September Soon

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

It’s almost August 24th, “wedding day” for oldest daughter. I’m still busy with the flowers but wanted to send out a quick Monday post, to stay on schedule for you.

Late August also means it will be September soon (yikes winter approaches). Today I’ll share some spring & summer photos with you. My nature pics folder stores all the warm season beauties I click. Something to peruse in a cozy chair on a winter afternoon, reminders that the cold isn’t eternal!

FUN… that was my first gallery in a post. Cool, and not too difficult (I love WordPress!). Looks like you can click on a picture for a slideshow of the gallery. You’ll get a black screen with one picture. Just continue to click directly on the picture and it should go through them all. I noticed there is also another COMMENT opportunity at the bottom of each picture as you go through the slideshow. Give it a try.

Here’s a final one with more color this time.

Let me know how you like the galleries or if you have any troubles with them! Remember it’s my first attempt here 🙂

But remember, all content on Artzzle, text and photography, is copyrighted and cannot be used in any form, without my expressed permission. You can leave a comment below with any questions on this.

Now gotta get back to my floral duties. Have a good week, and if you live near me, keep cool in these rising temps and humidity.

As always, don’t stress, just start.
Later – Cheryl

Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “September Soon” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way. And be sure to spread the word about Artzzle to your friends. The more the merrier!

Oxymoron Mondays

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Some Sunday stroll lovelies.
This is not a formal, structured arrangement; no tape, wire or frogs.
I’ve just filled the vase with water, insert taller pieces, then clump a few similiar flowers together and begin placing them here and there.
Here I’ve used 3 types of wild flowers – Brown Eyed Susans, Daisies and Alfalfa; 3 fillers – Russian Sage, and two wild grasses are added for height, texture and filler.
Continually watered, these will last for several days.

Words are fun aren’t they? One of my favorites is “oxymoron”.

Merriam Webster says: “Definition OXYMORON
:a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness); broadly: something (as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements”

Monday is a big ole oxymoron for me. It can be slow and draggy, because I didn’t want the weekend to end, but it might also be energized and inspired from events of the previous two days. Monday this week is just a big mix of moods and must do’s.

Awoke to beautiful sunshine, but 7:00 am was way too early, as 2:00 a.m. was bedtime last night (remember we’re night people because of Hubs’ job). So a little draggy, but we have to drop off a vehicle at the shop before DB leaves for work, so I need to get going.

I assembled tools to begin making bouts.
* Two widths of satin ribbon in two colors
* Tin snips
* Wire (this is 26 gauge, suitable for small projects and beaded strips)
* Hot glue gun
* Optional Crimper (sometimes it’s fun to crimp some of your ribbon)
* Pearl tipped strait pins

Lots to do today; usual cleaning but also have to begin the boutonnieres for the wedding. That word never looks right no matter how you spell it, so I always have to check! Anyway, have to at least start the “bouts (boots)” but only have 5 so not a huge chore. Haven’t done any recent projects that work for a good post, but have lots of ideas for upcoming slots. Because of short night, I’ll probably need an afternoon nap. And the list grows. You know what I mean.

Our primary flowers are the roses, with 3 sizes of blooms on each stem.
For the bouts, I’ve cut the smallest bud, which will be the main flower in the boutonnaire.
Always give your cuts as much of the stem as possible; too long is better than too short!

I’ve also cut the smallest clumps of our neutral flowers, to be used in the bouts, and pulled 1 small section from the variegated filler as well.
TIP: When doing your cuttings, always keep any remnants of flowers, leaves and wire. They may come in handy somewhere along the process.

Here are little extra pieces that fell from the main stems. I always keep EVERYTHING, until the project is finished.

TIP: Always take as much stem wire as possible when making your cuts. You can snip off excess later if you don’t need it.

Each of my days start with an email check, but Monday’s are especially nice, because I get so many inspirational tidbits from my blogger buddies. Today was not a let-down. Wanting to start quietly, I opened LEAF AND TWIG first to see the wonderful words and images awaiting there. Next I was energized with that beautiful voice over at CHARLOTTE HOATHER’s site.

