Linda Nelson, Author at Linda Nelson - The Createaerie

IN PLAIN SIGHT: WINTER BLANKET STORAGE

July 20, 2015

I housed a few guests over the Independence Day weekend, and in preparation, stripped the beds of the heavier blankets dressing them since the winter time. Now, if you are blessed with generous closet space, then you needn’t read any further. However, if you fall under the category of the “other folk”, then do read on.

So there I was, stuffing what blankets I could fit into my tiny hall linen closet; the others got plopped on top of my bedroom catchall chair. Truth be told, I refrained from teaching that chair how to catch; I like my bedroom visually pleasing, and things piled up on chairs is not pleasing to my eyes. Anyway, plopping blankets on it was a tiny sacrifice for my near(s) and dear(s).

After my guests departed, and upon my getting to laundering the linens and remaking the beds, I decided that I didn’t want to dress them for winter quite yet. Who knows… I may house more guests before the summer is over. But, the linen closet was packed so tight that it became a wrestling match in order for me to retrieve regularly used things stored in there. As for my bedroom chair….. that pile was really starting to annoy me.

Enter……. these.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Remember this post? That’s right, Rip, Dip and Roll. Not only does colorfully dyed vintage linen fabric strips make for fanciful gift wrapping bows, they make for great rolled blanket cinching apparatuses. And, the rolled blankets make for ideal bolster pillows!

©Linda Nelson 2015

Rolled blanket bolsters look pretty sitting on chairs, too!

©Linda Nelson 2015

From now on I’m keeping a few of my extra blankets stored….in plain sight! And, if my overnight guests need some lumbar support while sitting and reading in bed, they just need to simply reach for a roll.

By the way, my bedroom chair is now just the way I like it 🙂

©Linda Nelson 2015

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CAN YOU GUESS……….

July 18, 2015

what these items have in common?

©Linda Nelson 2015

No? Then, I’ll tell you.

They’ve been transformed (except for one) into fabulous seaside beach cottage doorstops!

Okay, let’s start with the prankster.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Seriously, does it get easier or beachier than a simple rock? Sure, you can paint it or transfer an image onto it; and, while that could jazz it up, it’s not even necessary.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Now, who doesn’t have a mason jar on hand? I added some colored sand, shells and a piece of jute twine. Done.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Weight down a straw tote with some rocks, add a hand towel and a magazine…….and this aDOORnment is in the bag! Adding some flip-flops to this ensemble would look absolutely adorable.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I drew a little starfish outline onto some cork contact paper, slapped it onto a brick, then added a little crystal. After all, a star has got to twinkle; even this one.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Scuff up a leftover nut tin, transfer or paint something onto the surface, stash some weighty pebbles inside, glue it shut, then add some rope. Done.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Perhaps you have a tin like this lurking around in your garden shed. Add those weighty pebbles, topped with some seashells, and that breeze isn’t taking your door anywhere.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I’m sure you’ve got a stockpile of fabric remnants in your craft room. Sew yourself a simple pebble pouch, cinch it shut, then embellish as you wish.

©Linda Nelson 2015

There you have it – seven inspiring ideas for keeping your seaside beach cottage doors slam-free.

Now, feel the breeze, and get creative.

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HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA PERFORMANCE

July 10, 2015

Hey there hydrangea lovers of the north east, are your Hydrangea macrophyllas living up to your expectations? If not, and you happen to live in Zone 7 or colder, and where your winters hem and haw before finally moving over for spring, then read on!

©Linda Nelson 2015

Their lack of performance may be because you are pruning, or even deadheading them in the fall. This especially pertains to ones that bloom on the previous season’s stems. I leave mine (and my clients’) alone come the end of the season; I don’t take the pruners to them until mid April. Give it a try, as this might grant you your wish for having an abundant spray of mop heads.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I know it may be tempting to cut the faded blooms at the end of the summer for cosmetic purposes, or for dried arrangements, but doing so can come with a disappointing expense the following summer. Hold off on any pruning or of cutting out old, unproductive stems until mid spring when the shrub’s leaf buds begin to form and all danger of a hard freeze has passed. This technique has served me well in all my gardening years, and I have no intention of changing things up.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Could there be other reasons why they are not performing to your standards? Absolutely. Too nitrogen-rich soil is a common culprit, as is too shady a location for the shrub. Over-fertilizing them is another common mistake.

©Linda Nelson 2015

At the very least, give my suggestion a try; you may be in for a delightful surprise next year!

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DOES THIS VASE………….

July 7, 2015

…………make my bud look too big? Just kidding, but I couldn’t hold back.

Last summer I posted a collection of images meant to entice your bud vase creativity. One year later, I’m doing it again. I often playfully gravitate to my vegetable garden when creating fresh cut arrangements.

The smell of cilantro……… love it, or hate it? I find it a curious olfactory trigger, and rather peculiar tasting, too. Yet, I always come back for more. No matter, its delicate little blossoms add charm to any vessel.

I have a fascination with root crop vegetables. Under water they portray a specimen-like quality, straight out of a science lab.

The allium family is another one that intrigues me. Anything pompom-like will do.

Of course, cheery floral bunches are a must, too. Arrangements made using a variety of plant material makes for a casual display, perfect for cottage-style homes.

What do you think of my layering of dishes underneath the vase? Drag some of yours out of the cupboard and give it a try.

I hope you, too, are playfully enjoying your vegetable and flower garden.

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