suis", or "I think therefore I am".<br />
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In ninth grade my french teacher had us create a poster based on <span>René Descartes'</span> quote. I don't remember what I did, but as a young artist with ADD I do remember my poster made a splash with her and the class. Art was something I could rely on to boost my self-esteem. I just wish I knew how to exploit that more back in the old days.<br />
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Because.<br />
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In college after graduating I stumbled upon many collegues who'd weasled out of a test by creating a work of art based on the lesson plan for their teacher. I wish I wasn't so clueless to wait for an actual assignment from my instructor to create something, but the thought never occurred to me, because I was an anxious little goody-two-shoes distracted-kinda kid.<br />
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But.<br />
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I discovered I had a sense of humor, and I could rely on that, so not all was lost back-in-the-day. Making people laugh helped me to regain some kind of centeredness. Mostly though, it just made me happy to realize I wasn't dumb if I could come up with the last smart-ass quip. Back then ADD hadn't been discovered, so dreamy kids like me muddled through as best we could. Were you one too?<br />
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To visit my shop for more Stocking Stuffer, Office Grab Bag, Hannukah Fun Gift and more I am just a click away: <a href="http://www.smirkinggoddess.com/">www.smirkinggoddess.com. </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Fu9kz9VnprYFCx1iV-7vLa0o2bCWjdLIiBXB_WVwFwy_doUaXAZ83j0KZ6afxCbcVrM52Iftl8Jpx2mkZJ9T7g7fAhMa43lhxJ_OiSlVveZJGDCGCmIj5xlrSkBKDTyUQMKxZytfRU/s1600/il_1588xN.2082343807_ofwl.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9Fu9kz9VnprYFCx1iV-7vLa0o2bCWjdLIiBXB_WVwFwy_doUaXAZ83j0KZ6afxCbcVrM52Iftl8Jpx2mkZJ9T7g7fAhMa43lhxJ_OiSlVveZJGDCGCmIj5xlrSkBKDTyUQMKxZytfRU/s320/il_1588xN.2082343807_ofwl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchase here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/742451951/i-think-therefore-i-am-funny-fridge?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1" target="_blank">Descartes</a></td></tr>
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Thank you for visiting, and always for supporting a small, women owned business. I appreciate all of my patrons to the moon and back!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-10485767772921666272019-09-30T23:00:00.000-04:002019-09-30T23:00:04.378-04:00EHAG Emporium-Halloween Art for the Eclectic Holiday Collector<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59yhjokztVEGTkfrr7iCTqi405Zg5fKzl6IHLx5XAH6tKsI85iZhVRVDBZqLQ7_qera18n6ScqxUYZqhmuTJcuSba0D9Wcfdbxev4ti2i3kf063IbXAVFQBHlRpsiKMRsNhTdSwxGMbQ/s1600/EHAG-EMPORIUM-Blog-Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59yhjokztVEGTkfrr7iCTqi405Zg5fKzl6IHLx5XAH6tKsI85iZhVRVDBZqLQ7_qera18n6ScqxUYZqhmuTJcuSba0D9Wcfdbxev4ti2i3kf063IbXAVFQBHlRpsiKMRsNhTdSwxGMbQ/s200/EHAG-EMPORIUM-Blog-Badge.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
I've been a member of EHAG-Eclectic Halloween Artist Guild for over ten years. I first discovered the group on eBay, back when eBay had community groups-or do they still? I soon switched to ETSY as eBay became more of a Flea Market and raised their prices. I still shop there occasionally, but it's not the inspiring website it once was in it's early days.<br />
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EHAG is a juried group of talented artists who are Halloween enthusiasts that create OOAK (one-of-a-kind) work for collectors who love the Fall holiday. Many of these members have a large fan base, and the quality of their art is consistent, and truly worth collecting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEg7JBap6HlbQpaQcCjQI49xgC6kl_OBwEksyfOC0kG43wo2EhCLCpbaupd5gq5U0QUyNP5r4fmwJmRwviAma-bfmRkDB1b5BYg22KqYwn-ppODj5zL0y8JMH8kPHIC12_BDtcMAx77M/s1600/FinalPumpkinGal.Urban1+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEg7JBap6HlbQpaQcCjQI49xgC6kl_OBwEksyfOC0kG43wo2EhCLCpbaupd5gq5U0QUyNP5r4fmwJmRwviAma-bfmRkDB1b5BYg22KqYwn-ppODj5zL0y8JMH8kPHIC12_BDtcMAx77M/s320/FinalPumpkinGal.Urban1+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/726722322/handpainted-halloween-pumpkin-head?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1" target="_blank">Hand-drawn and painted Clay PumpkinHead Ornament</a></td></tr>
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Although my membership has been a long one, my former day job and othe busy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmirkingGoddess?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">ETSY shop</a> cut back on participating and offering up my Halloween art creations to my followers, something I wish I had time to do. With day job behind, and my other very busy ETSY shop doing fine, I'm back to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuzanneUrbanArt?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=674948245" target="_blank">SuzanneUrbanArt</a> and come midnight my Halloween-inspired ornament will be available on the <a href="http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EHAG Emporium</a>, I encorage all readers here to check out the remarkable work available.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-47285314515493980082019-09-26T14:32:00.002-04:002019-09-26T14:51:11.474-04:00My SheCrow is Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdEwkvxCCTuFszwxGzq45LiC5sRUWLLWMmw8l30FE5EEh3eCVzTUMUwsfrrUT1l7hE3r9Hb9vH_r3xZw291U_Rs35avlZ5ct9_MommJrWRHxzopMLNV8JcL6wcvdw9PyJXIg3wKEwZ2o/s1600/IMG_3229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="288" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdEwkvxCCTuFszwxGzq45LiC5sRUWLLWMmw8l30FE5EEh3eCVzTUMUwsfrrUT1l7hE3r9Hb9vH_r3xZw291U_Rs35avlZ5ct9_MommJrWRHxzopMLNV8JcL6wcvdw9PyJXIg3wKEwZ2o/s400/IMG_3229.JPG" width="260" /></a></div>
When we first moved to Windsor, I created what I called a "SheCrow" since my scarecrow wore a denim jumper dress. Unfortuantely, New England weather was too rough on her, and I didn't like her regular 'crow' stance with arms straight out, almost as if she was hung up on a wall. This time my SheCrow has a SheShed to live in before Winter skies drop snowflakes.<br />
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This year I made time to revisit my SheCrow idea, this time I wanted to use an old Tomato Cage as an armature. I purchased a boys size 10 shirt for 99¢ at Goodwill, a hanky for 1.00, garden gloves for two bucks and a hat for five at Joblot. A beekeeper friend gave me her tote basket, her hair is made from a hula skirt I got at Family dollar, her pumpkin head? A left over prop from past Halloweens. A friend who has a horse farm gave me the rough rope bale twine and the Fall gourds and foliage-all fake were on sale at Michaels. I used plastic bubble wrap, and garbage bags to fill out her shirt.<br />
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Wrapping the rope twine around the cage didn't work, because there's too few vertical wires-four in fact, wrapping didn't give me the desired cone-dress shape. So I purchased a <a href="https://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/floral-naturals-grapevine/2848-40?dssagcrid=lid=92700038482460647&ds_s_kwgid=58700004579945333&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000002797437&gclid=Cj0KCQjww7HsBRDkARIsAARsIT5NtqFD8SNU3QQNBUMA17pSnyNr20iYsLjgOQlDn7npBRrj1GmRFV8aApr6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">grapevine garland </a>and <a href="https://www.michaels.com/lacquered-vine-ribbon-by-ashland/10230144.html?cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-MICH_Shopping_US_N_AllProducts_N_N_N_SALE-_-Floral+-+Sale&gclid=Cj0KCQjww7HsBRDkARIsAARsIT6BifU1vQyp-qUt1LcyH4Ur7bj3mFR_nbZZBnf6TdLxbShOo0tfRBIaApkgEALw_wcB" target="_blank">wire ribbon</a> and first wound the wire ribbon around the Tomato Cage tying it to the horizontal cage wires. This created the skirt shape I needed. But her skirt looked too see-thru barren, my husband kept saying it didn't 'read' like a skirt. So then I wrapped the bale rope around the wire grapevine, It didn't have to be perfect, as she's a scarecrow, and I liked the messy wrap-around look with hairy rope ends sticking out with grapevine wire ribbon showing through, I tied one end of the bale rope to a vertical cage bar, wrapped around and tucked the ends in. After that for visual panache I wrapped the grapvine garland around and tied it to the bale rope in places, then applied the fake stuff and a small birdhouse for fun and color. FYI Safety pins were needed to hold her hands to her hat and help her to grasp the apple basket. I cut a hole in the bottom of the plastic pumpkin, added glue to the inside top and slipped it over the tied ends of the Tomato cage top. I'm sure if you play with this concept you'll come up with some problem-solving ideas to make her skirt look like a skirt too.<br />
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Now she stands in our front area garden, I used some wire pins to anchor down the cage into the ground.<br />
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Here's a list of the supplies I used to make my own SheCrow should you be inspired to add a Fall lady to your garden, please share your pictures if you make one in comment section! I also brought my SheCrow onto our porch today as we're going to have a huge thunderstorm soon.<br />
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SHECROW INGREDIENTS:<br />
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• Old tomato cage-tie leg ends of cage together with wire to form a cone shape<br />
• Glue gun<br />
• Safety Pins<br />
• Left over rope used to hold hay bales together-a gift from a horse farm<br />
• <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Basic-Crafts/Macrame/Natural-Jute---11mm/p/149329?gclid=Cj0KCQjww7HsBRDkARIsAARsIT4DNLYngTwf1kQRfz8wK0zxO53PF4vlvUfC9ZlC7J6Ed0im73ps6q8aAkKeEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Jute rope for belt</a><br />
• Boy's shirt size 10<br />
• Cloth napkin for hanky around neck, bandana scarf for shirt pocket hanky<br />
• <a href="https://factorydirectcraft.com/catalog/products/2026_2034-22711-artificial_pumpkins_and_gourds.html" target="_blank">Fake gourds</a><br />
• Apple bucket<br />
• Garden gloves<br />
• Plastic bubblewrap and bags to stuff shirt and wrap around upper torso of armature<br />
• Fake Fall Leaf garland<br />
• Old plastic fake pumpkin for head<br />
<a href="https://www.dollartree.com/adult-luau-raffia-grass-skirts/939748" target="_blank">• Cheap fake grass hula skirt for hair</a><br />
• Hat<br />
• <a href="https://www.michaels.com/lacquered-vine-ribbon-by-ashland/10230144.html?cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-MICH_Shopping_US_N_AllProducts_N_N_N_SALE-_-Floral+-+Sale&gclid=Cj0KCQjww7HsBRDkARIsAARsIT6BifU1vQyp-qUt1LcyH4Ur7bj3mFR_nbZZBnf6TdLxbShOo0tfRBIaApkgEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Grapevine Wire Ribbon</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-83637990393510692992019-09-15T18:16:00.000-04:002019-09-15T18:58:02.661-04:00How I Am Propagating My Coleus This Year<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxV6KTUF-WIvY0SrdWJghGqcpGYh0cIUo-p9T6trU7Ma_sy6ImWwUqpg-Rbrp6sqCOcBrKtMg5TW8ICLvYqma10RBLW1L9hK0duto8VtwTXVuWEJR-WTkdEJWzrufTERtuGKZipxhndg/s1600/IMG_3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxV6KTUF-WIvY0SrdWJghGqcpGYh0cIUo-p9T6trU7Ma_sy6ImWwUqpg-Rbrp6sqCOcBrKtMg5TW8ICLvYqma10RBLW1L9hK0duto8VtwTXVuWEJR-WTkdEJWzrufTERtuGKZipxhndg/s400/IMG_3171.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coleus smothering my Caladium at the moment.</td></tr>
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Coleus was the 'it' plant a year ago at gardening conferences, their beautiful lush foliage, shade-loving nature and variety of colors make them the must have annual for many here in the Northeast. I buy them as fillers in pots around our home, this year I combined them with Caladiums in my a planter by our garage and the effect is gorgeous for the semi-shady area. I hate to see our first frost kill these colorful plants so last year I cut a bunch and sat them in ball jars of water; however I didn't really know what I was doing.<br />
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First thing I did wrong? I left the long stemmed blooms on them when I brought them indoors to overwinter, they dried up and shed all over our guest room. I didn't change the water on a regular basis, and the roots also got mushy looking and the plants grew tall and stringy. Plus I cut and simply dunked the whole plant in the water, WRONG!<br />
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This year I did more research on successfully propagating and discovered many a Youtube video offered up a golden nugget of advice, not offered on another video. So you're in luck! All the info is here in one blog post. Below is what I did after bingewatching a few vids. BTW with climate change I don't trust when Connecticut will get it's first frost, so today I headed out to the garden to snip a bunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UDehpY_wxPmIYDrAR2Ui-jdoPMMlq6nZ8jtIc9wCLZCBJ8wUUBBGBnvG9jvMFOho8PATNp6TjAYanaWh2XAoOiGuVlJhLBPvXdsfGC-HKv0d05xdH5WwHg9c8Jp0-s5ojq72H_uYDX0/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UDehpY_wxPmIYDrAR2Ui-jdoPMMlq6nZ8jtIc9wCLZCBJ8wUUBBGBnvG9jvMFOho8PATNp6TjAYanaWh2XAoOiGuVlJhLBPvXdsfGC-HKv0d05xdH5WwHg9c8Jp0-s5ojq72H_uYDX0/s200/IMG_3163.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut at the fourth node.</td></tr>
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<b>HOW I AM PROPAGATING MY COLEUS THIS YEAR:</b><br />
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1. First thing, I went out and cut a bunch of my Coleus right under the fourth node. The nodes are little bumps on the stem<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd"> where leaves, shoots, and branches spring forth. I cut on an angle right after the forth little bump or node</span></span><br />
