tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62390574712150359612024-03-05T13:52:07.012-08:00Surroundings by MelindaMelinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-89687491592211845792021-02-18T11:43:00.004-08:002021-02-26T12:21:21.450-08:00shopping in my closet...february<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Well who would have thought we would still be living with this virus? It's been about a year and although we have learned a lot about safety precautions, most of us are not back to "normal". I'm not sure things will ever go back to what they were before.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Many of us are still staying in and trying to be careful with not only our health but our finances. All the more reason to continue shopping in my closet. I actually enjoy it! I like to be inspired by looking at my favorite catalogs online then digging through my closet to recreate the looks.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Inspiration outfit from the Sundance catalog.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBPbM-C9VRAXspERT9vhsKdfZ_K9jnMRGLNeJDQVPXOMg7oQ6TYBE7JOaANnG4Zi4m1zlNQDALRuK-mjCuHwAF_0OEz1pdhnT5Fyr14oNqDA3miHU60ZRdNsUZjelsaNL74Z3ikSzFT9r/s1250/look_12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBPbM-C9VRAXspERT9vhsKdfZ_K9jnMRGLNeJDQVPXOMg7oQ6TYBE7JOaANnG4Zi4m1zlNQDALRuK-mjCuHwAF_0OEz1pdhnT5Fyr14oNqDA3miHU60ZRdNsUZjelsaNL74Z3ikSzFT9r/w512-h640/look_12.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This inspiration from the catalog</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">blouse $118.00</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">jeans $98.00</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmydSc2urDChejvE-9TBpQouEvyTofysX5EkTxA_oj1vjyGgyhrppMJy89_92MMuSXVct3d9ypnQCR9Ph5wKeR0GVCwXkxh6uB1Z-HUvw-VOC27DjdoyoXijKAPDEQFnPLWd7PpCeX1lx/s1250/look_12_dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmydSc2urDChejvE-9TBpQouEvyTofysX5EkTxA_oj1vjyGgyhrppMJy89_92MMuSXVct3d9ypnQCR9Ph5wKeR0GVCwXkxh6uB1Z-HUvw-VOC27DjdoyoXijKAPDEQFnPLWd7PpCeX1lx/w512-h640/look_12_dress.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">blouse TJ Maxx $12.99</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">jeans Goodwill $6.99 </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-cGbkL3ABtFzxoKaXurrlcbA8EzzK99Hz-n_KU9VtEYJWcw59pbJpqGFqpEJbyOjZLNyK4sKQxQrJA77wV1tVp6dHWHLohkR_2RNSKj4GWrdAzehwBrfrReQrfwLicHpehqyHPrLNCs9/s1250/look_12_jewelry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-cGbkL3ABtFzxoKaXurrlcbA8EzzK99Hz-n_KU9VtEYJWcw59pbJpqGFqpEJbyOjZLNyK4sKQxQrJA77wV1tVp6dHWHLohkR_2RNSKj4GWrdAzehwBrfrReQrfwLicHpehqyHPrLNCs9/w512-h640/look_12_jewelry.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I added layers of silver and turquoise bracelets, beaded earrings, a necklace and chunky silver rings all found at various flea markets.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHUjesMlUL3XpELAyxatctUkOS2JhuD9beDZxC77nQnt90FaKbVF2ItDulsDnz_5_tHVX1DEDhri6bhIq88DO3zotsgl-on6Zaa8D2rzDuvInKJSPIuikKCz46AVT0WgFNfOPwogk8mJK/s1250/look_12_shoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHUjesMlUL3XpELAyxatctUkOS2JhuD9beDZxC77nQnt90FaKbVF2ItDulsDnz_5_tHVX1DEDhri6bhIq88DO3zotsgl-on6Zaa8D2rzDuvInKJSPIuikKCz46AVT0WgFNfOPwogk8mJK/w512-h640/look_12_shoes.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And a pair of cute braided vegan leather sandals bought on sale.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So for a quick recap...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sundance outfit $216.00</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Shop in my closet outfit $19.98 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SSyFD_ESZEFcYg_5iEZWW86J3VyDwpC4z4ouH8ovWV12eONRBI1MAfo367uJ9N0YtePGYva4RRcEOT-PlSiSk8Bveo1lT_3G9SjjW9-A4WaoajS4eegR_1ARlSoJxqx7Id3350R0Ax_s/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_look_12_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SSyFD_ESZEFcYg_5iEZWW86J3VyDwpC4z4ouH8ovWV12eONRBI1MAfo367uJ9N0YtePGYva4RRcEOT-PlSiSk8Bveo1lT_3G9SjjW9-A4WaoajS4eegR_1ARlSoJxqx7Id3350R0Ax_s/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_look_12_1.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm sure we are all living and coping with this pandemic in different ways. I'm fortunate that I am able to remain at hope. I truly don't mind being home at all. This is my happy place and I feel quite content. I hope that you are all doing well and finding the best possible ways to handle life right now.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sending my love, positivity and prayers out into the world.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-13830333822119075072021-02-14T13:05:00.018-08:002021-02-24T13:41:23.384-08:00the way to their heart...<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">What could be more romantic than having a lovely home baked breakfast treat ready for Valentine's morning?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In continuing my quest to create yummy foods with low to no fat for my mom to make for my dad (his post stroke low fat diet), I've found a way to make a scrumptious coffee cake that has virtually no fat.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: courier;"><b>Coffee Cake</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNzh2pbjxD4CV3tTdjtVnLW3FiEWZWM_UeGL1xIPwre1CUxVaV51jUEpcnSKSBxxghPilv3Ubu63QK0tbZDB_m7aw0Jm0LRPSM0w2RTBN51EiKBirtj3IIqyGNvJNmmdm90CsYGUDXh7a/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNzh2pbjxD4CV3tTdjtVnLW3FiEWZWM_UeGL1xIPwre1CUxVaV51jUEpcnSKSBxxghPilv3Ubu63QK0tbZDB_m7aw0Jm0LRPSM0w2RTBN51EiKBirtj3IIqyGNvJNmmdm90CsYGUDXh7a/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: courier;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1 box of Krusteaz brand cinnamon swirl crumb cake mix</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/2 cup of water</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/4 cup of applesauce</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">2 egg whites</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: courier;"><b>Toppings:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/4 cup brown sugar</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1 packet of maple brown sugar or cinnamon instant oats</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnWAWWNn1UkUriUKH16n8cHI36oZIx-pbYZN1l1OrDVkkalrfgVMsu4k6Omc0EegphPPI5DMPn0MxSD1sx4bcha4PohgekxE9eTdAk8FUeLwDUeDCPa2BqAy58_PcntvGtWppH829kW_q/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnWAWWNn1UkUriUKH16n8cHI36oZIx-pbYZN1l1OrDVkkalrfgVMsu4k6Omc0EegphPPI5DMPn0MxSD1sx4bcha4PohgekxE9eTdAk8FUeLwDUeDCPa2BqAy58_PcntvGtWppH829kW_q/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Mix all of the ingredients (except the brown sugar and oats) with the packet of cake mix in one bowl.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">In a separate bowl, mix the topping packet with 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 packet of maple brown sugar instant oats.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Pour 1/2 of the cake mixture into a greased 8 x 8 pan.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Then sprinkle 1/2 of the topping mix over the batter.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeuLymg_ZhQwgdhcE3_LFHNDLlpYqkbZQb2LHC13NytoXaa0Qzp0zXOzZ3n1P1KY5otiQGSoLaZC6XM0orF1J7os5Od5OxmiLifRQDnrqxyXk3foMyq-90wFsA9qIrwC2IMCqkpSNjbAc/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeuLymg_ZhQwgdhcE3_LFHNDLlpYqkbZQb2LHC13NytoXaa0Qzp0zXOzZ3n1P1KY5otiQGSoLaZC6XM0orF1J7os5Od5OxmiLifRQDnrqxyXk3foMyq-90wFsA9qIrwC2IMCqkpSNjbAc/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Cover the filling layer with the remainder of the cake batter.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73kz8WH-aUpGJ_zZXOTu7He_1hp2A1XXBQapholaD36XoQ9Cctu6fm7V3h8L2hys0W4_k986f4VUR89KQQr6ZvxeOy34IeAdAyWVbOvgBUJPZ0goQPSeaBu1A0dV92EBTrFsTmtukSerK/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73kz8WH-aUpGJ_zZXOTu7He_1hp2A1XXBQapholaD36XoQ9Cctu6fm7V3h8L2hys0W4_k986f4VUR89KQQr6ZvxeOy34IeAdAyWVbOvgBUJPZ0goQPSeaBu1A0dV92EBTrFsTmtukSerK/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Finally, cover the top of the second layer of batter with the rest of the topping mixture.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmAf_mGemwy7EUt1Xe6v70y4qBAzGud27z2lERBZQLZXGYVT8sO8c9daacWTifkciwNT4a95_d2tRVbAiXYhV-7EnYrh5nR4bMRSZyW_xtMats3hCwlRLb6Ozl_zc4UqZNS90VWqo1d-8/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmAf_mGemwy7EUt1Xe6v70y4qBAzGud27z2lERBZQLZXGYVT8sO8c9daacWTifkciwNT4a95_d2tRVbAiXYhV-7EnYrh5nR4bMRSZyW_xtMats3hCwlRLb6Ozl_zc4UqZNS90VWqo1d-8/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Place the cake into a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. I begin checking mine at 35 minutes. Once a toothpick can be inserted and come out cleanly (meaning there is no more uncooked batter on the toothpick), the coffee cake is done!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcKfdmfdGXl8Fxg9iElZIKX1tX3pF-BWklLUCGJnGNmlIy6z2nOoZPY5fTUAiVvQbioE4KvBZJ-SRYegLdUG_wRgSetYZE0uepcwvOnms4-VVewORusKSw93tsCBLWY-8olQylN93Iflz/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcKfdmfdGXl8Fxg9iElZIKX1tX3pF-BWklLUCGJnGNmlIy6z2nOoZPY5fTUAiVvQbioE4KvBZJ-SRYegLdUG_wRgSetYZE0uepcwvOnms4-VVewORusKSw93tsCBLWY-8olQylN93Iflz/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_coffee+cake_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This coffee cake can be baked the night before. It is almost better the second day! Each serving has approximately 1-2 grams of fat.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/2-pack-Krusteaz-Cinnamon-Swirl-Crumb-Cake-and-Muffin-Mix-21-oz-Box/862286402?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">for a link to purchase Krusteaz boxed mix.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">* also available in gluten free!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It's an easy and delicious way to start your Valentine's Day.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Let the people around you know how much they mean to you by doing small acts of kindness. It's not about expensive gifts, it's about gifts from the heart!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Valentine's Day...</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">all my love,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-26334153982391807572021-02-12T12:38:00.003-08:002021-02-24T13:05:08.076-08:00hand sewn hearts<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Although rainy days are a rare occurrence here, especially this time of year, I like to be stationed in my sewing room. It seems like the perfect reason not to be in my garden.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Right now my heart is thinking of love. So why not make some Valentine's Day vintage fabric hearts. Normally I make these hearts in all neutral colors and I sew on an antique key. I call these the "key to my heart" mini heart pillows.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But these are a little different. I've been saving this wonderful old cotton and linen table runner. Although there are stains, I loved the vibrant colors of the floral design. So I cut out as many hearts (roughly 6-8 inches each) as I could, trying to carefully avoid the stains. They are filled with batting and I added small pockets on each.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkEur78-MYV8ZABLCKAZ4bTDE3gw2HfySfKJ8aEDNeN5Q4DIaCqS-nXvfhovRqGYUCcuNoCAT7LVlyQ9M6she_oCrQ6bM04YDbG8u5iEWzMTVMyHdAgpiaBZTgLYRIdwvPzZj1mfJi-vB/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkEur78-MYV8ZABLCKAZ4bTDE3gw2HfySfKJ8aEDNeN5Q4DIaCqS-nXvfhovRqGYUCcuNoCAT7LVlyQ9M6she_oCrQ6bM04YDbG8u5iEWzMTVMyHdAgpiaBZTgLYRIdwvPzZj1mfJi-vB/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">All of the pockets have a hand stitched message of love and include a small ephemera card so a personal message can be written inside.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuK6TsyssggNPhCTfvcCltar_sQ78sbgzpZzZlKHRTUrKj6VvNhsf1sQ0pEQfZNP5GNvgxXCAYszbt9Uu1aMj2uDAaBe9EGbrBObD7wPAbrAM4AB-t4S9F0hf1E53WDOyd1OtkX9RRfK7/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuK6TsyssggNPhCTfvcCltar_sQ78sbgzpZzZlKHRTUrKj6VvNhsf1sQ0pEQfZNP5GNvgxXCAYszbt9Uu1aMj2uDAaBe9EGbrBObD7wPAbrAM4AB-t4S9F0hf1E53WDOyd1OtkX9RRfK7/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">No two hearts are the same because the way I cut the fabric from the table runner. And each little pocket is different as well.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzwa9T2SH_v96e3U9RbNfJEj-54lX_03l7VGBtnbLUodNiO1XixpHI0U-HAMEWExcqzvh7fxEJPPe_Cp_4Kvm8iDyOCB9IxO4qA9DYIFP5feQoJ4ca33ey9qIKNh92VKbV0KKiKJs1QD7/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzwa9T2SH_v96e3U9RbNfJEj-54lX_03l7VGBtnbLUodNiO1XixpHI0U-HAMEWExcqzvh7fxEJPPe_Cp_4Kvm8iDyOCB9IxO4qA9DYIFP5feQoJ4ca33ey9qIKNh92VKbV0KKiKJs1QD7/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The extra tiny pockets can also be used as tooth fairy pillows for wee ones. It's nice because the "fairy" doesn't have to fish the small tooth out from under the pillow of a sleeping child.