Plants & Project – Sprouting Morning Glories

On January 27, 2013June 21, 2014 By TimelessladyIn Plants2 Comments

I was in a local dollar store this week, and noticed a rack of seed packets. The azure blue illustration of morning glories drew my eye. Hungry for blue sky on a grey and cloudy day, I picked a packet out of the rack and purchased it for under a dollar. I soaked the seeds overnight, and by morning discovered several little white appendages poking out of their black coats. I planted them about 1/4 inch deep in seed starting medium, covered with self-stick plastic wrap and put them near a heating vent. Oh my! They sprouted in under two days.

Within two more days the sprouts are greening up. I am planning on growing these vines indoors around a window. I hope to have flowers by the end of March. I will not thin them out, but instead leave them crowded, never fertilize them, and let them fight between themselves for nutrients. It will be a true survival of the fittest. It sounds harsh, but actually my lack of tender-loving care should yield me more blooms of blue. Morning Glories do best in poor soil. If I feed them or give them too much room to grow I will have a magnificent vine and a paltry few blossoms. I want blossoms, blossoms, blossoms…all in glorious shades of sky blue. Updates on their progress will be posted soon.

Planting morning glories is an inexpensive and easy project for children.

Posies – Spray Roses

On January 26, 2013January 26, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PosiesLeave a comment

Spray roses in every shade imaginable are available now. I don’t mind spending a few dollars on spray roses. Because they dry into everlastings with ease, you don’t feel you have wasted your money when their peak freshness has passed.

I have had spray roses begin to dry even while they are still in a vase of water. Pink roses are my favorite color for drying, although yellow, peach and even some deeper toned roses work well too. White and red roses are tricky to dry. White can brown around the edges and red roses usually turn a near black hue when dried.

To dry the spray roses I firmly twist a large rubber band around the bottom of the stems, and slide the band over the hook of a coat hanger of any kind. The elastic will tighten if the flower stems shrink during drying, keeping the bunch intact.

I place this hanger in a dark closet and wait a week or two. When the flower petals feel crisp they are finished and can be used in crafts of all kinds. Dried spray roses are great for Valentine’s Day crafts.

Photographs – Blue Friday – or – Cold, Cold, Cold in the Northeast

On January 25, 2013January 25, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Photographs1 Comment

If you see a nuttylady…

…riding a bike in frigid weather, dressed like this…it might be me!

I’ve had such a good time since I began riding a bike again this summer, I sometimes venture out for a quick ride even in this cold, cold, cold weather. I always hear the music accompanying Elvira Gulch’s bike riding from the “Wizard of Oz,” inside my head as I pedal along. It’s even easier to laugh at myself when attired in the get-up you see above.

I love to feed the birds. Even in winter, their need for fresh water is important, they must drink and bathe daily. When I have a cup of coffee or tea I add extra water to the kettle and pour it into the birdbath when it boils. It’s a great idea, but ONLY if your birdbath is metal or another unbreakable material. Cement will crack, and resin might too. Another alternative is to use a plastic or aluminum pan or dish that will not break when water freezes, and place that in a high spot somewhere outdoors. The birds will thank you. Check out the great ideas below.

Postscript: Check water temperature with fingertips as ice melts, it only takes a minute for the ice to cool the boiling water down to a tepid degree. Leaving too soon might result in scalded birdie feet.

Ecosystem Gardening-Water for Birds

How to Provide Water for Birds in Winter

Peculiarities – Vultures and Vulture Festivals

On January 24, 2013January 20, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PeculiaritiesLeave a comment

On a cold January afternoon I snapped this picture of a flock of vultures near the Delaware Bay. Vultures fill a role, that of scavengers, but I must say it’s hard to become fond of vultures. I do, however, greatly admire their soaring flight and the skillful way they float on the wind currents.