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<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">2. I grabbed some large white pails that my beekeeper friend gave me, filled them a quarter of the way, and stuck all of my coleus cuttings in two buckets.</span></span><br />
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<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">3. At my work table I stripped the Coleus cuttings of all leaves except for a very few on the top, the xtra leaves drain the the plant of much needed energy to grow roots, so lop off those leaves!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucket of stripped Coleus leaves.</td></tr>
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<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">4. Because Coleus has tender stems, be careful plucking off the xtra leaves, you don't want to break the stems.</span></span><br />
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<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">5. After all cuttings were shed of their extraneous leaves, I filled some vintage Ball jars with water, BE YE AWARE! Only two inches of water is needed, otherwise roots will sprout from the first top node, and that would make planting in soil awkward. Leave your cuttings by a window that gets indirect light. And check them for when they need another drink of water, heated rooms can suck up moisture.</span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span> <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">6. Leave the cuttings in water until roots appear, most plant pundits said a week should do.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bQmEojudaJ2MgpCVxYkPs5qtJVTrB_YxtBBXpoi2sB6i-O2oW6X_kwGMF1KuaA8_lCARQa3CzHEM8avj78fmffMKLY1tFFRziMxTqXSQ4NQfO-dfY-2XsrbilRmRa8DVBxNTXaxOXDY/s1600/IMG_3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bQmEojudaJ2MgpCVxYkPs5qtJVTrB_YxtBBXpoi2sB6i-O2oW6X_kwGMF1KuaA8_lCARQa3CzHEM8avj78fmffMKLY1tFFRziMxTqXSQ4NQfO-dfY-2XsrbilRmRa8DVBxNTXaxOXDY/s320/IMG_3153.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">7. When roots appear, pot up a bunch of pots with potting soil, NOT Top soil mind you, you need the light fluffy potting soil for these tender cuttings. Poke a pencil in the soil then plant one cutting in the hole. Continue on with all your cuttings, then place again in a window with indirect light.</span></span><br />
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<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">8. In late April or early May, harden your Coleus plants by placing them outside for a few hours to adjust to the temps. On Memorial Day, you're ready to plant them in a non-drafty area-a strong wind can break their stems. </span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd"><br /></span></span> <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd">And voila! Instant gratification to add to your outdoor pots or garden, and no need to run to the local nursery to drop more money on the counter to buy some.</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-70432310254264553392019-09-05T20:49:00.001-04:002019-09-05T21:23:02.929-04:00My #SketchbookRedrawChallenge Project, Care to Join Me?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©2019 Suzanne Urban Art</td></tr>
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When I view the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=matthew+archambault+danas+sketchbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> gorgeous sketchbooks</a> of other artists I feel bad, my sketchbooks reveal the recordings of an impatient person, not thoughtful journals carefully dileneating a day spent at a cafe, or museum or on a train. My sketchbooks have tons of linear drawings some upside down, others sideways, some inked in, mostly grey pencil.<br />
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It's time to change this.<br />
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Since the pages of my sketchbooks are disorganized, I realized this haphazard method didn't allow me to methodically build my drawing repertoire of subjects and things. My strength is characters, but I need to draw more houses, trees, flora and environments. A lot of illustrators I know don't keep a sketchbook because they're busy with commissioned work, when they draw, it's a preliminary drawing for a finished product, not a study. And some, like myself had an off-site day job for years around the commissioned-freelance work, and some have families, so taking time to record doodles, life observations or a study from a picture is a challenge.<br />
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I think with the advent of computer use creating art the old analog way i.e. picking up a pen or pencil to draw, fell to the wayside. Many artists now draw on their iPad with Procreate, something I'd like to try, but is the physical act of drawing on paper different from the digital? I suspect it might be, watching artists sketch on Procreate in Youtube videos visually bothers me, the act is so rapid there's no texture, no erasing a mistake and starting over, no tactile engagement with instrument and paper and no serendipitous accidents. I'd rather stroll through a museum or sit on a park bench with my sketchbook than an iPad, but for sketches destined to be printed on a product for my ETSY store, I really like the idea of giving Procreate a try.<br />
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However, now I don't want to be so busy that I can't take some time to crack open a book to a new blank page. Drawing in a sketchbook is relaxing, engaging, fun even if at first I feel uninpired or fearful of a lousy output. I recently picked up a new book at<a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/jerrys-artarama-west-hartford-west-hartford" target="_blank"> Jerry's Artarama</a>, and already this book has a methodical theme as I promised myself to stay focused. I also need to make more space in my studio so I'm cutting out old sketches from past books pasting them in this one and re-drawing them, the old book will be tossed. I call this my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzanneurbanart/?hl=en" target="_blank">#SketchbookRedrawChallenge</a>. Since it's my characters that I love to create, I'm able to follow through consistently, something that's so important for this artist with some <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/add-and-attention-deficit-disorders-2161810" target="_blank">Attention Deficit Issues</a>. But the next book? Well that book I'd like to be more of a recorder of daily excursions. I've always wanted to visit the <a href="https://www.thewadsworth.org/" target="_blank">Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford</a> and draw from some of the best masters. Hmmm, that's a start.<br />
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If you out there reading this would like to join in a #SketchbookRedrawChallenge use the hashtag and post to your Instagram feed, I'd love to see your work.<br />
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Youtube has a lot of videos of artists sharing their sketchbooks, bravely putting it out there for all to see. I find spending an evening, AFTER I've sketched in my own book quite inspiring. Here's some of my favorite videos:<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPYmVBTrpK0" target="_blank">Danny Gregory </a><br />
Danny's journey to becoming an artist is fascinating, he started with a blog that led to published = books and now he's teaching online in Sketchbook Skool.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2_ncr20Bt0" target="_blank"> EmilyArtful</a><br />
Emily Artful doesn't mince words, and as young as she is, she has a lot to say. She is hilarious and I think of her videos as part daily sketch in action and part stand up.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWu6LDPVXcA" target="_blank"> Frannerd</a><br />
Fran's was the first Illustrator vlog I discovered, and I'm hooked. Her daily excursions and studio goings on never fail to bore. Fran is my inspiration to branch out and sketch in public, something I haven't done in years. I feel Fran brings a European sensibility to everything she does. I like that.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqyS90YY96g&t=92s" target="_blank">DrawingWiffWaffles</a><br />
Another funny artist, with sensible insights to improving a sketch, her deadpan sense of humor keeps you coming back for more, as well as watching how she builds a drawing from start to finish.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIUGMCwBYg" target="_blank">Mary Doodles</a><br />
Mary is funny, bubbly and is one of the first illustrators to start up a vlog I believe. Her enthusiasm beckons you to try some of her drawing experiments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-10007274979566262992019-08-30T12:15:00.003-04:002019-08-30T12:22:04.550-04:00One Reason Why Illustrators must Charge What they Charge-Product Fail!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VG7hQHB89R9v_CEyk4SiM1IQQu4x5Wipt1nKMdMOm1Qys4c7g7bUE0yxNk6pmQDQFV-Ifw1JSyu772kD7pHDt4voWfjg6G3P_WoGygspRfBbcB5fi8DjLxoY3mQHeFvEc6bV2G2nYkM/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VG7hQHB89R9v_CEyk4SiM1IQQu4x5Wipt1nKMdMOm1Qys4c7g7bUE0yxNk6pmQDQFV-Ifw1JSyu772kD7pHDt4voWfjg6G3P_WoGygspRfBbcB5fi8DjLxoY3mQHeFvEc6bV2G2nYkM/s320/IMG_2994.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It seems to me I am the only illustrator who FAILS so easily at product development. Part of my struggle is my passionate desire to work in more than one medium. I feel there's two kinds of illustrators in this world, those who do their one thing, painting on a flat surface, or digitally or both, and those who move effortlessly from clay, to cloth to paper and computer.<br />
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I don't fit in either of those categories.<br />
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But maybe other illustrators don't either. A lot of failed attempts go into my work, probably because I see my work not only on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuzanneUrbanArt" target="_blank">paper, but on cloth, clay and fiber and wood.</a> I do not know if it's my <a href="https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd#1" target="_blank">ADD</a> attention issue that creates what I feel is a slow learning curve, or whether all the other illustrators, especially those with vlogs also suffer the same kind of fails but the flops aren't shared for all to see. The picture above is what happened this morning.<br />
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HOW IT HAPPENED.<br />
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I'm working on pins and ornaments for my second Etsy shop to upload for the holiday season. Not wanting to throw out (not good for environment) or invest time in giving a block of <a href="http://www.artdolls.com/prosculpt.html" target="_blank">Prosculpt</a> that's been kicking around my studio for ten years, I opted to use it up. I carefully sliced out shapes to bake in my polymer clay-dedicated oven- ( I advise baking in oven you use for food), once baked I would paint and add backs. Well. the oven dial to turn on the oven had broke. Luckily engineer husband fixed it. But I lost valuable time to work on this project and it was shelved a week to this morning. Today,, I followed the packet instruction, walked away for a few minutes and there you have it, smoke filled the kichen and all my pins were ruined.<br />
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Why does the universe do this to me? Why can't I experience a smoother process that other illustrators seem to enjoy? Or am I assuming I'm the only one who flunks royally? Even if I"m not alone in this department, my frustration illuminates how much time is invested in what an artist needs to create the end product. Nothing happens over night for any of us, we went to school, or if self-taught–invested a lot of time and money developing our work to a professional level, and this level is organic, we're always learning, always improving, just like Doctors need to keep up on meds, engineers must be trained to use new equipment. Our sketchbooks are our training ground.<br />
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So this is why illustrators and artists can't sell their art for a price that doesn't cover the invested time or cost of medium. The price you pay ensures we too are sustainly employed.<br />
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Thank you for hearing me. If you'd like to visit some of my favorite Illustrator vlogs please click the links below, these three women give an open-eyed view of all that goes on in the life of a working illustrator, I highly recommend these informative and entertainingYoutube channels.<br />
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Frannerd:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/frannerd13">https://www.youtube.com/user/frannerd13</a><br />
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Katnipp:<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Katnipp" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Katnipp </a><br />
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Holly Exeley<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQRpKldwdkyBW3qgCVZNrMA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQRpKldwdkyBW3qgCVZNrMA</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-23566619604368220392019-08-26T20:36:00.004-04:002019-08-28T07:58:41.986-04:00Turning My Sheshed into an Outdoor Art StudioBesides my illustration work, I create <a href="https://thesubtimes.com/2017/08/01/a-celebration-of-yard-art/" target="_blank">YardArt </a>for myself and for a local antique shop (<a href="https://jamesseligantiques.com/" target="_blank">James Seligs Estate Jewelery and Antiques</a><a href="https://jamesseligantiques.com/" target="_blank">)</a> that consigns my glass plate flowers, totems and other upcycled goodies. I also teach others to create art to personalize their own backyard oasis, as why should all design efforts go into just the interior space of one's home? Tomorrow eve I'll be teaching here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/465373007648133/" target="_blank">Glass Totem Workshop</a><br />