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1Kcr_aZ-4xEf8-EEd0djVhk40lp9psRyXFKPwxVxGdvTqNLPL1hd5BAhOEM3jwjrzR1u-UR5VPcBTOsa74VOBfPF8ZkTKWre-OR2lpXyzUIUjM8gKcsAo3KLpggEmM4AJbwhqZAOJ745/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1Kcr_aZ-4xEf8-EEd0djVhk40lp9psRyXFKPwxVxGdvTqNLPL1hd5BAhOEM3jwjrzR1u-UR5VPcBTOsa74VOBfPF8ZkTKWre-OR2lpXyzUIUjM8gKcsAo3KLpggEmM4AJbwhqZAOJ745/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The slightly larger pockets can hold a letter, photo or gift card.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkDayd47iygkpXzYPJl2z_Iq5k9jkK320LCK9G9FKOQY4D2ave2CdtHW7mV25HTGx1H9ezuooaD7KSoVMNwSAwQbdlvChTsMHhxuKuKPnytis1Hy52LllZXe0rdegYlRLFmWgcD4eQ37Z/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkDayd47iygkpXzYPJl2z_Iq5k9jkK320LCK9G9FKOQY4D2ave2CdtHW7mV25HTGx1H9ezuooaD7KSoVMNwSAwQbdlvChTsMHhxuKuKPnytis1Hy52LllZXe0rdegYlRLFmWgcD4eQ37Z/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0x9xKUpZ1o-TSpnrSF2O3ZM3B2a5ztNp-urjsPlki0UjEpFgMo5Jss6Md19PthuWDQd1OceSx2QmFrJrrs_TS71lTRe8VRiXkgbIVWW0SSOt1nsfKmVbZGXqui_195zGUrVqbNor8_0J/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0x9xKUpZ1o-TSpnrSF2O3ZM3B2a5ztNp-urjsPlki0UjEpFgMo5Jss6Md19PthuWDQd1OceSx2QmFrJrrs_TS71lTRe8VRiXkgbIVWW0SSOt1nsfKmVbZGXqui_195zGUrVqbNor8_0J/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I had great fun creating these small puffed heart pillows.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuIlLbd7yhBbksQbzpAdMKncweX7HgYaxBrn7N2neWhV3fvFzfmFEgQvcH6zUSKeu1KbZXmhGZ1U-519L1NP3p3Ovp7kglG2kTb_ZWMKIbWAoleRs-aU_NB_woBk4GZA_7t6mrI9tupQt/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuIlLbd7yhBbksQbzpAdMKncweX7HgYaxBrn7N2neWhV3fvFzfmFEgQvcH6zUSKeu1KbZXmhGZ1U-519L1NP3p3Ovp7kglG2kTb_ZWMKIbWAoleRs-aU_NB_woBk4GZA_7t6mrI9tupQt/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYshBysV8O1FacmoX-3hFgvTyFtZxwK-TIxkIIChNaJOsMr-KsGpe8xL90WNXYdHDzc0p9m2uR_dVkwHYlAWxNlBRgT2yPcEQwH8yHGMNzsugZhACGfR3XERGPFA-qa8YwDug4VIon4oc/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYshBysV8O1FacmoX-3hFgvTyFtZxwK-TIxkIIChNaJOsMr-KsGpe8xL90WNXYdHDzc0p9m2uR_dVkwHYlAWxNlBRgT2yPcEQwH8yHGMNzsugZhACGfR3XERGPFA-qa8YwDug4VIon4oc/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_fabric+heart_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">If you are inclined to make handmade gifts for family and friends, this project is very simple. It's great for beginner seamstresses.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Nothing beats a handmade gift from the heart. After all, most of us are not out doing a lot of shopping right now.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I wish you...lovely projects for rainy days.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-33495916326538597452021-02-09T11:05:00.002-08:002021-02-24T11:46:34.474-08:00romantic ephemera<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">February is the month of romance.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Personally, I think romance should be a part of our lives every day all year long. There is something about love. It should have great importance in our world. Not just any kind of love but romantic love.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As Valentine's Day approaches, I like to look through my collection of vintage Valentines. There is just something about ephemera that fills my heart with joy. The old paper, the script, the use of language and the stunning graphics in radiant yet aged color.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVal-SLaxdkTpAHY5nOzFaFKxOZKcJuCMcBIDBpksD0Frd5lyfPA2rYLgQYEM3guLciaveD8CAFtGqCS8_xTth_1goxNoFk8Dkjr5oiSsdVJvuiYHzmXoUEQAKZ2DI64z_0i5D4sqBnHpF/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVal-SLaxdkTpAHY5nOzFaFKxOZKcJuCMcBIDBpksD0Frd5lyfPA2rYLgQYEM3guLciaveD8CAFtGqCS8_xTth_1goxNoFk8Dkjr5oiSsdVJvuiYHzmXoUEQAKZ2DI64z_0i5D4sqBnHpF/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Not only do I love to incorporate these tiny works of art into my decor, but I love to read the letters.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ngxmyx8tX7oxTpdnWng00pNqEbNnA8UO8RELRXqNYoCVnSYOXWgwI7rsfz6TqlF22xfLzUfHg0UbVucSvYIaDvJ__6zG06ycDh4SFFUgjVyQA-npT_6AqKgUJV29CA2pCZXeOI40afqU/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ngxmyx8tX7oxTpdnWng00pNqEbNnA8UO8RELRXqNYoCVnSYOXWgwI7rsfz6TqlF22xfLzUfHg0UbVucSvYIaDvJ__6zG06ycDh4SFFUgjVyQA-npT_6AqKgUJV29CA2pCZXeOI40afqU/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The next thing I know, I find myself hopelessly lost in a daydream in lives lived decades ago.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm93xcm9E6Xe2tcTN4BwB3x7uj5jycEntZpmJbP35jzh6pKFhk1_1yMShh8vdQH3EFFkiUgQOf7Lu41muZgLZqw0RBPbYWyR7UjyAUXPsCOY5UWFkw_SLm2_9CcH54ERfkzNzkpcwWMmaz/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm93xcm9E6Xe2tcTN4BwB3x7uj5jycEntZpmJbP35jzh6pKFhk1_1yMShh8vdQH3EFFkiUgQOf7Lu41muZgLZqw0RBPbYWyR7UjyAUXPsCOY5UWFkw_SLm2_9CcH54ERfkzNzkpcwWMmaz/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTQcaS6P9ei4DQo2cnaUJOmSJ_DdbCRzZk6vDpFeBHY3n9soPky_ghIEnidXDmY569ZZUxHw4dg0leDqQvUkSmtnRIePGv5bGDmpeOEUVzZUC6Qd7p54Y2TYcB9dH_4Olx1fejcofw3oQ/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTQcaS6P9ei4DQo2cnaUJOmSJ_DdbCRzZk6vDpFeBHY3n9soPky_ghIEnidXDmY569ZZUxHw4dg0leDqQvUkSmtnRIePGv5bGDmpeOEUVzZUC6Qd7p54Y2TYcB9dH_4Olx1fejcofw3oQ/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPBB3cOxU3_5vNzvoLheaauh63n0Zaokp4zoKsFrM2waIi55P67gxQK2IxAHfqrywwhLB7bLlop_yUIkRVd0gjULRgp__HWzEklS_LwXfHs4VoG2H_Q562eFicE-bUC0JTAHAJtwLKt73/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPBB3cOxU3_5vNzvoLheaauh63n0Zaokp4zoKsFrM2waIi55P67gxQK2IxAHfqrywwhLB7bLlop_yUIkRVd0gjULRgp__HWzEklS_LwXfHs4VoG2H_Q562eFicE-bUC0JTAHAJtwLKt73/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1V_dbBUD1Q74X8vVudAe-_AlBBGtFv0Lew3wXLO9GplMfs_qXthGZ6mzcpygBUpEdsjtWuZMWA9wQ1X29JWjpGKoNWk6MVD53T86pO3pAMZljPLYP-mexkZ09qWCZQQBGkcmjPiVBSOg/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1V_dbBUD1Q74X8vVudAe-_AlBBGtFv0Lew3wXLO9GplMfs_qXthGZ6mzcpygBUpEdsjtWuZMWA9wQ1X29JWjpGKoNWk6MVD53T86pO3pAMZljPLYP-mexkZ09qWCZQQBGkcmjPiVBSOg/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Several years ago, I styled the guest bedroom of my Sanibel house for a Valentine's Day magazine photo shoot.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K4jSHMy44suwtV69GcaLDd8FZ86OpHKTJrd3aZbKH1MRarbzRIPmNhjy7nErsCNCFkpnYseVg7OMYDUc05TsjnMNXsCNpSB3c5aW5piXWq5Tt2WKz_uodFIkSlpmg629-du9akQ-fV38/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K4jSHMy44suwtV69GcaLDd8FZ86OpHKTJrd3aZbKH1MRarbzRIPmNhjy7nErsCNCFkpnYseVg7OMYDUc05TsjnMNXsCNpSB3c5aW5piXWq5Tt2WKz_uodFIkSlpmg629-du9akQ-fV38/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Red transferware is another lovely addition for a Valentines vignette.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHtNTzSI7vvfGwZSvkXfcJ2TA87E-VCg2Yt9BGKFs3qrLfZQa0aVfVldMwL-MN1ALQGzTC1W-LPseLdhRbbcDX_rbWxzqY-YY0D3yQAQwI4tpNhM5T36_ahCu4cqtHeAA6G_fKeuHO0o5/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHtNTzSI7vvfGwZSvkXfcJ2TA87E-VCg2Yt9BGKFs3qrLfZQa0aVfVldMwL-MN1ALQGzTC1W-LPseLdhRbbcDX_rbWxzqY-YY0D3yQAQwI4tpNhM5T36_ahCu4cqtHeAA6G_fKeuHO0o5/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And I simply can't help myself, seashells are a part of every design and every season.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rSIbneL9ze-MtZDeKV91zKJbO5Zpj1ZyNQ7hdN9ay8A4ziNaf13O9ps9xkxSD33rxJhaQnBs201SKdUP1G9oTHq-B43RVO8mhqSq-PaoJH3mLlU8qx9mxCHRXpz9z9L_n_3eb4DMBYYl/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rSIbneL9ze-MtZDeKV91zKJbO5Zpj1ZyNQ7hdN9ay8A4ziNaf13O9ps9xkxSD33rxJhaQnBs201SKdUP1G9oTHq-B43RVO8mhqSq-PaoJH3mLlU8qx9mxCHRXpz9z9L_n_3eb4DMBYYl/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+valentine_ephemera_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This certainly inspires me to add a little extra romance into my world. I think tonight is a good night to watch my favorite version of Cinderella (the 2015 film adaptation).</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20DF6U1HcGQ" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">to watch the trailer.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Enjoy!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-84734351754190537732021-02-05T19:49:00.007-08:002021-02-22T20:55:26.651-08:00reinvented classic<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">One of the best things in life is to sit down to a family dinner. Is it the conversation? The companionship? The shared memories? Or the foods that take us right back to our childhood?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My dad loves our family, our family gatherings, our memories and my mom's wonderful cooking. But since his stroke, he has really restricted his diet by cutting out the fat...and thus the flavor.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Well, I have made it my mission to reinvent some of our family's holiday dishes with low fat options. I started with holiday dishes because those are the meals we try to still gather together for (pre-pandemic that is).</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">With a little experimenting, I have created a candied yam casserole recipe that is all but fat free.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuNqTGBDoKJZ1CsuOAgcSjW-Ti7qpOGuAxHF5pL7gSM77Tq9MPRPcuX0AMWNlpz9VrdBjWiy5fr4bSufQTs2gTf9RQJhN_VqsskypOcLxc6XjWaf1gvaNVvw3z0uTMjz6b-ci3DA7Xhua/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuNqTGBDoKJZ1CsuOAgcSjW-Ti7qpOGuAxHF5pL7gSM77Tq9MPRPcuX0AMWNlpz9VrdBjWiy5fr4bSufQTs2gTf9RQJhN_VqsskypOcLxc6XjWaf1gvaNVvw3z0uTMjz6b-ci3DA7Xhua/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">ingredients:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">2 cans candied yams drained</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/4 cup sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/4 cup packed brown sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">2 egg yolks</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/4 cup skim milk</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">toppings:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">marshmallows</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">low fat cinnamon grahams</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">fat free butter spray</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">* preheat oven to 350 degrees</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">coat bottom and sides of an oven-proof baking dish with cooking spray</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotrCYQFy-no5DdkCiHkYlzhHfX4uiFzEHBcjEZQgfL-ShCjZJc2k5_kCYhgw4STZqWB-igEBVVp_d0bwSxWyl6Uwk10e-9HpCZ1zkvVK6hnp3LQVBDQ-O-TxIyGrl1POc0Kdylvcjf8BK/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotrCYQFy-no5DdkCiHkYlzhHfX4uiFzEHBcjEZQgfL-ShCjZJc2k5_kCYhgw4STZqWB-igEBVVp_d0bwSxWyl6Uwk10e-9HpCZ1zkvVK6hnp3LQVBDQ-O-TxIyGrl1POc0Kdylvcjf8BK/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Drain and fork mash 1 can of the candied yams.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the toppings (marshmallows and graham crackers).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Mix well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Fold in the second can of drained candied yams.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Pour the mixture into your greased oven dish.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMGeiulYQS78ZbEfi8punD6CEAXkYhXxVDs4Jr_aDz4W4hgx1Gl-deStWqzO0RGNjFcTiJ2yxXSaXPYstu0AkXdiBIgT0hv156_FngrzwUND5MH-yY4twnvEj3opTF4sJyMxR5tLdtnwJ/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMGeiulYQS78ZbEfi8punD6CEAXkYhXxVDs4Jr_aDz4W4hgx1Gl-deStWqzO0RGNjFcTiJ2yxXSaXPYstu0AkXdiBIgT0hv156_FngrzwUND5MH-yY4twnvEj3opTF4sJyMxR5tLdtnwJ/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The casserole should be fairly well set.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdH_FepwhGcUDJLWIE8whcg1B305d2VMwiooid9rBj4eyxScM9sts9mJjyBPGtrO4ABDYjWBqhgUTANaXvUbZY38dhdkuthL2iH9Dq2FszzZXkC2Lt-y0DWaWq-dxPiw5y98k8AohOfHt/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdH_FepwhGcUDJLWIE8whcg1B305d2VMwiooid9rBj4eyxScM9sts9mJjyBPGtrO4ABDYjWBqhgUTANaXvUbZY38dhdkuthL2iH9Dq2FszzZXkC2Lt-y0DWaWq-dxPiw5y98k8AohOfHt/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Crumble low fat cinnamon grahams.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Add the quantity you wish depending on preference.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I place the grahams in a plastic baggie and crumble into crumbs with a marble rolling pin.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHtN2ojqoMqLQYqlfMW-v2zXtz8_xw31UrBZzrz-wNKQROLj8xSq70rcOQzXkqyPYfqcJ6FLYSo-ODhYBebDn4XI2_rtdJeBSYg9sNWDwCSxnaJTCdjWDfe48sZ5z2eyZsWMPXsiH0-id/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHtN2ojqoMqLQYqlfMW-v2zXtz8_xw31UrBZzrz-wNKQROLj8xSq70rcOQzXkqyPYfqcJ6FLYSo-ODhYBebDn4XI2_rtdJeBSYg9sNWDwCSxnaJTCdjWDfe48sZ5z2eyZsWMPXsiH0-id/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Cover the top of the casserole with marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs and spray the top with butter spray.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcN8w8PiE7xMoR5udXcW0CrxEYbWOH6-ISynpVrDh9vE6Cz6dnHoxRpK5UCijgw-v2gZSlufBL_zEkKa6ppXCoI6yMQK0QpeD8FkeECSJdC2VZUm3zuVXWVyarvxa_HbWZ2w8_N8JWAt8/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcN8w8PiE7xMoR5udXcW0CrxEYbWOH6-ISynpVrDh9vE6Cz6dnHoxRpK5UCijgw-v2gZSlufBL_zEkKa6ppXCoI6yMQK0QpeD8FkeECSJdC2VZUm3zuVXWVyarvxa_HbWZ2w8_N8JWAt8/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Place the casserole into the oven and broil</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">until the toppings are golden brown.