More information about vultures can be found here: Vultures

A nearby town has a yearly vulture festival. It’s become quite a popular attraction. You can read more about having a vulture festival here: Vulture Festival

Close-up photograph courtesy of Morgue File. Morgue File is a terrific artist and bloggers resource. Copyrite free photographs available. Click here to visit: Morgue File

Peculiarities – Mindy the Ladybug

On January 22, 2013January 20, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PeculiaritiesLeave a comment

During the winter of 2012 we had a visit from “Missy the Ladybug.” She vacationed for several weeks in our upstairs bath. She somehow escaped all the perils of the room, and managed to thrive, until one day she found a new abode. You can read Missy’s story here: Missy the Ladybug.

This year we have her sister, or is that her cousin, residing on my windowsill basil plant. I think I heard her whisper that her name was Mindy. Mindy has made herself right at home. She even seemed impressed with my stained glass angel.

I love the close-up photographs of Mindy I was able to take.

Whoever knew a ladybug had such an adorable face?

Finally she had enough of my attention, turned around, and walked away. I saw her later taking a nap, using the basil leaves much like a beach umbrella to escape the noontime rays of the sun.

Sleep tight Mindy!

*All artists and crafters are welcome to use these photographs of Mindy and Missy as reference for paintings and other projects.

Perspective – The Ostrich

On January 21, 2013January 21, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Perspective6 Comments

They call the wave of reforms and liberal mindset flooding this country “tolerance,” but it is really an insidious tsunami thrusting us toward total control. I don’t need to list the horrifying reversal of many of our freedoms or point the finger at anyone in particular. Even those who have claimed “nothing is amiss” in the past cannot pretend they don’t see what is happening now. Regardless of the confusing new departments, tax increases, executive orders, and healthcare imposed upon us, alive in the hearts of most citizens is love for our country and fellow Americans. What’s to be done? Can the damage be reversed? How do we begin? I guess my first step is this gentle protest.

What is your gentle protest? I suggest that we all cast our eyes toward heaven, sink on bended knees and pray, believing in a righteous and merciful God who hears our pleas, and who delights in the fervent and faithful prayers of those who serve Him.

Wake up America! Ostriches with their heads in the sand, might find that the sand is really quick-dry cement.

Place & Perspective – A Country Church

On January 20, 2013June 23, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Place1 Comment

This beautiful “country” church stands in the town of Richwood, New Jersey. The church was built in the 1860’s. You can find the history here: Richwood Methodist Church. Although the church stands near a major highway, for most of its existence the setting was country-like, surrounded by fields and orchards and sparsely placed homes.

Across the street is a beautiful fellowship hall. Built within this century, much thought and planning was devoted to it’s design to enable it to blend in with the charm and old-fashioned graciousness of the church building. Progress is on the march though…the road has been widened, more houses and developments have sprung up. Convenience stores and pharmacies are now only a stone’s throw away, a Walmart might soon be erected down the road, but still the church glows with country-warmth and cordiality when you step inside the doors. Her core values, worshiping the Lord God and serving Him, are intact. I hope that despite the days and times we live in, and the creeping of liberalism into church denominations for political correctness’s sake, that the church will hang onto her values. God bless you and yours on this beautiful Sunday in January.

Phavorites -Beauty to You

On January 19, 2013January 19, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

What could be more convenient, or allow you to feel more pampered, than having a manicure session in your own home? Sit in an easy chair and sip a mug of coffee or tea made especially for you. Listen to soothing music play in the background. Beauty To You brings exactly that…a touch of beauty. Also available are pedicures and facials in the privacy of your own home. No need to feel you and your tootsies are on display in a mall or storefront window for all the world to view. Why be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a busy salon when you can lean your head back and relax instead?

Airbrushed designs with many seasonal choices included are all available during your manicure or pedicure.