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My interest in YardArt literally bloomed when we purchased a house with a third of an acre here in Windsor Connecticut. I've spent summers adding area gardens to the fairly blank canvas of a yard. Eventually buying perennials and flowers got expensive, and the labor is intense. Sore muscles convinced me to add something besides flora, something that didn't need watering, or weeding or transplanting or dividing. Pinterest provided the best answer for ideas and if you visit my Pinterest board "<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/suzanneurban/cool-%2B-exciting-gardening-ideas/" target="_blank">Cool and Exciting Garden Ideas</a>" you'll see a plethora of beautiful upcycled DIY projects.<br />
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However, this year, my YardArt projects were taking over my studio, our dining room and Solarium as the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus&biw=1120&bih=562&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=AQBlXae7BM-xggeC5oCICg&q=she+sheds+on+pinterest&oq=she+sheds+on+pinterest&gs_l=img.12...0.0..6861...0.0..0.0.0.......0......gws-wiz-img.EsgzuH76Kj8&ved=0ahUKEwjnv8Ga5qLkAhXPmOAKHQIzAKEQ4dUDCAY" target="_blank">Sheshed </a>was in a current state of disarray, stuffed with freebie items for future object d'art as well as a dining room set waiting to be painted. It was time to clear out and re-org the Sheshed and turn it into a working outdoor art studio.<br />
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The first thing to go was a Craigslist purchase, an awning tent new in box except I took it out to examine it all, got bored and shoved it back into the shed, the tent poles were sprawled everywhere. We asked our neighbors if they could use it, yes they could! Easy peasy. Husband helped me to roll in a kitchen island I painted white that a friend gave me. Next came a Facebook Marketplace find, a white cube storage unit that was taking up space in the house.<br />
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Once everything was out and furniture in I divided the 8'x10' space into things to turn into art and items for gardening. The kitchen island is my 'drawing board' I placed my seed bomb making kit, scissors, bowls and minor hardware inside. Wood shutters, deck balusters reside next to it. The cube storage holds <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qb20QAj8JE" target="_blank">glass plate flowers</a> to finish and will house my huge pile of glass gems. The dining set is in the barn now, thus freeing up extra space, I convinced my husband I would paint it before winter so his 'He-Barn' won't be stuck with it. I'm quite pleased with the result and look forward to using my outdoor art studio for some holiday upcyled projects before the cooler temps set in. Dividing my time between two studios is a luxury I never thought I'd experience. I am grateful.<br />
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HELPFUL RESOURCES TO GET YOU STARTED ON YOUR OWN YARDART: Finding objects to upcycle into Yardart is easier than you'd think. I joined the <a href="https://buynothingproject.org/about/" target="_blank">Buy Nothing page</a> for my town on Facebook. Residents wishing to rid themselves of something offer it up on their town's Buy Nothing (town name) page. Also <a href="https://www.goodwill.org/" target="_blank">Goodwill</a>, <a href="https://www.habitat.org/restores" target="_blank">Habitat for Humanity Restore</a> and <a href="https://www.savers.com/" target="_blank">Savers</a> are a treasure trove for the YardArt artist. <a href="https://hartford.craigslist.org/" target="_blank">Craigslist</a> is a great alternative, but with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/112781448736001/" target="_blank">Facebook Marketplace's </a>popularity growing, I find myself not checking it as often, Facebook is less anonymous you can check the offer's owner by reading their profile. Your local <a href="http://windsorgardenclubct.org/" target="_blank">Garden Club </a>can provide glass vases and perennials at bargain basement prices too. And let's not forget tag and estate sales.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-aw66n_hUsh9yjuGVJWmoiHiMfeO6k1JbRGWSwUIlNQDqmusyQg2myDiYbNIHLTbUJV02KoJfwUCNVAR9ENwp4dtmcfWXf0Z7Y-XkytEN_xeARipqlz4WEqjYNbEsqPkJiuDR5J_iEo/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-aw66n_hUsh9yjuGVJWmoiHiMfeO6k1JbRGWSwUIlNQDqmusyQg2myDiYbNIHLTbUJV02KoJfwUCNVAR9ENwp4dtmcfWXf0Z7Y-XkytEN_xeARipqlz4WEqjYNbEsqPkJiuDR5J_iEo/s400/IMG_2953.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free planter and Impatiens I recently scored off Buy Nothing Windsor CT FacebookPage</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-62030185771932027602019-08-21T07:13:00.000-04:002019-08-21T08:39:49.617-04:00Why Do I Struggle with Inking? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMcrmc0_TNgpky5Uo6VKY7Hi6QREprlcdixEXQCKxLLLBD2Bcl6hUvD0ZEiCm-vnnqOrfD8T2rSg3ebue4GEL3eQ6B6o8NL7xkEVOkMn92mDsXNhLiC0gbuSqFNi8XRlb8FbrJpB9RE4/s1600/SachetCloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="288" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMcrmc0_TNgpky5Uo6VKY7Hi6QREprlcdixEXQCKxLLLBD2Bcl6hUvD0ZEiCm-vnnqOrfD8T2rSg3ebue4GEL3eQ6B6o8NL7xkEVOkMn92mDsXNhLiC0gbuSqFNi8XRlb8FbrJpB9RE4/s200/SachetCloth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Inking in my illustrations doesn't come easy for me, I feel my lines are uninteresting, and I'm sometimes unclear when to thicken a line and when to keep it whisper thin. Although I admire the inking of Manga and Comic Illustrators, I'm not looking to ink lines so perfectly crisp and flowy that the end result looks like a well-honed machine did the inking. I want a delicate, handmade, look with enough of a hint of line weight that my drawings don't look boringly outlined. Inking is something I've struggled with for years and I think I know why.<br />
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I think my attention deficit (<a href="https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/add-vs-adhd#1" target="_blank">ADD</a>) issue has played a big role in this struggle as well as my impatient <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126850080/funny-gemini-gift-magnet-gift-for-june?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Gemini nature </a>and the <a href="https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad" target="_blank">general anxiety</a> that internally haunts me compresses time into a looming feeling that the deadline was YESTERDAY. Even when I'm simply drawing in my own sketchbook this hurry up and rush it feeling permeates my mind. My ADD impacts my self-esteem which in turn feeds my anxiety. I live in a world like those dreams where you show up late for a school test, can't find your pencil, realize you're not dressed and you left lunch at home–reside.<br />
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Yes I've had those dreams, hate them, HATE THEM.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMyT93FkeHbHX4hUUV57sx6M-1DdBRSkZOOg4kZXWoBahnLijEYaNTKkvJ4ewp6Gg-25EQOQ0611gf925HV_zCsnSzQHY_lMFfnHCskekyf-YBr-lxsYqWUsyeAanDPTOkNXgFz-t2kw/s1600/OldCatblogsachet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="288" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMyT93FkeHbHX4hUUV57sx6M-1DdBRSkZOOg4kZXWoBahnLijEYaNTKkvJ4ewp6Gg-25EQOQ0611gf925HV_zCsnSzQHY_lMFfnHCskekyf-YBr-lxsYqWUsyeAanDPTOkNXgFz-t2kw/s200/OldCatblogsachet.jpg" width="200" /></a>Swiftly finishing a piece of art impacts the quality. Rushing makes me skip over valuable steps, steps that make me observe, question and try another approach. Anxiety creates fear that the work won't get finished, <i>so pull something together fast–Suzanne!</i> Quickness makes my mind by-pass the inner pathway of the essential creative-thinking process and I end up turning a nice pencil sketch into something that's not quite right.<br />
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The first picture above is my inked in work printed on <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/en/home?gclid=CjwKCAjwtO7qBRBQEiwAl5WC2-UB9e85iv4uMaKGkDMybNp3lRSGs6GuGVldCgmE1hh46ZW_WhC8fRoCjPYQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a> linen. I inked in the three characters to be printed on cloth then sewn into lavender sachets. When I received the linen I was disappointed in how heavy-handed my characters looked. I forgot, ink can really absorb into fabric, and the flat inking style made my delicate drawings look clunky.<br />
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So back to the drawing board went I. I played with a dotted line approach. Years ago I experimented with a dotted line style and wish I stuck to it, but the unfocused ADD wagon pulled me away. Add'er's I suspect rebel against pidgeon-holing themselves into one area, but I realize now, it's not locking me into a box but rather allowing what comes naturally, to flow out. Thus one's own style is born.<br />
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My first attempt I grabbed a thinner <a href="https://www.dickblick.com/products/sakura-pigma-micron-pen/?gclid=CjwKCAjw1_PqBRBIEiwA71rmtf-cV9Bxal9DFFF499PQZ06S6BjuS-SzXGmMnH91XPsUiwC2NarLJBoCnEkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Micron pen</a>, and I dotted away with glee, only to realize a couple of days later I'd overkilled the dot motif, I let it take over, instead of slowly orchestrating a sensitive line. My drawings had a ghost-like appearance, too light. So I turned to using a Colorase pencil to see if combining the soft tone of pencil with ink would work, but<br />
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the drawings were again, too heavy-looking for the delicate sachets I envisioned. Normally I would've quit this project for another month, or year, or more. . . However watching other illustrators truthfully discuss their struggles on Youtube keeps me FOCUSED these days. Youtube illustrator vlogs are my savior. I highly recommend this illustrator:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJNH25X9d9Nc7h3Rd7cm7bw" target="_blank"> FRANNERD</a><br />
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This time I chose a<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-1949558-Permanent-Assorted-24-Count/dp/B019QBPDS2/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=CjwKCAjwtO7qBRBQEiwAl5WC26fCLBKzkk9SQYJZC31jYtXWmWoaKPAQI2MD7ZyZVirT_OI0LzFSwBoCVXYQAvD_BwE&hvadid=174239037537&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003227&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14732389617172208364&hvtargid=kwd-972039542&hydadcr=24657_9648987&keywords=sharpie+fine+point&qid=1566344446&s=gateway&sr=8-4" target="_blank"> thicker Sharpie pen in purple.</a> I thoughtfully each line, and dotted less, I am pleased with the third try. I'm not worried there isn't any tone, as again, I want delicate renderings, as sachets go into delicate undie drawers. Being my own worse critic I could hammer out more tries, but over-laboring to the point of obsessing prevents me from moving forward, plus accepting my work as it stands now is an emotionally good thing.<br />
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I found this slow-draw process actually kept that nagging impatient-nervousness at bay, I guess the r<a href="https://www.drawright.com/" target="_blank">ight side of my brain </a>was taking over. So as hard as it is for me to slow down, it's the ONLY solution to mastering my inking style. I hope you like what I did, and if you want to know when the sachets are in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuzanneUrbanArt" target="_blank">ETSY shop </a>please sign up for my holiday newsletter, with plenty of fun offerings!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-28900862327567247332019-07-26T12:35:00.002-04:002019-07-26T15:07:34.469-04:00My Garden Totem for All Seasons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZtjmkwF67ba4MQG3z7OxTw6LbHU9WOYFMwtIDilyRieSzVTNGXtrBslfWsqXrqZx5jJDJuLIrCywuhS5lFAukQJsiDkdyAq9qStNMd4clKnrCKyVJ8HcJmRhR7emiXFarOOVTW6XBg4/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZtjmkwF67ba4MQG3z7OxTw6LbHU9WOYFMwtIDilyRieSzVTNGXtrBslfWsqXrqZx5jJDJuLIrCywuhS5lFAukQJsiDkdyAq9qStNMd4clKnrCKyVJ8HcJmRhR7emiXFarOOVTW6XBg4/s320/IMG_2728.JPG" width="240" /></a>I've fallen in love with the upcycled structures garden artists are creating for their yards. In fact, I even taught a Glass-Plate-Garden-Flower Workshop recently at <a href="http://jamesseligantiques.com/" target="_blank">James Selings Estate Jewelry and Antiques here in Windsor.</a> The workshop went well, I covered tips and tricks I'd learned from this new craft as I find no one Youtube or blog post completely covers every detail involved. Anyway, a totem workshop will follow. The totems are more involved than the flowers but I love how the one I made for our side garden came out, even if it's a little dicey managing such a tall object. I do worry that the gold vase may lose it's sheen after awhile, but I plan to just spray a top coat of gold on it in the future if need be. This totem doubles as a birdbath and birdfeeder, a rock will be placed in the deep dish so wee birds have something to perch on when sipping water.<br />
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This totem takes the place of a Glass Plate flower in our side garden, and said flower now resides in a planter by our barn. I love it's new home, best of all, I love how garden art is so easy to move, no digging up, wrenching roots from Mother Earth and lugging to another location. I highly recommend you add art to your garden for this very reason.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-22731250523518320522019-07-23T13:15:00.003-04:002019-07-26T12:15:32.887-04:00Our New-Old Garden Path or Another Artist's Day Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband and I finally budgeted for a decent walkway leading up to our front door. As you can see from the 2014 photo to left, the cement path is a jarring, ugly contrast to our old home.<br />
