Blog - Page 22 of 52 - Linda Nelson

MAKE A “ROPEKIN”

September 16, 2016

Thought I’d share this quick little crafty idea with you. It’s a little rope pumpkin, or……… a ropekin!

©Linda Nelson 2016

I grabbed some scrap cushion foam and jute rope, then whipped up my little creation. I stacked two pieces of foam together and trimmed them with scissors to get an overall rounded form, this one being roughly six inches in diameter and about four inches high. The tomato mashing dibble was the perfect tool for creating a nice big hole in the center.

©Linda Nelson 2016

I wrapped one end of the rope (I used 36′ of rope for this project) with some duct tape, and fed it thru the “doughnut” hole all the way around. When I reached the end of my rope (no pun), I simply made a little knot and tucked it up into the hole.

©Linda Nelson 2016

I then thought it would be neat to slap a coat of paint onto my little ropekin and add some embellishments; so that’s what I did.

©Linda Nelson 2016

Okay, now you make one!

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MAKING A MESH

September 7, 2016

In a previous post published earlier this summer, I mentioned that I was having new windows installed. I love my new windows, and hope my purse will feel a difference with regard to saving on utility costs. I held on to a few old screened frames to use as drying racks for my lavender harvest and for drying flower heads for saving seeds. The remaining old screens were awaiting my hauling them to the scrap metal yard, but I’d eye them now and then to see if a repurposing idea would come to mind. So, I saved the screening as well as some other “notions” from the scrap pile.

©Linda Nelson 2016

Alas, the “aha” moment struck, and I was moved to make a creative little ~~mess~~ mesh.

Does not every home need a window screen tussie-mussie? I believe so, and my home was without……. until now. I cut the screen into a circle, folded it in half, rolled it up into a cone shape and simply slipped it into an old bed spring coil. I used one of those cone shaped treat bags as an inner sleeve to hold water.

©Linda Nelson 2016

And, when you stare through a window screen, do you start thinking about origami? It happened to me, and that’s how I made this wall basket. You don’t need no stinkin’ paper to do origami; just use old window screens. I followed a random “paper cup” folding instruction tutorial.

©Linda Nelson 2016

I’ll redo the decorative embellishments at another time; but for now, it’s filled with cuttings from plants that have gone to seed.

©Linda Nelson 2016

See? Staring through window screens can be very inspiring.

Now, get creative.

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HERMINE…..HISMINE…….YOURMINE……

September 4, 2016

…….this tropical storm is Ourmine if you live on the east coast, and it’s steadily making it’s way to the south eastern region of NY. Some of my family members were planning to visit this weekend. Clamming, swimming and BBQing were on the itinerary; however, we elected to cancel this annual affair. Instead, I spent the afternoon lightly preparing for expected 35mph winds, dragging some things into the garage, flower staking and yard work, and harvesting a bunch of tomatoes. A quick trip to the grocery store and gas station rounded out the day.

I hope this leggy gal is ready for Hermine. She’s been hanging out in suspension in between my basil plants for a few weeks. She started out as a tiny little waif, but not so anymore.

©Linda Nelson 2016

I did a double take when I spotted this pumpkin. Sadly, I lost all of my green zucchini plants and first crop of pumpkin plants to squash borers. The second crop of pumpkins took off successfully, and, so far, I’ve been rewarded with this one little guy. Of course, the squirrels would have to mar it with their menacing nibbles. I hope my caging effort will protect it while it matures.

©Linda Nelson 2016

A few of my Pattypan squash vines managed to survive the borer infestation. Boy, I think I they’re tastier (the Pattypan, not the borer) than green zucchini. They have a slightly nutty flavor and maintain a nice texture when cooked.

©Linda Nelson 2016

Isn’t this front porch simply charming? It belongs to one of my clients, and I just think it’s the epitome of the perfect little porch.

©Linda Nelson 2016

In addition to their flower pots, I planted up a vegetable border for them – tomatoes, peppers, string beans and cucumbers. Newly installed this season were some blueberry bushes, a perfect accompaniment to their existing raspberry patch. There’s no need for me to bring lunch when I’m scheduled to work here 🙂

To you folks who are also awaiting Hermine, stay safe. I’m going to hunker down and get creative!

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CREATIVE MOJO: THE EBB & FLOW

August 22, 2016

Your crafting corner is collecting dust. That stack of quilting squares hasn’t dwindled down for quite some time. Your art journal entries have all but ceased. The unfinished painting sits, not glanced at since……..

It happens to the best of us. Creative block. Ambushed ambition. Perhaps one’s attention necessitates being diverted to other matters, as has been the case with me. But, how comforting when the magnet, the glowing flame…. that “thing”…. calls us back to center. I’m sure you’ve been in both places.

These days I find myself more accepting of this ebb and flow. The years have seasoned and conditioned me with how to better embrace what used to drive me nutty. Now, I just experience mild nuttiness.

At the moment, and to my delight, my creative mojo happens to be on the upswing. As the equinox draws near, this ambitious streak of mine will strengthen.

Proof of this prediction, a collection of fanciful felted fungi is spawning at the createaerie, and will be available for purchase at Lynch’s Garden Center come early fall.

So, don’t let the ebb and flow take your ambitions out to sea, or leave them to shrivel up on the shore. If you’re experiencing a block, just ride the tide. You’ll eventually find yourself docked in a slip of inspiration, ideas and most importantly, creative mojo.

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