My Mother's Garden

Garden Goddesses for the Home or Garden

2011-04-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

♥ My Heart Is At Peace Amongst The Trees

2010-10-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today my heart longs to be nestled amongst the trees. This collection of tree inspired art was created from the many varied artists found on Etsy. I hope you enjoy looking at all of these beautiful treasures.

'â™¥ MY HEART IS AT PEACE AMONGST THE TREES â™¥' by Mymothersgarden

original oil painti... immaculatecraf... $75.00	Amber/Green Stonewa... uniquebuttons $6.00	A Tree Grows - Prin... graysparrow $18.00
8 x 12 prints 3-pac... dkjart $54.00	Zaftig Goddess Pend... ZaftigDelights $45.00	Misty Tree Nuno Fel... rebornasart $75.00
Axis Mundi - Art P... EtherealArt $14.95	Deep roots.. great ... leapinggazelle $23.00	Autumn Oak Mixed Me... ALDDesigns $12.00
Mountain Lake Scene... bythewayside $30.00	Pillow of Petals 8X... fosterbk $28.00	8 x 10 Giclee PRINT... ljbe $18.00
Birch Trees Appliqu... YellowBugBouti... $35.00	Birds Nest Shoe Scu... Mudgoddess $185.00	Planting Hope Tree ... AngelEllie $16.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Artists In The Garden XIIII: Nicola Barsaleau of Blue Cicada

2010-05-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today's interview will be with Nicola Barsaleau of Blue Cicada and Nicolasartroom.

What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I create linocuts. These are carved blocks, rolled with ink and then printed by hand. I first came in contact with this art form in South Africa, where I grew up. Linocuts are a perfect medium for a strong social message. And the bold imagery of a linocut goes well with activism. When I lived in London, I learnt to make my own and I’ve been making them ever since.

Everyday Is A Journey

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration is a sense we are all connected spiritually. We all have an inner life and we all have inner strength in goodness. Sometimes this strength appears covered, like when we go through a period of depression. Yet I believe we are capable of amazing things when we align with our true nature.

Dragonfly Original LinocutCard

How does your garden or nature influence your art?

Nature inspires me with a sense of mystery, a sense that there is something far greater (and smaller!) than I can possibly perceive. After spending time outdoors, I always come away with the seed of wholeness, which, in turn, inspires me to make art. My experience is that making art is very much a process of wholeness and flow.

Will you share a picture of your garden with us?
Of course! Here is a picture of our vegetable garden. In Florida, everything grows very quickly during growing season!

Will you share a few pictures of your favorite plants?

Yes, bamboo! It is hard to stop my heart soaring when I step back and view these strong, beautiful plants. Of course, their strength is not only in their rods—if you ever plant runner bamboo, be sure to dig a lined trench a few feet deep to create an underground barrier!
Others featured here include the fig and the eucalyptus tree.

Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

Yes--the herb garden and the bamboo garden at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, FL.

Also, I have strong recent memories of Fort Matanzas State Park in St. Augustine, Fl. A few months ago, a couple of great horned owls nested in the tree directly behind the visitors’ center. So we got to watch the baby owl grow up and move from tree to tree before it flew off! The picture here shows the mother owl trying to rest while sitting on her egg.

What is the best lesson you have learnt from the garden or nature?

Nature teaches me listen. When I am fortunate enough to carry this through to my daily life, I listen before I act.

Show us your favorite item in your Blue Cicada Etsy shop.

Acorn And Oak Original Linocut

Share a favorite garden or nature related item from a fellow Etsy shop.

The Tide Always Changes - Journeys And Dreams

Nicola, I thank you for sharing the joy and inspiration found in your art, nature and gardening. I am proud to share with everyone that one of Nicola's beautiful linocuts was recently given to me as a gift by my dearest childhood friend. I have it placed on the wall in my ceramic studio and get to look at it everyday. It is even more special to me now that I know a little bit about Nicola, the artist who created it.

Alchemy is in the Garden!

2010-02-22T10:56:00.001-08:00

Alchemy, the traveling meerkat, arrived from the home of Niftyknits of Somuchyarnsolittletime in Tenterden, England early this week. Alchemy begins her world tour here in Coconut Creek, Fl. at My Mother's Garden. I was surprised and delighted to see her little head poking out of one of the birdhouses hanging in the garden. We spent part of the first day in the garden looking at all of the blooming flowers. Her favorite blooms seem to be the nasturtium. Of course...I believe this is because they are edible and delicious and she just couldn't get enough of them! You should try them someday. They look lovely on a bed of mixed greens and add a little zip to the flavor of your salad. I've promised to give her some seeds to take to her next world tour stop at Pamela's, the basket and fiber weaver at Bazketmakr in North Carolina. Pamela has an amazing variety of azaleas growing in her garden.

Check out this recipe on Youtube for Nasturtium salad.

Alchemy decided to spend her second night lounging about in one of the toad abodes that just happens to be situated right in the middle of a nasturtium patch. Hmm...I wonder if she had an ulterior motive for wanting to sleep in that area of the garden. Do you think it was the yummy nasturtiums?

On day three she accompanied me to the GardenFest, a festival celebrating everything garden related, where she spent the day greeting customers while perched inside the assorted birdhouses, mushrooms and bird feeders for sale in my booth. To our surprise, one of my customers had heard about the traveling meerkats from a friend and was just tickled to see one in person.

These are a few of the garden related sights at the GardenFest festival.

A dazzling array of bromeliads.

Lovely orchids.

And more tropical plant varieties.

Our last day together was spent relaxing around the house with a little time set aside for her to get to know our dog Cici. If I can so say myself, they looked so cute hanging out together. I had to continually convince Cici that this little meerkat was not a new chew toy for her to chomp on. In the end they made for perfect friends.

The final picture is of little Alchemy with her nasturtium seeds and Honey Bee in the Garden trinket dish for the final giveaway. If you're interested in seeing where the other meerkats have traveled to, go check out the Niftyknits Meerkat World Tour page here.

My Mother's Garden online shop has a variety of newly created birdhouses and toad abodes for spring. Stop by and visit if you'd like!

Mymothersgarden.etsy.com

Happy gardening to all!

~Karrita

The Joy of Gardening

2010-02-07T12:48:00.001-08:00

No matter how big or small your garden is,

if you allow nature to touch your spirit,

gardening will bring returns of peace,

satisfaction,

and well-being for as long as you continue

to wander the garden path.
~ Norman H. Hansen

Happy gardening to all! ~Karrita

Come Visit Us at the Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts

2010-01-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

My Mother's Garden will be at the Deerfield Beach Festival of the Arts this weekend Jan.30-31.
Please stop by and visit. I'd love to meet my fellow bloggers!

Hope to see you there, Karrita

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T13:05:00.001-08:00

In your thoughts may there be Peace...
in your heart, Joy...
and all around you, the Love that is Christmas.

Yay! My Mother's Garden is Featured in The Handmade Gift Guide Today!

2009-12-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up to the gift of finding my work featured in The Handmade Gift Guide, a wonderful site that highlights the work of many artists from around the world.
The Handmade Gift Guide is THE place to go online to find gifts for every occasion. A mix of featured artist's shops, and places to buy and sell handmade gifts.
http://thehandmadegiftguide.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/thehandmadegiftguide

Twitter http://twitter.com/hndmdegiftguide

Wishing you all a wonderful and magical holiday season!
~Karrita

Twelve Days of Christmas in a Florida Garden - Day 10

2009-12-11T09:07:00.001-08:00

Meems over at Hoe and Shovel has been doing a wonderful series for the last ten days on Florida gardening called "Twelve Days of Christmas in a Florida Garden". I thought I would join in on the festivities for day 10 and show the Angels Trumpet and Jamaican Croton blooming in my garden right now. I love the contrast of these two plants together. I look out of my dining room window to see these beauties and they bring a smile to my face and comfort to my heart. If you get a chance, follow the link to Meems blog and check out her amazing garden.
Happy Holidays to all!

Artists In The Garden XIII: Judy Beck Lobos of The Adventures of a Gardening Artist

2009-12-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

Today's interview will be with Judy Beck Lobos of Judybec.
"The Adventures of a Gardening Artist - my oobos" at http://oobos.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

My art centers around my garden and nature in general.
I started painting with watercolor because I love to sketch and watercolor is a non-toxic way for me to quickly add color to my drawings. I've become a fan of sumi-e painting -- the Asian brush stroke that captures a moment in time appeals to me.