We hired a Connecticut mason, 'Jason the Mason' the kind of contractor that works with his own two hands to dig up the brownstone 'patio' in back that's overgrown with grass, weeds and moss and transfer all said stones to the front yard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J8zgon2Qtf8fB6TJMVZg-Z-sLiiDEhhPoWVkiQUpC4VDC55lSIMUcnrDRjPezmDf3nfb_q_oaBNM5-0mWI-liEddtQOaZ08gaeHCfqKQ8bnfeQK48P8Ov5relOopQQGCJCVUBuJC_BM/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J8zgon2Qtf8fB6TJMVZg-Z-sLiiDEhhPoWVkiQUpC4VDC55lSIMUcnrDRjPezmDf3nfb_q_oaBNM5-0mWI-liEddtQOaZ08gaeHCfqKQ8bnfeQK48P8Ov5relOopQQGCJCVUBuJC_BM/s200/IMG_2694.JPG" width="150" /></a> We were surprised to see how thick some of the stones were, and Jason hauled each one in his wheelbarrow to the front. He asked us if we wanted a straight path or a cobblestone path, we opted for Cobblestone. Yesterday he smashed up the cement, hauled it away, and returned to pour crushed stone into the walkway. He asked if we wanted to just plunk the brownstone on top of the dirt then mow–when needed– over the path when grass grew in. Due to the amount of weeds seeping through the cement, we requested crushed stone. This doesn't mean the most tenacious of weeds won't rear their ugly head, but it'll be better than not having the crushed stone shield.<br />
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In unearthing the brownstone in back a curious metal object surfaced. A solemn but hopeful discussion centered around this object questioning if it were something of value. I once unearthed something in the front of our yard and wrote about it in a post <a href="https://smirkinggoddessreview.blogspot.com/2014/05/digging-around-in-my-garden-and-what-i.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Further inspection<br />
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determined the object was the remains of an old rusty bucket–(<i>damn!</i>)–and there it shall remain for posterity.<br />
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Jason is also an artist by trade, we found him through our landscaper who is also an artist. Our landscaper's wife met Jason when she lived at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus&q=artspace&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=41644961,-72707856,41938&tbm=lcl&rldimm=12787194358999707569&phdesc=rhyj3N940QA&ved=2ahUKEwia-4OA98vjAhXDwFkKHRp-C0gQvS4wAXoECAkQIA&rldoc=1&tbs=lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1#rlfi=hd:;si:12787194358999707569,y,rhyj3N940QA;mv:!1m2!1d43.2212233!2d-70.5690621!2m2!1d40.5850431!2d-74.1889221!3m12!1m3!1d1278874.159674634!2d-72.3789921!3d41.9031332!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i330!2i323!4f13.1;tbs:lrf:!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1" target="_blank">Artspace</a><br />
a dwelling for artists in downtown Hartford.<br />
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When hiring your contractor, please keep this in mind as most artists contrary to the 'ivory tower' stereotype, are very hard workers.<br />
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Here is Jason's work: <a href="http://www.jasonwernerart.com/" target="_blank">jasonwernerart</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-73898257929656376332019-07-06T15:17:00.001-04:002019-07-06T15:27:40.708-04:00My Experiment to Snuff out Weeds with Sedum Ground Covers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcwZfhgkqsyGTK04SQ3dZY7-zY4llcOLCUIAHxgBpdLxTJaWgSB2JtaqqSCG099AzECixYTddpS1x_6FgCRv8fI-zG1LW6rJbQsUjuU9TyO8mTAXT711DkR3c4m4wqA-8Nr5-yoAmw7I/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcwZfhgkqsyGTK04SQ3dZY7-zY4llcOLCUIAHxgBpdLxTJaWgSB2JtaqqSCG099AzECixYTddpS1x_6FgCRv8fI-zG1LW6rJbQsUjuU9TyO8mTAXT711DkR3c4m4wqA-8Nr5-yoAmw7I/s200/IMG_2492.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
I have some favorite Groundcovers, Angelina, Hens and Chicks, Creeping Jenny and a low growing sedum I got for free.<br />
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I am on a mission to eliminate as much weeding as possible with these favored ground covers as they're easy to pull up, are beautiful to look at and add textures that says 'plant' not 'weed'. If they grow into my lawn I don't care, they make for pretty steppables. I find creeping thyme looks messy after they've bloomed, smells nice though. Lily of the Valley I can't tolerate it's like an alien being that takes over your yard. Ajuga is too pedestrian for me and I regret that I dumped some seeds in an area when I first moved here, it's sort of a bargain basement groundcover in my book. I prefer low-growing so garden flowers aren't blocked by taller groundcovers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcO3AwPe-bjatiR51aOryGXfLPkTHba5gzyeDN17T3_9loXs7Z9lsaFg2KGP9pDpbCTjUtiIWh3py3Ax6mhWwThJ-mX6qPgq8NaUvxxvpwXf94T_4Jot4Q6O6-EKQqYSWOh90MqCGv28/s1600/IMG_2493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcO3AwPe-bjatiR51aOryGXfLPkTHba5gzyeDN17T3_9loXs7Z9lsaFg2KGP9pDpbCTjUtiIWh3py3Ax6mhWwThJ-mX6qPgq8NaUvxxvpwXf94T_4Jot4Q6O6-EKQqYSWOh90MqCGv28/s200/IMG_2493.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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I'm experimenting with these succulent ground covers by covering an area with commercial grade weed blocking fabric-always get commercial grade or forget about it, that flimsy cheap stuff does NOTHING. If you want to be more eco-concious use wet newspaper. I alternate doing both, I've even used wet cardboard, this is called '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uCKW0Y17B0" target="_blank">Sheet Mulching'</a>. The roots of these groundcovers are shallow, so they literally do fine being poked gently into loose soil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BglDQVPp0qC0pMv8Ll3ZPMnaO2Z0FmCyDiH6hiikV76MnKWtqMIs__Ad_iDo0o1pgOYT_AhJVBqBlJvrOs4MyHH-sPZ_9rE2hzw3x1k173L2V5lW7KMGQ6j726kQzAg3uv_QRhi6-_8/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BglDQVPp0qC0pMv8Ll3ZPMnaO2Z0FmCyDiH6hiikV76MnKWtqMIs__Ad_iDo0o1pgOYT_AhJVBqBlJvrOs4MyHH-sPZ_9rE2hzw3x1k173L2V5lW7KMGQ6j726kQzAg3uv_QRhi6-_8/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Today I lay down some thick weed blocking fabric, covered it with Topsoil and took a bag of the free low-growing sedum and some Creeping Jenny I had and dumped it on the Topsoil after I watered it. I then tucked in the rooted areas of the groundcovers. It all looks messy now, but if a few small strands I picked up from someone else's yard can grow and fill out an area around my tree in two years so less weeds and Poison Ivy can poke their noxious heads through, I'm happy. Next year, my hope is that this sedum with shallow roots will assertively grow in an area where weeds flourish giving me more time to enjoy my garden than maintaining it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-73286699009058639382019-07-04T11:56:00.003-04:002019-07-04T11:59:08.520-04:00Minor Decorative Upgrades to My Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4X2h-vQX2dFMrYlxZNOqjCW9M0HTsOszQh1Pgfyctn9soelUphQkfIk4Cr7d75gRU_nD1jswzatLjeNn94vNWpRaIOM5sp_VD8BMenlsiTClgIErnbrgVf_o3vmMZmq49OIS7s6RGGA/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4X2h-vQX2dFMrYlxZNOqjCW9M0HTsOszQh1Pgfyctn9soelUphQkfIk4Cr7d75gRU_nD1jswzatLjeNn94vNWpRaIOM5sp_VD8BMenlsiTClgIErnbrgVf_o3vmMZmq49OIS7s6RGGA/s320/IMG_2459.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I scour Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and the Buy Nothing Facebook page everyday. On days when I have the car, I will check out Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, Joblot and Savers for items I can re-purpose for our gardens. I've mentioned the Buy Nothing page before, just about every town in the country has one on Facebook. It is a page where your local residents post a picture of something they want to get rid of and offer it up for free. This is designed to keep stuff out of the landfill. They then pick a responding winner for the item. There are rules to this page, and the admin will gently remind members of them, for example, don't just 'take' but offer stuff too.<br />
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Yesterday's score on Facebook Marketplace was a big bag of vivid blue acquarium rocks for five bucks that included 50 <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Glass-Brand-Pounds-5-3-50-3-4-Blue-Landscaping-10-20-Dark-Fire-Rocks-Pit-Reflective-Beads-Ridge-Fireplace/348958483?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=7414&adid=22222222227077200940&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=189783653161&wl4=pla-324426395244&wl5=9003227&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115786282&wl11=online&wl12=348958483&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_boBRA9EiwA4kIELoaYgVjqoLHWVVD2QVkwc172r09EZ_mZ9l8dnli2hX9C4VdKpPBBORoCGfYQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">flat side pearly-clear glass gems</a> in them. The glass gems will be added to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1051410121720523/" target="_blank">Glass Plate Garden Flowers</a> that I make. The rocks are replacing some purple glass stones I had in a birdbath that are supposed to glow in the dark but don't, and I could only afford one bag of them and thus they got grungy with dirt and leaves.<br />
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The acquarium rocks were plentiful as you can see to above. I worried that the color was too garishly bright, and it is, but in my previous post I mentioned the need to add splashes of brighter color to our yard. My SheShed is a drab olive green, I've decided to paint it a brigher, olive green this Fall-(when husband goes on a business trip as his engineer personality will want to help, he's adept but he and outdoor heat don't mix). Anyway, I still like the look, and for those worried that the birds can't use this birdbath, I will provide one in the near future for them.<br />
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The next accent upgrade was the mustard colored straw hat I got at <a href="https://www.savers.com/" target="_blank">Savers</a>. I feel every woman who wants one should have a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/30117891236936105/?lp=true" target="_blank">SheShed</a> to hang her hat on. I'm grateful for mine. One can shop for Sheds on Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace too, but check for the free ones first and study pictures for structural issues. Even check <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shed+to+store+wood+in&client=firefox-b-1-d&channel=cus&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=aMP47pWSW-lfVM%253A%252CBOkul2N-0LmYuM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kS8MOImLQLmJVG1rU3s2B-GZ0ldnA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiNrc3Gz5vjAhUFh-AKHQMgCV4Q9QEwAXoECAgQBg#imgrc=TukW0WMrc5FJgM:&vet=1" target="_blank">wood storage sheds</a> and <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Rowlinson--Little-Lodge-4.1-x-3.9-Playhouse-A040-L3681-K~ROWS1002.html?refid=GX107983260506-ROWS1002&device=c&ptid=266983187675&network=g&targetid=aud-354999624431:pla-266983187675&channel=GooglePLA&ireid=13208001&gclid=CjwKCAjwx_boBRA9EiwA4kIELpO_gGHD8p3PJcdOf0pplUfw899wUa53ZFlPT0hEdSXvAh1QiH2T6RoCLQkQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">kids wood playhouses</a> on these sites (and commercial sites as they're cheaper than regular sheds) They're smaller but could fill the bill for you perfectly. As always, you'll need the right kind of vehicle to move if structure is already assembled.<br />
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A small decorative garden accent may just be the desired oomph you'll need to add a little color without investing in colorful annuals that have a short seasonal life and need to be watered.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-46746925161145885862019-07-01T14:40:00.001-04:002019-07-02T11:29:48.467-04:00Why I don't like Succession Flower Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRf7jMdbmvbSF_Kdh04JJR1uHc0N216QwO0aOWMcpsKIELXP19v2uV5LNKq0DvYZwQupWcw-go_Guu-Q81RXt_dDoFgUByWYIpkjven9dfuQOZMxbXOhoJbJliI0H2VtMwN-W5zyRCUg/s1600/IMG_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRf7jMdbmvbSF_Kdh04JJR1uHc0N216QwO0aOWMcpsKIELXP19v2uV5LNKq0DvYZwQupWcw-go_Guu-Q81RXt_dDoFgUByWYIpkjven9dfuQOZMxbXOhoJbJliI0H2VtMwN-W5zyRCUg/s320/IMG_2448.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
When I carved out a space for a garden in our front yard, I knew what palette I was looking for. We live in an antique house (circa 1664) and I immediately thought of the colors in a vintage postcard, golden mustard yellow, soft rose pinks, periwinkle blues, plum purples. Our house is painted yellow ochre, so I planted a lot of purple against the house where we have sun as the contrast sings. In front, because of shade, I chose <a href="https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/royal-heritage-strain-lenten-rose/p/v1143/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3uboBRDCARIsAO2XcYA9GeUBVe6wBMdb3Y-kfnSMS5vouCiCTrhzcBBJ3Tz-eBVguaZ0SiEaAjqDEALw_wcB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ppc_google_pla2&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw3uboBRDCARIsAO2XcYA9GeUBVe6wBMdb3Y-kfnSMS5vouCiCTrhzcBBJ3Tz-eBVguaZ0SiEaAjqDEALw_wcB:G:s" target="_blank">Hellebores </a>a.k.a. Lenten Rose and <a href="https://www.dutchgardens.com/2244-heuchera-caramel?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3uboBRDCARIsAO2XcYCKNEBANFRgzxz6Wk_DrdXg3WM4a-OHgXYqPSJU1h4l7rdVTB5MVRAaAvP6EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Caramel colored Heuchera</a>. I think the combo works, but I also learned something from our new neighbors.<br />
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Before our neighbors moved in , the former owner and his wife loved gardening. I marveled at how much more they knew about landscaping than I as their yard was on the garden tour one summer. I once asked the owner after enduring a long, sweaty session of pulling up weeds how he managed to keep so many weeds at bay in his flower beds. "Pull 'em" he curtly replied and walked away. But their unique zen-inspired garden was impressive, sophisticated. However, in winter, it dawned on me that their backyard had a dreary, abandoned look to it. No evergreens to shine when winter showed up, and in Spring/Summer when color did show up it seemed all too brief. Peonies bloomed, withered and died, roses bloomed shed petals and retreated.<br />
