Monday, July 15, 2013

More Bird Baths

I'm still recuperating from knee surgery, but find the energy once in awhile to work on my garden art.  Last week I finished two bird baths.  As you can see in the photo one has a solar light in the bowl.  One of our local nurseries purchased six items about a month ago and the manager has asked me to bring in more.  I'm so glad I've found a place for them.  They're so large and heavy that I've been reluctant to list them in my etsy shop.
 



Working on these decorative, but useful, items is so therapeutic.




I can spend hours looking at my stash to see what would look best together.

Monday, July 1, 2013

The Songbird

The precious wife of our pastor went to Heaven on June 21st.  She had one of the most beautiful singing voices I have ever heard.  She was our music director for many years, even after she had to go on oxygen 24/7.  To see her and hear her melodic voice every Sunday when she had so little air in her lungs was strictly a God thing.  Her memorial service was attended by more people who knew and loved her than any other such service I have ever attended.  My husband asked me to write a poem in memory of her.  He read it to the congregation at the Sunday, June 23 worship service. 



The beat of the heart went quickly still,

but silence of the voice was not God’s will.

The songbird is singing in the heavenly choir.



Though her weary body too early grew old,

the silver voice flows along streets of gold,

her new body draped in heavenly attire.



Praises are offered at Jesus’ feet,

swirling and rising, never to retreat.

The songbird is singing in the heavenly choir,

her new body draped in heavenly attire.

 copyright 6/13  Laura Crumm


Saturday, May 18, 2013

New Garden Art

I've been busy trying to get enough garden art made to list on etsy as well as some larger items to sell, hopefully, to local nurseries.  There are times when I wish I could be cured of this addiction when I have to tiptoe through the glassware on my studio floor.  When most people see vases, candle holders, plates and dishes I see glass flowers, bird baths, totems and solar lights.  

I've been wanting to open another etsy shop for paper crafts...photos, wall decor, note cards, etc., but I can't find the time.  Maybe this fall I can slack off on the garden art a little and concentrate on the paper crafts.  

Here's some garden items that I finished this week.

Vintage amber glass solar light


















Bird Bath



Solar light
Sweet Garden Lady






Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Slagit Valley Tulip Fields

It's been a month since I posted here.  Not from lack of interest, but mostly because I wasn't able to access my blog.  It was a simple problem with a simple solution.  Thanks, Ernie, for the solution.  

I live near the Skagit Valley in western Washington state.  This is where tulips are grown and shipped all over the world, even HOLLAND!!  Can you believe that??  Each year the area holds a tulip festival that lasts all through April.  The acres of tulips fields blooming in various colors is a sight to behold.  Over the last 15 or 20 years they have grown into a worldwide attraction.  According to an article in our local newspaper there were 50 states represented by visitors and 81 other countries this year.  Feast your eyes on a few photos I took.






Thursday, April 18, 2013

Jigsaw Puzzle Picture

My husband received a jigsaw puzzle as a gift.  He spent quite some time last winter putting it together.  It was so beautiful when it was finished that we decided to frame it.  We hadn't framed a jigsaw picture before so I searched the web to get instructions.

First we had to get all the pieces stuck together.  I used Mod Podge for this step.  I poured it on in strips across the finished puzzle.  Then I used an old card, similar to a credit card to spread it evenly over the puzzle.  Any excess was scraped off.  I put a second coat on after the first one was dry. 

Next he went to the lumber yard and purchased lumber to make the frame.  After he had it built he brought in stain samples to get my opinion on the best one to use.  When he showed me the one you see in the finished product I told him THAT WAS THE ONE!  I thought it was perfect


I purchased a foam core to to fit the frame.  He slipped the puzzle onto the foam core and attached the frame.  It's now hanging on our living room wall.  This project was so rewarding.  If you have a jigsaw enthusiast in your family, give it a try.  It would make a great gift.


Monday, April 15, 2013

Garden Art

I've really been lax in posting here lately.  Still fighting fatigue from 'the bug'.  So many things to do and so little energy.  My energy level is about minus 10.

Today I did get some of my garden art pieces to a nursery that was interested in purchasing them. I took 3 bird baths and 2 garden totems.  They purchased them all.  If they sell I'll be taking more to them.  I just need to get more made.  I want to make some solar lights and garden ladies. Here are a couple of the bird baths.  I'm searching for photos of the other one and the two totems.  I thought I had taken photos of all my garden art, but maybe a missed a few.