Beauty To You is available in the Tri-County areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia. Party plans and princess party manicures for girls can be arranged. Manicures, pedicures or facials would be a perfect addition to a lingerie or jewelry party with your friends. Check out Beauty to You on Facebook. Like this page on Facebook: Beauty To You

Problem Solving – Suede Cleaner

On January 18, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Problem-Solving7 Comments

I received a pair of suede moccasin shoes/slippers for Christmas. They are super comfortable and I wear them all the time in the house. I knew that sooner or later they would be on the receiving end of a kitchen drip, and sure enough, in under two weeks they had a few oily spots marring them. I wanted to get rid of the annoying spots, but didn’t want to purchase overpriced suede cleaner. I’ve bought similar products in the past, and have found they haven’t been worth pennies, much less the near four dollars they cost now.

Luckily for me I had recently read that plain shaving cream, not the gel type, would remove spots from a rug. I decided to try it out and sprayed a blob of shaving cream on the carpet, rubbed it in, let it sit for several minutes, then wiped it up with a damp cloth. The spot was gone. I wondered if it would work on my slippers too.

I covered the soiled areas on both slippers with a layer of shaving cream and let it sit for a few minutes. I then rubbed it in with a damp washcloth and let it sit a bit longer. In about a half hour I cleaned off any leftover residue and let the slippers dry.

The large spots are gone, and once I brush the nap a bit, the slippers should look brand new. I think this is a sensational tip. I have also read you can use shaving cream to remove spots on your upholstery. I’m going to wander around the house, shaving cream in hand, and see what kind of grime and old ground in dirt I can remove.

Plant – Wonderful Wednesday/The Unexpected Flower

On January 16, 2013January 14, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PlantsLeave a comment

Primrose

On this Wonderful Wednesday I must say…I love the unexpected flower when it comes my way. It’s easily accepted and cherished because it usually doesn’t come with any strings attached. Most often it is a token of thanks or good thoughts. And so…on this Wonderful Wednesday I’m wishing for you a future full of unexpected flowers.

Place & Painting – The Delaware Bay

On January 15, 2013January 15, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PlaceLeave a comment

I can’t remember during what season of the year I took this picture of a man fishing in the Delaware Bay. I would guess it is Autumn or early Spring by the way the fisherman is dressed. He’d be sweltering in heat if the photo was taken during the summer months, and most likely he would have a cooler of ice alongside of him. I’ve lived within fifty miles of the ocean for most of my life. I visit the beaches of the Atlantic dozens of times in a year, yet when I see the waters without landscape and foliage to give me a clue, I have a hard time discerning the season. Along with the ocean, I love the bays that surround our area, the Delaware, the Chesapeake. Every now and then, even as far inland as I dwell, I sometimes think I can smell the sea.

I have taken many photographs over the last twenty years. Thousands of flowers, hundreds of seascapes, vast quantities of landscapes. I even take pictures of the sky and clouds. I have a good collection of reference photos on disc. One day in the midst of spending too much time searching for a particular photograph, I decided I must have a master list. It took me a quite a few hours, but I managed to get all my discs categorized.

I have also posted many of my photographs on Flickr and in the WetCanvas Reference Library. All artist and crafters are welcome to use these photos copyrite free for any painting or project you desire. There are links to my photos in the right sidebar of this blog. If there is a specific photo you need and can’t find, leave a request in the comment section and I will check my files. I have too many photos to post them all, but would be happy to send you something you need through email.

Projects – Paperclay Magnets/Kid’s Project

On January 13, 2013 By TimelessladyIn ProjectsLeave a comment

The lack of sunny weather for outdoor play is the perfect opportunity to break out Paperclay.

“Creative Paperclay is a non-toxic modeling material that can be sculpted, molded or shaped, and air dries (no baking!) to a hard finish that can be carved, or sanded – perfect for artists and crafters of all kinds!”

I found Paperclay at my local craft store. It is reasonably priced, and even better, I used a coupon for 40% off.

Instead of painting after the clay was molded, I decided it would be easier to tint it before shaping. Because my grandsons are very young, I completed this step before they began to create their designs. Working over the kitchen sink I created a cup shape with a piece of the Paperclay. I globbed a quarter sized amount of Crayola washable paint into the cup with a paintbrush and worked it through the clay. The clay quickly absorbed the color. I found I needed to add a bit more paint to increase the vibrancy of the hue. I turned it in on itself and kneaded it until the Paperclay returned to a drier state.