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Watch closely as not to burn.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-CxOsMVzVO3wRYwnoefMUFKcn76J03Egd8_CLgnYHVwU-yilOA64yajmeUZgN-Ic3Ifb7497FCC5VVrTcHqlP8s1tDv2FT4EPKoAmQVMXP0mdXniJB818JMdJaCVGPouAGA-5Y-3qbFH/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-CxOsMVzVO3wRYwnoefMUFKcn76J03Egd8_CLgnYHVwU-yilOA64yajmeUZgN-Ic3Ifb7497FCC5VVrTcHqlP8s1tDv2FT4EPKoAmQVMXP0mdXniJB818JMdJaCVGPouAGA-5Y-3qbFH/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't think anyone will miss the fat!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zudtDHcmoVKm6XxsvIp4giyJwlVCXzhJxQS2wHswnF234cjTj19O4_92A_APYJe1ELGJLoxrciSsW2OtAK701zidttAC56MuN28TTTJXywm2UeFmhdssK3_efhvqSmjnRFTUw3EnKQqC/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zudtDHcmoVKm6XxsvIp4giyJwlVCXzhJxQS2wHswnF234cjTj19O4_92A_APYJe1ELGJLoxrciSsW2OtAK701zidttAC56MuN28TTTJXywm2UeFmhdssK3_efhvqSmjnRFTUw3EnKQqC/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_11.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This is a wonderful side companion with my low fat pork tenderloin. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">For the recipe...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://surroundingsbymelinda.blogspot.com/2020/02/easy-yummy-dinner.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ktf6e-IwOsw_gSZp33CkQ3-Boaz4HYLtYOEqqlCAbBZ2ymGAo3E7SAK23rNE0e7-mbUiXjtBrrTjeqohYxrOMBpzGjiPjG3r6m5fTVVzh-iFTIAIqGpOjnZJsSWPi0PqwHWO_rYHZdH0/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ktf6e-IwOsw_gSZp33CkQ3-Boaz4HYLtYOEqqlCAbBZ2ymGAo3E7SAK23rNE0e7-mbUiXjtBrrTjeqohYxrOMBpzGjiPjG3r6m5fTVVzh-iFTIAIqGpOjnZJsSWPi0PqwHWO_rYHZdH0/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_sweet+potato+casserole_10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here are a few suggestions to modify the recipe:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">add spices to the mixture that you enjoy such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or cloves</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">add praline pecans to the topping.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I am still on my quest to modify some of our family favorite dishes. Do you have a favorite low fat dish? I am very open to suggestions!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Enjoy!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-83602889262414600662021-02-02T13:51:00.001-08:002021-02-22T19:16:13.683-08:00truly talented<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">I have decided I would really like to start featuring some of my favorite artists. I am amazed by all of the talented people in this world. There are so many different mediums and styles of art that speak to me. I love when I see something for the first time and am simply in awe of the beauty that is before me. Speechless.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Agnes Herczeg's art is extraordinary.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The first time I saw one of her tiny creations, it took my breath away.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here are a few examples of some of my favorite pieces.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDecIx7CVuQMtABIU390i4BNoaLRtO_-WHCGrPNhj0O_t1x11brp0nUXIjMd1g2rNZoVxP3qMgbrXhaf6Z3ktJrN3kRRdIoYEiGcsFbMKtL8El6-7sopIkPqfuxrkU7tj9ucsSmxCufYFb/s1499/agnes_herczeg_art_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDecIx7CVuQMtABIU390i4BNoaLRtO_-WHCGrPNhj0O_t1x11brp0nUXIjMd1g2rNZoVxP3qMgbrXhaf6Z3ktJrN3kRRdIoYEiGcsFbMKtL8El6-7sopIkPqfuxrkU7tj9ucsSmxCufYFb/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEt-wtjoFD-g9Qul9iJEKXPk3reHJK8M3u6mRX2Y-66dKJzILGiQCnsj-_PLMak4v_2xgC5NhsO8s5XKoPsexRrYwJvKLRR0P36rFdtv4_P0I69RXm6SO5Zu48s2T46aykkirQcxnIyMa/s1501/agnes_herczeg_art_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEt-wtjoFD-g9Qul9iJEKXPk3reHJK8M3u6mRX2Y-66dKJzILGiQCnsj-_PLMak4v_2xgC5NhsO8s5XKoPsexRrYwJvKLRR0P36rFdtv4_P0I69RXm6SO5Zu48s2T46aykkirQcxnIyMa/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wbfBOq8pXSE77rSEJ8JxlIkjmAU_qSjIIiHmxNeiHZ7s1w-Xd6tMGZI-mT2p124KgK9OPmKnkIvi1-92kawDEJkuWxnussr4yFnEutyBiJlJzlxyrGj-gUgzgMLxkO4Xkqi9JhHi11n3/s1500/agnes_herczeg_art_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wbfBOq8pXSE77rSEJ8JxlIkjmAU_qSjIIiHmxNeiHZ7s1w-Xd6tMGZI-mT2p124KgK9OPmKnkIvi1-92kawDEJkuWxnussr4yFnEutyBiJlJzlxyrGj-gUgzgMLxkO4Xkqi9JhHi11n3/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTolKI_VhPTHsgmfCIBaOIuPP6rkbhUoUEs7a346yyHjdFkPIYp6rLhzwOSXkeCF0O-SvaEAmISutF8-krsIG6oB6_n1YNUOa7l2_6pHCMcGRaCSfwKns1P3nWvijsiM_CP7qC3t07q2r/s1501/agnes_herczeg_art_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTolKI_VhPTHsgmfCIBaOIuPP6rkbhUoUEs7a346yyHjdFkPIYp6rLhzwOSXkeCF0O-SvaEAmISutF8-krsIG6oB6_n1YNUOa7l2_6pHCMcGRaCSfwKns1P3nWvijsiM_CP7qC3t07q2r/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBl8-2_h23t0WsoXuynhypYRT0SXDdgxaiUwqo_PRQCnZKc6GVfHbzBOMGVJbk1tAQJBAkmxG-6C1DYluQBbyZyek4I_-K_6_DeRzgY26dEhZVnjkKzZX78Lw2LOQ_VYPfjRt5fF1SNX4/s1500/agnes_herczeg_art_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBl8-2_h23t0WsoXuynhypYRT0SXDdgxaiUwqo_PRQCnZKc6GVfHbzBOMGVJbk1tAQJBAkmxG-6C1DYluQBbyZyek4I_-K_6_DeRzgY26dEhZVnjkKzZX78Lw2LOQ_VYPfjRt5fF1SNX4/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5X86NCqF9FFWSftSN1Pfil2-BAHc4jzhy3cbAkK4i4qE87jOMecDrNDACEcudYdnUf7svTC4gvjZ-OguUgNAeNHOzPzakwdGhNOQbSViwqF6zWP-3y5F2Lh4_AZvnGTPonamyPGdpajK/s1500/agnes_herczeg_art_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5X86NCqF9FFWSftSN1Pfil2-BAHc4jzhy3cbAkK4i4qE87jOMecDrNDACEcudYdnUf7svTC4gvjZ-OguUgNAeNHOzPzakwdGhNOQbSViwqF6zWP-3y5F2Lh4_AZvnGTPonamyPGdpajK/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVBOLSMa1BfhA1e9Qt2BFW8DzoarGbewnTEWmd_voMYuBP04dxSLsP2PmxDz319HzQIxy52y_BHBPxs_lRVEmNDJFOyktdD9NnSbkkTP6nzmv078y4N98YhEj5ub3eqPkFdFp19_Lh3DD/s1500/agnes_herczeg_art_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVBOLSMa1BfhA1e9Qt2BFW8DzoarGbewnTEWmd_voMYuBP04dxSLsP2PmxDz319HzQIxy52y_BHBPxs_lRVEmNDJFOyktdD9NnSbkkTP6nzmv078y4N98YhEj5ub3eqPkFdFp19_Lh3DD/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Agnes Herczeg is from Hungary and graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Budapest. This incredible form of art is based on her many years of experience working with needle lace. Her tiny pieces are made on frames of twigs and wood and she uses natural fiber very fine threads. I can't even imagine the amount of time and precision it would take to make these intricate and elaborate woven designs.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YR_HSYkXywDREJKIdRNCc4-7k_6FW6Wnvj8YoeIwcKKoNgrNKYDv1v0q_b2ZU5PcpMTGsyQzd6V7FxJUmzax0WuB8dJ4FUbyccrzLUKIwm_r0rHAeBEJw_MEmoU6Hdkz035NR0s65ajO/s1500/agnes_herczeg_art_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YR_HSYkXywDREJKIdRNCc4-7k_6FW6Wnvj8YoeIwcKKoNgrNKYDv1v0q_b2ZU5PcpMTGsyQzd6V7FxJUmzax0WuB8dJ4FUbyccrzLUKIwm_r0rHAeBEJw_MEmoU6Hdkz035NR0s65ajO/w512-h640/agnes_herczeg_art_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">All of these delightful images are the property of Agnes Herczeg. For more information about Agnes as well as access to her available work for sale, please visit her wonderful website.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.agnesherczeg.com/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope you will take the time to visit her site. You won't believe the variety of her work posted in galleries from 2015-2021. You will be inspired beyond belief, you may even be interested in purchasing something for yourself or for someone special.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">We are all better for opening our eyes and hearts to talented artists around this world of ours. I am so inspired by Miss Agnes Herczeg. I am honored to be able to share her incredible creations with you.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">If you have an artist you would like to see featured on my blog please let me know. The more we share the works of one another the better it will be for us all.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-6338204290319577122021-01-30T12:49:00.002-08:002021-02-22T13:34:07.496-08:00grey: a cool neutral<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The previous post featured my grey dining room.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I took so many pictures, I thought I would share a few close-up images of the details. You will see that my collections of vintage things are pretty eclectic. Yet everything does speak to my soul and bring me joy...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lajS5CFBGgl91BN0sTG6VHWkQCOwxddKKKLeqTElFsl5OJG_rvDAJyvnDSGhP1fahaoBIMvBsip5mqYNeBYFFDLmdLuZQ4KvpW7-F2M_MFuM5RmfCeaSMGBz4-WO7O66dYiwXhUykdcl/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lajS5CFBGgl91BN0sTG6VHWkQCOwxddKKKLeqTElFsl5OJG_rvDAJyvnDSGhP1fahaoBIMvBsip5mqYNeBYFFDLmdLuZQ4KvpW7-F2M_MFuM5RmfCeaSMGBz4-WO7O66dYiwXhUykdcl/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I think at first glance you will notice that the variety of things I collect seem to have no rhyme nor reason.... </span></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgW642pQnukvIbOE37rtKF_ObuklhdhXf3OTflFnzulUc6djfk2HJaKCRzDMlfxhpLS9MhqdCz8LX5GZY9NB6eDE685NrcRQay43NxsM3jlgpy6B1WflXSHf1r2gWBnNl-fZdNU-DlFlz/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgW642pQnukvIbOE37rtKF_ObuklhdhXf3OTflFnzulUc6djfk2HJaKCRzDMlfxhpLS9MhqdCz8LX5GZY9NB6eDE685NrcRQay43NxsM3jlgpy6B1WflXSHf1r2gWBnNl-fZdNU-DlFlz/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...as in the frog sprinkler, antique stoneware and sea shells in the first picture to the flower frog, transferware and delicate feather in the above image.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrlg4mUG9A6r_8YHOTqM9s5zLiWN2WYkUkHR_IPFvrWi26MLyI8KC2dMGrV46zbPWwJdWTEiZkI5E1760W1WDkGrswDhaS6EPkZP1eQkMb3LyBz60NUwgvN3mqxncTkmbsOZ3BoTGwLRW/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrlg4mUG9A6r_8YHOTqM9s5zLiWN2WYkUkHR_IPFvrWi26MLyI8KC2dMGrV46zbPWwJdWTEiZkI5E1760W1WDkGrswDhaS6EPkZP1eQkMb3LyBz60NUwgvN3mqxncTkmbsOZ3BoTGwLRW/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find beauty in everyday items like watch parts, old hymnals and antique dishware...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwViV6rVxlA35CmDwyszxAO0MqcrE4uNR-TugmnxHc67SejkZFAr47R7ZXpwGF0L5XkwtJMqDLhrtKefss6RqcqQMxZ5LtTCXQrx9tI8oqSyXYpPzGiHMjnCle-Ws-Y8DPRWdCcJ4SXSRK/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwViV6rVxlA35CmDwyszxAO0MqcrE4uNR-TugmnxHc67SejkZFAr47R7ZXpwGF0L5XkwtJMqDLhrtKefss6RqcqQMxZ5LtTCXQrx9tI8oqSyXYpPzGiHMjnCle-Ws-Y8DPRWdCcJ4SXSRK/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and keys and aged pewter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xhV4uRJhFXGAxfDbjTKHmafqSyO_h-OZmoMX5eB46WtkW4kb2UJBhwj9OzOl8U_nj-G3YFpxMoAtwIxxQn4A76kLrVIty1bFotIzoKxYHz5yFCmCbArSck_dDg6KohZcUt8tphiw5jmh/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xhV4uRJhFXGAxfDbjTKHmafqSyO_h-OZmoMX5eB46WtkW4kb2UJBhwj9OzOl8U_nj-G3YFpxMoAtwIxxQn4A76kLrVIty1bFotIzoKxYHz5yFCmCbArSck_dDg6KohZcUt8tphiw5jmh/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Antique English transferware was made in a variety of patterns, colors and types of dishware.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fCw-6ez53JZFWoCn2KyrCHKOhoGqP91LJPbikqqGmwWCFjZpz-f7VkTp1YU92q7VB4GhlDCUt186OJ5T62gV5ILVyEhe1wvkBdDCMwOx1S1g_0oVO31Ocx_ev_sjz68t13yVdqv3Z_KE/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fCw-6ez53JZFWoCn2KyrCHKOhoGqP91LJPbikqqGmwWCFjZpz-f7VkTp1YU92q7VB4GhlDCUt186OJ5T62gV5ILVyEhe1wvkBdDCMwOx1S1g_0oVO31Ocx_ev_sjz68t13yVdqv3Z_KE/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even the table runner echos the colors of the walls in the room.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhZa0a3hLI3rwesS04dP6XiJsPNntc8pEGCegmW4ofJXlTG0kSG8AAqvKs_C4wf-PSPjRqeCS319JVLLeSeQttDc8-mam61rHs0KcRR8rJfbIFIBQKBp4dON9VOp0cty6htkH-NZGTl_r/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhZa0a3hLI3rwesS04dP6XiJsPNntc8pEGCegmW4ofJXlTG0kSG8AAqvKs_C4wf-PSPjRqeCS319JVLLeSeQttDc8-mam61rHs0KcRR8rJfbIFIBQKBp4dON9VOp0cty6htkH-NZGTl_r/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It may seem odd to display the small butter pats upside down, but I simply love the back-stamps of the English Ironstone manufacturer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3BH1l7kU41QebG56SGj0B-JFKN7U1UnEEmkRnAmGr7ktwESHTFf7UjtcboQsblUUkjbRSZWTbKWIG7SjbR-itvGgfAVFfwIavhNjSldXldpufuvx96vWJH8UfyiDSzqh0-tEeRURS_Sj/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3BH1l7kU41QebG56SGj0B-JFKN7U1UnEEmkRnAmGr7ktwESHTFf7UjtcboQsblUUkjbRSZWTbKWIG7SjbR-itvGgfAVFfwIavhNjSldXldpufuvx96vWJH8UfyiDSzqh0-tEeRURS_Sj/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mix in a variety of metals from galvanized metal to silver to pewter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BRxMs7DsrXw2p6DeBCQAqtyoiTRSo8AaY8XOC2TKEMXpop71PGgWgVrbtRZf1cna5sWbH_hdBXkDLsdKwk617Y7VA8aVDRC7Z_eqIH9OuGss_vblUgW9uVgsVHaguSHznCqGAUzDp-_4/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BRxMs7DsrXw2p6DeBCQAqtyoiTRSo8AaY8XOC2TKEMXpop71PGgWgVrbtRZf1cna5sWbH_hdBXkDLsdKwk617Y7VA8aVDRC7Z_eqIH9OuGss_vblUgW9uVgsVHaguSHznCqGAUzDp-_4/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_09.