"Birds and Bamboo" 11"x15" watercolor on paper
copyright 2009 by Judy Beck Lobos

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

I love watching the birds. I took this photo through my kitchen window this summer. It's a great spot to take pictures because the birds don't even know I'm there. I've put up a feeder this fall so I can watch them all year long. I thrive on watching things grow and change.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

The changing of the seasons are a huge influence on my art. I tend to notice the passage of time more poignantly during the autumn. I like this quote by Andrew Wyeth about winter:

"Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show. "

In winter, the idea that we don't see everything is appealing. Although, personally I am much more a fan of springtime!

4. Will you share a picture of your garden with us?

Sure! My garden is on a south facing hill. I used to get loads of sun but, the pine tree at the bottom of the hill is getting larger - It's been shading more and more of my garden every year. Everything changes doesn't it --
These photos were taken in early summer from our 2nd floor deck.

5. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite plant?

It's so difficult to pick just one special plant but, my Golden Willow tree (pictured below) -- the one I cut back every spring, is definitely a favorite.

I use these branches, along with my Concord Grapevine and Red Twig Dogwood to weave the twig ball sculptures I display in my garden. The cutting of the branches is called "Pollarding" and it allows this wonderful golden color in the new growth each year.

6. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?

Here is "Tumblewood" , one of my twig sculptures. I make them in all sizes from 1" to this large one measuring 36" across. I'm thrilled to find a use for my trimmings and I'm thinking of experimenting with other shapes in the spring.

"Tumblewood" in the Summer

"Tumblewood" in the Winter

7. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

Longwood Gardens, near Philadelphia, is a favorite of mine! They have a wonderful gift shop too.

http://www.longwoodgardens.org/

8. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

The lesson I've learned from my garden is that there is a place for everything and I enjoy trying to find the best place for each plant to thrive. I've expanded my garden by taking castoff plants from neighbors. One of my neighbors admired a bush that I recently moved to the end of our driveway. I loved telling her that she had been planning to throw that bush away several years ago! All I did was trim it up and give it room to grow.

9. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

Compost everything you can! I've always had a compost pile for garden waste but I've recently begun composting all the organic waste from our kitchen - coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit and veggie waste, even cardboard. It's amazing to see all the earthworms living in the pile everytime I turn the soil.

10. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

I've put a container of lettuce on our south facing deck this fall -- it's almost December and I've got a delicious, crisp salad right outside my door.

11. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

I recently opened an etsy shop for my Asian brush bird paintings. Here's one of my favorites:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35133409

12. Show a favorite garden or nature related item from another etsy shop.

I really love this beautiful bird's nest necklace from Aunt Batty's Closet!

Nest of hope pendant with fresh water pearl eggs:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34819180

Judy, Thank you for sharing your art, inspiration and garden with us today!

How Many Hibiscus Can A Girl Have?

2009-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in my garden the other day and noticed that I have probably gone a little overboard on the hibiscus plants in my garden. I decided a few years ago that I just loved having them in the garden because they seem to bloom year round down here in Florida. Hibiscus are the perfect flower to go with my favorite quote by R.W.Emerson, "The earth laughs in flowers". What flower do you have the most of in your garden? I'd love to hear what your most favorite and abundant bloomer is. Happy gardening!

Fall Flowers In My Florida Garden

2009-10-25T17:13:00.001-07:00

Cassia Tree

Brazilian Plume- Jacobinia

Orchid- unknown variety to me

Helianthus

Kalanchoe

Angelonia

Mallow??? Tropical Hollyhock

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

I'm So Grateful and Thrilled to be Nominated for the "Best Garden Art" Award on Blotanical!

2009-09-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled and grateful to have been nominated to be in the best garden art category on the Blotanical network. Blotanical is this fabulous network of garden bloggers from all over the world. I am sincerly thankful to all who chose My Mother's Garden for this award! I really am honored to be in the company of these other fantastic garden blogs:

An Artists Garden
Bay Area Trendils
In The Garden
Inside Red Studio

Happy gardening!!
~Karrita

Come Visit My Mother's Garden At The Fall Arts And Craft Show This Weekend In Pembroke Pines, FL.

2009-09-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, September 26, 2009 ~ 9:00am till 5:00pm
Sunday, September 27, 2009 ~ 10:00am till 4:00pm
Where art lovers can browse and purchase fine and unique works
of art in over 53,000 square feet of air-conditioned comfort at:
SOUTHWEST FOCAL POINT SENIOR CENTER
301 N.W. 103rd Avenue
Located off Johnson Street one block west of Palm Avenue
Featuring an “Empty Bowls Pottery Sale” by students from the evening
Pottery Studio program to benefit the senior center.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T07:12:00.001-07:00

Fall Firebush Impression

2009-09-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

This little dish was made from the firebush flower (Hamelia patens) growing in my garden that had gone to seed. The amber glaze reminds me of fall.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-09T11:25:00.001-07:00

Look Who Came To Visit

2009-09-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

This beautiful juvenile Sharp-shinned hawk flew inside our screened patio recently.

Look at the beautiful pattern in the feathers.

After flying around the patio for twenty minutes, my husband put a towel on the hawk and was able to release it back into the wild. Thank goodness!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Blooming Desert Rose

2009-08-30T11:21:00.001-07:00

We have a winner!

2009-08-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

I wish to thank all of you who participated in the first giveaway here at My Mother's Garden! Thanks for taking the time to share with me your favorite items, follow the blog and help to spread the word about this giveaway! I just used the random number generator at random.org to determine the winning number of 31. The 31st post was made by Aquarian Bath.
Congratulations to Cory at Aquarian Bath.blogspot.com!

Stay tuned for the next giveaway!
Happy gardening~
Karrita

Handcrafted Toad Abode Giveaway

2009-08-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Garden is giving away a handcrafted garden toad abode.

How do you enter to win this toad abode?

1. For one entry: Visit My Mother's Garden Etsy shop and leave a comment here about your favorite item in the shop.

Here are some other ways you can have extra entries for this giveaway:

2. For a second entry: Become a follower of My Mother's Garden Blog. (Follow button is in the right column.) If you are already a follower - just let me know in a comment - it counts!

3. For a third entry: Follow Mymothersgarden on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Let us know about it in a comment with your Twitter account name and a link to the tweet.

4. For a fourth entry: Blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave a link to your blog post in the comments section here.

5. For a fifth entry: Grab our My Mother's Garden Blog Button (button picture and code is listed in the right side column of my blog.) and add it to your blog. Leave us a comment with the link to your blog where the button or widget is displayed.

And there you go! 5 chances to win this wonderful toad abode.

I'll be back here next Tuesday, August 18th to blog about the winner!

Spread the word!!

The giveaway starts today, Sunday, August 9th, and will end at Midnight Eastern time on Monday, August 17th. I will use a randomizer (random.org) to pick the winner. You can have multiple enteries, but be sure to make each of your entries in a *separate* comment here on the blog. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, August 18th. Be sure that you put your email address or blog address in each of your separate entries, otherwise I won't be able to contact you if you win!!

For shipping purposes this giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only, 18 years of age.

Thanks and good luck!!
~Karrita

This is one of my newly created toad abode houses for the garden, this one has a frog perched atop a beautiful leaf, created from the glory bower (clerodendrum splendens) plant, adorning its roof. Toad abode houses are both functional and decorative. They will add color, whimsy and visual texture to your garden in addition to providing a home to frogs and toads.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that a single adult toad can eat 10,000 insect pests over the course of an average summer. You can welcome them to your yard not with a kiss, but with a castle: a so-called toad abode. Toads are most active at night, so during the day they need a fairly dark, cool place to hide from the sun and predators. Encourage these garden friendly creatures to have a nice long stay in your garden by providing these adorable toad houses. Place many toad houses in the moist shady areas of your garden.

8" wide X 3 1/2" tall and glazed in a lovely multi-toned green and brown color. This leaf topped toad abode is very natural looking and would blend right into the garden.

Please bring me inside during freezing temperatures.

Signed Karrita ~ My Mother's Garden and stamped with my signature happy heart.