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So in moves the new owner, and she and husband immediately pop bright colored flowers where dark purples and soft white-pinks grew, and well, what a difference that color made! The perennials they selected are long blooming, so uplifting to view. I personally find flower succession gardens depressing, I prefer to be entertained for as long as possible as color awakens a home's exterior, especially here in the Northeast.<br />
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So now I'm adding brighter colors to my side gardens, one bed once designated to just purple perennials now has two rose pink BoBo hydrangeas and shocking pink Geranium in it. The other side garden even has some bright lemon yellow. These flashes of color that my neighbor seized upon got me to re-thinking some of my area gardens.<br />
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I also noticed that our front area garden has that same abandoned dried up look in winter. I'd neglected to put evergreens in this space, an amateur mistake for sure, so I recently transplanted a bunch of Lavendar there. One thing I did do right was plant a <a href="https://www.thetreecenter.com/yellow-twig-dogwood/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3uboBRDCARIsAO2XcYDb1pY0oArPhwRrpCxGoM8uRX_i_DiBb8CpWeFasNQXGuuYxJk9cEgaAu2AEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Yellow Twig Dogwood</a>, that offers bright yellow branches after its leaves fall. But this year I'm adding <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/winter-heaths-and-heather-plants-2132074" target="_blank">Winter Heaths and Heather </a>and some yard art (details to come) so the area doesn't look so sad-sacky in the cold months. This not only cheers me up, but offers a more attractive view for our neighbors across the street. I think when one gardens it's important to think in terms of not just what makes you happy, but what might positively impact a neighbor.<br />
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So don't confine yourself to preconceived plans, allow yourself to be influenced by those around you, even we novice gardeners can instinctively design a garden that inspires others.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-77643752261280211502019-06-28T12:49:00.004-04:002019-06-28T17:10:53.560-04:00When Friends Make for the BEST Relatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP3aXeXmKWKOCeFViYjRfFFRLX3bptpqFJkfPhFGxMyi7MFDJbBXsSwhc-YzwmjgP1yclK1ZyEqqlz4FtZTaUSSuCRKEnT8rDLEON8xDB5hrbPIEGTiJRd1VT85JX2c-xyNgHPGNMFcc/s1600/Friends.Relatives.72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP3aXeXmKWKOCeFViYjRfFFRLX3bptpqFJkfPhFGxMyi7MFDJbBXsSwhc-YzwmjgP1yclK1ZyEqqlz4FtZTaUSSuCRKEnT8rDLEON8xDB5hrbPIEGTiJRd1VT85JX2c-xyNgHPGNMFcc/s200/Friends.Relatives.72dpi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I recently created the #FridgeMagnet to the left and popped it into my #Etsyshop after an email conversation with someone I hadn't seen in years. (If you'd like to purchase one, simply beeline here:<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/703680444/funny-friends-make-best-relative-magnet?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Funny Friendship Magnet )</a><br />
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It's been 30 odd years since this someone and I have talked, if I remember correctly, he'd left a nice note on my car in a parking lot and later we bumped into each other that day to chat. Leaving a kind note on one's windshield wasn't an everyday occurance for me back then. It was something I'd do for others, and I'm sure most reading this post can relate to offering gestures like this. Giving positive feedback without expecting something in return wasn't the norm in the community I grew up in. Positive feedback was also unfortunately scant, well, non-existant in my upbringing. They worked hard to put a roof over my head, clothes for me to wear, travel opportunities to treasure and an appreciation of art I am indeed so grateful to them for that.<br />
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The affluent place I was raised in is now cost-prohibitive for many to reside in. This town, although in Connecticut, is really a suburb of New York City. The Big Apple where 'if you can make it there you can make it anywhere'. This proud arrogance that Sinatra sang of embodies good and bad qualities. To embrace the mettle to make it in a competitive community is admirable. But the pressure to succeed in a competitive town with solid schools and desireable real estate is anxiety-inducing for those lacking sustainable family support.<br />
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By sustainable I don't mean money, I mean consistant, positive parenting. Parenting that always offers love even when the child needs to be shown boundaries. Family support in my mind means being present, being there, even if hanging several steps away in the background. Caring is hard, but essential for all to harbor.<br />
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But some families? Just. Aren't. There. Maybe their own upbringing formed their detachment, or inability to understand how to nuture, so ego-centric expectations and difficult personalities don't over-ride the basic emotional necessities of child-rearing. I feel positive consistancy usually impresses on siblings how to be there for each other too, even if personalities are worlds apart.<br />
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I've come to believe that some families can't get it together, and although it's hard to forgive, letting go of disappointment in their character short-falls is a process that some of us have to travel through. I do know this, <i>parenting is the hardest job on earth</i>, and this reality offers me emotional balance, if not a burgeoning subdued-perspective of the past. Along the journey of waving goodbye to what we wish could've been, one learns to grow up without the parent, and good people, people meant to be there for us, appear along this path.<br />
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These people are our friends.<br />
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They are our chosen relatives.<br />
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How lucky are we that we can choose.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-62826264397097618022019-06-26T11:02:00.000-04:002019-06-26T11:04:20.193-04:00My Favorite Perennials that I Recommend for a Beautiful Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm pretty much finished with the front side garden by our driveway. I was more careful in my edgingbut not pleased that I didn't cut in as crisp as I'd like, this is because I need to sharpen the blade of our spade, but due to impatience and my time schedule, this wasn't possible, I plan to go over the edge later this season, and again when it rains as ground is soft.<br />
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Due to our antique house being the unusual color of yellow ochre-(this colour was present in colonial times), selecting plants can be a challenge. However I was determined to select plants that were the same kind of colours one sees in a hand-painted vintage postcard, soft blues, violets, tans, yellows and rose pinks. Generous neighbors and friends offered me plants when we first moved here so not all colors fit this scheme. </div>
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Below are perennials I am fond of and why they're the go-to purchase for all my area-gardens and why.</div>
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1. <a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/Heuchera-Mixture?p=0729246&pid=76000&gclid=CjwKCAjwr8zoBRA0EiwANmvpYG3_lEVaf8lFL5UgEajbaHJL8BS_pHi08QCreUQ1soaIysbgKa2MDhoChLAQAvD_BwE" target="_blank"><b>Cora-bells or Heuchera</b></a>-These perennials come in a multitude of AMAZING colors, they're also evergreens in a lot of places, I've noticed my Citron Heuchera in back are pretty colorful even in the winter. They also look great in containers and they don't spread, so you're not ripping out tons as time goes on.</div>
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2. <a href="https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/royal-heritage-strain-lenten-rose/p/v1143/?gclid=CjwKCAjwr8zoBRA0EiwANmvpYEgWI-qZH0E1MKhZ2fK5scFYdBhg9qjG2b3v6dlYzp-CgnqPhcqJmhoCZJAQAvD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ppc_google_pla2&ef_id=CjwKCAjwr8zoBRA0EiwANmvpYEgWI-qZH0E1MKhZ2fK5scFYdBhg9qjG2b3v6dlYzp-CgnqPhcqJmhoCZJAQAvD_BwE:G:s" target="_blank"><b>Lenten Roses or Helebores</b></a>-These perennials bloom early, as early as February in the Northeast and stay blooming for awhile. They are considered highly poisonous so if you have a big dog that chews everything in site, or a young child that like's to put everything to the mouth, I'd advise against these. Their colors are beautiful and soft, and this is a winter evergreen as well.</div>
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3. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475481673156837541/?lp=true" target="_blank"><b>Hydrangeas</b></a>-all kinds I love and why? Gardening is GRUNT WORK, so much so that I want to be entertained visually for as long as possible for my efforts, thus I plant a lot of Hydrangeas and there's no beating their gorgeous showy colours.</div>
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4. <a href="https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/sedum/sedum-autumn-fire" target="_blank"><b>Stonecrop Sedum</b></a>- I like Autumn Fire and Autumn Joy, these are sturdy perennials that won't get knocked down after a strong windy storm. They bloom later in the season first as chartreuse, then rosy pink, then blush red, and in the winter brown. I don't chop the blooms off in Winter as I like the look. Autumn Fire is more intense in colour. The Monarchs love these plants!</div>
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5. <a href="https://www.mckaynursery.com/angelina-sedum-sange.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwr8zoBRA0EiwANmvpYI0G96MeQfRctwkyp3xjA-n5EavVhfvh1o12IDBzlz_9nGKlbBLMhxoC09gQAvD_BwE" target="_blank"><b>Angelina Sedum</b></a>-This is one of my favorite groundcovers, the bright chartreuse color with yellow flowers literally makes my garden beds grow, AND they crowd out weeds,</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-69415923696878590412019-06-19T20:55:00.000-04:002019-06-19T21:05:10.845-04:00Learning to Properly Edge a Garden Flower Bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ycb7SIyBQtE18ZjsPZ0DI37jA0xEC25zTYeDnmbR1M97UnhgJNVBZYdJwvBaeJ6MORAh_S_xtZYsZMctGfu_HgsHibiwNS3jmAFfOcpYRyWPuFsllr4SMzFKTrZ8MA6Pg6g9dNqEDXg/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ycb7SIyBQtE18ZjsPZ0DI37jA0xEC25zTYeDnmbR1M97UnhgJNVBZYdJwvBaeJ6MORAh_S_xtZYsZMctGfu_HgsHibiwNS3jmAFfOcpYRyWPuFsllr4SMzFKTrZ8MA6Pg6g9dNqEDXg/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
When we first moved to our antique home in Connecticut I was excited to finally have enough yard for some area gardens. So excited I made lots of mistakes. It's so easy when confronted with a blank canvas of mostly grass, and some bulb plants to go crazy at Farmer's markets, nurseries and online catalogs. My mind was swimming with ideas and I wanted to create color and beauty NOW, this is in part because I became a homeowner later than some, so there was a lot of catching up to do.<br />
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One of the biggest mistakes I made was edging out my area gardens. I've since learned garden edging whether rocks, bricks or plastic or wood are unnecessary, they make it hard to mow close to, the plastic ones suck, they're wobbly and don't stay in place, wood breaks down unless you polyurthane the heck out of it. And brick? Well I found out.<br />
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I woke up this morning thinking it would take me an hour to cut a clean edge in one of my smaller garden beds. But I kept hitting something hard when digging, what was it? Why it was the brick border I created six years ago. I forgot about that border, possibly because the grass had not only grown over it, but moved two feet into my garden bed and somehow I missed that fact, due to my haphazard gardening schedule, I was all over the place instead of focusing on one area per season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili_d0LLju1WfxUcZBt8GxFZiYOZyCtekzD3y8s6sT2kf4pgSmsuUDbKe_1Xs84v-aMvA0lU9GSek7WKT2MYkBMsmVktXp2_z8O5Q2iY-dd_MC1VPt_p8irrd6ioCvCquqqbK9-qqg9sg/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili_d0LLju1WfxUcZBt8GxFZiYOZyCtekzD3y8s6sT2kf4pgSmsuUDbKe_1Xs84v-aMvA0lU9GSek7WKT2MYkBMsmVktXp2_z8O5Q2iY-dd_MC1VPt_p8irrd6ioCvCquqqbK9-qqg9sg/s320/IMG_2399.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It took me two and half hours to dig up the bricks and haul by tarp huge, heavy clumps of sod all the way back to dump in the compost heap. This was a twelve foot or so area and I'm still not done, I need to go back in and use a spade to slice in neat edges. My future goal is to never have things get this bad EVER again. Some research on Youtube showed me how landscapers keep commercial property edges neat and clean. I'm following their lead by:<br />
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1. Getting rid of the bricks<br />
2. Using an old hose as a guide to dig borders in straight or curved line<br />
3. Dig deep wide edges, why? Well this creates a trench or moat as I call it, that prevents grass from creeping into the garden bed.<br />
4. It's recommended to apply three inches of mulch to beds so future weeds won't see the light of day, but towards the trench keep the mulch layer thin so grass can't anchor on and move into the garden.<br />
5. I opted to work on damp drizzly days so it was easier to dig into the earth.<br />
