Christmas Roses

I'm pretty sure my family and friends on my private Facebook page are tired of me posting this same thing every major holiday but I just can't help it.

Christmas morning we went out into our backyard and the rosebush my husband's grandmother plannted more than 30 years ago was in full bloom again. I am so excited that every holiday, no matter what time of year, this beautiful bush of pink roses greets us with a floral display. It's kind of like those who have passed away are wanting to remind us that they are still in our hearts.

This poor plant hasn't been cared for properly in many years. My father-in-law was content to let it gow wild and it has held up under a variety of winter freezes, droughts, hurricanes and so much more. I want to prune it and give it a little TLC (tender loving care), but I am scared if I do that it won't bloom yearround like it has been since before we inherited the house in 2008.

Any suggestions or advice?? I have no experience whatsoever with plants. In fact, I am a bit of a plant-nemisis, but I really want this one to be its best. Should I leave it be or do a little work?

Until our next cup of tea ...

Pretty Pink Pot

A few weeks ago I was looking for a quick and easy craft project to help with the stress of unpacking and settling in. I had a clay pot and was wanting to plant the Pink Pearl Hyacinth that I had be "forcing" but was having trouble with since we moved. So after a little bit of creative thinking, I came up with an idea ...

Off I went to Michael's (Crafts) and picked up a small bottle of "Hydranga Pink" paint and a spounge stamp. A few hours later, this is what I'd created ...





Until our next visit ...

A Polka Dot Planter How-To

Monday, the MP Battalion where I work held their Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. Each of the four units in the battamed a volunteer of the year, someone who had done an outstanding job over the past year. They each got a special certificate and gift. They were fun to make. Here's how I did it:



Step 1: Chose the pieces you want. I used medium-sized terracotta planters with saucers.



Step 2: Sand them to remove any ridges or rough spots.



Step 3: Let them dry completely. Be sure to flip over so the interior drys as well. I let them dry for more than 24-hours.



Step 4: Paint them. I used 3 coats for the base, letting each dry at least and hour or two before adding the next one. Dependingon the paint you can get creative and drag a dry-brush over the top coat while wet to get striping. After dry, do secondary color. Try sponding a complementing over the top.





Step 5: After the pieces are completely dried, add accessories. I glued ribbon of the complementing color to the rim and then added ribbons.

It is a very easy project, but does take time for the drying. If you want, you can add a clear coat once the paint dries for a shiny look. Later, probably next week, I'll add pictures and instructions for using these pots for other projects.

Until our next cup of tea ...