See the rest of the collection: http://mymothersgarden.etsy.com

Artists In The Garden XII: Beth of UberArt

2009-08-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today's interview will be with Beth of UberArt.

http://uberart.etsy.com/

http://uberartshop.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I'm a self-taught book artist and have been making books since around 2003. I have an undergraduate degree in studio art and a masters in Art Therapy. I've studied everything from paper arts to jewelry design, collage andpottery.http://uberart.etsy.com/

2. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

I love floral designs and name many of my books after flowers or gardenthemes, such as

"Enchanting Peony Journal"and "Tea Rose Journal"

3. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

My current garden at my new house is too young to have any decent pictures just yet. I've got a bit of rearranging to do this fall--things are doing well here and not there, and filling in bare spots.

4. Will you share a few pictures of your favorite plants?

Blue Hydrangea

Gardenia

Echinacea- complete with bee!

5. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I enjoy the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/
If Ilived closer I would visit there all the time! They have programs all yearround, a beautiful butterfly garden, and a fabulous light show at Christmas.

6. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

I cannot control nature! It's best just to go with it and let it do it'sthing, just like art. If you try to control it too much, you take all thejoy and fun out of it.

7. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

I recently was commissioned to make a backstage guest book for Grammywinning rock band, The Fray, for their summer tour. Here is my blog articlewith pictures of the finished book-http://uberartshop.blogspot.com/2009/06/backstage-guest-book.html

8. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

Blossoms and Birds Journal

9. Share a favorite garden or nature related item from another etsy shop. TraceyGurley original art painting Cream Peonies.

Beth, thank you for sharing your creative self with us today!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T08:54:00.001-07:00

"Christmas in July" Craft Show Dates and New Colorful Bird Feeders and Toad Abodes

2009-07-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

I just unloaded this colorful new style of bird feeders and toad abodes from the kiln today. My first craft show of the summer will be the "Christmas in July" event next week July, 25 and 26 at the Fort Lauderdale, War Memorial Auditorium. Stop by and visit us! If you mention my blog you'll get a 10% discount on your order. Stop by the shop Mymothersgarden.etsy.com and use code "My Mother's Garden Blog" in the message to seller at check out for a 10% refund on your entire online order thru July 23 .

Artists In The Garden XI: Sandy of PunkyJane

2009-07-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today's interview will be with Sandy of PunkyJane.

http://www.punkyjane.com/

http://www.punkyjane.etsy.com/

http://punkyjane.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I create hand stamped and personalized jewelry and accessories. I was in search of a necklace for myself with my daughters' names on it after seeing a friend wearing one. I was never able to decide what to order... and decided to start making them myself. I have such a love of typography...I've been a graphic designer for over 20 years. This was a perfect way to use one of my passions in a new and different way.

Click on photo for more info.

2. What is your inspiration?

Making people smile. One of the best things about creating this jewelry is doing custom orders and working with my customers to create their vision to honor, celebrate, remember... creating something meaningful to them. And hearing back how much they love it gives me such a boost!

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

My garden helps keep me calm and helps me remember that beauty doesn't mean perfection. I tend to be a very literal and symmetric type. I think it helps be loosen up!

4. Will you share a few pictures of your garden with us?

5. Will you share a picture of your favorite plant?

No question that lavender is my favorite. Any variety.

6. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?

Click on photo for more info.

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?
Patience. There is nothing instant about a beautiful garden. You work hard, wait, and enjoy all the little phases. And embrace what is presented to you. Don't force it. What will thrive in your garden might not work for someone else. I believe that's true in life as well.

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?
I like the idea of having meaningful plants in my garden. Might be a favorite from my childhood, or something my grandma grew. I want to ‘feel' my garden and have it be a place filled with memories.

9. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?
I am currently working on personalized garden markers. Customers can order these markers handstamped with special sayings, names, plant names...just about anything.
Garden markers: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27504439

10. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

I wear my Just Breathe ring everyday as a constant reminder to slow down and breath. Sometimes that's hard to do balancing family (I have two young girls) and work. I catch a glimpse of my ring and exhale.

Click on photo for more info.

11. Please share a favorite garden or nature related item from another Etsy shop.

I recently found http://www.herbanlifestyle.etsy.com/. While everything in this shop looks wonderful, the Lavender Chamomile Facial Masque makes me relax just looking at it! I hope to order some soon!

Click on photo for more info.

Sandy, thank you for sharing your garden and inspiration with us today!

2009-07-07T07:20:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Crocheted Large Shawl in multiple colors by Jenco13.

I recently found this lovely shawl on Etsy and was so touched by the inspiration of Jen of Jenco13 creations that I wanted to share it.

Quoted fromJen's Jenco13 profile page.

"Most of the money I earn through my crocheting goes into making care packages for the troops overseas. I currently have several friends there that I will send a package to and they share with their fellow soldiers."

"I also volunteer to make handmade scarves and blankets for a local charity that provides them to cancer patients and other’s who are in need."

Goddess of Gratitude

2009-07-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

This is one of my recent garden goddesses.

I call her the goddess of gratitude, if you look closely you'll see that her crown has the word GRATITUDE and entwined throughout her garden are many things to be grateful for.

How many words do you see?

What words would you add to your garden of gratitude?

I included seven things to be grateful for in my garden: love, life, family, friends, health, joy and today.

Artists In The Garden X: Rebecca of KneeDeepOriginals

2009-06-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today's interview will be with painter, Rebecca, of KneeDeepOriginals.

www.kneedeepstudio.com

http://kneedeeporiginals.etsy.com

www.myspace.com/theramshacklesnc

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

Foremost I am an oil painter, but I also make hand-beaded gemstone and glass jewelry, which sells better for me than the paintings. I think people on-line and at most of the shows I do have a hard time buying fine art like paintings because, I suppose, they are rather expensive, and you really have to be in the market for a painting, or to be so drawn to it that you are willing to open the pocketbook or wallet.

I have tried my hand at several types of media… stained glass, fused glass (again… the color!), and metal sculpture, but discovering the creamy feel of oil paints on a canvas was a joy! Painting is very meditative, and it often helps me release tension or stress because I become so focused on what is taking place in front of me. Making jewelry is a change of pace from painting, and it’s relaxing to work with stones and crystals, and such smaller projects that can be completed in a shorter time than a painting.

Click on photos for more information

I am also a musician and singer/songwriter, which is really just another art form, though the act of performing music is definitely not as solitary as painting or writing a song. Just a little more stress there!

2. What is your inspiration?

(Photo of Sauratown Mountains at Hanging Rock State Park, seen from the ridge behind my house where I walk my dogs.)

Ever since I was a child, I have loved playing with color. I love all those paint chips at the hardware and home stores! I notice color in people’s clothing, in the landscapes of each season, in the vegetable section of grocery stores… That love of color is evident in my work, whether it’s an oil painting or a necklace, but it is definitely the focus of most of my paintings.

Another thing that inspires me is the lines of things I see, such as a snake stretched across a rock in the sun, or the curve of a limb on a tree, or even a crack in a windshield… how it spreads itself out into a bunch of crystalline intersections.

Above all, though, is the natural world… wildflowers in the woods, lizards bathing in the sunshine, cloud-shadows on a mountain, shady spots in the garden, rust-colored leaves on a gravel road, animals, cows at ease in a pasture, a mother goat with her newborn. Most of my jewelry pieces are titled after some element of nature, and my paintings mostly try to express, whether realistically or abstractly, the beauty and joy of the organic world and the wonderful creatures around us.

3.How does your garden or nature influence your art?

There are times when my garden explodes with color, and at other times, it’s not quite so pretty, to say the least. That all depends on how much artwork I am creating at the time! Some of my paintings try to create at least the fullness and craziness of the color in the garden. But sometimes it’s just the quiet act of working in the soil or picking a gazillion bush beans as the sun is getting low in the sky that causes me to reflect on things and can bring a new image into my eye, or new words to a song that has been forming.

4. Will you share a few pictures of your garden with us?

Sunflowers and tomatoes (July), daffodils and pansies (February), day lilies (June and July), dianthus (May and June), snow peas (late April and May), Muscadine grapes (August), yellow daisies with spider (mid-June and July), red daisy (July), pear tree blossoms and butterfly (March)

5. Will you share a picture of your favorite plant?

This lily blooms in my garden in October.

6. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?