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This simple vignette is comprised of an antique plaster wall sconce, a McCoy vase, sea fan and a vintage hand shovel relief. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD07k1XuJ2x1hbtPnAIjmVeKrImD9DmDd9NwcoNKJkD7kzXE3GP956fjvU8cY9cuGcBWpFKpUlU-o7nRghN41LDS1DrKqeYhlOsABPmbC4iIylvVgnk0d_pxl6XDa300-hGFLCz-aVfhEW/s1500/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD07k1XuJ2x1hbtPnAIjmVeKrImD9DmDd9NwcoNKJkD7kzXE3GP956fjvU8cY9cuGcBWpFKpUlU-o7nRghN41LDS1DrKqeYhlOsABPmbC4iIylvVgnk0d_pxl6XDa300-hGFLCz-aVfhEW/w512-h640/surroundings+by+melinda_graham+grey+accessories_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span> <span style="font-family: courier;">And I have to include fresh greenery and plants. This gorgeous tropical leaf is in a macrame vase hanger made by my talented mom.</span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Although the collections do not have a single constant theme, they are all things that speak to my soul: antique transferware and ironstone, vintage gardening collectibles and nautical treasures.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But how does it all work together?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b>Color.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">If you maintain a color palette, mixing and matching collectibles create a cohesive stylized design.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So display the things that speak to <i>your</i> soul. Surround yourself with the things that bring you joy!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-17800818428777342752021-01-26T11:36:00.002-08:002021-02-22T12:22:33.196-08:00gorgeous grey<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Have you noticed the skyrocketing appeal of the color grey in interior design over the past couple of years?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I've been obsessed with shades of grey forever. Since my world is a wash of neutral tones, grey is a lovely companion "color".</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A perfect example is my dining room.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88W-gV2iahW32xtXs4FM96dwu6yTbOW1HROXYvUkqiiVqM0YDLIEhA6IpGSsOAYFs4ijsaMmZJtVL4O-onOzuzlYuu4pUBura_fwDMjCGHBFxAvt2s21khOIMm61W12q2e1X8zWD4NU_-/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88W-gV2iahW32xtXs4FM96dwu6yTbOW1HROXYvUkqiiVqM0YDLIEhA6IpGSsOAYFs4ijsaMmZJtVL4O-onOzuzlYuu4pUBura_fwDMjCGHBFxAvt2s21khOIMm61W12q2e1X8zWD4NU_-/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I love the mix of natural wood, painted furniture, creamy neutrals and shades of grey.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL45a5J9HeX4W6TrXgfyCt7nI2ke4skTDfV8MzA4dBLNkutnevjj1QCcXfCcsNXhrx5svHfZ_ECYKeV_5OAws28bum81zPRFRR_Q-M5Og3DrpuzOqKXyHcJrPfYKBGGjA89vvnbfFW917/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFL45a5J9HeX4W6TrXgfyCt7nI2ke4skTDfV8MzA4dBLNkutnevjj1QCcXfCcsNXhrx5svHfZ_ECYKeV_5OAws28bum81zPRFRR_Q-M5Og3DrpuzOqKXyHcJrPfYKBGGjA89vvnbfFW917/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I also mix together all of the things that speak to my heart like my love of beachy nautical treasures...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nVwC6_XdvWbUQK4c_TjZl3s97XFCsR-fR-3ZVm9vLab_KdTeufDgCNwHIvZ6sJ1JJMzKABZXxVSRGnokM6ksUkGcBxBxXweUCvY3SDM1hJG4zzTyeJ1Xhqlzfpx5dQlHNwSMlAGYAK7q/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nVwC6_XdvWbUQK4c_TjZl3s97XFCsR-fR-3ZVm9vLab_KdTeufDgCNwHIvZ6sJ1JJMzKABZXxVSRGnokM6ksUkGcBxBxXweUCvY3SDM1hJG4zzTyeJ1Xhqlzfpx5dQlHNwSMlAGYAK7q/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">and a nod to my love for all things gardening.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajCuJl1p7NaOVbtNdq4s6Mjnss99_fc8q1KioxKcAuLikyTYpjcks3JSkhBwf4UYKhBp40h39AWvzy5sQS1_My1EZ3CfxcXEG36-Bb-pVGnIT53zap0sLf5QLpZ2-haDRvMMro5jXyIey/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajCuJl1p7NaOVbtNdq4s6Mjnss99_fc8q1KioxKcAuLikyTYpjcks3JSkhBwf4UYKhBp40h39AWvzy5sQS1_My1EZ3CfxcXEG36-Bb-pVGnIT53zap0sLf5QLpZ2-haDRvMMro5jXyIey/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A neutral grey palette looks wonderful with metallic silver like this collection of vintage watering cans.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTMwmEfT3F8TUGqZtI97n0CQ64O061ZSSTN7u1zCM6f8ZAY1kPdOsRg8gPRBa_Enpp64L0LoZjxN9BCwhxH-zs1_WQQzadssAJNo0nsImHgmD82XZzYlohaOOgpnSNX78rsbckwxfzgrz/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTMwmEfT3F8TUGqZtI97n0CQ64O061ZSSTN7u1zCM6f8ZAY1kPdOsRg8gPRBa_Enpp64L0LoZjxN9BCwhxH-zs1_WQQzadssAJNo0nsImHgmD82XZzYlohaOOgpnSNX78rsbckwxfzgrz/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I refinished this cabinet by painting the base in a soft off white distressed finish, I used an old world grey stain on the top and the hardware has an aged nickle patina.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMb-B3xUtl6MECeHZhyphenhyphenkTgdFl4PpnLd49iFmNB5WV_dNEEDzC6fthSpqylRaaYaHvpHHeT-XaBmcJYZzdQTh68RT_pXk_Rm7zfwDQLZqbOXYrepvbDTAMl6A82vfbiqvTCSSH7YAqS1AX/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMb-B3xUtl6MECeHZhyphenhyphenkTgdFl4PpnLd49iFmNB5WV_dNEEDzC6fthSpqylRaaYaHvpHHeT-XaBmcJYZzdQTh68RT_pXk_Rm7zfwDQLZqbOXYrepvbDTAMl6A82vfbiqvTCSSH7YAqS1AX/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The walls are two shades of grey separated by a white chair rail.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_GqLkNWGKakjrYRouhBtOrFAfPIzHKcrTCtFKfOcgxkU_wzmC-p2u6NL4tXj8ZvIHLfrvzcisS60GZOJnQvUwhe8cyH3-iQL-82cnhlh-ycNjW8PyO7k7cWQULU5agWMV-QwF1W8R-ql/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_GqLkNWGKakjrYRouhBtOrFAfPIzHKcrTCtFKfOcgxkU_wzmC-p2u6NL4tXj8ZvIHLfrvzcisS60GZOJnQvUwhe8cyH3-iQL-82cnhlh-ycNjW8PyO7k7cWQULU5agWMV-QwF1W8R-ql/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Old pewter, Ironstone and transferware are beautiful together.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgvkUh_703d8ToCUTbq-gG4UEEeVOZW3fYTc8lMsH7zZ8BlGK3N-xBqNLrMHkFsaSnuY0S3el8xFeEPszap5iJ_y9VUMj0LCRMNLMPyfQqvvQBQ3R23ZkPHKT29rAiOjZPgf2Y295ZpsY/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgvkUh_703d8ToCUTbq-gG4UEEeVOZW3fYTc8lMsH7zZ8BlGK3N-xBqNLrMHkFsaSnuY0S3el8xFeEPszap5iJ_y9VUMj0LCRMNLMPyfQqvvQBQ3R23ZkPHKT29rAiOjZPgf2Y295ZpsY/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Although this is a "formal" dining room, I do love to add timeworn pieces like this old cupboard and chicken coop that give the room a classic farmhouse feel.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOx_mPebVMG-ZMlIDPRY1Yt7PbvQ32fJCiZ5-_4piecsXQeo9zaRSImbtoSpILC587MRI4no69vH_y9AuOCKwHK5TFU1Mu_QIB7qojr0bbgca3-Omdlkf26961Jcj4ELwYS_Uoub6hTWG/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOx_mPebVMG-ZMlIDPRY1Yt7PbvQ32fJCiZ5-_4piecsXQeo9zaRSImbtoSpILC587MRI4no69vH_y9AuOCKwHK5TFU1Mu_QIB7qojr0bbgca3-Omdlkf26961Jcj4ELwYS_Uoub6hTWG/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_09.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Hiding inside this piece is a collection of stoneware, crystal and pewter.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP30FNY79vO80Fn6O36DCQYG_Wcs4C0JpdOTTrlooSHHzwGFTH1z5BOKaI6uQGSZ6RLDcUQm8ubjElKJBnDUeILa70Akg0D-542BQFbwOhWls4p-mytrKGlYtM_HAIkRBcPfVMOn5OKYaU/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP30FNY79vO80Fn6O36DCQYG_Wcs4C0JpdOTTrlooSHHzwGFTH1z5BOKaI6uQGSZ6RLDcUQm8ubjElKJBnDUeILa70Akg0D-542BQFbwOhWls4p-mytrKGlYtM_HAIkRBcPfVMOn5OKYaU/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_11.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I think the juxtaposition of formal with informal furnishings and accessories creates a lovely stylistic balance.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpMfjpAm34wZG4hyphenhyphenh-vVtmhUiaJcW8ejmezgdaWeMSW8ogXs4fNv4i5DJQLqECFu-1t32xe3763H8_araVNhdrpLh-0vz1M-CeDDex7De2tXN8lCNF81HuWYehPoaeScLkqB2tk3EBs9Z/s2048/melinda_graham_diningroom_12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpMfjpAm34wZG4hyphenhyphenh-vVtmhUiaJcW8ejmezgdaWeMSW8ogXs4fNv4i5DJQLqECFu-1t32xe3763H8_araVNhdrpLh-0vz1M-CeDDex7De2tXN8lCNF81HuWYehPoaeScLkqB2tk3EBs9Z/w512-h640/melinda_graham_diningroom_12.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope that if you can take anything away from my design posts is that there really are no rules when it comes to designing your home. Take chances with mixing styles and pieces that speak to you. Take risks with paint. You can very easily repaint a room for a impactful and inexpensive change. Creating a room by starting with a neutral base, allows for the ability to make decorative changes with wonderful and interesting accessories.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Happy decorating!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-34826914605705902052021-01-22T12:42:00.002-08:002021-01-29T13:30:48.519-08:00see how they grow...<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">I'm happy to share that the kokedamas are as happy as can be! If you are not caught up, the previous post is a tutorial on how to create an orchid kokedama. Kokedama is the Japanese word which means moss ball gardening. If you would like to see how to make one, simply scroll to the end of this post and click on the "previous" button</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">or click</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://surroundingsbymelinda.blogspot.com/2021/01/kokedama.html" target="_blank">HERE...</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This is how they looked just a few months later.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_NUaB73bW-Rgu9AUHPHNu03zZI8KX86psouBIGYEo9Yb32zJTdL6SngXti7tBIGW56kxwwGr3mSZrJd_FDCsjwswDG7qZTnIDtECpfoMhf8B_X_9Bs0khtEQfVQWE1nrzrSqP9PGPKEo/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_NUaB73bW-Rgu9AUHPHNu03zZI8KX86psouBIGYEo9Yb32zJTdL6SngXti7tBIGW56kxwwGr3mSZrJd_FDCsjwswDG7qZTnIDtECpfoMhf8B_X_9Bs0khtEQfVQWE1nrzrSqP9PGPKEo/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_09.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hung them under the grape arbor so they would be protected from summer storms and high winds. They thrive in humid environments and they prefer dappled light. I "water" mine by misting them with my garden hose.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkuRFnN-jZoWb6H_L4ZBzhXJasD9pouWolxbc3vCpT4fvO87lJkFpkfIdaA5AwE5Sf32rhsBY3VfIHGCSV-tv92yJ1wrhPTwpG9O3EJ6YQX00T7caCvxiN42A360dQY9bCiFImhXDldwD/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkuRFnN-jZoWb6H_L4ZBzhXJasD9pouWolxbc3vCpT4fvO87lJkFpkfIdaA5AwE5Sf32rhsBY3VfIHGCSV-tv92yJ1wrhPTwpG9O3EJ6YQX00T7caCvxiN42A360dQY9bCiFImhXDldwD/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It did not take long before my sweet little orchid balls were as happy as can be. They will shoot roots out of the moss which is a good sign that they are growing.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwP7d4IVPukXAa4IWBg7NRX64Q6nfJoa9BWnSLIfjXfjiJdrmsHWOXirOC-OnVJs0ULmeQoLstTVhQpYMkBifqomsFfox2w5mg5K_freE2lQxX8qeewCD1-hRJ6szicJXvWw4V5yMx9iK/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwP7d4IVPukXAa4IWBg7NRX64Q6nfJoa9BWnSLIfjXfjiJdrmsHWOXirOC-OnVJs0ULmeQoLstTVhQpYMkBifqomsFfox2w5mg5K_freE2lQxX8qeewCD1-hRJ6szicJXvWw4V5yMx9iK/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_11.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Remember that orchids are epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants but they are not parasitic. These air plants consist of orchids, bromeliads and various ferns.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRsTqNKkuJY-GgZDIQ1_S5zMmk2eCiDNYBokoP6jDNhBqSJ3ya2wQfbWvzsXdO3ZBkoVPCvOGCvKzxsZT89LNX0k7aC1jSg8bCw9XfQrTxNeR_ojAzQY6fJn0Y4L3ud751XSB3S73oM0G/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRsTqNKkuJY-GgZDIQ1_S5zMmk2eCiDNYBokoP6jDNhBqSJ3ya2wQfbWvzsXdO3ZBkoVPCvOGCvKzxsZT89LNX0k7aC1jSg8bCw9XfQrTxNeR_ojAzQY6fJn0Y4L3ud751XSB3S73oM0G/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_12.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">When they are ready to begin the blooming process, you will notice a small sprout called a flower spike. It will usually appear at or near the center of the leaves. See the tiny spike in the above picture.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYiekL888avmhdSvC06RUWwJ40WNAa8ezMzAhFDtoMUjdGrhdvMmYx98IfcegSEANy0efLsZVUAHpRRRDMjBRwvXifcucXHfFInLE8qxJlxLaWF6qiMkFhD9i0fR2Wc5yeiJiu2sh9Cs6/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYiekL888avmhdSvC06RUWwJ40WNAa8ezMzAhFDtoMUjdGrhdvMmYx98IfcegSEANy0efLsZVUAHpRRRDMjBRwvXifcucXHfFInLE8qxJlxLaWF6qiMkFhD9i0fR2Wc5yeiJiu2sh9Cs6/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_13.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It's very exciting to see that first spike!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Especially if you're like me and you purchase an orchid on sale after it has past the blooming stage. Sometimes I don't even know the variety or color of the orchid I purchased. Flower clearance racks are wonderful! You can rescue a distressed plant that will otherwise wind up in the trash. Plus blooming orchids are between $20-$50. Yet they can be really inexpensive on a distressed plant sale.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My best bargain orchid was $3.00!