Now I was ready for whatever mixed media piece THE SEASONED HOMEMAKER was sharing today. This time it was about sewing which isn’t one of my talents, BUT I learned something to pass on to Hubs, as he begins his upholstering adventures. Then colorful inspiration hit me from Donna’s post at DECORATING WITH DONNA.

And finally I followed up on comments from BENJAMIN VOGT‘s weekend gardening discussion over at HOUZZ. Benjamin one of HOUZZ’s regular contributors on gardening, and specializes in natural or native species plants.

Well, the day is half over and there’s still more to do. I’ll post a full tutorial when I work on the boutonnieres. Lot’s of great links today and more on the FUN PLACES list to check out too!

Meantime, our entire week here is supposed to be beautiful weather. Hope yours is too. And remember, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl
Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “Oxymoron Mondays” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way.

Minnesota Nice … AND Busy

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

In our state we have a saying “Minnesota Nice” because we think we’re pretty likeable. Well, whether the weather is cold or hot, we also keep very busy in Minnesota. August and September are our last warm months of the year, which means busy … busy … busy, and I am too!

Our oldest daughter is getting remarried later this month and my contribution is the flowers. She and I went “silks” shopping last weekend at a local MICHAELS. In floral design, once again my magic number three is employed. I had her choose a primary flower – the two-toned roses; a secondary flower – the smaller pink blossomed stems and a filler, the neutral creme, multi-blossomed stems. Add greens and ribbon and there you go. Our greens here are varigated to add a little more interest and pull in the neutral. Her colors are dark pink, ivory and silver for the metallic.

I will post a “how to” as I assemble the bouts and bouquets. Silk flowers are easy to work with and very economical for weddings vs. fresh flowers and arrangements. More on that in the tutorial post.

It’s fair time in Minnesota so check it out here STATE FAIR

RE USE MINNESOTA is another of my recent web finds. If you get to the state fair check out their decorating exhibit “Room with a “Re” Purpose. Should be interesting.

ReUSE featured at State Fair We are very excited to present “Room with a ‘Re’Purpose” at the State Fair this year. Through beautiful interior design and furniture ideas, we will demonstrate opportunities to reuse and repair everyday items. In the Eco Experience’s Dept. of Commerce’s energy home.

In September I’m headed to JUNK BONANZA Check it out for a ton of fun! Am hoping to drag along my son and his lady, because they live down that way and they’re a blast at these things.

And I’ve found a wonderful reference that lists stores, festivals and junking jaunts, not only in Minnesota but across the country. So even if you’re on vacation you can plan to pop in at a few places along your way! Check it out at
FLEA QUEST.

Answer to last time’s Kim Parker question.

The question today is “Who is KIM PARKER and why do I love her book so much?”
Kim is a well known artist and designer of textiles and home design items. She has product lines in many major department stores. I found her through her first book “Kim Parker Home” and was recently very honored to have her join me on HOUZZ as an Artzzle follower. Check out her link or find her on her HOUZZ page (or following along on MY HOUZZ page).

This time, the question is for you to answer and it’s two part; what does the rest of your summer look like AND will you share your favorite haunts, fests and fairs with me on Artzzle?

Check out all the article links and attack the new “FUN PLACES” list.
With weddings and house guests, fairs and fun fests galore, I’m super busy for the next several weeks. But I’ll try to get one or two posts in each week.

Oops, speaking of guests, I have a bunch coming for dinner tonight, so better get going. Don’t worry, it’s VERY casual and they’re bringing the pizza. All I have to do is clean … oh man, it’s 4:00 already!

Remember, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “Minnesota Nice and Busy” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way.

The Oomph Returns!

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi and Happy August.

Regulars know that I’ve been bummed and blue after the recent loss of Freddy. Even my crazy cousins’ visit and our fun shopping escapades, didn’t lift the doom cloud completely. I just haven’t found or projected much inspiration lately.

Energy levels began rising yesterday when Hubs took a mid-week vacation day. Gorgeous weather allowed us to get lots done in the yard. I’m always more energetic when he’s out there working with me! Do you feel like that about your partner? Anyway, look what we cleaned up and hauled to the field.

