Happy Sunday!!!
I finished the tree and animal mural on Friday .... I will go back and take photos of it when the curtains are up and new bedding is on etc... But until then here are a few pictures.
I loved painting it. I loved how the animals are all friends... It was a very special project.
In a couple of weeks I am painting ski hills and the inside of a ruined turret of a Castle. Exciting!!!!
I hope you're all well.
I'll be passing by your worlds later today... Until then... Enjoy your Sunday.
Hugs
Char.x
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Finished tree mural
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Monday, April 11, 2011
A HOW TO on SQUARE FOOT Gardening.
SAVE money...SAVE water...SAVE energy.
Hi, I know I was going to catch up with you all this weekend...but our Mamas and Chicks Show is coming up(April 29th) and I am settling questions to 60 vendors all day long...so it's taking MUCH of my desired time to blog,create and visit your Worlds...
ANYWAY...I am now here and am going to tell you about the Square Ft Gardening seminar which I went to last week.
It was GREAT...we learnt that you basically can grow a garden in 20% of the space of a regular Veggie garden.
That means you need 20% of the water! and 20% of the energy! AND it will yield 3 harvests!!!
SO...The 10 basics of Square ft Gardening are :
Hi, I know I was going to catch up with you all this weekend...but our Mamas and Chicks Show is coming up(April 29th) and I am settling questions to 60 vendors all day long...so it's taking MUCH of my desired time to blog,create and visit your Worlds...
ANYWAY...I am now here and am going to tell you about the Square Ft Gardening seminar which I went to last week.
It was GREAT...we learnt that you basically can grow a garden in 20% of the space of a regular Veggie garden.
That means you need 20% of the water! and 20% of the energy! AND it will yield 3 harvests!!!
![]() |
| Square ft Garden example from HERE |
I took notes(very messy ones)...but the seminar was only one hour in length...and I think a lot was crammed in...which is why the lady giving the seminar handed us a sheet of paper at the end with ALL the info on which she'd just discussed...SO...The 10 basics of Square ft Gardening are :
- LAYOUT - Arrange your garden in squares, not rows (as shown above). Lay it out 4' by 4' areas.
- BOXES - Build boxes to hold new soil mix above ground - only 6" deep.(lay weed barrier under boxes)
- AISLES - Space boxes 3' apart to form walking aisles.
- SOIL - Fill boxes with special mix : 1/3compost(made from many different ingredients),1/3 peat moss,1/3 coarse vermiculite. No need to use existing soil.
- GRID - Make a square ft grid for the top of each box to organise the garden for planting.
- CARE - Never walk on the growing soil. Tend your garden from the aisles. Few, if any, weeds sprout and are easily pulled with fingers. Soil stays loose and friable. Easy to protect from weather.
- SELECT - Plant different flowers,vegetables, or herb crop in each square ft,using spacing of 1,4,9,16(show's in diagram below). Crop rotation happens naturally.
- PLANT - Conserve seeds. Plant only what you will use during each season. NO waste.
- WATER - Idealy water by hand from a bucket of Sun -warmed water (hose or drip system ok)
- HARVEST - When you finish harvesting a square ft,add compost to replenish nutrients and re-plant with a new and different crop.
![]() |
| Spacing Chart from HERE LOCATION You must try and pick a spot where your garden will get at least between 6 and 9 hours of Sun a day... Stay clear of trees and shrubs as roots and shade may interfere. Have your Garden close to you house for convienience. Your Existing soil is NOT important as you won't be usiing it. And it mustn't be in an area which will puddle after rain-fall. |
The MIX. SOIL - Fill boxes with special mix : 1/3compost(made from many different ingredients), 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 coarse vermiculite. No need to use existing soil. |
| Grid made from wood slats. |
SEEDING
What is stressed that when planting your seeds you put a pinch of seeds in the hole you make and when they start shooting you just snip the top of all but one in that group.
Flowers do really well amongst the squares of vegetables...and what could be better than fresh flowers in your house.
Refer to the spacing chart above for how many of which vegetables should be growing in each square depending on their size.