Fused glass wrapped with sterling silver wire and adorned with crystals and glass beads. Available in my shop,

KneeDeepOriginals.Etsy.com

8. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

Hmmm… there are many! There are the lessons of patience, of learning when is the right time for things, of letting things rest. There’s also the lesson of being a part of the day, of using the natural working of the sun and the weather to influence what we do. As an artist, I can’t paint when the weather is stormy and dark because I need the natural light to get my colors right. So when the weather is like that, it’s best for me to read or work on music or a song. As a gardener, I don’t go out in the heat of the day, but work around the schedule of the sun, so that I rest or enjoy a quiet time during those few hot hours. But I think for me, the best lesson is learning to just be out there in the dirt and among the plants, whether it’s working the soil, transplanting, or picking… it’s quiet, it’s a chance to hear birdsong and crickets singing, a chance to notice cloud formations or worms at work. One of my favorite times of the year is when the blueberries are ripe, and I can enjoy picking them with my dog who takes great pleasure in enjoying them right off the bush. It’s such a relaxing time, either early in the morning or as the evening is coming on, to spend an hour doing something so simple as this.

9. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

We do organic gardening, relying on horse manure and compost to help our vegetables and flowers grow, and I highly recommend that… although I’m sure most people already know that.

10. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

The latest thing that I’m working on is a new studio building. I just finished putting in the flooring and the baseboard with the help and direction of my dad yesterday. Everything my husband and I build on our six acres is built by us, and this studio is no exception. Of course that means that it takes longer too. I am hoping to have the studio furnished and ready to move into by mid-August. I’ve been waiting a LONG time for that space!

11. Show us your favorite item in your Etsy shop.

Click on photos for more information.

12. Show a favorite item from another Etsy shop.

Ooooohhh… so very many, but here’s one I love and this is a relatively new Etsy member. This piece appeals to my sense of color and to my belief in humane treatment for all critters.

The Lucky Ones

Tracy Teeter's Etsy shop.

Rebecca, I thank you for sharing your inspiration with us today and hope you will have much fun and creativity in your new studio!

Faces In The Garden

2009-06-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

I love accenting my garden with beautiful faces in unexpected places. I like to think of them as little garden spirits who add a bit of mystery to my flower garden. I always have to stop and smile when I see one of these faces peeking out at me through the flowers. The one above was one of my first raku fired pieces, she's a personal favorite of mine.

This one was supposed to be the centerpiece to a water fountain. A neighbor had it placed on the curb for the garbage man. "One man's junk is another man's treasure." I was very excited to bring this piece home to the garden.

This one is a new planter filled with Christmas cactus. I can't wait to see blooms spilling out from her crown.

This is a piece I made into a planter and then filled up with dendrobium orchid plants. Looking forward to her blooms too.

This one has a bromeliad growing in her crown that looks spectacular when in bloom.

Does anyone else like to include faces in their garden decor?

New Toad Abodes Fresh From The Kiln

2009-06-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

This one has a big blue toad on its roof.

This one has two butterflies amongst the garden vines on its roof.

This one has a big glory bower leaf on its roof.

This one has a branch of the firebush plant on its roof.

I really am having fun making these new toad abode styles. Next week the the turtle, dragonfly and new frog tops should be ready for me start working with. I can't wait!

YART Sale -10% Discount On All Items in My Mother's Garden Etsy Shop

2009-06-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

**SALE** I am participating in the Second Annual Yart Sale Sponsored by Team ESST ~ Wednesday, June 10 - Sunday, June 14. I will be offering a 10% discount off of all items in my shop. A refund will be issued via Paypal or contact me before payment at Etsy check out and I'll send you an updated invoice reflecting the 10% discount. This is just a sampling of what's available, please come visit the shop to see the whole collection. ENJOY! Thank you for visiting!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Mymothersgarden

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-01T09:42:00.001-07:00

To my surprise I was given this lovely blog award twice in one day by KayzKreations and Zaftigdelights. Thank you! As part of the award I'm supposed to share this award with 15 other bloggers that I truly enjoy reading and love the looks of their blog or their helpfulness. So here goes. I hope you check out my random list and enjoy their blogs as much as I do:

http://cackleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://borovictorygarden.blogspot.com/

http://maggiesssweetscarlett.blogspot.com/ Sweet Scarlett

http://momingarden.blogspot.com/ BG Garden

http://tootsietime.blogspot.com/

http://heartfulart.blogspot.com/

http://susanhillson.blogspot.com/ All the latest dirt

http://studiocherie.blogspot.com/

http://rosehavencottage.blogspot.com/

http://northmobilegardensociety.blogspot.com/ Trials and Tribulations of a
Southern Gardener

http://teresasprimtreasures.blogspot.com/

http://benthamshouse.blogspot.com/ My Rustic Bajan Garden

http://familyandflowers.blogspot.com/

http://lauratrevey.blogspot.com/

http://stonewarepottery.blogspot.com/ Pat Parker's Stoneware Pottery

If you'd like to pass the award on to a favorite new blogger, these are the suggested rules.

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Happy day to all! ~ Karrita

What's Blooming today?

2009-05-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is a delightfully scented begonia that is growing and blooming in the garden right now.

This is the Giant Apostle's Iris. Quite a beauty! The blossoms emerge out of the side of the leaf, from the same spot, continually throughout its blooming season.

I just love the leaf shape and texture of this mallow plant. I'm not exactly sure of the botanical name, but know one common name to be Tropical Hollyhock.

This is a prolific bloomer in my garden called the Glory Bower, it's in the Clerodendrum family.

This is the Angel Wing Begonia.

The color and texture of these Persian Shield leaves are a delight to touch and see.

This is a Bougainvillea that I planted a little bit too close to a large tree in my yard. The tree has turned into the trellis for this sprawling vine.

Brazilian Pink Flame, jacobinia carnea

A Few Pictures From the Albin Polasek Sculpture Garden and Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida

2009-05-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

I just spent a delightful few days touring the beautiful gardens and museums of Orlando, Fl. with my dearest friend.
I think the Polasek sculpture garden was my favorite of all that we visited. Look at these beautiful sights from the gardens.

Vesna represents the Slavonic god of spring. 1934

Front gardens

Always gracious Lada, mother of the Sun, is revered for her beauty and kindness. 1933

Bronze Pan, son of the god Hermes. 1920

Water lily

Eternal moment 1909, 1954

Then we visited the Harry P. Leu Gardens. I was thrilled to see the botanical watercolor exhibit of Val Littlewood. I recently posted an "Artists in the Garden"interview about Val's art. The butterfly garden was my favorite! It reminded me of the perfect cottage garden. Someday my garden will look like a perfect cottage garden too!

Heartful Art by Raphaella Vaisseau

2009-05-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

My Mother's Garden

"Tulips for me are a symbol of hope and strength. I grew up in Minnesota and even before the final thaw, tulips were poking their little flower heads up through the frozen ground in preparation for Spring. Their blooms stand tall on a single stem with leaves like arms outstretched as if saying to the world - here I am!" - Raphaella Vaisseau

I just love the title of this piece! This print of "My Mother's Garden" can be found on Etsy in Raphaella's Heartfulart shop.

Today's Blooms

2009-05-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ipomea, perennial morning glory

Hibiscus

Petrea, queens wreath vine

Gloriosa lily

California poppy

Penstemon

Ruelia, Mexican petunia

Orchid

Bright, Bold, and Beautiful! Watercolor Paintings by Laura L. Trevey

2009-04-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

Bright, Bold and Beautiful!
Introducing watercolor artist Laura L. Trevey.

www.lauratrevey.blogspot.com

www.brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com

2. What is your inspiration? All Bright, Bold, and Beautiful things I see.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art? I look out the window in my backyard, and try to express the beauty I see onto the paper!

4. Will you share a picture of your garden with us?

Please click on any of the paintings if you'd like more information or visit Laura's Etsy shop at www.lauratrevey.etsy.com

Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and garden with us Laura!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Garden Goddess

2009-04-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

A Few Pieces From My Etsy Shop Garden Collection

2009-04-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
Mymothersgarden.etsy.com

I've been rephotographing all of the items in my Etsy shop these last few days. I'm trying to spice up my shop and give everything a little bit of a garden feeling for the background. I've also been toying with the idea of doing a contest and free give away here on the blog. I'm still in the process of coming up with how I will do the contest and how I will tie it into my etsy shop and gardening at the same time. Maybe I'll do a combo of a garden flower dish and the seeds of the plant that were used to make the dish, as the first contest prize. I have a new dish that I'm really pleased with that was created from the Milkweed (asclepias curassavica), that I have growing in my garden. The milkweed plant is a wonderful addition and asset to any garden, as it provides the larval food source for the Monarch butterfly.

