Earth Day 2012

My favorite watering can had sprung some leaks, so Rick & Joseph created a new one for me in their shop.  As it's stainless steel, it's a bit heavier, but it will never rust.  I hope one of my nieces or nephews gets bit by the gardening bug, so I can pass it on to them. 

I'm looking forward to another fun day at Mud & Suds. As we have time in between customers, Anne is going to teach me to crochet a new item or two.  Happy Earth Day friends!

Sweet Spring Days~ Fledglings and Vintage-Inspired Laundry Bags

Do you see that little ball of fluffy sweetness among the branches?  I was in the midst of sewing when Joseph asked me to put the pups in the house, and told me he had something to give to me.  There is a large oak tree that shades the shop.  The guys were working outside when this little fledgling had a bit of a rough first go, and landed on the ground near them. I put it in the orchard, with Mama & Papa bird, yellow finches, hovering and chirping nearby.  I watched from afar for a few minutes, but then left, to give them some space.  When I returned, they had flown off. Another happy ending!

I had been sewing some laundry bags, to take to Mud and Suds this weekend.  I was so pleased to nab some natural linen and linen blend fabric at the thrift store not long ago, to make them with. I added some vintage touches, and they turned out even better than I envisioned.  I'm finishing up the last one.  There have been some rumblings, and the rain is supposed to start any time, so I wanted to get a picture of these at least.  I did not follow any tutorial; just began piecing together and sewing.  I did find a page from Sew, Mama, Sew!, which has several lovely looking tutorials, if you're inclined to give it a go yourself.  Hope you'll come by the show this weekend, and let your friends know too (shameless plug).

Natural Laundry Soap

Things have been busy, with getting ready for the Mud & Suds show next weekend.  It's been a lot of fun getting some new glass garden flowers finished, adding an antique doorknob to one of J's metal garden flowers, and packaging up my new laundry detergent.  I hope to finish up some other laundry products this week after I get the last of the soap wrapped, and will share them if I do.  Have a marvelous Monday, friends!

Bloom and Fruit

Isn't it one of spring's pleasures to wander each day, checking on the gardens growth?  What new thing has poked through the soil... bloomed... set fruit? 

The fig and peach are loaded with fruit.  So early this year, but we'll hope for the best.

My friend Laura has initiated a Kickstarter project. She's a talented local potter on a mission.  We'll both be joining the folks at Whynot Pottery for Mud and Suds in the Yard on April 21st (10-5) & the 22st (11-4).  Save the date!  I've been wrapping soaps, and have several more batches, including a new spring soap, on the curing rack to wrap before the show.  Merry Monday, friends!

Nettles, Hummers and Wintersown Plants

This looks to be shaping up to be a good planting weekend.  The wintersown plants all look like they would like to get in the ground.  I ended up with bachelor buttons double mixed, poppies mixed, bells of ireland, cosmos sensation, columbine dragonfly hybrid, larkspur kaleidoscope, orlaya from Carolyn, and what I believe are a type of crabapple (from a gorgeous hedgerow I saw in the fall).  I also have a spot picked to set out the pink calla lily J gave me for Valentines Day. 

The garden is coming up nicely with peas, spinach, onions, carrots and beets.  The asparagus are poking up more each day.  I'm really looking forward to the first asparagus soup of the year.  We're hoping to see the first potatoes break through the ground very soon.  Last week, I began my first batch of nettle ticture.  I've taken nettles along with quercitin for spring allergies for many years.  Last year was the first time I've grown nettles.  I dried some, but mostly left it to establish itself.  I've been adding several of the dried leaves, crushed up, to my kefir smoothies the past couple of months.  Nettles are full of nutrients and decrease inflammation, in addition to their histamine blocking action. A pretty good plant to have around, I'm thinking.  One of my goals this spring is to learn more ways to use it, particularly in cooking with it.  I know I have soup recipes using it, and some others.  If I have time to experiment with any, I'll share the results.  And if you've used nettles in cooking, I'd love to know.

Yesterday I enjoyed listening to the whir of the sewing machine accompanied by soft dog snores.  While the pups nap, I've been sewing up some rice & lavender therapy pillows and wrapping soap, getting ready for next weeks show.  While washing dishes yesterday, I was delighted to see the first hummingbird at the window.  In just minutes, a pot of hummingbird food (4 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar) was on the stove and one of the feeders put up.  I expect it may not have been one of "my" usual birds, but maybe a scout coming through.  In any case, I'm ready now, and hope there will soon be hummers at the feeders.

Mud and Suds in the Yard

In several weeks, I'll be taking part in Mud and Suds in the Yard. It's part of the Spring Kiln Opening, an annual event in Seagrove. This year, there are 49 potters taking part. I'll be setting up my soaps and other products at Whynot Pottery. There will be refreshments, door prizes and some wonderful local, handmade goods. If you're in the area, come on out.

I grew a nice patch of calendula last year. I always thought they were an annual here, but several hardy plants made it through the winter. A couple have already flowered. I'm thinking this is unusual, but it may just as easily be lack of knowledge. Can anyone enlighten me?