Look at the yield you can get. Phot from HERE |
All in all, I think this is the way I may be going...we don't have an area too large where we can have veggies which will get the rays of the Sun all day...and I would LOVE to give our girls a couple of grid squares which they choose what they would like to gtow...and take care of.
I am hoping to add this mix to baskets for the front of the house and grow lavender and herbs.
These grid boxes don't have to be just the regular 4x4ft beds...you can stack them...make them 2x6...or an L shape...
The Deck could have individual 1x1 ft containers..
Have you ever dabbled in Mel Bartholomew's Square Ft Gardening?
Here's a little Video by Mel himself!
and this one:
BUT there are also many websites to check in to like THIS ONE.
I hope you've understood my babble...
I'm looking forward to getting started.
NOW we have Spring happening here in Canada...we can get on with planting.
HAPPY DAYS...
How does YOUR Garden Grow?
earthy HUGS
Char.x
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
**COMPLETED**...Alice in Wonderland.
From the sketch....(3 weeks ago)...
to the painting...(today)...
Thanks for passing by again and for ALL your encouraging words...I'm happy to be finished...but LOVED painting it...thank you B for helping!
My time was 100% a donation to the school...I understand that some may frown upon this...but I'm sure this will lead to other possibilities...(I'm hoping:-)
If you've arrived at our Blog today and it's the first time seeing the set design I've just finished...go and see the different steps of the Alice painting right from the beginning HERE and middle HERE...
Until tomorrow...
Painterly hugs
Char.x
to the painting...(today)...
Thanks for passing by again and for ALL your encouraging words...I'm happy to be finished...but LOVED painting it...thank you B for helping!
My time was 100% a donation to the school...I understand that some may frown upon this...but I'm sure this will lead to other possibilities...(I'm hoping:-)
If you've arrived at our Blog today and it's the first time seeing the set design I've just finished...go and see the different steps of the Alice painting right from the beginning HERE and middle HERE...
Until tomorrow...
Painterly hugs
Char.x
Monday, March 28, 2011
Alice in Wonderland...almost there.
from this...
to this...HELLO...How are you my lovelies?
After 6 hours of painting...and extra help for half of these hours...thanks B...this is what was finished today.
Tomorrow I'm dragging Miss J with me for the morning... she is going to occupy herself on the stage while I paint.
I'm tired...I've caught up on my taxes...I just have a couple of forms left to fill...
I'm sorry I haven't passed by many of your Worlds today...perhaps I'll have time tomorrow evening.
HUGS to you all...until this is finished(HOPING to have something to Show you in the afternoon.)
sleepy HUGS,
Char.x
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thursday, October 21, 2010
a pretty flower PATCH
PATCHES PATCHES PATCHES PATCHES
lots and lots of Patches...
HI EVERYONE...
I can't stay for long as my list still needs completing and that means I'm driving around for most of today.
All my PATCHES and PINS will be listed in my ESTY Shop after the Show...
you asked for more flowers...so here they are!
ALL individual and unique...linen,felted wool and jean fabrics.
they don't have to JUST be patches, I experimented yesterday and wore one as a PIN...just by attaching a PIN with a sticky backing...it lasted ALL day long (ooohh, I need to de-bobble that sweater!!!)
so each of my PATCHES will be sold with a PIN in it's package too.
I'm really very excited about tomorrow...we packed 250 MAMA LOOT bags last night.
The MAMAS and CHICKS Show is finally here...emails have calmed down, which means I can organise MY own table.
This evening we'll be at the Hotel setting up the tables.
So...until this weekend, I must leave you all...as I really don't believe I will be posting tomorrow.
BUT on Saturday I will show you Pictures!
HUGS and have a WONDERFUL Thursday...and FRIDAY...
WISH me LUCK :-)
Char.x
Sunday, August 1, 2010
oh SO pretty
Happy Sunday to you all...we're about to leave for another full day adoring the countryside...
I'll leave you with this prettiness from yesterday's outing.
HUGS and enjoy your day...I'll be back tomorrow to show snippets of our weekend.