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkZoNiSiRbKHiemZl3BPy-G6bysP53O7MLCvhVKLZhyphenhyphen7TGMjMoIpOPFBA4d9Quit6YllqJNho2PO2TznLWaubrWPMgawgT8HzRyd6fe9YwGvRiBAitR3zeVO459XU5i1wl7aPPSgFeAnU/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkZoNiSiRbKHiemZl3BPy-G6bysP53O7MLCvhVKLZhyphenhyphen7TGMjMoIpOPFBA4d9Quit6YllqJNho2PO2TznLWaubrWPMgawgT8HzRyd6fe9YwGvRiBAitR3zeVO459XU5i1wl7aPPSgFeAnU/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_14.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Be patient when waiting to see the first bloom.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">From the initial spike's appearance until full bloom can take up to a few months.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RGvcqBBIiIvisGJM8PspC2he02RYpZQjZE-ZfbbflrhvaY-8rZBb62EBh7cOCjm9AsKBog8PUiEQkbFNYeL45l-tJbwXZLquzcmV6DFy6Wu-LHOnt9U1KJv7fCPYlhdm8Pb21B9dvOSc/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RGvcqBBIiIvisGJM8PspC2he02RYpZQjZE-ZfbbflrhvaY-8rZBb62EBh7cOCjm9AsKBog8PUiEQkbFNYeL45l-tJbwXZLquzcmV6DFy6Wu-LHOnt9U1KJv7fCPYlhdm8Pb21B9dvOSc/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_15.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I really hope you might be inspired to make an orchid or bromeliad kokedama. It is really easy and it's an unusual addition to any garden or home. Don't worry if you don't live in South Florida! There are ways to winter them over indoors and place them in your trees in the summer. Or if you live in an apartment or condo, grow them indoor all year. I would suggest looking to the internet for growing suggestions based on where you live.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">If you should pass a sad looking orchid on clearance because it has finished blooming, why not take a chance. I'm clearly not an expert. If you are a master gardener with additional tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments or message me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">If you have blooming kokedamas, please share your photos!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sharing is caring...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-90347162268251530412021-01-18T18:41:00.004-08:002021-01-28T19:23:21.057-08:00kokedama<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">As it is no surprise, I adore all things gardening. And living in Florida, I have learned so much about southern gardening. I have also learned to love orchids!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Part of this love affair has included my introduction to kokedama. Which is a Japanese style of gardening. It means "moss ball gardening".</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I would like to share with you how I make my kokedamas...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7E9LWLhcCz2GBan39bm5ssOSPrqb1ZMqs9kb9km7XcFhvj3X019MKxWIyHlfG6ZUTC7WI7dYYH2cgyStg790MvGHQKKWWjJgMX7A0ZG7xFT9Iu7Wgq9EhEqKSzP6wvZGmii43Go5PTwu/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7E9LWLhcCz2GBan39bm5ssOSPrqb1ZMqs9kb9km7XcFhvj3X019MKxWIyHlfG6ZUTC7WI7dYYH2cgyStg790MvGHQKKWWjJgMX7A0ZG7xFT9Iu7Wgq9EhEqKSzP6wvZGmii43Go5PTwu/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">What you will need...</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">orchid</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">sheet moss</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">orchid potting mix</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">fishing line</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">scissors</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpau_FYxh0zUaeDd5ddSIPFjxfFDIKTTIw0gM-tpL7zTEpeC0Z7hjqy1SlSfKlr-hV1rJlMNvp0Ki-6wxwdDRaSLn-RPUqObh3SYcyiaRxQoJkWsZNB3ksd_c-qYypSGHkhZA3TyLGdtg/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpau_FYxh0zUaeDd5ddSIPFjxfFDIKTTIw0gM-tpL7zTEpeC0Z7hjqy1SlSfKlr-hV1rJlMNvp0Ki-6wxwdDRaSLn-RPUqObh3SYcyiaRxQoJkWsZNB3ksd_c-qYypSGHkhZA3TyLGdtg/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My tip is to purchase orchids that have already bloomed and been placed on clearance. I buy mine at Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart. They are a fraction of the cost!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKHwR6ceO0RXe1O8TUmrG-lgXKgvLnd_dOc2k7YcuuMR6trYL52c3Xe_fEqAE6tsfkIHHmVXaDnU_Tr52Cv-Q70g8VU7z2pFgHxvOJdoalhLwCU6wO42fiA-89Z8om7_qMK24yjAJ2Bxi/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKHwR6ceO0RXe1O8TUmrG-lgXKgvLnd_dOc2k7YcuuMR6trYL52c3Xe_fEqAE6tsfkIHHmVXaDnU_Tr52Cv-Q70g8VU7z2pFgHxvOJdoalhLwCU6wO42fiA-89Z8om7_qMK24yjAJ2Bxi/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Gently remove the orchid from the container making sure not to damage the delicate roots.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklN8OWxGeul0w1OVkgv-_z8zGGWp9DuAdDV7CfMfhFeRPTrk8PkRxqi3qguRNj15TMgWYsbNgBZR1HJe5FvHw3EYp1S5dqGD7zSCqMEI1fjNBnu8jU5wAeV67GNkXrkLR6pl-bmTQliZe/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklN8OWxGeul0w1OVkgv-_z8zGGWp9DuAdDV7CfMfhFeRPTrk8PkRxqi3qguRNj15TMgWYsbNgBZR1HJe5FvHw3EYp1S5dqGD7zSCqMEI1fjNBnu8jU5wAeV67GNkXrkLR6pl-bmTQliZe/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Lay a sheet of moss with the moss side down. Then place a thin layer of orchid mix in the center of the sheet.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGZh6yyGuPy0PRMQJxvYPoC097i4Vc9dBHsKcyEBpNTi4ZqurS6tyuLiMyrB0WqwDvX70CsC5NVXzqLWNA59BqTO0g4nBzSb4RjvNocgjjNMFxZO1OODFHssGP_N_1LRLOp1fwcRaSbA/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTGZh6yyGuPy0PRMQJxvYPoC097i4Vc9dBHsKcyEBpNTi4ZqurS6tyuLiMyrB0WqwDvX70CsC5NVXzqLWNA59BqTO0g4nBzSb4RjvNocgjjNMFxZO1OODFHssGP_N_1LRLOp1fwcRaSbA/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Now place the root ball of the orchid on the soil. Position it like the above photo.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30ejaHS5WevxTw_kkDkwSRDfNURQNmjIzmWr3xBPzKKkgQ89Mupuxknk0VF91ww6Pd-RvTXSAhwTLiZwcGcOR-4UTPu5EJ34MZGUFxDDiSF_hT_CThOZY3lTIZjm-bBz6eZHaMxwetcLb/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30ejaHS5WevxTw_kkDkwSRDfNURQNmjIzmWr3xBPzKKkgQ89Mupuxknk0VF91ww6Pd-RvTXSAhwTLiZwcGcOR-4UTPu5EJ34MZGUFxDDiSF_hT_CThOZY3lTIZjm-bBz6eZHaMxwetcLb/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I carefully wrap the moss around the root ball, adding soil mix as I go. Once the ball is completely covered with soil and moss, I use the fishing line to secure the moss.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb8fWEaCEj_r5yqNaTcHdl0iLzkqFx7bMud3Z0DI3EGZXmKJsLn8oc3CeSraM2NdZQOj2PGVEhr7c8CChJKcHCwi-N7GMpANbbqvHrSEnkn2uIcRPXGtPP5cWtLcDG4tHfSAqGnUPYyNv/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb8fWEaCEj_r5yqNaTcHdl0iLzkqFx7bMud3Z0DI3EGZXmKJsLn8oc3CeSraM2NdZQOj2PGVEhr7c8CChJKcHCwi-N7GMpANbbqvHrSEnkn2uIcRPXGtPP5cWtLcDG4tHfSAqGnUPYyNv/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The last step is to leave enough excess fishing line to create a hanger with a loop at the end.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACJkMfSfxwO1goFi3PLB06Ksmd0d9X8rcJh1VypsHsSJCJ32fsXSJ4V2H31NBkel_iKIB1S1Y3uVMttXMFmGUF6HTVw71jkFnZjn209QC41hy8MOgbEgAEGwa721ZUPKRmzFcNWNLI31/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACJkMfSfxwO1goFi3PLB06Ksmd0d9X8rcJh1VypsHsSJCJ32fsXSJ4V2H31NBkel_iKIB1S1Y3uVMttXMFmGUF6HTVw71jkFnZjn209QC41hy8MOgbEgAEGwa721ZUPKRmzFcNWNLI31/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_orchid_ball_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It is a fairly simple way to display and grow orchids. I will hang them under the grape arbor so they are protected from winds and summer storms and they only get dappled sunlight which makes them really thrive.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Stay tuned and I will share these little beauties blooming in my garden.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-69447034515684828772021-01-16T17:48:00.001-08:002021-01-21T18:18:27.082-08:00fine art...?<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">What do you picture when you hear...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">a collection?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Is it fine works of art, a line of clothing or perhaps a library of rare books or old records.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Well, after spending so much time in my garden, it seems that one of my favorite collections is a random scatting of old garden items sprinkled around my home, porch and throughout the garden.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">These old treasures speak to me and I love finding well worn garden tools at thrift shops and flea markets.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Some of my favorite things to find are...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrAH6peIJA42-3CTAvqVPDAUBJPYHF2SIXwjaxFxvdjz1DQumKEoZRmU9PxkGrTGE77gH2PQ_KsXSQTybd1ijvOHhmIQ9VRYR2w91DgF9pbw2VGoMFFwNQ_l76tZ3GCB7QiLreRscFtWw/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrAH6peIJA42-3CTAvqVPDAUBJPYHF2SIXwjaxFxvdjz1DQumKEoZRmU9PxkGrTGE77gH2PQ_KsXSQTybd1ijvOHhmIQ9VRYR2w91DgF9pbw2VGoMFFwNQ_l76tZ3GCB7QiLreRscFtWw/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_09.jpg" width="512" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">weathered sundials and spritzers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIdNPhq_Qrd_d53Z2aPrPWnZ7cDhmcsJ13-6NIkXdfJUkSLL2_gx8iDLQQ8HrqJHGwTqudsG1kbo1kOa5LykyNBsw_lzjtaBnYTEq4JBOMPy0mask8WqFYzKWKMsQmXHGZZ29DbQTwLe-/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIdNPhq_Qrd_d53Z2aPrPWnZ7cDhmcsJ13-6NIkXdfJUkSLL2_gx8iDLQQ8HrqJHGwTqudsG1kbo1kOa5LykyNBsw_lzjtaBnYTEq4JBOMPy0mask8WqFYzKWKMsQmXHGZZ29DbQTwLe-/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">broken rusty rakes</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtEe15PGcSGbbuGrq8D83EQmY9ob8OZQIJcfAeuGCPTyYlcMBRB7InBMQ6p12mS5oQu_lTIeAQ9GfT_bdzxSUtWdiaaMrY_xf0AWt_U9-FbC9FU_tYkz7IWPoNynnOEHwY5EkR1swBgBT/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtEe15PGcSGbbuGrq8D83EQmY9ob8OZQIJcfAeuGCPTyYlcMBRB7InBMQ6p12mS5oQu_lTIeAQ9GfT_bdzxSUtWdiaaMrY_xf0AWt_U9-FbC9FU_tYkz7IWPoNynnOEHwY5EkR1swBgBT/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">galvanized watering cans</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPECIgL0Tdwc9vE7u9aZtOLqNSN6Qk7Xufby4wv873qwuwTwBKIcwPLU45ZM8KzPwKnzBu_UPssb_c0mQnQNcQ8f-JYk0koj8NnD1utuvHwgjHRWEt7HN6iNHnyV0n9BEkqaLmbnYBzcNY/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPECIgL0Tdwc9vE7u9aZtOLqNSN6Qk7Xufby4wv873qwuwTwBKIcwPLU45ZM8KzPwKnzBu_UPssb_c0mQnQNcQ8f-JYk0koj8NnD1utuvHwgjHRWEt7HN6iNHnyV0n9BEkqaLmbnYBzcNY/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">terracotta pots in every shape and size</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMfeTXbZzRF5MPnJk1J1ZZz25OlvEUAZXtpYvs62DfhdVishCeiNCfXbA67Uo-CQpXE80sdtDoNU5jyYABce4vFnXz25xE8n01fxbE3nCGaQrqG4yZE_PYsD8uLPnZ21_ukebE-xoQNOl/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMfeTXbZzRF5MPnJk1J1ZZz25OlvEUAZXtpYvs62DfhdVishCeiNCfXbA67Uo-CQpXE80sdtDoNU5jyYABce4vFnXz25xE8n01fxbE3nCGaQrqG4yZE_PYsD8uLPnZ21_ukebE-xoQNOl/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">hose nozzles and sprinklers</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxglp-uzY8N5OxQXE5C7Foq1YN3rH28s_mUvW70AznbATO9C07uSC0M082g96Bac31xHKvbiCeqvf8i_2hkqFcmsC_dJU9VYL2YoyhJzLnsJ1Z1PyT7FaNExPbB-_1VeGo4y_H1BUNVzCg/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxglp-uzY8N5OxQXE5C7Foq1YN3rH28s_mUvW70AznbATO9C07uSC0M082g96Bac31xHKvbiCeqvf8i_2hkqFcmsC_dJU9VYL2YoyhJzLnsJ1Z1PyT7FaNExPbB-_1VeGo4y_H1BUNVzCg/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">metal wash stands</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVn6t9YbIfS92LW9a_PGxJLlfpNhJGYKumn_G-EwxZcdquKowLC92Mqxh2CsHLwDw-rjzd0AvX9ImXAnVT7Hx3fZIgrAhQc8JHY6j0uFUOEN7VrErsV4ae-niDZOleGUjvHpVPlUE8WTE/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVn6t9YbIfS92LW9a_PGxJLlfpNhJGYKumn_G-EwxZcdquKowLC92Mqxh2CsHLwDw-rjzd0AvX9ImXAnVT7Hx3fZIgrAhQc8JHY6j0uFUOEN7VrErsV4ae-niDZOleGUjvHpVPlUE8WTE/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">and precious garden statues</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbmD08tR81ahM3InLyPSyM6ywCe2IrDVgC5XGDyS45A-EkEfjOavjiXeYUEfSK5h_0chMoHSB3XWGOwVjRSRlhGpJ2KnyH8QVGo5TMUBUR09NFDQ9SU2i2ODRHlG1cZc6LD8PmIgpi49e/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbmD08tR81ahM3InLyPSyM6ywCe2IrDVgC5XGDyS45A-EkEfjOavjiXeYUEfSK5h_0chMoHSB3XWGOwVjRSRlhGpJ2KnyH8QVGo5TMUBUR09NFDQ9SU2i2ODRHlG1cZc6LD8PmIgpi49e/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">There are so many things that bring a smile to my face and many of those things have to do with gardening. I will decorate indoor as well as outdoor spaces with vintage garden collectibles</span><span style="font-family: courier;">.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Is it fine art...?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">No not exactly. But, to me, old worn garden implements are every bit as lovely as a Monet.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Do you scour flea markets for a cherished treasure to add to your collection? I'm curious...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-70633317148785698392021-01-12T17:09:00.014-08:002021-01-21T18:22:53.495-08:00searching...<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Start every day with a grateful heart.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It's wonderful advice to begin each day with a grateful heart. I try to start each day by speaking with God. It's never a well thought out prayer, it is more like an honest conversation. If I begin by thanking our heavenly Father for the blessings in my heart, it does lift my spirits.