Valentine's Preparations

Watercolor painting on postcards.

Dying wool felt for heart making. This was my first time dying! The color turned out beautiful! 

 

Heart garland tutorial from Betz White here. 

Rainy Day

 

Tissue paper + egg whites

Cattails..drying flowers and herbs...

There are so many fun things happening in the garden.. and along the roadsides...

I've stopped 3 times now to harvest cattails from along the roadside. When I stopped yesterday the skinny little things had plumped up. I've tied them into bunches and laid them out to dry. My Aunt Joy, who has harvested lots of cattails, reminded me to spray them with hairspray once they've dried out. This keeps them from opening up and puffing all over the house.


I've also been harvesting and drying lots of mint! So fun and the greatest part... mint doesn't mind being picked when it's wet out or even when it's drizzling. (Since Iowa seems to be turning into a tropical climate... this is good news!) It will be great to have it in abundance over the winter, eh? In the past we've ordered Press 'N Brew Tea Bags from Mountain Rose Herbs, http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ I like this company a lot!


Mint patch in the front yard garden.

Fresh picked mint.


(Dill, Peppermint, Spearmint)

Another thing I have learned this season is... Larkspur is a great dried flower!!! Who would have ever guessed? It's such a delicate flower. My Mom has a self seeded patch in her rose garden and after I found out the news I could barely keep myself from harvesting her whole patch. Leave some to go to seed dear momma.

Larkspur drying on my Mom's old bike.

Today we picked ageratum which is also a wonderful flower for drying. I love adding little dried ageratum posies to my dried flower arrangements... whether they're on a wreath, tucked in a swag, or added to a larger dried flower bouquet. Bonus bonus bonus!!

On another note... I'm desperately wishing for a new camera lens. I keep feeling disappointed with the quality of my photos. The lighting... the framing... capturing the moment... Maybe I'm not taking as many pictures as I used to???

Stinging Nettles, Spring Tonic

Stinging nettle leaves & stalks are a great spring time tonic! I stuff a pint jar full of washed nettles, pour in boiling water and let steep for several hours and sometimes over night. It is important to keep it covered, so vital nutrients are not lost in the steam. The longer you let steep, the more nourishing the infusion becomes. Susan Weed says, "the result is a liquid much thicker and darker than an herbal tea, leaving no doubt that you are dealing with a medicine, not a breakfast drink." My daughter, on the other hand, prefers drinking as a tea, with a spoonful of local honey! I put one cup of fresh nettles in 2 cups of boiling water, let steep 5-7 minutes, strain, add honey.

You can also eat nettles, just make sure they are steamed or cooked! My gardening partner loves to eat them as a steamed vegetable, much like spinach or chard. You can also add them to soups.

I highly recommend two books by Susan Weed, Herbal for The Childbearing Year and Healing Wise. In her book, Healing Wise, she has an entire chapter dedicated to stinging nettles and the benefits of it's leaves, stalks, seeds, and roots. I have referenced both of these books hundreds of times and loan them out to friends whenever needed. They are available at Thymely Solutions.

Sprouting Easter Grass

We've started our Easter grass. This is a fun and simple project for all ages. You will need a container, grain, soil, and water. I bought rye and winter wheat berries at our local whole foods store, Everybody's, in the bulk section. Soak berries overnight. Fill saucers, or container of your choice, with enough dirt to completely cover the bottom. Spread grain over the top and pat in a little. Water generously the first time. Check daily to make sure they are moist. Don't let them dry out!




I am also inspired in make pet rocks, or in this case pet lady bugs.

Back in the shop

I was able to visit the shop and start sanding on our newest project, the semi car transporter. This is an amazing toy! Henry, of course, inspired us to make it. I made a pattern from a toy at Ella's piano teacher's house. Henry looks forward to going there every week to play. Jim cut two trucks, a walnut and cherry. These are heirloom quality. I can't wait until the wheels come, so we can list them on Etsy!

A little package of magic is off to Canada!

Needle Felting Classes

I will be co-hosting two needle felting classes this month with Reni! We will be at the At Home Store Saturday, March 20 10am-12pm for a needle felting Easter egg extravaganza. The following weekend we will be teaching for the Villages Folk School at the Addie Mae Fudge Factory, 707 1st Street, Bonaparte, IA.
You can register here,
http://villagesfolkschool.com/classes/class_calendar.htm