Char.x
I'll leave you with this prettiness from yesterday's outing.
HUGS and enjoy your day...I'll be back tomorrow to show snippets of our weekend.
Char.x
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Saturday, July 10, 2010
right now
right now this very moment... Mum is in the hospital having her operation...she's such a rock star...she never complains, she struggles to get from one side of the room to the next...and stairs have been an ever increasing battle.
This past week has been spent hanging out with family. It's gorgeous weather here in the UK...and the girls are enjoying being with their cousins, cooling off under sprinklers and watering flowers and veggies for Mum.
I'm sending her positive thoughts and well wishes for a safe operation,Dad and I will go and see her later this afternoon.
I'm missing my Mr.R but have been so busy here that time has flown by...and know he has been busy too.
I had all intentions of blogging daily, but there have been times the internet has been down...I'm now using our Orange toggle...but would love for the internet Angel to work her magic on the regular connection down here because an image only took 20 mins to load!
I'm a bit nervous not knowing how the operation is going...will update this post as soon as possible.
Hope you're all well...I know you understand my lack on being here and visiting you all.
UPDATE:: Mum had her op today, everything went well...they did both her hips.
THANK YOU for ALL your prayers and thoughs.
HUGS
Char (in the UK for a little while)
This past week has been spent hanging out with family. It's gorgeous weather here in the UK...and the girls are enjoying being with their cousins, cooling off under sprinklers and watering flowers and veggies for Mum.
I'm sending her positive thoughts and well wishes for a safe operation,Dad and I will go and see her later this afternoon.
I'm missing my Mr.R but have been so busy here that time has flown by...and know he has been busy too.
I had all intentions of blogging daily, but there have been times the internet has been down...I'm now using our Orange toggle...but would love for the internet Angel to work her magic on the regular connection down here because an image only took 20 mins to load!
I'm a bit nervous not knowing how the operation is going...will update this post as soon as possible.
Hope you're all well...I know you understand my lack on being here and visiting you all.
UPDATE:: Mum had her op today, everything went well...they did both her hips.
THANK YOU for ALL your prayers and thoughs.
HUGS
Char (in the UK for a little while)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Valentina Ramos
Good Morning...it's Tell ALL Tuesdays again and today we have 2 very different spotlights for you...this morning we will be introducing to you an extremely talented Artist who's work I fell in love with...it seems she has more hours in the day, as I can only imagine HOW long it takes for her to complete a piece of Artwork...
Then this afternoon we have a lady who is close to home and creates Artistry in Sweets and Baking...she also has a little plea to ask all of you...so keep an eye out for that post which will be around 2pm.
So...lets get on with this morning's Spotlight...introducing the wonderful Valentina Ramos!
Tell us a little about the Town you live in... and have you always lived there?
I’m from Venezuela but I have been living in Miami, FL for 6 years. I *LOVE* the area I live in (Coral Gables) because I can do almost everything just by walking. Sometimes I feel like a “town girl” because I love to go to my local places and know the people in stores and wave at people in the streets.
What did you do today?
Today is organization day. I have to clean up my office, take pictures of artwork, update my shop, schedule a couple of meetings, review a brochure design and work more in the new artwork I have right now in my table.
Are you a Dog or a Cat person?
I don’t have pets, but I think I can be a dog person ;)
Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
I’m a foodie girl! I love all ;) but if I have to pick one, breakfast is my favourite. Mushrooms omelette on Sunday morning= Heaven!
If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
I’m trying to learn to cook... or at least I’m trying to do different things every week. Someday I would love to have guest and prepare a super delicious Indian dinner.
• Penelope Dullaghan
• Alisa Burke
HUGS
Then this afternoon we have a lady who is close to home and creates Artistry in Sweets and Baking...she also has a little plea to ask all of you...so keep an eye out for that post which will be around 2pm.
So...lets get on with this morning's Spotlight...introducing the wonderful Valentina Ramos!
Tell us a little about the Town you live in... and have you always lived there?
I’m from Venezuela but I have been living in Miami, FL for 6 years. I *LOVE* the area I live in (Coral Gables) because I can do almost everything just by walking. Sometimes I feel like a “town girl” because I love to go to my local places and know the people in stores and wave at people in the streets.