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The following videos are great examples of how to properly edge your garden bed so annual Spring sprucing won't be so painful and labor intensive.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNeAsxh7Ito" target="_blank">Home Repair Tutor</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcSicWAwiXg" target="_blank">Mike's Backyard Nursery </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWXVkWvAHDs" target="_blank">This Old House </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwlEqjlEPQw" target="_blank">Garden ContinuumINC</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-74737636094770240632019-06-16T10:03:00.003-04:002019-06-16T10:03:54.781-04:00How to Make Your Own Glass Plate Flower Workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJCsgEgG6r1qHTtR6AzpBqCxuWQIMpvgOGzCXA3oOew0trRYBCFcdZDJalwnw5nIl0waSNvu0HdLwCJfceojuHraXLnGZtykh-dEP2zS7Yi6X9ElGeS7JSi_z3esaiilF1HybaDSy1g0/s1600/EMAILINVITEGlass+Plate+Workshop+72dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJCsgEgG6r1qHTtR6AzpBqCxuWQIMpvgOGzCXA3oOew0trRYBCFcdZDJalwnw5nIl0waSNvu0HdLwCJfceojuHraXLnGZtykh-dEP2zS7Yi6X9ElGeS7JSi_z3esaiilF1HybaDSy1g0/s320/EMAILINVITEGlass+Plate+Workshop+72dpi.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
I am teaching a workshop in my hometown of Windsor Connecticut on how to make you own glass plate garden flower. I am not the originator of this concept, but I've learned a few things along the way, and will be offering my own tips of the trade to student participants. I hope you Nutmeggers will join me in this fun workshop to create a wonderful flower masterpiece of your own. All supplies included so YOU don't have to do the running around to find the 'stuff', and trust me there's a lot of running around. Come visit the oldest town in Connecticut to have a creative evening!<br />
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Contact me or Sharran Selig with info on this invaluable two hour workshop to enhance your garden.<br />
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Suzanne: <a href="mailto:suzanneurbandesigns@gmail.com">suzanneurbandesigns@gmail.com</a><br />
Sharran: <a href="mailto:jamesseligantiques@gmail.com">jamesseligantiques@gmail.com</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-83644665062814676892019-06-10T09:32:00.001-04:002019-06-10T09:32:17.526-04:00My Newest "Garden Props" Adding Whimsy, Texture, Uniqueness to my Landscape and Yours<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-hLd0xNTUbVyPbBIrlSxYQGLmBiARjByn0ka9qjj1SUCq8lbj4Tdpi7vsYS-FjkyQGKvFlTte4JQJUihn8N30dbjq2QXPhJsL0cDcMxMacaR8IcfGzWL0PoQD2h1dbMhDAEcTekA3y8/s1600/SOLD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-hLd0xNTUbVyPbBIrlSxYQGLmBiARjByn0ka9qjj1SUCq8lbj4Tdpi7vsYS-FjkyQGKvFlTte4JQJUihn8N30dbjq2QXPhJsL0cDcMxMacaR8IcfGzWL0PoQD2h1dbMhDAEcTekA3y8/s320/SOLD.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass Plate flowers by Suzanne Urban</td></tr>
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I create <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/garden?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCOV4fA_hfeyal7xBDSDn10fl2kYNIODo8oOJAsvtqnt7sCHTlwUmnWxIaIldUWoltgKW3ls1ls4FOJdurWUIUXpeGirjv37S3MYziBS2uyHi_1z9DWJsFsrl-G2k5I-KPeQOJyxHxrJjdwOUyi666_rW74kHs0K1ssobTkBRva24zJ_EYBpe30v7Lk_NTWHN4siylBwev2c8fLbQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R"><span class="_5afx"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz">#</span><span class="_58cm">Garden</span></span></a><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/decor?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCOV4fA_hfeyal7xBDSDn10fl2kYNIODo8oOJAsvtqnt7sCHTlwUmnWxIaIldUWoltgKW3ls1ls4FOJdurWUIUXpeGirjv37S3MYziBS2uyHi_1z9DWJsFsrl-G2k5I-KPeQOJyxHxrJjdwOUyi666_rW74kHs0K1ssobTkBRva24zJ_EYBpe30v7Lk_NTWHN4siylBwev2c8fLbQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R"><span class="_5afx"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz"></span><span class="_58cm">Decor</span></span></a> from #upcycled items. I am an artist who started handcrafting this work to avoid adding to the landfill. I also found myself growing weary of investing in plants that only showcased their beauty in a few short months, or failed to produce blooms or worse some plants just don't fare well no matter how much you baby them. Sometimes I just needed a pop of texture, or color or height but didn't find a shrub or flower that worked in our shady yard with acid soil. I wanted to break up space with something unique and I wearied of the constant back-aching digging and usage of water, my solution was to utilize my artistic roots and after a Pinterest visit, my imagination took off. I'm not the first to create glass plate flowers, but I am the first to offer a workshop on making them here in Windsor Connecticut–Stay tuned!<br />
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#Nutmeggers interested in my garden art, please contact me at: <a href="mailto:suzanneurbandesigns@gmail.com">suzanneurbandesigns@gmail.com</a><br />
I'll also gladly offer any gardening tips if you have questions!<br />
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My work was recently featured at <a href="https://www.redbee.com/" target="_blank">Red Bee Honey</a> homestead in Weston CT, proprietor <a href="https://www.redbee.com/meet-marina" target="_blank">C. Marina Marchese</a> is a fellow artist friend who fell into the beekeeping business twenty years ago and since then she's built up her business with her own two hands and now with her remarkable boyfriend Vic, they manage honey tastings, talks and sell <a href="https://www.redbee.com/" target="_blank">honey products</a> that are favored by specialty shops and chefs everywhere.<br />
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We both think <a href="http://www.ctvisit.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Paid_Search&utm_content=SS2019&utm_campaign=Brand&gclid=CjwKCAjw__fnBRANEiwAuFxET_6RaNngda9QbzAVIkEDJkSeqEmlynqMiPZAEFuZLCymtpcFUiXADxoC2xQQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Connecticut</a> offers some special makers, artists and artisans in this small state and I am proud be a part of this growing clan. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5FpqgZ39_UyHnxfelFteDBbadu7GvmdCFSz_uOK_kCnu2E5ItPOhiGNU8jocSrtnVD89vNWxXmsvkYhEUyW0TXqxktIlf8aifkjvF8xqnmV4TiKNSnzp5sbXRz5f34MwffrGmqAZlts/s1600/58178699574__D9E309CB-6FC8-4EFB-861A-7D56B3D8A23D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5FpqgZ39_UyHnxfelFteDBbadu7GvmdCFSz_uOK_kCnu2E5ItPOhiGNU8jocSrtnVD89vNWxXmsvkYhEUyW0TXqxktIlf8aifkjvF8xqnmV4TiKNSnzp5sbXRz5f34MwffrGmqAZlts/s200/58178699574__D9E309CB-6FC8-4EFB-861A-7D56B3D8A23D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdcage with cold hardy Hens and Chicks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcI2tExYo1n9jUrw1fxMwvaQXg92hKcFKUzE0vDvfvWNBEOgHUQCxGocKaL6kT079rEhgLlQSXfgmbkL64iPuF2ghW5UcRFBTzj2J0fheCt9ZkdCdbZCGyh5NFrXwky7xk0TVNHvnZQw/s1600/IMG_2263-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcI2tExYo1n9jUrw1fxMwvaQXg92hKcFKUzE0vDvfvWNBEOgHUQCxGocKaL6kT079rEhgLlQSXfgmbkL64iPuF2ghW5UcRFBTzj2J0fheCt9ZkdCdbZCGyh5NFrXwky7xk0TVNHvnZQw/s200/IMG_2263-1.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handcrafted Cement hand with vintage Mug planter</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNmfWhV3slU3dIVgYrcn-fC1-iCFw1Q4lT8XoukPWWfhW6dY2cBc4QQ4jLGi-U5Rqkc43tddQo1Yq15FqD_pVkp2Jrw7wlLzGYzfPQUZESEzqivS1fXbZz_KMCRrdwRZW-zAiB8mcdN8/s1600/58178703188__A8B9AAE9-6D5C-4640-A5CD-F2BC88350978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNmfWhV3slU3dIVgYrcn-fC1-iCFw1Q4lT8XoukPWWfhW6dY2cBc4QQ4jLGi-U5Rqkc43tddQo1Yq15FqD_pVkp2Jrw7wlLzGYzfPQUZESEzqivS1fXbZz_KMCRrdwRZW-zAiB8mcdN8/s320/58178703188__A8B9AAE9-6D5C-4640-A5CD-F2BC88350978.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nutmeggers?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCOV4fA_hfeyal7xBDSDn10fl2kYNIODo8oOJAsvtqnt7sCHTlwUmnWxIaIldUWoltgKW3ls1ls4FOJdurWUIUXpeGirjv37S3MYziBS2uyHi_1z9DWJsFsrl-G2k5I-KPeQOJyxHxrJjdwOUyi666_rW74kHs0K1ssobTkBRva24zJ_EYBpe30v7Lk_NTWHN4siylBwev2c8fLbQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R"><span class="_5afx"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz"></span></span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-77839585883049808972019-06-04T08:23:00.001-04:002019-06-04T08:29:48.643-04:00Update on my Popcorn Container Planter and Hightop Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY2MztKTbikojPEYVGfZQO4oxg-jzcXPcXb32_BwYSfKxdjhlu_oaA4j4jMyyp5lIwNFKe6Qky2lvSR_nJKydLxyeKdBdwmBMB-Q3EdxJ4x4iwM7LQHDTAUopj6GjuUj3OCQS6mD_xlQ/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="358" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkY2MztKTbikojPEYVGfZQO4oxg-jzcXPcXb32_BwYSfKxdjhlu_oaA4j4jMyyp5lIwNFKe6Qky2lvSR_nJKydLxyeKdBdwmBMB-Q3EdxJ4x4iwM7LQHDTAUopj6GjuUj3OCQS6mD_xlQ/s200/IMG_2217.JPG" width="111" /></a></div>
My tutorial on how I made this planter is on this blog here:<br />
<a href="https://smirkinggoddessreview.blogspot.com/2019/05/turn-plastic-popcorn-container-into.html" target="_blank">Make a Popcorn Container Planter</a><br />
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As a kid I always thought yellow and white Snapdragons looked like Popcorn, so my next conclusion upon stumbling upon a popcorn container at a tagsale was to turn it into a container. The Snapdragons have bloomed and thus here is the complete visual.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhProiM44ImRX06eGUfYSNQJqIBaV3mxS0kswRuNBu8XoMiUSGXq2O4mOYFbQHWd6t6xGxShgxsO-3crhPrKYl3Hhi-3BO17m6Y1eE95ZjThdDt2Q8ji9mVBso0Wyd3pM7EzsSZvWaKv5Q/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhProiM44ImRX06eGUfYSNQJqIBaV3mxS0kswRuNBu8XoMiUSGXq2O4mOYFbQHWd6t6xGxShgxsO-3crhPrKYl3Hhi-3BO17m6Y1eE95ZjThdDt2Q8ji9mVBso0Wyd3pM7EzsSZvWaKv5Q/s200/IMG_2224.JPG" width="150" /></a>Also last year I dug through a box of tagsale leftovers up the street from where we live, because you'll never know what treasures you'll find. I found a pair of brown converse sneakers and promptly turned them into a planter. I treated them like the rainboot planters I had made, drilled holes in bottom, put rocks in for drainage then potting soil and added some Moss Roses. Unfortunately the Moss Roses didn't fare well, the water drained out too fast. So this year I tried something else, I DIDN'T drill drain holes in the beautiful hightop olive green sneakers I got at <a href="https://www.savers.com/" target="_blank">Savers</a> for a song–(hint if you donate stuff they give you a 20% coupon to immediately use in the store), I even forgot to put some peastone in for drainage, but did use Potting Soil and placed in a partial shade area. I stuck my favorite groundcover in, Angelina. When I realized my omission I figured I would have to scoop everything out, put in the pebbles and re-plant. Not so, Angelina and shoes are doing fine. I'd wanted to dye the shoelaces with tea or Tumeric, but well. . .next time.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-80081621775484206712019-05-28T17:53:00.001-04:002019-05-30T06:42:30.908-04:00How I Made My Two Birdbath Gardens<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have three birdbaths two I got for a great deal off of Craigslist when the stars were aligned just right to gift me these two baths for the price of one. The third a heavy duty cement one, and this one actually serves as a birdbath, I paid full price for it at Lowes, the birds love it and I love watching them love it. The other two, one is some kind of plaster or thin cement medium the other resin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3B5g8vhxPHoofkAjrl28THZfC02RN0WPHoy6OVFVGFN2CWA0I3kzqMRHlEMsBJ2FEn_5HBE6ZQ3I8oCADq0UbFm8ZVO_r6xF74YUz9oFfv9Jxk7NUXnGtQJnMAVaExWTZfuSTeLBvjg/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3B5g8vhxPHoofkAjrl28THZfC02RN0WPHoy6OVFVGFN2CWA0I3kzqMRHlEMsBJ2FEn_5HBE6ZQ3I8oCADq0UbFm8ZVO_r6xF74YUz9oFfv9Jxk7NUXnGtQJnMAVaExWTZfuSTeLBvjg/s320/IMG_2183.JPG" width="240" /></a> The resin birdbath is tall with a large bowl for the bath, I added a small <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fountain-Portable-Submersible-Standing-Decoration/dp/B07NYR7213/ref=asc_df_B07NYR7213/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309832907701&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6439117845547801007&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003227&hvtargid=pla-671068217955&psc=1" target="_blank">solar fountain motor</a> to it and it worked great, spitting water high up into the air, sparrows would line up on the fence to take turns swooping through the fountain spray. Unfortunately, the bowl had to be replenished with water EVERY HALF HOUR! I switched the motor to a bucket thinking the depth would offer more water for the gadget to use, but the same issue still surfaced the bucket needed water within 45 minutes. The plaster or cement combo birdbath is smaller, it has a black chipped painted surface that begged for a new coat of paint, or so I thought. Sometimes one has to sit on a problem before resolving successfully, patience saves time and money many times over. I moved this bath to stand by three black iron cauldrons to the front of our house and liked the arrangement. No coat of paint needed with this combo. But I wrestled with the idea of popping a Fairy Garden in this new location as our home is a federally registered antique building, 'what would people think?' thought I. 'It's right next to our historic sign', 'aren't most Fairy gardens in backyards anyways?' Throwing caution to the wind won, mostly because I really wanted to make a fairy garden and realized I had a pair of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1446032154" target="_blank">miniature rainboots</a> collecting dust on my drawing table purchased on ETSY two years ago, waiting for it's garden bed to be made.</div>
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<b>Here is How I Made My Fairy Garden Birdbath</b></div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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1. Fairy statue or figure-I was fortunate to have one gifted to me a few years back by a dear friend.</div>
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2. Low growing ground cover.</div>
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3. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/605868353/sagina-subulata-scotch-moss-plant-very?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ts1-b-craft_supplies_and_tools-floral_and_garden_supplies-greenery_and_gardening-plants-other&utm_custom1=1eec4e7c-38bf-46b4-9034-41147554bde4&utm_content=go_1844177516_70388604955_346397251582_pla-295474484547_c__605868353&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL3NO5Fm-M7D2knqHXFIYluMEVET5M1_knNO23sWlhihLzohTTTXgZkaAlzUEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Scottish Moss</a></div>