At this point I gave it to my grandsons to enjoy and fashion into their mushrooms, piglets and dolphins. They both worked on a piece of freezer paper, but waxed paper would work just as well. The dolphins were a challenge, the mushrooms and the piglets were very easy. In 24 hours they were completely dry. We enjoyed the texture of the finished product, very lightweight, and reminiscent of a dried out marshmallow.

I decided to glue the magnets on myself with Tacky Glue. Magnets such as these are very dangerous around small children. Swallowing them can be fatal. Be extra cautious when using magnets of any kind around children.

The magnets are not intended to be a toy. Use the finished product on the upper levels of your fridge door to hold all your children’s masterpieces in place. Happy crafting.

To learn more about paperclay check out their tips and techniques, along with many project ideas, at their website: Paperclay Tips

The inspiration for our project was found in our Sesame Street Craft Book.

Phavorites & Painting – Anemones and Grape Hyacinth

On January 12, 2013January 11, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Painting, PhavoritesLeave a comment

Several years ago on a walk around the neighborhood I came upon a gorgeous array of grape hyacinth and white anemones in a neighbor’s garden. Luckily, she lives only a few doors down, and I was able to return home for my camera. I have painted this as an ACEO, a small 2.5 x 3.5 inch painting, and have plans to someday paint it very large. A good art resolution for 2013 is to always have my camera or a piece of paper to sketch on when I venture out of the house.

People – A Person’s a Person

On January 11, 2013January 28, 2013 By TimelessladyIn PeopleLeave a comment

I love Kohl’s Cares Merchandise, sold for a great price, the proceeds are 100% donated to charity. I like that. A week ago I was in Kohls’ spending a Christmas gift certificate when I saw Horton on the rack of Kohl’s Cares Merchandise. I love this Dr. Seuss story. I picked Horton up, and heard my favorite line in my thoughts…

“A person’s a person no matter how small.”

I bought Horton and have him in the room where I read my Bible and pray. He is a bit of a mascot for me. This silly-looking stuffed blue elephant reminds me of the small children among us and the small child within myself. All our lives, whether we are young or old, have moments of intense need for nurturing and encouragement.

I believe “a person’s a person no matter how small.” Whether they are the size of a big blue elephant, or the size of the smallest invisible speck. A person is a person from the start to the end…and even beyond. This I believe…this I know.

“You did form my inward parts, you knit me together in my mother’s womb…you knew me right well; my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret…” Psalm 139:13-15

“”Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:4-5

“Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die. Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it.” Proverbs 24:11-12

Pots and Pans – Quick Tip/Golden Chicken Broth Naturally

On January 10, 2013January 10, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans1 Comment

I love to make homemade chicken broth out of whole stewing chickens or turkey carcasses left over from Thanksgiving or other special meals. I put the chicken, or the bones into a big pot, add varying amounts of celery, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, carrots, parsley and any other herbs that take my fancy that day. I don’t really measure these ingredients, it is usually what I have on hand. Onions are one ingredient I always add to my stockpot. I am very careful to use every scrap of onion skin that is free from discoloration. I wash this carefully and add it to my stock pot. The onion skins help to add that golden sparkle to chicken stock.

A little dash of tumeric is another good choice for giving my chicken stock rich color. Tumeric is not only a colorful addition, it is also full of antioxidants and other benefits. You will find tumeric listed as an ingredient in many brightly colored foods.

Tumeric as a Coloring Agent

Posies & Plants – Alstroemeria

On January 9, 2013January 6, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Plants, PosiesLeave a comment

Alstroemeria is one of my favorite flowers for floral arrangements. The blossoms are available in an astonishing array of colors and are very long-lasting. The flowers look at home in both casual and formal arrangements. Alstroemeria blooms outlive the leaves that are on their stems. I usually remove all the lower leaves and add hardier foliage to the arrangement I am making. When I purchase these flowers, usually at a bargain price from the local grocer, I always look for petals that are slightly closed. They will open in a day or two and should last for at least two weeks.