If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
Italy! I think to live there is one of my big time dreams.How structured is your day usually?
Working at home sometimes can be really tricky. I have to be really organized to keep track of the projects and don’t get busy with other stuff (like cleaning the house!). Every morning I have my cups of coffee checking emails and reading some blogs. After that I start working in my to do’s list. Usually, I’m working in several projects at the same time. I’m trying to apply a new system here because sometimes I spent way to many hours in one project and left other things behind. Right now I’m trying to work by the clock ;) I try to work for one or two hours in one project and after the time past, just work in the next one. Of course, if I have a timeline, I focus all my energies on that.What did you do today?
Today is organization day. I have to clean up my office, take pictures of artwork, update my shop, schedule a couple of meetings, review a brochure design and work more in the new artwork I have right now in my table.
Are you a Dog or a Cat person?
I don’t have pets, but I think I can be a dog person ;)
Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
I’m a foodie girl! I love all ;) but if I have to pick one, breakfast is my favourite. Mushrooms omelette on Sunday morning= Heaven!
If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
I’m trying to learn to cook... or at least I’m trying to do different things every week. Someday I would love to have guest and prepare a super delicious Indian dinner.
How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
I think knowing you are in the right path it’s not an easy thing to do. Many times you doubt about what you are doing. I feel super bless right now because I decided 3 years ago what I wanted to do. Right now I know where I’m going; I definitely believe I’m in the right path.Who /what drove and inspired your love to create?
I think everything inspires me. I can be watching TV or walking in the street and found something interesting that makes my mind spin! Usually I get great ideas when I’m falling sleep, for that reason I keep a notebook near my bed. I spent a good part of my day just seeing other artist work. It’s amazing how much talent we have in this world! But definitely my biggest source of inspiration comes from the feedback I received. Every single time I get an email or a comment form someday telling me I inspired them to continue working or just to say they like my work, that makes my day and keep my working.
Tell us something not too many people know about you.
I came to US seven years ago with only $200 and zero English ;)
Shoe choice::flats or heels?
Flats.
What was the last book you read?
I feel super bad saying this, but I haven’t being reading a lot lately L I spent way too many hours with my artwork and totally forgot the piles of books in my night stand. What advice would you give others just starting out?
Believe in yourself. Keep yourself motivate and working. Some days are going to be hard, but you have to keep moving. Put yourself out in the world as much as you can. Blogs, facebook, twitter, flickr, use them all ;) Don’t copy anybody else work, you have to find your own voice. And again... Believe in yourself.
Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.
I have tons of blogs I check daily! I *LOVE* to see what other artist are doing, I enjoy reading about their life; I like to see pictures of what they are doing. I think my top 5 artist blogs are:
• Alisa Burke
Thank you SO much for taking part Valentina...it has been a pleasure to tell a little snippet of your story to others who read our Blog...your work is beautiful!
YOU can pass by and say hello to Valentina HERE
Or shop at her store HERE
Until this afternoon...our girls are waiting for me...they have been prepping a Puppet Show whilst I've been posting...perfect timing!
Char,ON
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I`m still trying to get my head around the terminoligy of crocheting...
I`d like to be able to just work from a pattern...and make this flower.
These necklaces seem pretty simple...I know a couple of little Misses which would love these.
Did I tell you I was hooked on Crocheting? No, well I am trying...and will hopefull get it...everyone says YouTube is a great source for HOW-TO videos...not I just need the time to sit down and Crochet!
This book is by Candi Jensen and has SO many incredible projects...
What a great way to spunk up a pair of capris!
We need a few of these...they would come in really handy!
As well as the Yellow Bird, the Princess and the Frog print and the Ginger Dog with the Boy which I finished this past week.
I still have FREE SHIPPING and will run it all throughout the month of March.
I hope you're enjoying your weekend...we just got back from an AMAZINGly wonderful Trinidadian Curry Dinner.
Until later today...as I know it's the wee hours for us here.
Char,ON
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