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4. <a href="https://www.superseeds.com/products/crystal-palace-lobelia?variant=5280859588&currency=USD&_vsrefdom=adwords&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL1fPlQ7bfV_84Bu7yRv1Busi77fJJmDk_ngRdjd85c4u-e8bq1QUzcaAu6gEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Lobelia </a>(this is an annual) and needs regular watering.</div>
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5. Drill-always wear sunglasses or safety glasses and a mask.</div>
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6. Sand, a little Peastone and Potting Soil.</div>
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7. Rock-added as a nice visual anchor to arrange the elements around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kZpd5kzlDX8fkftFAKYvIvIYTjg8oQ5sswFRWUlRyX_BXMuikvq8YEm_sE4QJueTxcaCIGosktOtG0aaS3aPmG1acmpxflUcH2DyquY5Htgo5FA2HmonIUB9F101fQXFBT7efh-uiGc/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="216" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kZpd5kzlDX8fkftFAKYvIvIYTjg8oQ5sswFRWUlRyX_BXMuikvq8YEm_sE4QJueTxcaCIGosktOtG0aaS3aPmG1acmpxflUcH2DyquY5Htgo5FA2HmonIUB9F101fQXFBT7efh-uiGc/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" width="240" /></a>First I drilled some holes into the bowl of the birdbath for drainage. Then I added some sand and peastone to help with drainage, on top of this I added the Potting Soil, Potting Soil offers nutrients and is lighter than Top Soil, and since a birdbath is more of a container than the actual ground is, I opted for this soil. I then wet the soil down so it wouldn't fall over the side of the bowl and put the rock in. The Scottish Moss was placed next, I simply plopped it in and it looks like a grassy berm rising up behind the Fairy. I don't remember the kind of groundcover I used it is an annual, but it is placed so it will grow down the sides of the bowl, so in essence my Fairy garden offers the three <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/thriller-filler-spiller.htm" target="_blank">must haves in a container arrangement, a Thriller-the Scottish Moss, a Filler the Fairy, Rock and Fairy Boots, and a Spiller the creeping groundcover.</a> My hope is that the moss can over-winter, I may cover it with mulch next Fall. It's supposed to be hardy, but I've had trouble with Irish Moss surviving in our lawn, which is why I purchased the Scottish Moss.</div>
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My Succulent Birdbath is a Pinterest inspired idea. For a resin made product it was sturdy and nice looking and even though the birds loved it, it looked barren without the Solar fountain. Ever since our local Garden Club had a workshop on making succulent gardens I've wanted to add some hardy (for zone 6 Connecticut) Hens and Chicks and more in a protective area.</div>
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<b> How I Made My Succulent Birdbath Garden</b></div>
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1. Drill-always wear sunglasses or safety glasses and a mask.</div>
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2. Sand and Peastone</div>
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3. Special <a href="https://www.target.com/p/miracle-gro-cactus-palm-citrus-potting-soil/-/A-53863504?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Patio%2BGarden%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Patio%2BGarden&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003227&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247068&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL0AVexikXhEWiqC2wpDX0QD5ZTmHaq-AJYJxYoungZ3022enZM7EggaAvLDEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Potting Soil for Succulents and Cactus</a>-a freebie offer on our local Buy Nothing Windsor Facebook Page. Just about every town in our country is represented so search for yours!</div>
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4. Rock-some people offer free rocks on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace</div>
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5.<a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/6-Pack-Hardy-Hens-and-Chicks-in-Tray-L24889/4773161" target="_blank"> Hens and Chicks</a> I purchased mine from our local Garden Club Sale</div>
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6. <a href="https://www.greatgardenplants.com/product/Sedumsod/perennials-sun-ground-cover-deer-proof-plants?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL27sBfwGxJkz828CHlKtshHSx6sBo3d2onTHlWtUMiESvsxq1gd2l0aAtDDEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Succulent Tile</a> I purchased mine at Lowes, make sure you purchase succulents for your zone area</div>
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7. Circle of landscape fabric to cover bottom of base.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O0-URnnEmOLJbRoi0nQBiKAxBZ1EW7gvWCXOgK16OzKg7xYTVWwSPG48wtj_YKsJxph0jZvQlJLrHjRAq95im4cq4bbeo-ZOZfiWyUKDkKE-I3Y16QbfmIEn8IjG8-_OzRwrjw-kYZc/s1600/IMG_2202-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7O0-URnnEmOLJbRoi0nQBiKAxBZ1EW7gvWCXOgK16OzKg7xYTVWwSPG48wtj_YKsJxph0jZvQlJLrHjRAq95im4cq4bbeo-ZOZfiWyUKDkKE-I3Y16QbfmIEn8IjG8-_OzRwrjw-kYZc/s320/IMG_2202-1.JPG" width="240" /></a>The top of this Birdbath Bowl was removeable, I drilled holes towards the upper edge as the bowl was hollow inside and deep and my first holes weren't penetrating through to the outside. The holes again are for drainage. I opted to drill holes as this garden will be outside all year round which makes it vulnerable to really rainy days. As a minor precaution, some fine sand spilled out from the top of the base, used to add weight to keep the base stable, so be careful not to rest your base on it's side. I then cut a circle out of landscape fabric to cover the bottom, this way the finer succulent soil wouldn't be able to drip through the holes and run down the light colored resin base. I decided to "glue" the bowl to the base with <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/ge-silicone-2-2-8-oz-clear-silicone-caulk/1043637?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-pnt-_-google-_-lia-_-221-_-caulk-_-1043637-_-0&kpid&store_code=1665&k_clickID=go_1793096639_69778059796_346854433355_pla-472497998388_c_9003227&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_r3nBRDxARIsAJljleGggasKaYCFm28h82XkrXx-dQf172H6SUX7XyNjjcCnCT8GYlj348UaAo9sEALw_wcB" target="_blank">GE Silicone clear glue</a> as I worried a strong wind could knock the bowl off and all would be scattered into the garden below. After adding some sand and Peastone, I added the soil, then a rock in the center to anchor the garden. The Hen and Chicks were added first then I simply ripped pieces from the tile and firmly pressed into the wet dirt. I probably packed too many in, so I will take some out once some have rooted and move. We just had a heavy rainstorm, and so far from my kitchen window view, everything looks fine. It's recommended to water once a week until your succulents are acclimated to their garden space.</div>
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<b>TIPS on Saving A Few Bucks So You Can Have Your Own Birdbath Garden</b><br />
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To save money on plants check your local nursery for sales and even the dollar rack at Lowes (plants that usually need A LOT of TLC). Local Garden Clubs are great for swap meetings where members swap plants with each other. Or put a call out on your Buy Nothing ("your town") Facebook page for local residents seeking help in weeding out overgrown plants in their gardens, I scored a truckload of low-growing sedum this way! Birdbath finds can be found on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace also check your local Town Facebook pages where residents offer up used items for a price.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-68411597514202033222019-05-19T10:20:00.005-04:002019-05-19T11:16:26.159-04:00Why I Feng Shui in my Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZMzsYEyKUwbbLwtkyU_GCO3lrYUociaS6nm40u14ebJJDjLr6IYAgVi4uiw6sUwR8uDC7zI9QSfY_w4hu7Q_m6NqL2S6P1iy7Rs6HzQ0gja8bfBnjQwBYgOk-_WPs-vesCu3y3xEp0Q/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZMzsYEyKUwbbLwtkyU_GCO3lrYUociaS6nm40u14ebJJDjLr6IYAgVi4uiw6sUwR8uDC7zI9QSfY_w4hu7Q_m6NqL2S6P1iy7Rs6HzQ0gja8bfBnjQwBYgOk-_WPs-vesCu3y3xEp0Q/s320/IMG_2121.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Back in the 90's the art of Feng Shui was building interest in the US, but what is it? At it's core, Feng Shui is an ancient art that's been practiced in Asian cultures for over 3,000 years. It's literal translation <i>feng</i> means "wind" and <i>shui</i><i> </i>means "water", these two words are associated with good health and good fortune. How one practices Feng Shui is by carefully selecting objects and colors according to the <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/apply-the-western-or-btb-feng-shui-bagua-1275227" target="_blank">Feng Shui Baqua</a> ( a map that designates areas of your life i.e. health, marriage, career) to encourage the healthy circulation of "Chi" or "energy" in your environment. Encouraging Chi to flow in your space enhances and attracts a positive outcome of what you want and need in your life.<br />
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I read everything on Feng Shui as at this time I was still single, so the chapters on enhancing my space to attract a suitable partner were dog-eared.<br />
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I referred to the baqua to set up the marriage section in my bedroom. Rose quartz-pink being one of the assigned Feng Shui colors to the relationship area of the Bagua sat on the night stand. I taped pictures torn from People Magazine of happy couples in long standing relationships in this corner. And after one false start with the wrong person, Mr. Right actually showed up. Maybe it's part fate playing a role, maybe it was giving up and asking the Universe to help me embrace singlehood if that was my destiny, but still. . . I wonder.<br />
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So this is why I practice Feng Shui inside and especially outside in my yard. The above photo is the marriage corner in our yard. A loving couple of cherubs gaze into each other eyes, two potted plants with red impatiens red being one of the assigned feng shui colors for love, pink and white are the other two, and then there's the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=feng+shui+elements&client=firefox-b-1-d&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=HU4E-XAZXzA3nM%253A%252CWx1vIo_CFGOunM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kRnj-kx9hDJSVlEOOV-bArJYormBQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj3kaeV6afiAhUyneAKHVzhDq4Q9QEwAHoECAwQBg#imgrc=8chZCfECFa9NbM:&vet=1" target="_blank">elements</a> for each area and the representive element is earth or a light yellowish brown to represent earth, I used egg rocks and a golden yellow birdhouse to reflect this aspect. This vignette is my way of encouraging harmony and discouraging discord in our daily interactions espeically when I want the remote.<br />
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Feng Shui is a complex discipline, and there are masters in the field, many consulted by realtors to move unsold properites, or by interior designers for clients seeking tranquility in their home. Also, the more you read about this ancient art the more you will spot Feng Shui being practiced around you, in fact I understand this is why Tiger Woods signature colors on the course is red and black. If curiosity gets the best of you to delve into this practice for fun, you can start gleaning knowledge on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsHztnIjVQc" target="_blank">Youtube</a>, if anything it's a fun and fascinating exercise to throw caution to the wind and simply believe in something beyond what's in front of you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHraubILP-FcuPcElZlQRBQYOksjgEy8_8FEeHLFjBJsNhrA4C3o2IUQ1p40hbn9NlwGxNRO5yBQ6tOcbzhhhW8nbIycDMjbWEcAI7tH7I5jkNIxZ7HOWwJVXtyvlwnYSMafPuuWN7D1Y/s1600/kenlauher.com-56a2e3055f9b58b7d0cf86bd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="960" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHraubILP-FcuPcElZlQRBQYOksjgEy8_8FEeHLFjBJsNhrA4C3o2IUQ1p40hbn9NlwGxNRO5yBQ6tOcbzhhhW8nbIycDMjbWEcAI7tH7I5jkNIxZ7HOWwJVXtyvlwnYSMafPuuWN7D1Y/s320/kenlauher.com-56a2e3055f9b58b7d0cf86bd.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-4127926">https://www.thespruce.com/feng-shui-4127926</a></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-75523833552293088102019-05-16T21:08:00.000-04:002019-05-18T06:36:32.384-04:00 How I Made A Dragonfly from Ceiling Fan Blades and a Stair Balustrade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXh8mLZtZpVCTTl3aqYpjCL9isG6xkN-RNhdi5j6TS3hoe-3OCO9IuGKym2gJ99_0kQV1tc_OUKz3GcOoDNRXUC8mz3xhrSrOPncJGaZcn7c0mxKc6-FZ7Lf36-248UH5L8gzYgJCGzM/s1600/Dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXh8mLZtZpVCTTl3aqYpjCL9isG6xkN-RNhdi5j6TS3hoe-3OCO9IuGKym2gJ99_0kQV1tc_OUKz3GcOoDNRXUC8mz3xhrSrOPncJGaZcn7c0mxKc6-FZ7Lf36-248UH5L8gzYgJCGzM/s320/Dragonfly.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm not the artist who dreamed up the concept of using ceiling fans and table legs and or deck/stairwell balustrades to create whimsical Dragonflies. This idea is the brainchild of this woman:<br />
<a href="http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/2011/03/the-original-table-leg-dragonflies-with.html" target="_blank">LucyDesignsArt</a> Lucy happened upon a box of used ceiling fan blades in a thrift store and their appearance was enough to remind her of wings.<br />
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Since Lucy's first online blog post featuring her unique concept, Pinterest blew up with tons of pictures of others creating Dragonflies from upcycled table legs and fan blades. I found the idea so incredibly clever that I followed suit and ended up making three, on Facebook Marketplace I scored some deck balustrades, and the fan blades from eBay. One is now comfortably resting on a tree in our backyard, another one sold, and fingers crossed a new patron seeking to visually enhance their outdoor garden will buy the third. In the meantime, here is the one I made for our yard.<br />