Alstroemeria is native to South America. You can find some facts and history here: Facts about Alstroemeria

Recently, I removed spent roses from my Christmas centerpiece and replaced them with alstroemeria. The arrangement lasted an extra week. When the pine needles began to drop, I took the alstroemeria out of the oasis, rinsed it, cut the stems an inch or two on the diagonal, and now will enjoy the fully open blooms as a vased arrangement. You can’t beat the beauty or the economy of alstroemeria.

Tip: If you are allergic to latex do not arrange alstroemeria without using protective gloves.

Problem-Solving – Bleach Spots

On January 8, 2013January 8, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Problem-SolvingLeave a comment

A big problem in the laundry room can be bleach spots. Yes, I am sure you know the scenario if you’ve ever used beach, I am talking about the despicable and horrifying spot of bleached out color you often find on a pant leg or sleeve after using this super whitening agent. The cause is usually a bead of bleach running down the side of the bottle after pouring. This small droplet is usually not noticed by the person using the bleach. The run-off is then accidentally brushed by the cuff of a sleeve, or drips off the bottom and mars the leg of your pants.

I have found a solution. I cover-up with an old, scruffy bathrobe that I no longer wear at night. I have the robe in the laundry room, always at the ready to throw over my clothing when I add bleach to anything. Whether I am using bleach for normal laundry days, or spraying it on mildewed shower walls, a bottle of opened bleach finds me wearing my big, all encompassing lavender robe. I might look a little funny, but I haven’t ruined any of my clothing for a long, long time.

A solution for covering up white spots caused by bleach or normal wear and tear is Sharpie markers. The permanent ink, available in many colors, easily covers up white spots.

Pressed Flowers – Cutting Pressed Autumn Leaves Part II

On January 7, 2013January 6, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Pressed Flowers1 Comment

A few months ago I promised a Part 2 to my Pressed Flower Post on how to cut Autumn leaves without shattering them. Mod-Podge works great to add a layer of stabilization to the leaves, watered down Elmer’s Glue will also work in a pinch. Brush the Mod-Podge onto the back of the leaf, let dry, and cut out your shape. You can find the full post here: Cutting Autumn Leaves

Another way to cut Autumn leaves is to use Wonder Under. Wonder Under is a fusible web made by Pellon. Wonder Under can be purchased in any fabric store. Craft and hobby outlets also carry fusible web, but you usually have to buy a full package, a waste of money if you need only a quarter yard or less.

Create a pattern. I am working with a bird house shape.

Trace pattern onto Wonder Under and fuse with an iron onto the back of the leaf or bark. Remember, whatever pattern you choose will reverse itself in direction when fused to the back.

Another technique is to fuse the Wonder Under directly to the back of the leaf, and then after tracing the pattern, cut out the shape you desire from the leaf.

I am sometimes tempted to remove the Wonder Under backing and fuse the cut leaves to the card stock. This is not a good idea for two reasons, the removal of the backing often destroys the leaf, and the heat of the iron will usually warp the card stock to some degree. It’s a better idea to leave the Wonder Under in place permanently and glue the leaf to the card with the fusible web intact.

It’s fun to create different shapes for your pressed flower work using the beauty of Autumn leaves and the thin bark of a birch tree. Have fun.

Plant – Pink Rosebud

On January 6, 2013January 6, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Plants1 Comment

Our family has been blessed with a new baby girl. Welcome to our lives and to our heart Gabriela…God bless you all the days of your life.

Plants & Painting – Purple Pansy Parade

On January 5, 2013 By TimelessladyIn Painting, Plants1 Comment

Here are few photographs of pansies from seasons past in my garden. This is one of my favorite color combinations in this sweet Springtime flower. To all of you who paint, draw or create using flower photographs as a reference point, please feel free to use the photos posted here for projects of all kinds. Happy Saturday and Happy Creating.