Hello dear friends.
My art has always carried me through stressful times, and I completely lose myself in a magical world. Hours fly, and my heart is eased some. I hope you enjoy, and this post finds you all in a good health.
My French Lavender is exploding, and I have been spending quite a bit of time harvesting, drying and creating. I wondered, what could I do with all the lavender stems, maybe attempt to basket weave?
Well, it did not occur to me that the stems would not be long enough, so the end result looked more like a little birds nest.
I also enjoyed using my French Lavender stems to build a wee house and two Castles!
French Lavender stems
Next I thought maybe build a little house. I used cardboard for the walls then covered with lavender stems, and even a thatched roof. I took a photo of one of my sculptures and inserted it into the front door. This little house was such a challenge for me, I don't why, and is not my best work, but thought I would share with you anyway. After all, life is not perfect, and we learn from our mistakes.
In progress photo
I was so focused on creating I forgot to take more in progress photos.
5"x4 1/2
5"x4 1/2
Finished
Below is my first Castle... Constructed from paper towel holder ( I always save a few for projects)
paint, cardboard, dried roses from my garden, and Lavender stems and seeds.
Finished Display
Measures 8"x8"
My second Castle
Display measures 7"x7"
For this one I used a 5x7 board canvas for the base
See this little horse? That would be the third horse I had attempted to make for the castle.
I still think he is too large, but I simply cannot make him any smaller. He stands two inches tall.
Thank you all so much for taking time to visit. This is what I have been working on since my last post. Now I think I will make a few more sachet lavender bags.
I hope you are all doing something that makes your heart sing.
Blessings,
Penny
Do you know how high my heart is lifted just to see your post here?
ReplyDeleteThen my heart soars to another level, to see your creations.
How marvelous that we start with an idea, then that idea evolves into another. The basket turned into a wee nest, showing your great skills to do things I've never attempted.
Then, the little cottage. I spy a familiar mouse from a past so special that remains not only in my mind but in Ruben's mind.
THEN....the castles. Penny, your skills truly are a gift from God. You can take just about anything and give it a new purpose. The lavender stalks and blossoms give this castle a very special touch not just in texture, but in scent and purpose.
What can I say? You are my special friend who I miss but know is there. My heart sang aloud yesterday as I baked a lemon curd tart for the first time in MANY YEARS. School is two days away from being over so I started my adventures now, to sail into a summer of stillness and quiet. I hope in that time, we can meet up again in Nowhere...
Anita, Thank you so much! Oh Lemon curd tart. Gosh that sounds so good. Did you cut a piece for BEBE?
DeleteWhat treasures you make of your lavender stems, dear Penny, they are very original. I like the birdhouse, but I love most the tiny castle with the horse in front. It looks enchanting as a fairytale castle.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, take care.
Blessings, Ilona
Thank you Ilona, but it is your art that baffles my mind. Exquisite art.
DeleteSo nice to see you here.
I love all of these, Penny. The nest is darling and the castles and little house are so clever. I never really thought about the stems but you're right -- it's a shame to waste them. I wonder--do they carry any of the fragrance of the flowers? Probably not but don' you wish it did?! Well done -- you are inspiring me!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanie,
DeleteYes, the stems to have a scent. For how long I don't know. I plan on making a wreath when I harvest again soon. Thank you for your kind words
Your castles are whimsically charming, but mostly I love your lavender stem creations. How sweet and small, so tediously assembled! Thank you for visiting my palette knife painting, one that I did mostly for my family’s nostalgia. I love palette knives a lot. So, thank you for helping me discover your blog with your visit. I’ll be following along now! Your work touches me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Barbara for following along, and your comment. I am so happy I found you. Love your art!
DeleteOh, Penny! Everything absolutely adorable including the horse. Your use of the lavender stems is stunning. I love your creations.
ReplyDeleteStay well and healthy!
Hugs, Drora
Thank you Drora. I hope you are well. Keeping you in my prayers.
DeleteSWEEEET PENNY! GOod morning my friend! I am glad to see your comment on my blog. I left you a message the other day...a text. I hope you got it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I got it!
DeleteOh how wonderful!!! You made me become a child again-I want to play with your wonderful houses and castles!
ReplyDeleteI think we all need to be a child again, if only in our imaginations. I appreciate your thoughtful words.
DeleteI am completely flabbergasted by you magical castles...This is wonderful..I know we can not spend much time in Nowhere these days but could I please use a picture to make a header..or maybe you could make a new header in Nowhere if possible..I am so happy to see these lovely art work dearest Penny..love as always..stay safe !
ReplyDeleteDearest Dutchess,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your beautiful comment about my Castles... And YES! I would be honored for you to make a header for Nowhere with them.
Bless you dear friend, and stay safe.
love,
Penny and Bebe
The bird best, little house, and castle are delightful. I especially like that white horse. Wow, you created such whimsical and wonderful things, Penny. There is a bit of fairytale in each one of them. It's nice to work on art projects and take your mind off things for awhile during this troublesome time.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have good June days ahead, Penny.
~Sheri
Thank you so much, Sheri... I hope you and family are well. Wishing you good health and happiness.
ReplyDeletePENNY! Good morning! I rarely visit my blog anymore but this morning I decided to see who showed up and there you were. How I miss you.
ReplyDeleteMaking wonderful use of your lavender stems; little baskets, birds nest, cottages and villages are just sweet! Good to see you lady!
ReplyDelete