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">However, not long after my morning prayers I still find myself in search of inspiration. I'm not depressed but I don't feel as inspired as I have at other points in my life.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">One source of inspiration comes from old books and magazines...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_4-Itj2UHUNKFO12OxXCbzsLs3q88Ks9Kxr5nvOq55wqauxVi6_d2Ik4BnONLi2pJW7XKx5hlDS-PLu86MtpCs1R48C71_Rg7LA9jM4HkUgMwt7G6WzNiu6qcrubjcAIk1bgsiKZgYyX/s1500/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_4-Itj2UHUNKFO12OxXCbzsLs3q88Ks9Kxr5nvOq55wqauxVi6_d2Ik4BnONLi2pJW7XKx5hlDS-PLu86MtpCs1R48C71_Rg7LA9jM4HkUgMwt7G6WzNiu6qcrubjcAIk1bgsiKZgYyX/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_collectables_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">...but the pages don't seem to hold the key right now.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So more often than not, I put on some grubby clothes and my apron and head out to the garden. There are no lack of projects that I can get into on this property. Lately I've been cleaning the grape arbor area at the end of the flower gardens. The home was built about 100 years ago and by the look of the "trunk" of the old grapevine, I would bet this is a part of the original grounds. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">With rake and trowel in hand I'm ready to dig in.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRkMUckhzLqtPZhmHZ7Jv6vBvr56frn2t4clumCDNbueun5y6_KS8_Z6nzgDxmkRHD0Hqegmsf69v8pvIgEl0EgfZODFoO9samHwHmyASOhKQQCvNDKy9hlXB2OB8ffBTNIiCwLohCWW/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRkMUckhzLqtPZhmHZ7Jv6vBvr56frn2t4clumCDNbueun5y6_KS8_Z6nzgDxmkRHD0Hqegmsf69v8pvIgEl0EgfZODFoO9samHwHmyASOhKQQCvNDKy9hlXB2OB8ffBTNIiCwLohCWW/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As I lose track of time in the garden, I find my mind drifts away from of the problems of the world.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzpiRcPCDhI7kS5xovUS3LM3xTtTEikoX2CvW3wW3LDxCGlPlTQk29OEjm2uoCQFsaleiJNIZ9HNJvNCvqs30HJkVLnBxQBB31HOrNi3dKBTnwTnG-BOiRAk2rlatmC9HnTBuz0MO0-nY/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzpiRcPCDhI7kS5xovUS3LM3xTtTEikoX2CvW3wW3LDxCGlPlTQk29OEjm2uoCQFsaleiJNIZ9HNJvNCvqs30HJkVLnBxQBB31HOrNi3dKBTnwTnG-BOiRAk2rlatmC9HnTBuz0MO0-nY/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Before I know it I'm dreaming of fairies...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEg9no_Caq6pw63pWPVbA1DpWKTn1cDHRqccyibSbgFthEZkqnu1LzOh5UBoGYgeug8tntmVooSIChLjmT2H6dhgquyrfQhLvn6P4rGdOATxJJGIjKtxd8X6LnxVG6xuq8Es668qEp37O/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEg9no_Caq6pw63pWPVbA1DpWKTn1cDHRqccyibSbgFthEZkqnu1LzOh5UBoGYgeug8tntmVooSIChLjmT2H6dhgquyrfQhLvn6P4rGdOATxJJGIjKtxd8X6LnxVG6xuq8Es668qEp37O/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">...and settling for butterflies.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBueoBCzzOZPgi7CACspPBbYM6-OsZKjpvJfcz3Uqo41khNT7zeX2zE4ZlRZ4jE_y8yWT9nDGiFG5zVJf5PJ2h_bLe42OFDBL2fp3IO5KjN6gxtYesypRqXuL5sk8A6VsyKyKl36gDTwLD/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBueoBCzzOZPgi7CACspPBbYM6-OsZKjpvJfcz3Uqo41khNT7zeX2zE4ZlRZ4jE_y8yWT9nDGiFG5zVJf5PJ2h_bLe42OFDBL2fp3IO5KjN6gxtYesypRqXuL5sk8A6VsyKyKl36gDTwLD/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As the sun begins to set, my spirits are soaring and I feel the kind of ache that comes with a day's hard work.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kBLoZkxb-saJ7jZkQolWL3VMJIaDCzVQ-C90ycN20l1uoWrIWGjM3kUHbnk_UOErLr8IqMlGZqbLg6hmEsEp6wot18RGu3QtowyBeJv99JbIvQRwvVF_clbt-quPB-2NSjSgBlDMTRz7/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kBLoZkxb-saJ7jZkQolWL3VMJIaDCzVQ-C90ycN20l1uoWrIWGjM3kUHbnk_UOErLr8IqMlGZqbLg6hmEsEp6wot18RGu3QtowyBeJv99JbIvQRwvVF_clbt-quPB-2NSjSgBlDMTRz7/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_garden_hope_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The world can be an ugly place right now when we focus on the negativity around us. Blocking out the news and focusing on the blessings around me brings peace to my worried mind.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My garden heals my mind and time with the Lord heals my heart and soul. Do you have something in your day-to-day life that lifts your spirits? Is it reading, crafting, baking, friends?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Although we are all different, one thing that hopefully ties us together is our need for a peaceful mind.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here's to finding inner peace...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">and in my case,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">a little dirt under my nails.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-3780543661116039302021-01-08T11:29:00.005-08:002021-01-08T11:36:11.020-08:00stitched with love<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">For those of you who sent a note and asked about the quilt angel in the post from January 1st, I can't share where I purchased it.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteV8zeqn6Qlk0TkkFcgny2be8Qixj_8Reg1P-XJUwmrlDITqpfPXTkcmKh2FSM7mZf2UH3M7mK1sut535Z5nukwLCG6ODmGOQdYBqKT-04mZExJWyPRpoCBoye1z8T_iVcXelqJ9bO40j/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteV8zeqn6Qlk0TkkFcgny2be8Qixj_8Reg1P-XJUwmrlDITqpfPXTkcmKh2FSM7mZf2UH3M7mK1sut535Z5nukwLCG6ODmGOQdYBqKT-04mZExJWyPRpoCBoye1z8T_iVcXelqJ9bO40j/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Because I didn't buy it, I made it! And it is so easy to make. I have shared vintage quilt projects in the past, I have even shared them in magazines. I'm happy to share it again.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here is a quick tutorial...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBI0ByqyPtnT44LbbCRhP1jJpoG3zsoz4lnTRuiDDcD5KtLlKRAvcQnp_dCPeFhml-28lNpgbbrkCWXyDOuueC0dL2NQ-7QWXszHhYGK-5yY46H6VhFCNUVgghijaobZCFL5DlFw_vBR8/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBI0ByqyPtnT44LbbCRhP1jJpoG3zsoz4lnTRuiDDcD5KtLlKRAvcQnp_dCPeFhml-28lNpgbbrkCWXyDOuueC0dL2NQ-7QWXszHhYGK-5yY46H6VhFCNUVgghijaobZCFL5DlFw_vBR8/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't have a pattern that I use, these are the basic shapes. Remember you need two identical pieces for a front and back for the head, body and arms.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLNPRi51QCKAJb5pk9yW5q69kCtyy-pKbTlq0Acvx7v45UPqusDBXvbxgj693zjUGXbM9n5c57i7epYMpHtac7ybEJm5qk0guwoKawBW_E9alW_RPNGBNkQvAAAI-OE6zp85oZe8Pf7_-/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLNPRi51QCKAJb5pk9yW5q69kCtyy-pKbTlq0Acvx7v45UPqusDBXvbxgj693zjUGXbM9n5c57i7epYMpHtac7ybEJm5qk0guwoKawBW_E9alW_RPNGBNkQvAAAI-OE6zp85oZe8Pf7_-/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Once stitched wrong sides together, turn it right side out and fill with batting. You can even add dried lavender and rose petal potpourri to create a scented sachet.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjWd5VdWa44f1xjAIL7AQoYd4i-Yj_THgBmQrjeTzuL2UdNldkPiMTHnV0FtYSCuxRSR0130p_R8qxxOEAapBvpUQZR_PnJx5Ipsmh2SciWeqNet7OpzFTQB9n9AccNR7OKl1z-YlgKeu/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjWd5VdWa44f1xjAIL7AQoYd4i-Yj_THgBmQrjeTzuL2UdNldkPiMTHnV0FtYSCuxRSR0130p_R8qxxOEAapBvpUQZR_PnJx5Ipsmh2SciWeqNet7OpzFTQB9n9AccNR7OKl1z-YlgKeu/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I create a retro 1930's hair style with yarn. The face is simply two light blue dots with a fabric pen and pale pink cheeks. Use your creativity and make any hairstyle in any color you wish: red braids, brown curly locks or long blond tresses.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzT852-YoGsM6JT40-ez-VbNAgH9nN0k2Hi8lK7YNuEfONOwNP81cci83P3yHu9OeCz4GtNRbZvVNEuKHXQibIz8TlVkbRIyDbKO7uEknleQkwLKcsPxBlr6FAcOXc3W_Aza9M9F2T_rc/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzT852-YoGsM6JT40-ez-VbNAgH9nN0k2Hi8lK7YNuEfONOwNP81cci83P3yHu9OeCz4GtNRbZvVNEuKHXQibIz8TlVkbRIyDbKO7uEknleQkwLKcsPxBlr6FAcOXc3W_Aza9M9F2T_rc/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">For the wings, I find an old doily and weave a circle around the outer edge with wire. Then pinch the circle together in the center to form a double wing shape.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tc91kD3QVibYAIc5bGhd6rwpIr8LxGhy_2r79c5NswUjc4TPzgse9p_qZFoFNEoVbyKs9kpoE0SJpZDw71Ibsjq5DlO_NhiAPtW-cmPg6RJzICD0v5nX4KKuV9moTBB2ruQagALG2F2G/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tc91kD3QVibYAIc5bGhd6rwpIr8LxGhy_2r79c5NswUjc4TPzgse9p_qZFoFNEoVbyKs9kpoE0SJpZDw71Ibsjq5DlO_NhiAPtW-cmPg6RJzICD0v5nX4KKuV9moTBB2ruQagALG2F2G/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Fasten the wings to the back with stitches or hot glue. Then embellish your angel in any way you like.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SGcyhbQt42soxKin6mDurWLpBVKM2ZjZfhMlzS4-2AFRgqOvUmvIo5YLhPVGDBbHuuaBJs888htyvLv013rmYcGPuZaIZzdhRtWhY1aMe9naFAG5WEPXzfb2wSct7Fe5iELHPvqonChM/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SGcyhbQt42soxKin6mDurWLpBVKM2ZjZfhMlzS4-2AFRgqOvUmvIo5YLhPVGDBbHuuaBJs888htyvLv013rmYcGPuZaIZzdhRtWhY1aMe9naFAG5WEPXzfb2wSct7Fe5iELHPvqonChM/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I like to bring the arms together in the front to give the appearance of praying. Sometimes I place a starfish in her arms or flowers or a vintage ornament.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YregCnhrsLtbdW5i-lEBIDLZ44fLFtKgSU53zsj2HavEUvVUpvAUi_884XTYPI2XF8jHewDFvTQf5z-DBeCzL9fpVruWYZ7WISESd1qQaqzoOdKZnGsufwUsu_yvl2rMR9qHq5Rc53Uv/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YregCnhrsLtbdW5i-lEBIDLZ44fLFtKgSU53zsj2HavEUvVUpvAUi_884XTYPI2XF8jHewDFvTQf5z-DBeCzL9fpVruWYZ7WISESd1qQaqzoOdKZnGsufwUsu_yvl2rMR9qHq5Rc53Uv/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_quilt_angel_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">These precious angels can be made in any size. These are just a few tips to get you started. Use your imagination to create your special angel. This is a wonderful project for beginners just learning to sew!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And please don't worry, no quilts in good condition were harmed in the making of this angel. I use something called a cutter quilt for my craft projects. Cutter quilts are damaged and in very poor condition, yet there are sections salvageable for projects. These quilts are found at yard sales and thrift shops for just a few dollars.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Do you have a favorite craft project that you have enjoyed making during the pandemic? I lost my creative way for a bit, but revisiting things I've made in the past is helping to restore my joy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Feel free to share your project ideas,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I love to be inspired by others!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-44067431144480140182021-01-05T19:08:00.066-08:002021-01-07T19:57:08.243-08:00the little things<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">As I was looking through my bedroom pictures from the previous post, I realized it's the little details that are the things that speak to my heart. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd0W8LLUQe7zjpI1v6RS7Zo19jUHtS5-nTvtiV5ikUcmrQQ6-hPoKU94zy_fup9PrwY5zBT80cRwyXrXyt7DC5hH9pyRrXn3hxnHjeDNcoMiocjae3fMBmIM-YpylcFMIFPp69OMIPxgl/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd0W8LLUQe7zjpI1v6RS7Zo19jUHtS5-nTvtiV5ikUcmrQQ6-hPoKU94zy_fup9PrwY5zBT80cRwyXrXyt7DC5hH9pyRrXn3hxnHjeDNcoMiocjae3fMBmIM-YpylcFMIFPp69OMIPxgl/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_10.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Junking and collecting have always been things that make me so happy. Although I have not been out and about since February of 2020, I find it fun to look through some of my little treasures and reminisce about the</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">"good ole days".</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZ1eljjdB6LG08s1Gzuu9C4X_jljsPylommLyie3r3hzter9XUpQniwI9OivDopmQqX4RkQE9o6nku_kpv5E_HihF_spzK9syuu9rl9BJQR5usgx4ucTJ4xTRXe3HJB-jswlHmyGflrsh/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZ1eljjdB6LG08s1Gzuu9C4X_jljsPylommLyie3r3hzter9XUpQniwI9OivDopmQqX4RkQE9o6nku_kpv5E_HihF_spzK9syuu9rl9BJQR5usgx4ucTJ4xTRXe3HJB-jswlHmyGflrsh/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My various collections don't have any rhyme nor reason. Things just speak to my heart. The cohesion comes from a monochromatic color scheme since the mix of items are all so eclectic.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz4hvaxKsvg0iG3F5hA95k7q7Ztqlxj0aUm5ST7Jkpcva7PX_zhYmQokd8QS72QmvZ-QBpCmroGzG42mYIUCPBRnCGazoE8A6slojxW2dKyyYOTNDwgbfRvYEvg8z9YoEDMvFxkQaVfKu/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz4hvaxKsvg0iG3F5hA95k7q7Ztqlxj0aUm5ST7Jkpcva7PX_zhYmQokd8QS72QmvZ-QBpCmroGzG42mYIUCPBRnCGazoE8A6slojxW2dKyyYOTNDwgbfRvYEvg8z9YoEDMvFxkQaVfKu/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjl4QamGDNuQjadeSQkZ4gE9lhc4yApkez6NBcoZN0_kiUtPJZKA5m4c_AlahT2gdbbjojBnieGl_BSF-oMItLmGnrFAhaso0qjUoQXaCCuS6p7FGT-Va-NKByGPuT_4gued-ZIqCBP_9/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjl4QamGDNuQjadeSQkZ4gE9lhc4yApkez6NBcoZN0_kiUtPJZKA5m4c_AlahT2gdbbjojBnieGl_BSF-oMItLmGnrFAhaso0qjUoQXaCCuS6p7FGT-Va-NKByGPuT_4gued-ZIqCBP_9/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Some things are still out from my Christmas decorations. I love them so much that they might just stay out until next Christmas!