As is often the case, I forgot about pictures, so no before shots. But you would have just seen “Befores” that were dead trees and shrubs, and big holes in the “Afters”.

One lilac got moved, to replace a cottoneaster shrub, but otherwise no big changes for photo ops. Several other large bushes did get substantial hair cuts, but again, I never thought about B4 images.

Last year this two-trunk oddity came up in a planting bed by the family room west window. We forgot to pull it and this summer it’s gigantic. I think it’s a cast off root of a former shrub that was removed long ago, but can’t remember the name. We decided to let it continue a few more seasons and see what happens.

It’s sad to have to remove trees. As for shrubs, I always assumed if they remained healthy they were long lasting. I’ve learned that many do have long lifespans. But others, especially some of the more woody stemmed varieties like ninebarks, reach a point where they can no longer be pruned effectively and the roots begin taking all the nourishment from other plants in your bed.

The reddish bush pictured below is a 13 year diablo ninebark that will probably have to go next season.

On an ending note here are a couple of shots of our front entrance area.

Here’s a question for you.

Who is Kim Parker and why do I love her book so much?

Find out next time!
Meanwhile, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

Thanks for visiting. You’ve just read “The Oomph Returns!” on Artzzle.com. I love comments and questions so send “em” my way.

Pretty Gift Box, E-Z Make-do Project

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

A bit of ambition and inspiration struck yesterday, so I decided to take on a quick, make-do project. Remember, my make-do ideas are strictly no spending, no store trips. The only shopping done is shopping my house to see what I can come up with.

After making some note cards as a gift for a friend, I needed something to put them in, so the search was on. There were two decent white board boxes, but one was too small and while the perfect size, the lid on the second box was yellowed and had some small dents; not good gift material! All the available decorative bags were winter themed and that was definately out. Any gift paper found was too heavy to wrap the small box lid smoothly. I have lots of wrapping tissue, so chose three bright colors for a collage effect for the box lid.

Adults and kids alike find this a fun, easy application with beautiful results, that can be used in many ways.

The supply list is simple.

Colored tissue wrapping paper, water based glue and plain water. That’s all you need. I use either Elmer’s white glue or as in this case, Tacky glue. Both work well, but Elmer’s is a bit thinner consistency and will dry a little quicker, which is nice for this project, but not a must. Tacky was in my cabinet so that’s what I used here. If you have a flat, synthetic craft brush, it comes in handy, but plain old fingers work fine too (they’re just a little messier 🙂 ).

1. Tear your tissue into pieces sized for easy work with your object. Here we’re covering the lid of a small box so don’t want very big pieces.

2. Squeeze some glue over a section of your object, then smooth the glue over that portion, adding just a drop or two of water to make a damp glaze.

3. Lay on a piece of paper, then gently pinch at the paper to create wrinkled texture.

4. Continue until the top is well covered, then wet a side of the lid and adhere smaller sized pieces. Work them into the wet top. Leave a dry edge hanging down at the bottom of the box’s sides. DON’T wrap glue and paper into the inside of the lid.

5. Repeat until you get desired look and texture. Let dry, then carefully trim off dry edges.

TIP 1: Tear your tissue rather than cut. Jagged, natural edges are more interesting in this application.
TIP 2: Don’t use a natural bristle brush as glue is difficult to remove completely. Even with synthetic, keep your brush wet when not in use, so that glue isn’t able to dry and damage brush. Wash up with warm water and ordinary dish liquid.
TIP 3: After completed project dries, add one final coating of glue over entire surface, to give a nice sheen to your finished piece.

Finally, I lined the box with tissue, then put the envelopes, more tissue and lastly the cards. This was a set of eight note cards and I always include two extra envelopes.
An inexpensive, quick and easy project that any age will enjoy making OR receiving.

My friend Linda loved her gift!

As always, don’t stress, just start.
Later – Cheryl

ARTZZLE

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Tag Archives: Artzzle

September Soon

Oxymoron Mondays

Minnesota Nice … AND Busy

The Oomph Returns!

Pretty Gift Box, E-Z Make-do Project

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