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<b>Here are a few tips I learned when making outdoor garden Dragonflies</b><br />
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<li>To find used Fan Blades put a call out to friends, family and on your local Buy Nothing (your town's name) Facebook page-I got some free this way! Also check Facebook Marketplace and tagsales or eBay</li>
<li>Wash all components with dishwashing soap and let dry before painting</li>
<li>Buy a <a href="https://www.midlandhardware.com/111919.html?dfw_tracker=14396-111919&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o0akc7ECLx9MRZ75YiNO31o2aVF5T2e1wW5L_SEfGlrzrD8V8XKsTUaAsP6EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Finial post</a> i.e. the Dragonflies head that has a screw in bottom to securely attach to top of balustrade (or table leg)</li>
<li>You can spray paint–or to cut down on using aerosols, <a href="https://www.grainger.com/product/4HFD4?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o2pcC1PBUqbXp2QpY_EnUdJQV5UkQkMb6vxRl1kwYn-pmWiiMAw4VwaAu0aEALw_wcB&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&ef_id=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o2pcC1PBUqbXp2QpY_EnUdJQV5UkQkMb6vxRl1kwYn-pmWiiMAw4VwaAu0aEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!281698275750!!!g!470563673014!" target="_blank">paint</a> with outdoor primer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAS-SA2986-Dust-Mask-Pack/dp/B014PQTCH6" target="_blank"><i>wear a mask!</i></a><i> </i>this step can be omitted if you want a more antiqued woody look<i><br /></i></li>
<li>Paint with <a href="https://painting-crafts.com/plaid-folkart-outdoor-acrylic-paint.html" target="_blank">Outdoor/exterior craft paints</a> to save money on paint, use a papertowel dipped in paint and wash over blades, you can effectively layer colors this way and cover a larger area of blade</li>
<li>Create your own stencil shapes by drawing design on cardstock and cutting out or draw on regular paper, laminate then cut out and use as a stencil </li>
<li>Don't attach wings until AFTER everything is painted since these were gong to be outside I brushed on polyurthane to protect fan blades and body from moisture</li>
<li>Attach fan blades to body of Dragonfly with screws, if wings still are wobly use<a href="https://www.zoro.com/ge-watrprf-sealant-wbioseal-101oz-clear-ge5000/i/G0003482/feature-product?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o03MFVc8txfHxnvru1Gpb3ZJiUaN44xqJExxwbLcWRfSf4ZOdBbMjsaAjiKEALw_wcB" target="_blank"> GE outdoor Clear silicone glue</a> underneath to keep them in place</li>
<li>We attached a slotted Tbar but a straight flat <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Steelworks-0-074-ft-x-1-375-in-Plated-Steel-Slotted-Metal-Flat-Bar/3053679" target="_blank">slotted metal flat bar</a> would work just as well. to the back with some screws and then attached to our tree. If you are bothered by the metal bar showing against tree, you can paint a brown/black color on it with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/FolkArt-Multi-Surface-Paint-PROMO830-12-Pack/dp/B00I9WM69O/ref=asc_df_B00I9WM69O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194014373664&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9987957694940691997&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003227&hvtargid=pla-312118250396&psc=1" target="_blank">Multi Suface Craft Paint</a> to blend into the tree</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-65824533643331749902019-05-12T08:16:00.001-04:002019-05-12T08:25:43.701-04:00Making A Kitchen Colandar Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW3DNhxaD8b5j6brXkA9PQuz4j4nMQiKaIK_pIpFavgeV09-oDMSoGbBwu6F9btMTBxQ1nsn1TdPYR66XdwXOGFzd10jttTBXljRluyCBDEov57AcAsnlWGXvl9B6igHl-l9CAQD5BEY/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW3DNhxaD8b5j6brXkA9PQuz4j4nMQiKaIK_pIpFavgeV09-oDMSoGbBwu6F9btMTBxQ1nsn1TdPYR66XdwXOGFzd10jttTBXljRluyCBDEov57AcAsnlWGXvl9B6igHl-l9CAQD5BEY/s320/IMG_2093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have two colanders, well three, two vintage and one new. I've wanted to create a planter from these items for the longest time, but unfortunately found instructions on how too few and far between. I also want to avoid having to drill through metal to hang the planters.<br />
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First I wanted to know if just stringing twine through the two handles was enough to balance the colandar so it didn't tip. It is enough, below are my tips.<br />
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<b>Kitchen Colander Planter Supplies</b> </div>
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<ul>
<li>one colander with two handles to string twine through</li>
<li>baby diaper</li>
<li>Coir plant cup or just use (all of leftover Coir pulled from an old Coir liner for whole bottom)</li>
<li>left over coir from another planter</li>
<li>ruler to measure twine length for hanging</li>
<li>Scissors to cut twine </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliwOhfIjJl4YATF6WJeSJRF1m2lFPOs3Kb0UZOG9QbwQGskCbqnuiCymhVD2v3Vd8IcKI2_RbIzh9LFzhYNYLBn_4UCCHwXD1BQPW7KRAKcLokGIVgJ5k5cQN99mVbjU4IiTN31-RLQc/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliwOhfIjJl4YATF6WJeSJRF1m2lFPOs3Kb0UZOG9QbwQGskCbqnuiCymhVD2v3Vd8IcKI2_RbIzh9LFzhYNYLBn_4UCCHwXD1BQPW7KRAKcLokGIVgJ5k5cQN99mVbjU4IiTN31-RLQc/s200/IMG_1953.JPG" width="200" /></a> Because of all the holes in a colander, I worried that water would drain out too fast, so I opted to cut a baby diaper into a circle as the diaper contains a gel to hold moisture in. To cut the diaper into a circle I followed these basic instructions, mind you a diaper is puffy but this still worked: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42So4AjsRaE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42So4AjsRaE</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv-Dc7H3J0PwFL9Kb0cbnzD5OGnmwjvbb4iv62RaQcVb-jT02H17IuGj_Q1VIDIIGigbDEP46mtKRctr5hJIq61j2cwJCatvKJVs42ETU07SuasmMsZXr_CufVqUjHwFu4_WcWUKydm0/s1600/IMG_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv-Dc7H3J0PwFL9Kb0cbnzD5OGnmwjvbb4iv62RaQcVb-jT02H17IuGj_Q1VIDIIGigbDEP46mtKRctr5hJIq61j2cwJCatvKJVs42ETU07SuasmMsZXr_CufVqUjHwFu4_WcWUKydm0/s200/IMG_1958.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
I opted to use a Coir-(pronounced "Coyer") planter cup that I cut on both sides to spread out on bottom of colander. ( Coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut); Then I pulled out Coir from last year's hanging plant and tucked in between the gaps, some Coir liners become loose over time and easier to minipulate. I find Coir liners ungainly and stiff if I just put them in a hanging planter, they never seem to be the right size and slip around, so I highly recommend engineering the size yourself.<br />
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Place the Coir above the baby diaper circle add some peastone for weight to keep Coir in place, and then add potting soil-mind you not Topsoil as potting soil offers more nutrients, and then plunk the plant in.<br />
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Measure out the length of the twine you will need, and please note, I wish I had not cut too separate pieces for each handle then knoted the twine on top, why? because the twine has to rest on either side of knot when hung and thus creates a tipped colandar, instead loop through one handle then the other and tie to secure in second handle. With no knot on top you have a well balanced planter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxch4g2FP1NyvvMUKNfz0DfuM8JzKfMq-ixEUEO1IFgvIFqQ5VozijQ5tSM56H3eQKC8fflAwoiuEb8QnIATQMad49Lc5HegAp_NdoCa-bRu3gRkbTuI_OImcs-eORlkTH3508Z1kmNyQ/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxch4g2FP1NyvvMUKNfz0DfuM8JzKfMq-ixEUEO1IFgvIFqQ5VozijQ5tSM56H3eQKC8fflAwoiuEb8QnIATQMad49Lc5HegAp_NdoCa-bRu3gRkbTuI_OImcs-eORlkTH3508Z1kmNyQ/s200/IMG_1964.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And there you have it! Please share with me your colander basket hangers, I'd love to see!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7868268328734065498.post-53678366917255526532019-05-06T20:29:00.001-04:002019-05-07T08:38:08.753-04:00Turn a Plastic Popcorn Container into a Planter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvwcjS8LSGddqKihfHccuKx9zX6lH5BXEdeYUX0ZVDNAN2J7KEnD36c9wihhan05OhKdNSOW9ve3FoBgHEyk32ur-EkvF9u9Ua8gKfJ_A2NXh-3KEkzbJaPz0L44FZeh9Or3nB0VpQHY/s1600/IMG_1870-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvwcjS8LSGddqKihfHccuKx9zX6lH5BXEdeYUX0ZVDNAN2J7KEnD36c9wihhan05OhKdNSOW9ve3FoBgHEyk32ur-EkvF9u9Ua8gKfJ_A2NXh-3KEkzbJaPz0L44FZeh9Or3nB0VpQHY/s320/IMG_1870-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Last year I snagged one of those plastic Popcorn containers at a tagsale because the price of 50¢ fit my budget and I support the <a href="https://blog.fivestars.com/shop-small-businesses-every-day/" target="_blank">shop local</a> theory. Since I always thought yellow Snapdragons looks like the kind of buttery Popcorn you can buy at a movie theatre, the idea of converting a Popcorn Container into a Yellow Snapdragon-bearing planter sprung to mind. So this year, I picked up some <span style="font-family: inherit;">Antirrhinum Majus a.k.a. as </span>Dog's Mouth, Lion's Mouth, Toad's Mouth or just plain ole' Snapdragons. I found a six-pack of flowers at a quaint little market here in Connecticut owned by Vinnie who plays Dean Martin tapes on an old boombox while you shop. So this Summer, on our outdoor patio table, this popcorn 'planter' pictured below will look like buttery yellow kernels are freshly popping forth from the container.<br />
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<b>Here's the simple instructions on how to make your own Popcorn planter.</b><br />
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<b>SUPPLIES:</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
1. One plastic Popcorn Container can be purchased here: '<br />
<a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/Reuseable-Popcorn-Plastic-Containers-Bowl-Movie-Theater-Style-Red-White-Set-Lot/291434042572?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D57475%26meid%3D096869e7bf5948e08c04e3e1d2c3fe0c%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D201538747106%26itm%3D291434042572&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851" target="_blank">Popcorn Container</a><br />
2. Drill with small drill bit<br />
3. Large rock approx. 3" width to weigh box down so container doesn't blow off table on a windy day.<br />
4. Pea Stone for drainage<br />
5. Potting Soil-do not make the mistake of using Top Soil! Potting Soil offers the best drainage for planters of any size and shape.<br />
6. Six Pack of Yellow Snapdragons. I chose "Snaptastic Yellow" they will grow to be approx 14" in height, so I planted them further down in the container. You will only need one plant per container, or two if Dwarf variety. If you can't find a plant, consider purchasing seeds, just place seeds in Potting Soil in container, and lightly water until they sprout. Thin out seedlings to make room for the more robust seedlings, again one-to-two plants in the container.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok1rdAlxOoS8UOwh0EyeH2TlTe0b_OKonflKa-XwSuhSLmNhuCEjEW9DGSzD6pE7FAt0h6xhJKL-Hmj86QHM5LLRTot3dWI4z4doIOnGIcDhLgZ_og5NHCnaVDMORRlqXQDOu6iYAb80/s1600/IMG_1874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok1rdAlxOoS8UOwh0EyeH2TlTe0b_OKonflKa-XwSuhSLmNhuCEjEW9DGSzD6pE7FAt0h6xhJKL-Hmj86QHM5LLRTot3dWI4z4doIOnGIcDhLgZ_og5NHCnaVDMORRlqXQDOu6iYAb80/s320/IMG_1874.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>INSTRUCTIONS:</b><br />
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• Drill two holes in bottom of container if your Drill bit is small, if larger the size of a dime, drill one<br />
• Put big rock in bottom of container, then add Peastone<br />
• Pour in Potting Soil leaving room to press Snap Dragons down into the soil<br />
• Add a little more soil to fill in around the SnapDragons and Voila! You're done. Be sure to keep soil moist.<br />
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This would make a whimsical summer party gift for the host or hostess don't you think?<br />
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<b>SNAPDRAGON FACTS:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>There are both annual and perennial Snapdragon plants, although some of the perennials are commonly grown as annual plants.</li>
<li>Snapdragons typically grow best in full sun with damp soil, but can take partial sun</li>
<li>Snapdragons grow to be a height of 6 to 18 inches, depending on whether they are dwarf, medium or tall varieties.</li>
<li>Snapdragons generally bloom Summer to Fall</li>
<li>Snapdragons colors range from green, red, orange, yellow, white and pink, among others</li>
<li>Snapdragons prefer moist soil and full sun, they also do well in cooler tempsl deadheading will aid to their growth and re-blooming and they will gift you with color for some time! </li>
<li>Snapdragons do re-seed but in cold winter climates they may not come back and should be treated as annuals, some varieties are considere perennials and next Spring, if they pop up they might be a different color than their first year!</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">According to <a href="http://thelanguageofflowers.com/" target="_blank">Language of Flowers</a> <span style="font-family: inherit;">the Snapdragon symbolizes</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">–</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Deception-yikes! <i>Really?</i> But also it also means 'Gracious Lady' and that's what I will stick with.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa7eMxN2cltPnpDFDZn1ODp1JRIIP2z0JnbhCozRM7_p2CPmAlW5KEzAC6UOA-QG8m3sWudifKM97n0G4_NEXCC6pDX-9puroZvfUzxs1PiEMjnnG8LzREnKSnWVI-35SVG9LRyZ3LQY/s1600/Popcorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa7eMxN2cltPnpDFDZn1ODp1JRIIP2z0JnbhCozRM7_p2CPmAlW5KEzAC6UOA-QG8m3sWudifKM97n0G4_NEXCC6pDX-9puroZvfUzxs1PiEMjnnG8LzREnKSnWVI-35SVG9LRyZ3LQY/s320/Popcorn.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0