I'd love to hear any thoughts from my fellow gardeners on contest or give away ideas.
Wishing everyone a happy weekend~ Karrita

Artists In The Garden IX: Val Littlewood of Pencil and Leaf, observations and inspirations from nature.

2009-03-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Artists in the Garden interview series. Today's interview will be with botanical painter, Val Littlewood at Pencil and Leaf.
http://www.pencilandleaf.blogspot.com/

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I’m an artist, relocated with my partner just over a year ago, from Europe to Florida. Without a work permit, and unwilling to spend all my time in the Magic Kingdom I decided to take a distance learning course in Botanical Painting to keep me out of trouble. Looking round for some suitable models I found Harry P Leu Gardens, http://www.leugardens.org/ a gorgeous 55 acres of Botanical Gardens here in Orlando and just a bike ride away from where we live. So for over a year now I have kept a blog at http://www.pencilandleaf.blogspot.com/ which has recorded the fascinating plants I have found there. I sketch, draw and paint, mostly watercolour, and then write about the histories, botany and uses of the many varied species.

Pima Cotton, bol, flower and leaf.

Pima cotton posts link http://pencilandleaf.blogspot.com/search/label/pima%20cotton

2. What is your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from natural forms their ingenious design and endless variety. Not so much just flowers but the seedpods, the roots and shoots and particularly the leaves, the backroom boys who do all the work.

Bauhinia pod

Farfugium leaf

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

Leu Gardens has become my second home, I visit 2 or three times most weeks. There is a wonderful mixture of plants and trees, most of them new to me, so this past year has been a real voyage of discovery. My encounter with the plants there is entirely random and every time I go I find something new. I draw and research what I find and can get lost in wonderful stories of medicine, good and bad, discovery and adventure. The histories of plants have so much to tell us. For instance, the wonderful native Yaupon Holly and the Black Tea drink.

Yaupon Holly posts link, http://pencilandleaf.blogspot.com/search/label/yaupon%20holly

4. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

There are so many views to choose from, from formal Rose Garden, to Rainforest Jungle, from Vegetable Plot to Butterfly Garden. But a quiet walk in woods with the towering oaks is wonderful. I sometimes make quick sketches, this is the pavilion in the South Woods.

5. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite plant?

I have just revisited a few earlier discoveries and went back to look at the fascinating Bixa Orellana, the lipstick tree, which gives us the coloured dye annatto. These are the drawings.

Bixa pods

Bixa leaf and flower.

Bixa posts link. http://pencilandleaf.blogspot.com/search/label/bixa

6. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I only have experience of Harry Leu Gardens here in the USA, but of course Kew in the UK is wonderful too. I do hope to get to the Fairchild Garden in Miami very soon.
7. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?
One of my favourite trees is the Soapberry tree. I have written about it and drawn it many times now. Back in October I set up my drawing board and sketched it in situ, recording how the light changed over a few hours.

Link to Soapberry posts . http://pencilandleaf.blogspot.com/search/label/soapberry

8. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

A walk in the Gardens with time to really observe the beauty and ingenuity of nature, clears my mind, lessens my worries and makes me see our human lives in perspective. We are small and insignificant in comparison to the great and ancient continuity of “life” and a walk amongst the great Live Oaks and Pines is a humbling experience. And, to dispel any danger of becoming too introspective, the antics of the squirrels, lizards and woodpeckers are endlessly amusing. We do all have time to look, sometimes it’s just making the effort, but taking that time brings rewards, many fold.

9. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

My garden guru here at Leu Gardens is Pedro one of the gardeners. He is from the Philippines and has a real affinity with nature. He loves natural ways of growing and caring for things and sometimes his philosophy is to let nature take its course. He sows seeds by just throwing them in the air and allowing nature to dictate their positioning. He is very successful.

10. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

I am currently preparing for an exhibition about the blog at the Leu Gardens, which will be a small selection of the now over 400 drawings and paintings I have made in the last Year. Alongside the images will be the relevant blog posts, which will make it a little different from the usual exhibitions. The exhibition will run from April to June. I hope people will enjoy seeing and reading about some of the fascinating plants in the Gardens and discover some of the details and stories that would otherwise have passed them by!

Magnolia Burrs

Val, I thank you for sharing your observations, inspirations and botanical paintings with us today! I hope to see your exhibit on my next trip to Orlando, Fl. May you have much success at the Leu Gardens exhibition!

Thanks for visiting! Please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" interview.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Spring Birdhouses

2009-03-24T11:02:00.001-07:00

I've been making a lot of new ceramic pieces for both the garden and home lately and thought I'd share these new birdhouses today. I have them listed in My Mother's Garden Etsy shop. They are approximately 5" round and look like little hanging ornaments when placed in the garden. I have three of them hanging at different levels from my yellow tecoma stans tree. I think they add lots of decorative whimsy to my garden. Someday I hope to find them filled with nesting birds. Happy spring everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-18T12:47:00.001-07:00

Happiness In The Garden

2009-03-12T12:19:00.001-07:00

Happiness to me is seeing a garden teeming with many blossoms and much color. This is the time of year for my garden to come ablaze in an eclectic show of color.

These purple blooms are Queen's Wreath (petrea volubilis). This is as close as we get to Wisteria blooms down here in zone 10 Florida. I must say that every time she blooms, I feel a little bit of joy inside myself.

This is a picture of one side of the garden (the happy side) , here you can see what I mean when I say "eclectic". I used to compare my garden to those I saw in magazines or the formal gardens that I have visited and inevitably I'd end up feeling like a terrible gardener. I have finally come to accept that my gardening style is eclectic, wild and a little crazy. And I love it! I have given myself the freedom to enjoy it however it may look. I find myself continually in awe at the magic of nature. Having said that, I have promised myself that my next garden will be well thought out and planned. Until then...I'm at peace with my present crazy quilt of a garden.

A lizard lounging on the garden spheres.

The mystery plant, double petaled clarkia, in full bloom.

Looking up at the sky through the angel trumpet blossoms.

A happy day in the garden indeed!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Artists In The Garden VII: Strawberry Curls of Sol Y Sombra

2009-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 'Artists in the Garden' interview series. Today's interview will be with Strawberry Curls of Sol Y Sombra and Rivermoonblossom, a ceramic tile illustrator.

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

My main craft is painting on red clay bisque tiles. I do this by first drawing out the image with wax resist, then painting with glaze then firing in a kiln and at low fire temperatures to make the colors bright and vibrant rather than muted and earth tone like high fire temps. I also like to make beaded jewelry and collage and painting. I came to tiles 13 years ago, I took a tile making workshop in New Mexico and loved it. I've taken other pottery classes and tile classes, but I have mostly stuck with the first technique I learned which is distinctive to the southwest.

2. What is your inspiration?

I have many inspirations...mostly world myths and religions, especially goddess myths. I have a local show coming up in May that will be all about the magic that surrounds us everyday.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

Where would we be without nature? We are nature. Nature teaches me to be still, to listen, to realize that the relationship between chaos and stillness is a symbiotic one. It teaches me to accept things as they are, to not try to force a different outcome other than the one that is. One of my favorite meditations is to sit outside and to just listen. Watch my thoughts come into my mind and let them go...come back to listening. It is very powerful and centering. I try to bring this to my artwork and creative process...to just listen to what my heart wants to say and let my hand be the vehicle.

4. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

At the moment my garden is covered with several inches of snow and dried up thistle. In Spring I will plant veggies, mostly and some morning glories.

5. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite plant?

It's hard to have a favorite plant, since each one is special and necessary. I do love quaking aspen trees. All aspens typically grow in large clonal colonies derived from a single seedling, and spreading by means of root suckers; new stems in the colony may appear at up to 30–40 meters from the parent tree. Each individual tree can live for 40–150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived. In some cases, this is for thousands of years, sending up new trunks as the older trunks die off above ground. For this reason it is considered to be an indicator of ancient woodlands.

6. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I love Kubota Japanese Garden in South Seattle

http://www.kubota.org

It is unique because it's in the middle of this huge bustling metropolis and when you visit it's so quiet and peaceful, you feel like you are the only person around for miles. Often when I would go to Kubota, I was the only person there..which is so rare for a public city park.

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

Antoinette Brown Blackwell:

"Nature is just enough; but men and women must comprehend and accept her suggestions"

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

My gardening tip is to talk to your plants--hahaha---I love to think that they are listening to me even if it's just a little flower gossip that I am spreading.

9. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

I am working on some spirit collages that I hope to share in my Etsy shop soon.

10. Show us your favorite item in your Etsy shop Rivermoonblossom.

Right now I am loving the dark/bright contrast and of The Sirens Flight

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18730866

11. Show a favorite item from another Etsy shop.

Glow by This Years Girl

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15550175

I've always loved photography and collage and she invokes such beautiful moods with her digital collage. This one is so uplifting and joyful.

Strawberry, I thank you for sharing your creative spirit, inspiration and garden with us! The tiles you create bring magic and beauty to the world.

Thanks for visiting! Please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next 'Artists in the Garden' interview.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Mystery Plant Identification Needed

2009-02-20T13:36:00.001-08:00

Please help! I planted a random packet of wildflower seeds and found this mystery flower. Does anybody know the name of it? I think it's a beauty and will definitely save the seeds to plant next year.

It's around three feet tall and appears to be bushing out with more flower stalks emerging. The leaves are variegated with hints of pink.

Thanks for your help! I'm clueless on this one.

Wordless Wednesday (A Day Late)

2009-02-19T08:58:00.001-08:00

Artists In The Garden VI: Karen Hall of An Artist's Garden

2009-02-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the sixth of a series of interviews about artists who garden. Today's interview will be with Karen Hall of An Artist's Garden, a textile artist and fellow Blotanical member.

1. What is your art, how did you come to creating it?

I am a professional embroiderer and artist and I have been stitching for as long as I can remember. I work on a variety of medium, including:- felt, paper, silk and organza. Often “found objects” leaves, petals, wood or metal are incorporated into my work. Free machine embroidery and hand stitching are my paint brushes.

2. What is your inspiration?

I draw inspiration from journeys – although usually journeys of the soul, or life journeys. More recently my inspiration has come from journeys around my garden or the local area. Traveling and paths feature often in my textile work.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

I think that my garden has only really started influencing my art in the last couple of years – with the move to this house. I notice that my “goddesses” now seem to have flowers round them.
I have always enjoyed including animals in my textiles in a naive way.

4. Will you share a picture or two of your garden with us?

5. A picture of your favorite plant?

I don’t think that I have a favourite plant – this garden is very much work in progress. Since starting The Artist’s Garden, I think that the plant I am actually photographing is my favourite plant. Getting close up and personal with plants really helps me see them.

This is one of my favourite garden photos of a cosmos after some heavy rain.

6. Any photos of your art in the garden?

The textiles I create don’t really go in the garden, but this is “The Artist’s Garden-Studio” and more than enough art goes on in here for any garden!

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

Work with Nature -
I have gardened on sand and gravel,
I have gardened on clay,
Here I am gardening on stony wet soil. It really is important to try and pick plants that will be happy with the conditions in your garden.
From nature I learn about cycles, birth, life, death, re-birth. I think this is something else thing is prevalent in my art work.

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

I think that the best thing I have read this year is from Gail who gardens at Clay and Limestone in her post titled,
"I’m Looking at the Garden with Your Eyes."
"They are kinder, gentler than mine."

http://clayandlimestone.blogspot.com/2009/02/im-looking-at-garden-with-your-eyes.html

Compassionate Eyes is what I need to remember when I look at my garden.

9. Show us your favorite item in your Etsy shop.

Currently my Etsy shop is rather neglected – and does not have much in it. I think of the things that are there – I rather like the giclee print “Oasis” – my camel with attitude!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9148593

10. Show a favorite item from another Etsy shop.

There are so many fabulous artists now on ETSY – it is very hard to pick.
I really like the work of Seth Apter, a New York Artist.

Particularly this image, “Solstice Fifteen” his ETSY shop is
The Altered Page.

Karen, I thank you for sharing your creative inspiration and textile creations with us! I really enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about you, your garden and your art!

Thanks for visiting! Please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" interview.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

Gratitude To My Blogging Friends!

2009-02-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Three bloggers I am grateful to today!

1. I received this lovely gift of handmade soap and candles from Darla at Family and Flowers for being a part of the 'pay it forward' on her blog. Thank you Darla! The soaps are adorable and the candles smell so good. I've never made either of these crafts and am delighted that have you shared them with me!

2. I was pleasantly surprised and honored to find that I had been given an award from Jane Marie at Thyme-for-herbs. Thank you!

The Proximidade award:

"This blog invests and believes in the Proximity ~ nearness in space, time, and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

The above text was copied from Thyme-for-herbs blogspot.

3. One more thing to share...I was challenged by my friend Linda at Tradsgardsdraken to share the fourth photo in the fourth file on my computer. I was happy to find that it was a pleasant photo and not a crazy looking photo. This is the view from where we plan to build a home one day.

I give thanks to all the blogging friends that I have had the pleasure of interacting with!

Karrita

Artists In The Garden V: Barbara Koteles of Glorious Glass Garden

2009-02-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the fifth of a series of interviews about artists who garden. Today's interview will be with Barbara Koteles of Glorious Glass Garden, a glass artist.

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

My 24/7 job is teaching design and Art History, and my hobby/craft is fusing glass.

About 10 years ago, I began to hear about artists fusing glass using kilns. Our school had a kiln and scrap glass, so I experimented--unsuccessfully. Then I obtained a grant to go to Portland to a Hot Glass Horizons workshop, where I got it all figured out! Well, sort of...I've been fusing ever since, mostly experimental pieces.

2. What is your inspiration?

My inspiration is the unknown--I've fused a dollar bill between two pieces of glass, toothpaste, orange peel, pebbles, dried leaves, etc.--and tried all sorts of techniques to reshape glass, often heating it up to 5 times for the final result.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

One day I gazed upon my garden (one that had been planted by the previous owner) and realized that in an abstract way, the flowers and leaves were artistic elements, and the laws governing design could apply to them. The following Spring, I began researching the bloom time of certain flowers, and rearranged and added a few things so that I would have blooms from Spring through Fall. I planted flowers with tiny profuse blooms next to taller flowers with large single blooms, sorted the greens of the leaves, and finally arranged all for stepped heights. Of course, this took several years! Now I tweak the colors, but most everything else is done. Next Spring, I'm making another garden so I have something to do!

4. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite plant?

My favorite plant, this one is a peach colored hibiscus near the aqua butterfly feeder.

5. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I would recommend Kew Gardens in or near London, I believe, if you ever get the chance!

Barbara, I agree with you that Kew Gardens is a lovely garden to visit. I have added a personal photo of my 2006 trip to Kew and the Chihuly glass exhibit.

6. Do you have any photos of your art in the garden to share?

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

The best lesson I have learned from nature is patience!

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

My gardening tip: As I mentioned, my favorite plant is the hibiscus. HOWEVER, they attract Japanese beetles by the hundreds, which is a terrible problem. I read that the gardenia tree repels them, and I love the beautiful soft and creamy petals and the strong scent. I planted one this year, and it was the focal point of my garden! All my colorful feeders and bird baths look marvelous around it! There are drawbacks, though: in my zone, the tree has to be taken indoors, where it will bloom if there is a lot of light. It is a finicky plant to grow; at times my beautiful blooms fell off before they opened. See why gardening has taught me patience? LOL I may try again next year. At least I had barely any Japanese beetles, so that was good!

9. Show us your favorite item in your etsy shop.

Blue Finch Birdbath

10. Share a favorite item from another etsy shop.

Design by Irmae

Because it is sculpturally perfect, like a flower, it is this little black satin dress.

Click on photo for more information.

Barbara, I thank you for sharing your creative inspiration and glass creations with us!

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" interview.

Artists In The Garden IV: Annette Emms of Fairy Shoes and Other Things

2009-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the fourth of a series of interviews about artists who garden. Today's interview will be with Annette Emms of Fairy Shoes andOther Things, a textile artist.

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I'm a textile artist, a creator of books and a teller of tales. As far as I can remember, I've always had a needle in my hand and a story in my head.

