The Little Guardian

Mom has a pet Gargoyle.

Well, he's not exactly a pet. He's more like the Keeper of the Gardens we have.

He sits out, seasons without end, through fall, winter, spring and summer.
He gets buried under snow, which he tunnels through. Rain sometimes washes him off- but best it be gentle, otherwise big raindrops splatter him and throw the dirt right back up. Sun makes him warm, and night doesn't scare him. He glows by the moonlight on clear nights, quickly ushering those wee folk that dare to stop and try to grab a blossom or two right back on their merry way.

Sometimes it even seems as his expressions change.

Some days he's happy with the garden we tend, and others, he's chased away an errant animal or three... Squirrels, fox, bear and coyote. Turkeys come through from time to time as well. He does his job well, and he's well rewarded- with a beautiful garden full of blooms just for him.

Spring is just on it's way in, but you can see his magical touch here and there- and the flowers that have already started to peek out early- well, I needed to share!

I do have to say, having a Little Guardian was the best thing Mom's done!

Great news is in store- as I have all my supplies at hand now!
This week, I do say, it's all about crafting, pictures, and new listings in my shop!
Check back to see what I've done!!

Can't wait, can't wait... For a very important date!

I haven't decided what day... yet. But the Grand Opening of "The Secret Gardens" is right around the corner!

I've ordered my supplies... And have a few more little things to pick up. And then??

Lights, camera, action!

I've been dreaming up various options as to exactly what kind of mini-gardens to offer everyone. I think the best is sweet and simple- minimal design, maximum impact. I think letting the little gardens speak for themselves in a very simplistic manner will be in order.

I can't wait for my items to arrive!

The way I figure it, I'll have them by next weekend... And then... Crafting time! More exciting will be picture time- because there will be so many variations of these little wonders that will delight and entertain!

Undecided as of yet as to use sand, small stones, or perhaps a combination of both. I think I may try all three- and depending on the style that's ordered the most, will base further designs off those. I've also managed to find some miniature figurines too- and most likely will be hunting around Etsy for some really cute handmade ones. There are some fantastic sellers I've already found- and can't wait to place an order with! Patience, I keep telling myself... Patience!

This is all so very exciting- I can't wait!

Inspiration

It's been a while since I've been especially interested in... Well... Anything.

Winter this year came in with such a fierceness, it caught most people unexpectedly. It's not often that I sit and daydream about spring flowers, warmer weather, sundresses and getting outside barefoot. Typically... I'm all about the winter sports- skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, etc.

This year though... Well, I'm all about the warmer spring weather which has so suddenly come on back! However, I know better than to expect it to say this temperate for long... Virginia gets awful humid, awful fast! I'll just enjoy it while it lasts!!

For me... Spring means cleaning out the garden of all the dead plant matter. Turning the beds, and planning a new garden for this year. However, since I'm in an apartment now, I don't have the luxury of having a yard- never mind a little area to grow a garden. People would either steal the flowers I'd plant, or destroy it.

My newest inspiration comes from miniature terrariums. Small plants inside vessels that are simple to maintain, and brings a little bit of the outside.... Well, inside! My plan will unfold through the next few weeks- and hopefully I'll be opening shop soon! I've found a great supplier of glass vessels I plan to use, and now checking out some great shops for supplies and plants. I love purchasing from other handmade artists... It means I support the handmade community!

Plans include miniature terrariums, as in small containers like candleholders or bulbs, to larger glass vessels that look like bubbles. The key point in all this... Is that the little ecosystems can mostly take care of themselves! The point is just a little maintenance, right?!

It's on its way! And I can't wait!

I've only created my shop at this time... I don't have any of the mini-gardens created yet. Careful culling of other sites and shops for interesting and eye-drawing containers and plants will be acquired in the next few weeks. Once the basic supplies are received... I'll be crafting away, and providing everyone with pictures and listings!

Are you excited?!