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGY5TO2fatT1vI_vlAbIrSjLkYoyDVPfoDyoJszuHa26dmxoTu-s_LU23yG_k7HvaOxfM8WgC4xJnlASju-mpifErn9oFoStn5ECZktfi81dTIu4QMckhKaxgwz68XnI6s61_pDoMzxxa/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGY5TO2fatT1vI_vlAbIrSjLkYoyDVPfoDyoJszuHa26dmxoTu-s_LU23yG_k7HvaOxfM8WgC4xJnlASju-mpifErn9oFoStn5ECZktfi81dTIu4QMckhKaxgwz68XnI6s61_pDoMzxxa/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">When looking at my bedroom, it really <i>is</i> the "little things" that make my heart sing. It's not just the visual beauty that speaks to my heart but it is in the memories that they evoke. Before moving to Florida, my momma was by my side throughout all of my junking adventures. So as I look at these little cuties, I revisit wonderful fun times with my mum!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h5__IMkD7NteeSpFN17NsUYP8GHo3mCcATvAs9r3-tplCEYylsu7bIF9KU3gmWLArq5zwh78564LLzVUpEOi94sMhm_D-NguGkLpJVaFy5_l0AKJ1OtvgkiWhVjcIi_ykBxmh88By2lh/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_favorite_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h5__IMkD7NteeSpFN17NsUYP8GHo3mCcATvAs9r3-tplCEYylsu7bIF9KU3gmWLArq5zwh78564LLzVUpEOi94sMhm_D-NguGkLpJVaFy5_l0AKJ1OtvgkiWhVjcIi_ykBxmh88By2lh/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_favorite_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">What are some of your favorite things to collect?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope you have someone special that shares your adventures with you!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b>Happy junkin!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a> </span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-7631269378261739772021-01-01T17:59:00.010-08:002021-01-07T18:36:25.946-08:002021<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"> It's almost hard to believe that 2020 is finally behind us. It feels surreal looking back over the past twelve months.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I lost my way, my joy and my creativity on many occasions. I stopped and tried to restart my creative journey several times. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a way to continue creating home and garden posts. My mind was filled with the dread that played over and over again on the daily news: racial unrest, hatred, Covid-19, growing death rates, a political mess and social isolation.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Well, I've had a change of heart. It's not a time to give up on my joy...it's time to find it and hold on with all my might. So I awaken to a new day in a new year, look outside my bedroom windows into a day filled with sunshine and thank God for all the blessings yet to come.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-AAERCooPS2VBOJNGKC4cci5i-ZiQ6DHOYxpPFWjx7YmEZdNb4cgwrlxqi-bcYp6PWGeTqg0Q-DweDXucVKlOR302V8-4GU34V-KROq-mM-mesFW-TqL8CkWs14ThyphenhyphenEFnGyRm_MBrW5u/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-AAERCooPS2VBOJNGKC4cci5i-ZiQ6DHOYxpPFWjx7YmEZdNb4cgwrlxqi-bcYp6PWGeTqg0Q-DweDXucVKlOR302V8-4GU34V-KROq-mM-mesFW-TqL8CkWs14ThyphenhyphenEFnGyRm_MBrW5u/w400-h266/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sharing creativity is one small way I can put an ounce of positivity out into the universe.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3jAXIAZwTCzkca9uXT32Z0seuYo5Uw1Zx7qY82FZh8b-AFRWja87xYwcjRGW4b-gZumAP1nWgcexNhWRzirKX4T5Gew3EEUy9jdlT4RFNLzpflhWtsBdANkHHkR9oOYii34kmWChhzUJ/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3jAXIAZwTCzkca9uXT32Z0seuYo5Uw1Zx7qY82FZh8b-AFRWja87xYwcjRGW4b-gZumAP1nWgcexNhWRzirKX4T5Gew3EEUy9jdlT4RFNLzpflhWtsBdANkHHkR9oOYii34kmWChhzUJ/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXb1apLnQHTBPFQHLcAr3aCqFma-QVi8cqKy7yNo-XylXzxJeEQ9BDui6ieO_zJLclbFpeW_NgehHD-ojC_8Lxs455O4W-fkICKcLTO0xHQH7U_ZezDqa_yPtf0bCjnf381GWTudWw7cw/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXb1apLnQHTBPFQHLcAr3aCqFma-QVi8cqKy7yNo-XylXzxJeEQ9BDui6ieO_zJLclbFpeW_NgehHD-ojC_8Lxs455O4W-fkICKcLTO0xHQH7U_ZezDqa_yPtf0bCjnf381GWTudWw7cw/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteV8zeqn6Qlk0TkkFcgny2be8Qixj_8Reg1P-XJUwmrlDITqpfPXTkcmKh2FSM7mZf2UH3M7mK1sut535Z5nukwLCG6ODmGOQdYBqKT-04mZExJWyPRpoCBoye1z8T_iVcXelqJ9bO40j/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteV8zeqn6Qlk0TkkFcgny2be8Qixj_8Reg1P-XJUwmrlDITqpfPXTkcmKh2FSM7mZf2UH3M7mK1sut535Z5nukwLCG6ODmGOQdYBqKT-04mZExJWyPRpoCBoye1z8T_iVcXelqJ9bO40j/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So as sun sets on this day, I will reflect on the past year with a grateful heart. I will also try not to let negativity win. I don't know if this is a real "new year's resolution", but I do think I should be resolved to hold onto the things that bring me joy.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrMYmAVQgUyTkWOIiAxSB0cGJ7sy-6x9MmX3Gm5OpGWof6zmvXvgwdsJy3XgMOVs94ztTpYptpc_e7yuCvBB6WVTlh801grfrWJ0E_aU-YA6JFVMRZFZhDdsaYHVIIWBI_4CecrQym47t/s1500/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrMYmAVQgUyTkWOIiAxSB0cGJ7sy-6x9MmX3Gm5OpGWof6zmvXvgwdsJy3XgMOVs94ztTpYptpc_e7yuCvBB6WVTlh801grfrWJ0E_aU-YA6JFVMRZFZhDdsaYHVIIWBI_4CecrQym47t/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_graham_bedroom2021_09.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">For all of you who have visited my blog from time to time, I thank you from the bottom of me heart. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Are there things you struggled with over the past year? We were all experiencing the same storm, yet we were all in completely different boats. I would love to hear how you weathered the storm. There is much we can learn from one another.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Thank you for stopping by today!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy New Year...</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-77222993121552381162020-08-28T13:42:00.001-07:002020-11-13T14:05:32.091-08:00a shining light<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Since my last post, I have been thinking a lot about family and some of my favorite times together.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My mom and I could pick up seashells every day and never tire.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">My dad is a selfless soul that could take or leave shelling, but he is at his happiest just at the sight of his family doing something that brings them joy.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So my mom and I would collect as many treasures as we could find and my dad would haul them all to the house.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Once the shells were all cleaned, I thought it would be nice to do something with them that my dad could enjoy and help me with. Before I moved to Florida, my dad and I would spend most weekends in his garage creating, fixing, painting or refinishing things for my shop.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So a daddy-daughter seashell project was on my radar.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The vintage shell lamp...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4XgKavDcDKzqKgItTpOset_6gHCiwfCnNw4v8e4hE8tYuvczsLqftrSvkyYDeoTg0nTSjWz_sw-I-wheKl_zwgQ70Kl2g5ipen4tgeomV7lh-j8zPk-WdTCsDph36tSFHq18-EeXezed/s1000/Melinda_Graham_lamp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4XgKavDcDKzqKgItTpOset_6gHCiwfCnNw4v8e4hE8tYuvczsLqftrSvkyYDeoTg0nTSjWz_sw-I-wheKl_zwgQ70Kl2g5ipen4tgeomV7lh-j8zPk-WdTCsDph36tSFHq18-EeXezed/w426-h640/Melinda_Graham_lamp1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I always have a "to-do" stash of projects in my garage or in storage. I thought a lamp might be a great project for us to tackle.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8U7I1YgJifLXg2CbOoN23zCFPpZSMJnQO3JcU-f6dyEpu8cw_3FV-of84wGydykuogoi6_RRxLMcW16HOSMurgIUOTbvKjJofD9rDuzqimqez1wgrGklvfztifHStVNcx9O9aEnKV5S9/s1000/Melinda_Graham_lamp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8U7I1YgJifLXg2CbOoN23zCFPpZSMJnQO3JcU-f6dyEpu8cw_3FV-of84wGydykuogoi6_RRxLMcW16HOSMurgIUOTbvKjJofD9rDuzqimqez1wgrGklvfztifHStVNcx9O9aEnKV5S9/w426-h640/Melinda_Graham_lamp2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I had an old rusty outdoor post light with a fabulous aged brass sea green patina.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMjTjo02VEdw9oWTFhXzy0DnYPbBX7vMp0RXLfE0wxBRgVBp0k9bwM11qQo_hBfI6JUxE-2rGUyhRAxENpO-3LivLu-sAD-TAfSG096xNXA1zWcaFa4CVjE8CIk5SH1OPxE2KckonCtbZ/s1000/Melinda_Graham_lamp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMjTjo02VEdw9oWTFhXzy0DnYPbBX7vMp0RXLfE0wxBRgVBp0k9bwM11qQo_hBfI6JUxE-2rGUyhRAxENpO-3LivLu-sAD-TAfSG096xNXA1zWcaFa4CVjE8CIk5SH1OPxE2KckonCtbZ/w426-h640/Melinda_Graham_lamp3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">First, my dad removed the original wiring and replaced it with wiring suitable for an indoor lamp. Equipped with a plug and toggle switch. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvRt8upv2fLiJHr81ogubBFbTT0WZTRYZE6cw5MQOFjSoz4Vy7GoWbqTtbZndY2xlKFIdpmc2zC6SzzoyyWm4rTpYOv9lpEQPpjLxZmI2tPpProWF6MYufrUuQxUD1-zFgU5p4A_8O7v2/s1000/Melinda_Graham_lamp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvRt8upv2fLiJHr81ogubBFbTT0WZTRYZE6cw5MQOFjSoz4Vy7GoWbqTtbZndY2xlKFIdpmc2zC6SzzoyyWm4rTpYOv9lpEQPpjLxZmI2tPpProWF6MYufrUuQxUD1-zFgU5p4A_8O7v2/w426-h640/Melinda_Graham_lamp4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The original fixture would have been atop a solid post, so as it stood now, it was top heavy. So I rummaged through my vintage wood stash and found a weathered wooded block and a grey-blue board. Both have a driftwood look perfect for this project.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl8b8KM3U0HF3I8Luj6qubeQTiwkiesTs0vE6-qEZRzCovJJGxyQqUs8G7do9bgdzlqRPnNiY8lMW4MKKpMwTo6U-e-K5Hn5G7XKBXjpc20xUn4eaRe8hW_DwknLMtk13NkfrSuJw9Gfq/s1000/Melinda_Graham_lamp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl8b8KM3U0HF3I8Luj6qubeQTiwkiesTs0vE6-qEZRzCovJJGxyQqUs8G7do9bgdzlqRPnNiY8lMW4MKKpMwTo6U-e-K5Hn5G7XKBXjpc20xUn4eaRe8hW_DwknLMtk13NkfrSuJw9Gfq/w426-h640/Melinda_Graham_lamp5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I replaced the candlelight arms with new sleeves and placed seashells inside the glass hurricane shade. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EUhK0oEe4cyzOvTayJ37zLk4y9FMv_0RZADI8koSG09QWC3_MKmlnv-jdmJod87vxNSxeuf9-QYEhNgvYmSfjwn8bu7IswU1qSFqeAlAguIBwPdWVy4lApp5i5NAMUskPy-MyJe9M52L/s1000/Melinda_Graham_lamp6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EUhK0oEe4cyzOvTayJ37zLk4y9FMv_0RZADI8koSG09QWC3_MKmlnv-jdmJod87vxNSxeuf9-QYEhNgvYmSfjwn8bu7IswU1qSFqeAlAguIBwPdWVy4lApp5i5NAMUskPy-MyJe9M52L/w426-h640/Melinda_Graham_lamp6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">I must say the finished product is spectacular!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The best part is that I was able to combine both my mom and dad in a project that will always make me think of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-8405270990024867112020-08-25T13:28:00.001-07:002020-11-13T13:41:26.462-08:00she sells seashells<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">August has always reminded me of summer vacations. It was the month my family would take a beach get-away before school started.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Now that I live at the beach, it seems funny that August still makes me think of walking the beach and picking up seashells.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This year has been such a challenge for so many different reasons. Mainly, I miss that my mom and dad have not been able to come for visits due to Covid.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So this August is different. But I can think of my wonderful family every time I pass a seashell in my house or garden.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelr-4MYTyo-O4rZNupr9qNPru795ixeGZc3ypse3goBsbQPIsH8JgFqcekIrNuZ-S4ALIDLhXuL1N1OOVyWh6Jc_pyvRne1fWAzBmWfrpQTdMAc1hS-xOqhZOMW9w6BA6LNUcgo4SV-zV/s1000/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelr-4MYTyo-O4rZNupr9qNPru795ixeGZc3ypse3goBsbQPIsH8JgFqcekIrNuZ-S4ALIDLhXuL1N1OOVyWh6Jc_pyvRne1fWAzBmWfrpQTdMAc1hS-xOqhZOMW9w6BA6LNUcgo4SV-zV/w512-h640/001.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPNmnWK3CtSv_R9gl2ShRtzxAD6k3fIGSXnQB3kGuWYIE5VjcivHSh2sp3ULGngZxZpl4Ad-EzcUXoqUFT-2NkhxcTOWo_Mg2w7QKQGBWgV4-1tIFwYlLSaTr1ZpkP-Xa829y-M77M9vT/s1000/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPNmnWK3CtSv_R9gl2ShRtzxAD6k3fIGSXnQB3kGuWYIE5VjcivHSh2sp3ULGngZxZpl4Ad-EzcUXoqUFT-2NkhxcTOWo_Mg2w7QKQGBWgV4-1tIFwYlLSaTr1ZpkP-Xa829y-M77M9vT/w512-h640/002.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNon1pNPHQNvr7HL1e_5oa-Lv4RebbpmcMSWVKWND1IL1iQrIeNuNDlwwvB2G-bDBhS9TE9oVbOc_XUVt8LXKZND1YCbqLlSRf0gDMeCCm01kE09IpsgdMjSV-gaAZLpx-Wu_fHsalrpt/s1000/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNon1pNPHQNvr7HL1e_5oa-Lv4RebbpmcMSWVKWND1IL1iQrIeNuNDlwwvB2G-bDBhS9TE9oVbOc_XUVt8LXKZND1YCbqLlSRf0gDMeCCm01kE09IpsgdMjSV-gaAZLpx-Wu_fHsalrpt/w512-h640/003.