I'm selling the pattern to make these shoes in my Etsy shop, here.

2. What is your inspiration?

For me, inspiration is all around, in the magic I find in the natural world, in poetry and in Myth and Legend. I love to explore the places in my stories, to get the 'feel' of things. This summer I spent time researching the legend of 'Tristan and Iseult', in Cornwall, so romantic...I hope to make a mixed media book about the legend.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

I love to walk in the beautiful countryside where I live. There is so much which excites me and influences my work, whether it's an ancient tree or a rippling sea of bluebells in my favourite woodland.

4. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

I feel like an impostor here! My gardening skills are minimal and my garden tiny.
I'm sure you'll understand when I tell you that it has suffered at the paws of my lovely Rowan, a Flat Coated Retriever, who's happy hunting ground is my poor garden!
All is not lost though, the birds still come to visit and my roses have somehow survived, I like their waxy perfection and enchanting scent.

5. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite plant?

Does this tree count as a plant? Hope so.
It's an old, old Oak, on a ridgeway path near to my mother's home in Malvern.
Over the years I have visited it many times, with small children, several different dogs and sometimes alone in the pouring rain. Each meeting fills me with wonder.

6. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I'm a member of the National Trust for Great Britain and enjoy visiting the gardens in their care.
It's hard to choose a favourite, perhaps a formal knot garden, the topiary at Lytes Cary, or the wonderful landscaped parks made centuries ago by Capability Brown?

On reflection I think I'll choose the Colby Woodland Garden, in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
It has a delightful formal, walled garden with many rare and exotic plants and a wild and lovely woodland walk with peeps through the trees, to the sea.

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

Each of nature's seasons has it's highs and lows, just like life,
"for every thing there is a season..." (Ecclesiastes 3. 1-8)

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

I'm just not qualified to answer this question! Having said that...I love to encourage birds to visit my garden, they are so sweet to watch and funny too. I remember a few years ago, a most persistent little Blue Tit who kept landing on a large yellow toy duck ( which had been left in the garden by our last dog Theo) and tugging with all his might to get some of the toy's stuffing, to line his nest. Each tug, lifted the duck's head a little and poor old Theo, watching close by, was very confused!

9. Show us your favorite item in the Annetteemms.etsy shop

I only have one item for sale at the moment, the pattern for my Fairy Shoes.

10. Show a favorite item from another etsy shop.

My favourite items on Etsy are in Rima Staines The Hermitage. Do visit her, there are many delights to wander through!

Annette, I thank you for sharing your love of nature and creative inspiration with us! I look forward to reading your mixed media book about the 'Tristan andIseult" legend.
Wishing you much success!

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" interview.

~Pay It Forward~ A Handmade Gift For You

2009-01-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

I am sharing the simple act of kindness of "Paying it forward" to the first three people who comment on this post by requesting to join the PIF exchange and then hopefully do the same "Pay It Forward" on their blog.

I am "Paying it forward" after visiting and signing PIF post on the Family and Flowers blog by Darla, who is paying it forward from the Life's Little Garden blog by Valerie.

Giving to others can create a bit of joy in life for everyone. I am really looking forward to this and hope you will be too!

Karrita

The paragraph below was copied from the Life's Little Garden "Pay it forward" post.

"It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward" where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness pass it on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on the blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
Now remember you have to be in the first three that sign up to do this (you can comment without signing up!) and you have to pass it on. Be sure I have your e-mail or your blog address so I can get in touch with you."

"Be the the change you want to see in the world today." Quote by Mahatma Ghandi

Butterfly In The Garden

2009-01-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

A "butterfly in the garden" dish made from the Stictocardia Campanulata vine that is growing in my garden.

Artists In The Garden III: Cyd Colbert of Botanical Bird

2009-01-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the third of a series of interviews about artists who garden. Today's interview will be with Cyd Colbert of BotanicalBird, an artist and jeweler who is also a fellow Blotanical member.

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

The current craft that I am spending most of my time on is, creating garden & nature inspired jewelry. I am a self taught artist, who makes jewelry, tile mosaics and watercolor paintings. I have made things with my hands since I was a very small child. Some years ago I started collecting beads and making a few pairs of earrings now and then. But it was only recently that my once in awhile hobby became a passion and blossomed into an online business, pretty much out of necessity. Since I have a seasonal gardening service, I was looking for a way to supplement my income during the winter months, and this is how Botanicalbird came about.

2. What is your inspiration?

Nature, always nature!! I am in love with the natural world, and I seem to be most happy when I am either spending time outdoors or being deeply engaged in creating some form of art, which will almost always be related to nature.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

I suppose my shop and blog name says a lot. I am an avid flower gardener and I am always looking for plants that will attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more. I have a lovely perennial flower garden as well as a couple of bird feeders just outside my studio window, so it's always super inspiring to look out, and see nature unfolding in such a beautiful way just outside my window!

4. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

here are photos of my flower beds, one from my old house.

5. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite plant?

Can't pick a favorite, but I have picked a few

6. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada

Also worth mentioning, though not a public garden, one of the most gorgeous sites I've ever seen are the tulip fields in full bloom in Skagit Valley, WA.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

The best lesson I have learned from nature is that nature is such a powerful teacher to me. When I allow myself to just sit quietly while outside in nature I am always amazed at this magical world that is always going on all around me, but most of the time I'm too busy to stop and really watch, learn and listen...so I would say that nature teaches me how to know my inner self in a much deeper way.

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

It's so important to have the correct soil conditions, especially for the fickle plants and it's so important to give your plants the required lighting that they need, if you can do these two things, then I think one is well on their way to having really beautiful plants and a wonderful gardening experience.

9. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

I'm mostly working on valentine jewelry these days,

Click on photos for more information.

but I am planning to open another shop on etsy for my tile mosaics and watercolor prints and cards. It's only in the concept stage right now, so it will be a few months down the road before it happens.

10. Show us your favorite item in your Botanicalbird etsy shop.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19845690

11. Show a favorite item from another etsy shop.

Click on this link to see
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15503266

it's utterly impossible to find a favorite, but here is one of hundreds of things that I love. It's Flanders Field Photography, truly stunning and amazing photos in this etsy store!

Cyd, thank you so very much for sharing your love of nature and creative experience with us! I wish you much success in your future etsy shops and continued success in your BotanicalBird shop.

For those interested in purchasing a piece of Cyd's jewelry please visit the Botanical Bird Etsy shop.

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" Interview.

Shirl's Desert Island Challenge Answer

2009-01-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

I would have to bring roses with me. These roses are from my mother's garden.

I would bring lilies with me for their intoxicating scent and pure beauty.

I would want to have an amazing Oak tree. I feel so grateful to nature when I see magnificent trees. When I am under a magnificent tree like this, I feel as if I am connected to life.

Oak tree photo was found on wikipedia.

Pass it around! Which Three Plants Would You Take With You?

2009-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Shirl's Desert Island Plant Challenge, Thursday 22nd January 2009 .
I wanted to spread the word and pass on the fun of this challenge. Which three plants will you take? Anything will grow and there is plenty of food on the island.

Think about it and then head on over to Shirl's to share the plants that you would take with you .

Shirl will set up a link list for you to leave the URL of your posting on her blog so we can share in our choices.

She also says," I will try to invite as many bloggers as I can but if you could help me by passing the word around that would be great. Feel free to copy my photo. No problem if you don’t have a blog either you can still take part by adding your choices as a comment to my posting - the more the merrier. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's plant selections and I am guessing at a few too!"

Have fun and enjoy!

Artists In The Garden II: Tina of In The Garden

2009-01-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the second of a series of interviews about artists who garden. Today's interview will be with Tina of In the Garden, a garden artist and fellow Blotanical blogger.

1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

My hobby and craft is gardening. I consider my garden the entire outside area of my property here in Tennessee. As such, I try to decorate it with things that make me happy, and are fun and colorful. I use the outside space like an extension of my home, so it has to be 'livable' with comfortable seating, play, and work areas. I also want great views from inside of the house.

I am one of those gardeners who likes outdoor rooms, simply because each area of the backyard is used differently. I try to style that area in accordance with its use and who will be using it. I also like a bit of surprise in the garden. As such, I decorate the garden with special things, usually handmade things or plants that relate to a specific person or memory. This is the art side of the artist in this interview. Some of the things I have made for my garden include: Glass Mosaic Doors, American Flags, garden signs from mosaics, and marker stones, hypertufa pots, and painted gourds, as well as extensive hardscape.

