BUBBLES AND BEES

Captured some nice images in the garden yesterday. I loved the effervescent quality of the bubbles as they glided fleetingly over the purple chive flowers. Shades of mauve were reflected back onto the passing spheres. The bees were just greedy for the pollen and kindly allowed me to be temporarily in their space as they went about collecting. I couldn't help but think of Jerry Seinfled's Barry the Bee character with his witty banter and purposeful quest as I witnessed them fly from flower to flower.

Every day the garden changes and the bubbles and bees made me stop for a brief moment to take it all in.

PLANT MARKERS

I was inspired by the plant markers that I saw on http://www.heavypetal.ca/ the other day. They ranged from cute to kitsch and all cost a pretty penny. My recycle light bulb went off and I decided to create my own from old coffee packaging (yes, again) and used Popsicle sticks (previously sucked thanks to my children).

To make the markers cut silver coffee wrappers into 1" by 5" strips, fold in half and sew down sides using a zig-zag stitch. Insert Popsicle stick and write plant name in an indelible ink. Pop into soil next to plant and enjoy!

I TWEET!

This is one of my latest bags using recycled coffee packaging and burlap coffee sacks. It features a crown- sporting blackbird declaring ,"I TWEET". Of course tweeting now possesses a new meaning worldwide and I like the double entendre this quietly dapper bird proclaims.

I free hand cut out the lettering from silver packaging and sewed onto the hessian fabric. The bird was also drawn free hand onto black coffee packaging and embellished with a coordinating crown, wing and tail plumage detail. His legs are grocery store twist ties and eye is a brad from my scrapbooking stash. (I'd really like to find a cell phone charm to really enhance the birds double meaning)

ANNUALS

This year I decided to choose completely different annuals from the past. I don't usually care for any of the ones I bought this year, however, they looked fresh, healthy and appealing at the garden centre. The marigolds will be dispersed around the garden, particularly in amongst the raised veg beds. The begonias displayed a deep burgundy hue in their foliage that would perfectly compliment my favourite Gaura plant. The new petunias are a deep blackish purple that invites a sneaky touch as the flowers resemble a luxurious velvet.

They all got planted in pots and baskets and it will be interesting if my opinion of them changes as they grow and their beauty unfolds.

Spring Garden...

As Mr. McGreely would say (from our most fave childrens story by Candace Flemming - Tippy, Tippy, Hide!) "Spring has sprung". Whilst my accumulating pile of discarded packaging grows, so does our garden. We choose to be outdoors as much as possible after a long, wet, grey winter. Here are a few images from the garden... The oversize window boxes were made by my husband from reclaimed wood from our old carport. They will serve as a new home to strawberry plants and mixed greens.

I'M STILL HERE........

Yes, I am still here. The last five months I have been in a hibernation of sorts. Firstly, I have spent way too much time with my new friends - The Cullens. Secondly, a truculent little boy has kept me rather spent and devoid of any artistic endeavours. Now, however, spring has arrived and with it a new enthusiasm for creative adventures. I am truly enjoying watching the children paint with abandon and explore the first images appearing from the squiggles. Brilliant.

I've got lots of ideas to put into fruition especially with found and recycled objects. It is definitely time to get out the "supplies" and get busy. I've also got a wonderful new camera to play with and capture images relevant to our lives. Stay tuned...

Wet Paint!

We finally got around to painting the living room. I have been inspired, of late, by simple, monochromatic colour schemes. A chance peek inside a home that hosted a garage sale this past summer as well as a feature in this months Canadian House and Home mag. showcasing artisan Heather Shaw's "serene white palette" sparked my (our) need to change things up....again.

We chose "Coconut White" which suggests sunny days spent at a beach in some far off tropical locale. It will definitely brighten the space on these wet, West Coast days.

Of course, Quinn had to help. He proudly donned his "painting" clothes and got busy with his corner of the room. He really enjoyed himself and left little white footy prints throughout the hardwood (it's latex...and washes out).