2. What is your inspiration?

Life

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

All of my art works in conjunction with nature. I recycle everything from bowling balls to glass shower doors to chunks of concrete and old deck boards. As such, I look at an object and try to figure out a functional use for it that will fit into the garden. It is not an easy thing to make it all fit together, and honestly it all probably doesn't, but works for us.

4. Will you share a picture or pictures of your garden with us?

Yes. I have included two pictures of the garden. I want to showcase the gardens because for me the garden is art and life.

Here we have a picture of the front yard looking toward the state highway that fronts my home. It is a spring picture. To the right of the picture is one of my Japanese maples; which is my signature plant. It is the dark maroon tree sheltering the azalea, verbena and irises. My garden is liberally planted with these wonderful small and colorful trees, though they are all quite small at the moment. One day I can see them being grand specimens and plan for that day.

The second picture is looking west with the state highway behind me. This garden is my Northside Shrub Border and is backed by a privacy fence. On the fence you can see an American flag. I painted this flag on an old window that still had its glass. The glass faces out from the fence into the yard with the paint on the back side of the glass. As such the effect is one that you are looking through a window. While the flag is simple, it reflects my military background and also adds some folk art to the garden. It also adds character-something Mr. Fix-it and I like a lot.

5. Will you share a picture or pictures of your favorite artwork?

Yes. This photo shows one of the glass mosaics I affectionately call the 'Twin Towers'. This one is mounted in the garden. It is the partner to the initial glass door I posted about, though the two towers are not mounted near each other, both can be seen from several vantage points. I took the picture on a cloudy day, but you can see the light shine through. This Twin Tower is mounted next to a new patio I am currently building with brick I received from a fellow Freecycler.

6. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

I recommend all gardens. I haven't met one I didn't find something there to love. The connection between the gardener and the garden is the most special one in nature, besides the familiarial connection. We are stewards of nature and no where is that more evident than in a garden.

But if I had to recommend just one that is not widely known, it would the Schloss Gardens at the Schwetzingen Castle just outside of Heidelberg Germany. I haven't visited all that great a number of public gardens, but I have visited a few and this one is by far my MOST favorite one. There are so many fun features to it, the cost of entry is fairly cheap, and it is pretty accessible for Europeans. I try to recreate not so much the castle gardens at my home, but the European feel of the castle gardens. I like a park like atmosphere here at Tiger Gardens. My husband is also comfortable with this type of garden.

7. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

Be flexible. Don't jump on trends just to fit in and be part of a trend. Set your own trends. Plant the backbone of the garden first.

8. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

Yes, find out what best grows in your garden and rely on those types of plants most.

9. Are you creating anything new that you'd like to share with us?

Yes, right now I am building a new patio near our pool. It will have some special weeping Japanese maples growing around it, and will become my secret patio. In the future there will be more glass mosaics as gifts for family members, and some new hypertufa pots to surround the secret patio.

10. Anything else you would like to add to this interview?

Yes, I want to thank Karrita for taking the time to interview me. It was fun! And I know took a great deal of work on her part, plus a go gettedness to carry through.

Tina, I thank you for sharing with us your passion and zest for both gardening and life! I especially enjoyed all of the links you included for great pictures, freecycling and tutorials. May you be an inspiration to all!

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" interview.

2009-01-18T17:45:00.001-08:00

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

2009-01-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

What's blooming in the garden today?

Asarina Wislizensis
Rose Mallow also called Tropical Hollyhock
Nasturtium
Cassia bush
Perennial Marigold

Artists In The Garden: LindaLunda of Tradgardsdraken

2009-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first of a series of interviews about artists who garden. Today's interview will be with LindaLunda, a ceramic artist and fellow Blotanical blogger Tradgardsdraken, from Sweden.
1. What is your art, hobby or craft? How did you come to creating it?

I work in Clay/Ceramics. Becours we live in a country with cold winters I only work with stonwhere-clay so that I can have my ceramic outside even if it´s get a bit frosty.

I have always, even as a child liked to play Clay. When I was little I loved to play with playdoe and that cind of kids toy.

Most of my skills I have learnd my self. I have been attended some amaturesclasses when I was yonger to.

2. What is your inspiration?

My insperation is fairetales, Fantasystorys/films, Vikings, dragons, Historys about old coultures and more.

I do look at my childrens movies and sometimes finds nice things there that gives me insperation.

And boks from the past, like when my mother was young gives me a great insperation.

Sometimes I see something in a friends garden or on the internet that I fancy and get going on that .. to translate it in to clay. Like my gargoyle.

3. How does your garden or nature influence your art?

Im not shure... they are conected in some whay.. but I cant put my finger on it. But I like my artwork to melt in to my garden.... thats wy I like to work with colors that dont take over the flowers and plants ....
And I like when I have placed one of my objekt that its there but maby you dont notice at once.

4. Will you share some pictures of your garden with us?

Yes of course!

5. A picture of your favorite plant?

Do I have to chose only One! I love so many!!!

6. Do you have a favorite public garden to recommend?

Yes! The Gothenburg Botanical is one of the best ever in Sweden!

7. Any photos of your art in the garden?

Okidoki,,,
8. What is the best lesson you have learned from the garden or nature?

That nothing never grows(showes) like you plan it to. The plants has there on way and will!

9. Do you have a gardening tip to share with fellow gardeners?

Dont make you garden to something you have to do fore other people... Its supose to be a place to relax and enjoy even when you cut the lown(grass).

10. Show us your favorite creation.

Thank you Linda Lunda for sharing your creative experience with us! I know this was a challenge for you to do in the English language as Swedish is your native language and I applaud your English writing skills. Great job!
For those interested in purchasing a piece of Linda's art or taking a ceramic course with her, she can be contacted via email at ~ lindalunda@passagen.se

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment if you'd like and stay tuned for the next "Artists in the Garden" interview.

A New Butterfly Design Toad Abode for the Garden

2009-01-06T12:26:00.001-08:00

I just listed this new toad abode in the My Mother's Garden Etsy shop. I used the vines from my ipomea vine to decorate the toad abode roof and added two butterflies to the design. These have been a big hit in my booth at the farmers market. Here in Florida, we have many different varieties of frogs and toads. They are great for the garden! They love to eat bugs.

Lovely Birdbaths from the Glorious Glass Garden Etsy Shop

2009-01-03T16:12:00.001-08:00

I found these gorgeous handmade fused glass birdbaths from the Glorious Glass Garden shop on Etsy.
They have a beautiful collection of birdbaths, butterfly feeders, hummingbird feeders and lots more great garden themed stuff.

Wonderful Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

The things we put our poor pets through....

2008-12-27T08:08:00.001-08:00

Cici was not too happy that I put this strange contraption on her head and made her sit there until I got the right picture. I think she looks cute!

New Birdhouse Designs

2008-12-12T07:05:00.001-08:00

These are the birdhouses from the last kiln load. They remind me of spring.

The Arthur R. Marshall Cyprees Swamp Refuge

2008-12-05T18:38:00.001-08:00

My husband and I went on a walk in the beautiful Arthur R. Marshall refuge this week. These photos show the view of the Cypress trees as we entered the swamp along a wooden walkway.

Once inside the swamp you find yourself wrapped inside a dense forest of tropical growth. It was a true to delight to the soul to find myself walking among all this beauty, beauty that I imagine I would have never seen had it not been for this refuge and the wooden walkway through the forest. The threat, imagined or not, of alligators and snakes would have kept me far from any swamp.

This fern is the largest to grow in North America, each frond can reach a height of 16 feet. Really magnificent to see.
Throughout the swamp the trees seemed to be decorated with different varieties of bromeliad, lichen and moss.
I look forward to going back soon and observing even more gifts from nature in this beautiful park.

Gifts For The Gardener From My Mother's Garden Etsy Shop

2008-12-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
Mymothersgarden

New Nature Inspired Trinket Dishes

2008-12-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

A few of the latest dishes to come out of the kiln. The last one was made from the Fire Bush, (Hamelia patens) a wonderful plant for attracting butterflies. I attached a photo of the actual plant. Next week I'll be posting the new birdhouses and goddesses after I unload them from the kiln.