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryN-klzn54OgdOPtfgq9WH1kIXAhJJ5p26Naui53rYjSO6gVubwR92jGAiDq5R1NRSIb6O4hpVgmb7gOFv_Aw4umUbHE7IZyu4hkMt09nlY3aXkhdQjiW3WAIGZIKuR-le8PvF0VeTd_p/s1000/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryN-klzn54OgdOPtfgq9WH1kIXAhJJ5p26Naui53rYjSO6gVubwR92jGAiDq5R1NRSIb6O4hpVgmb7gOFv_Aw4umUbHE7IZyu4hkMt09nlY3aXkhdQjiW3WAIGZIKuR-le8PvF0VeTd_p/w512-h640/004.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">During this pandemic, if you are separated from family, I hope you have reminders of fun adventures around your home.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">As much as I miss picking up seashells with my mom, I'm just happy that my entire family has stayed safe and healthy.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Everyday is a blessing.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-52768868362058369162020-08-21T13:04:00.001-07:002020-11-13T13:22:53.154-08:00lace chairs<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">It's official, I am on a lace kick as of late.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Since I've been sharing so much about how I incorporate vintage linens into my life, I thought I would share one of my favorite lace projects.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I covered a pair of oval back side chairs with all sorts of vintage lace, crochet and tatting.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPK1e2ycMXlgvKGQ-OoiO-rp1SBKDIRHrFolxzylzUavh8PfWXAABvyW0tFU96_vwfyoS3yfhyC9wA9pRRUh47uTLRFe84NhCxvBKqsp06xYS7n2ALdEuG97wZSOsgI-WVUtTp3wuaLf4/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPK1e2ycMXlgvKGQ-OoiO-rp1SBKDIRHrFolxzylzUavh8PfWXAABvyW0tFU96_vwfyoS3yfhyC9wA9pRRUh47uTLRFe84NhCxvBKqsp06xYS7n2ALdEuG97wZSOsgI-WVUtTp3wuaLf4/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I started with a pair of French country oval back side chairs with fluted legs and lovely carved floret designs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The wood has a natural stain and white furniture wax finish to highlight the beautiful details.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8xWZYXoBu5xDYuE-Yt1P2xpJ9Rc1nshVfVPFrtZpe7n5NK7XWhQ9OROdxZ0uqqykTN6Y9X6VwxFLVz8u_wIQq6svf-b_PgpoVni1LnZC8jJ5NaV9V5cSdmUNtPWAHt3_ezsIzcWHbgco/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8xWZYXoBu5xDYuE-Yt1P2xpJ9Rc1nshVfVPFrtZpe7n5NK7XWhQ9OROdxZ0uqqykTN6Y9X6VwxFLVz8u_wIQq6svf-b_PgpoVni1LnZC8jJ5NaV9V5cSdmUNtPWAHt3_ezsIzcWHbgco/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNooCmpLYrfqnKGZo0bXZJs5dTi1ddbVuefYFVD9YhN9U8U_KNDu8etnLT7SuJyBqeBg2MaaL9GwOzASEkjgLg74n4jLBRNDKXF42HKU4gcbypJQcrv4n-4yGvyC8ZrI-Y5ep0pTxiCNfm/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNooCmpLYrfqnKGZo0bXZJs5dTi1ddbVuefYFVD9YhN9U8U_KNDu8etnLT7SuJyBqeBg2MaaL9GwOzASEkjgLg74n4jLBRNDKXF42HKU4gcbypJQcrv4n-4yGvyC8ZrI-Y5ep0pTxiCNfm/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVUZmUZgECs_vxfrVVl5jRAddHdH6HXqMpt-3N0NrtYXH9AusGeFxvwPf1xNT0yzXUV9GiyMlodeCUJwNJDs3dCNvmnVgDqhR-ErTLLeK15toPs742scJOhdwwlebc9dLrKskNB0whvSv/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVUZmUZgECs_vxfrVVl5jRAddHdH6HXqMpt-3N0NrtYXH9AusGeFxvwPf1xNT0yzXUV9GiyMlodeCUJwNJDs3dCNvmnVgDqhR-ErTLLeK15toPs742scJOhdwwlebc9dLrKskNB0whvSv/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8q4IE9saHDDDzA8U1TFHe2BuDzyKiidlgSPOMOBaDZ8xJuhD9zAWVxivLMMYEUARJhsUzNUrINGduAjSni_UQ-DVXFPUB8MfVNmx3y4AflfAdM3q60JjKBCucJ87rACkVC5Tq8IkvDHb/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8q4IE9saHDDDzA8U1TFHe2BuDzyKiidlgSPOMOBaDZ8xJuhD9zAWVxivLMMYEUARJhsUzNUrINGduAjSni_UQ-DVXFPUB8MfVNmx3y4AflfAdM3q60JjKBCucJ87rACkVC5Tq8IkvDHb/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">There are more than 60 doilies, lace panels, crochet pieces and miscellaneous trimmings on the chairs. Every inch of the upholstery on the front and back as well as the seat are embellished with assorted antique finery.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QFyueytdZRd8zad8xRGvhgIURZuEm9V2_JPCfx3Wwxto0hMbIXhjV5p46-HUp8DCuv3rc1UtTKJittApFT14EDPM4X6w_DYNMWZ3iZ7GqH6V1TxD03DkO_8Ca6ynHbYxxu8daR-14RNA/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QFyueytdZRd8zad8xRGvhgIURZuEm9V2_JPCfx3Wwxto0hMbIXhjV5p46-HUp8DCuv3rc1UtTKJittApFT14EDPM4X6w_DYNMWZ3iZ7GqH6V1TxD03DkO_8Ca6ynHbYxxu8daR-14RNA/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_lace_chair_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">If you would like to try a project like this but are a bit intimidated, you could start with something small like a footstool.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I am so pleased with the finished chairs. To protect the lacework, I sprayed the finished chairs with Scotchgard.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-90410344162827944782020-08-18T12:12:00.001-07:002020-11-13T12:32:10.523-08:00love of lace<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">It's interesting how blogging lately has been a fluid process for me. meaning, one blog triggers a train of thought, then the next and the next. This blog is no different.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So in my previous post about the garden wash station, I mentioned that I like to use some of my stained or damaged old lace and linens to decorate my garden.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Truth be told, I pretty much surround myself with antique fabrics. They are my favorite color (all shades of white), they soften a space and I love the antiquity that they represent.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here are some of the types of vintage linens that I collect...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilooRCsWBpTdCHxiVqomLUhileRiiW46EgR-ZojWZkgiBoPth-fhh6WtaH26r9-IvwVQ3EaO6KwZfiMSu59eQivJw9S5QIRPUhaaKZ6GqSesySishYr7XBQ4KxFJKSnZelCmnIR6nNFiaN/s1000/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilooRCsWBpTdCHxiVqomLUhileRiiW46EgR-ZojWZkgiBoPth-fhh6WtaH26r9-IvwVQ3EaO6KwZfiMSu59eQivJw9S5QIRPUhaaKZ6GqSesySishYr7XBQ4KxFJKSnZelCmnIR6nNFiaN/w512-h640/001.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">table linens</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGtGzFUuQOlQCqKIrx_PT_vR_lMm7TVt9Mqtnksz0CU26Vc23FUdwpIwBRHrD63dM2mf9gOxBtmmzLKO841FcRabkhbzI2SKlL_Ik_C-O9KadDyIVrHzANB2BVt_GUY5-8GTTrB0LuA5z/s1000/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGtGzFUuQOlQCqKIrx_PT_vR_lMm7TVt9Mqtnksz0CU26Vc23FUdwpIwBRHrD63dM2mf9gOxBtmmzLKO841FcRabkhbzI2SKlL_Ik_C-O9KadDyIVrHzANB2BVt_GUY5-8GTTrB0LuA5z/w512-h640/002.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH6MWxHsnT8lFmX8myYJWFSD5R-RLFfpXexXlFCvKNm5R_3gM6O_G6V2lvvJa4UVROmkJ83in3TqV_IWVueiVeh2VLR_lxQ4r4K8uQ_QWAHyXCw6cEVY7vK1hDTAGITbXIyyP6z5lYYTC/s1000/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH6MWxHsnT8lFmX8myYJWFSD5R-RLFfpXexXlFCvKNm5R_3gM6O_G6V2lvvJa4UVROmkJ83in3TqV_IWVueiVeh2VLR_lxQ4r4K8uQ_QWAHyXCw6cEVY7vK1hDTAGITbXIyyP6z5lYYTC/w512-h640/005.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">antique collars</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN8G82-PzdhAz6j75Rt91QM1jNGY4RyEUmze7hF-n3J4oMwtvqhN_sBzw6lkSzb1IysHeJ_q3f-LyEQWp7qqYU-yOYKyKLiby33F_UsQOs3CO-k7F9ViAxDjUZgIxUp7onogDxvXdi3fU/s1000/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN8G82-PzdhAz6j75Rt91QM1jNGY4RyEUmze7hF-n3J4oMwtvqhN_sBzw6lkSzb1IysHeJ_q3f-LyEQWp7qqYU-yOYKyKLiby33F_UsQOs3CO-k7F9ViAxDjUZgIxUp7onogDxvXdi3fU/w512-h640/004.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaghafGJpbA7Ej7JxVxeGjcHlB69CDuwqxVIrUbcWKafby0qDhxkO3AsXdxEl-vhznNX-RwrSEck01AKFURvLvj7ixcnRG7QWTT2QcsjCSqPAzGV6L1YpP5eKPLHNH8oAC_Ey4YVjXj9Xp/s1000/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaghafGJpbA7Ej7JxVxeGjcHlB69CDuwqxVIrUbcWKafby0qDhxkO3AsXdxEl-vhznNX-RwrSEck01AKFURvLvj7ixcnRG7QWTT2QcsjCSqPAzGV6L1YpP5eKPLHNH8oAC_Ey4YVjXj9Xp/w512-h640/008.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">crochet pillow cases</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcdwhZln5ngJpEJsoaFs5Mz7TD8aTqpKKAdez1CkG-ek55vy4-tH-X84LAFmcEx8R_Lxb5cbTzkdwSlIN2P4bUR9GnBntUyOXjXuubnp3ZGNiSBg3tJHUzYgKmmNpFpFouS0CU3y8Udbr/s1000/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcdwhZln5ngJpEJsoaFs5Mz7TD8aTqpKKAdez1CkG-ek55vy4-tH-X84LAFmcEx8R_Lxb5cbTzkdwSlIN2P4bUR9GnBntUyOXjXuubnp3ZGNiSBg3tJHUzYgKmmNpFpFouS0CU3y8Udbr/w512-h640/003.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpk5hO3dYmY4Is0KkHKB4kkm6z69e6035JQIIxnBfVDdYquwRBlIFuSUomeRrp6syzy1ckKSf90A5nDPHwXO6iJCQR6tcbx-Tor0qpWsA-ZB12wPYUH8qPR8nlBw1GT7vE14afusMZcyK/s1000/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpk5hO3dYmY4Is0KkHKB4kkm6z69e6035JQIIxnBfVDdYquwRBlIFuSUomeRrp6syzy1ckKSf90A5nDPHwXO6iJCQR6tcbx-Tor0qpWsA-ZB12wPYUH8qPR8nlBw1GT7vE14afusMZcyK/w512-h640/010.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">miscellaneous lace trimmings</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNf1neicv6Bz5atgxxjIBTBjKdyjHm23gnYssBzXM1v4vAnnJod-TdyUP9SNvtSdiovpv1W7-4LkbiNS7OBoaDN9hyXURnI-C-kZ6v4_hyphenhyphenmshyphenhyphenO2gNQ4Esr3Oud7VfR5JpBCb4dfMWBpy/s1000/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNf1neicv6Bz5atgxxjIBTBjKdyjHm23gnYssBzXM1v4vAnnJod-TdyUP9SNvtSdiovpv1W7-4LkbiNS7OBoaDN9hyXURnI-C-kZ6v4_hyphenhyphenmshyphenhyphenO2gNQ4Esr3Oud7VfR5JpBCb4dfMWBpy/w512-h640/007.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">There is just something magical and lovely about old lace, crochet and linens. It warms my heart and conjures thoughts of an elegant way of life. Do you have old family linens hiding in a drawer, cupboard or a box in your home?</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Why not get them out, iron the wrinkles and find a way to display them. It's hard to appreciate just how special these old pieces are if they are not being truly appreciated.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-92066543066056504672020-08-15T10:58:00.001-07:002020-11-13T11:27:57.862-08:00wash up<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">After reminiscing about the shade garden on Sanibel from my last post, I thought I would share another small yet important section from my garden. The wash station.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I can easily spend countless hours in my gardens. No matter how dirty I get, it doesn't bother me a bit!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But when it is time to come inside, I want to at least get the first layer of muck off my hands.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So I carved out a small area to create a pretty wash station. It's much like a work bench with the addition of a large wash bowl, soap and towels.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxWD3pr0KGTrjfUS9UhkW4PwaPdNhyphenhyphenfVagjXpG2gokRP72ItB_BVDXbAWyNBHdE79oD0eEQgy3BUBxlDhWS5JEk3svYcWJfFGz6KETbIOqLz2x3MTcAVaM4wL5bVOFdNbZcAPEK00ZyOR/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxWD3pr0KGTrjfUS9UhkW4PwaPdNhyphenhyphenfVagjXpG2gokRP72ItB_BVDXbAWyNBHdE79oD0eEQgy3BUBxlDhWS5JEk3svYcWJfFGz6KETbIOqLz2x3MTcAVaM4wL5bVOFdNbZcAPEK00ZyOR/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The wash station is decorated with vintage garden themed accessories.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQJqOVLHpam4vSHFarKyd4bVIt7Jfk73AftNPQRPkzvJs8Oyq4F98GHHxZNI8d0MWbLph5guiSMR9GZn5DfrlmtVzbAzf9WSvSmKAqpBdph6IEfontAtB0QOpfN7lST1UjnY_uQcCn2oY/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQJqOVLHpam4vSHFarKyd4bVIt7Jfk73AftNPQRPkzvJs8Oyq4F98GHHxZNI8d0MWbLph5guiSMR9GZn5DfrlmtVzbAzf9WSvSmKAqpBdph6IEfontAtB0QOpfN7lST1UjnY_uQcCn2oY/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">A large vintage Ironstone washbowl makes the perfect vessel for the wash station. I fill it with clean water when I begin my day and the sunlight warms the water so it is perfect when I am ready to get cleaned up.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEribPFGHkW6siW9VpsL81sAOMIIn9ZAp-TEZ8vZPjHnrkmLGZhzoice-pfUSWinJwgus2jZVwZhBR2kplvoXTPiznXDWtqALdeyB9WlOCbMfG_uELG2oraRoxeItYsm4puO077ylTtmR9/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEribPFGHkW6siW9VpsL81sAOMIIn9ZAp-TEZ8vZPjHnrkmLGZhzoice-pfUSWinJwgus2jZVwZhBR2kplvoXTPiznXDWtqALdeyB9WlOCbMfG_uELG2oraRoxeItYsm4puO077ylTtmR9/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Floating a few petal or flowers not only looks beautiful, but it smells fragrant and the natural oils from the flowers are released into the water. Nature's spa.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7QCR-OKZIXpZZJ8x8bYYen_tjsyQT4jZgO5So5w5H_dmWdDnI5GRUIcOyi9gEV9_Y-1pLZfzh6AHLfrYcONJStSuTNqpzR0pDkGhCLX2fkX_8zTUJ5vwZOEpS7cxZhJdT_OeYOPhtfr1/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7QCR-OKZIXpZZJ8x8bYYen_tjsyQT4jZgO5So5w5H_dmWdDnI5GRUIcOyi9gEV9_Y-1pLZfzh6AHLfrYcONJStSuTNqpzR0pDkGhCLX2fkX_8zTUJ5vwZOEpS7cxZhJdT_OeYOPhtfr1/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I like to keep a lovely bar of my favorite soap next to the washbowl. A little hint: to keep the soap dish clean, I place a small layer of tiny seashells or garden stones in the bottom of the dish. It keeps the bottom from getting all yucky.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO26idUegwH5LEc5pmVIs-RukaMm8PUK9X8Za9RIuB1rVu6tcygzymJNwflECviZw4kYBua_IYNU7mWcHCDDk5qVqh2Us1HOsQ_qK3DAF1ZXfi3gpTYJpi4zZmoq2w3lpH8P6lzGuwrTR5/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO26idUegwH5LEc5pmVIs-RukaMm8PUK9X8Za9RIuB1rVu6tcygzymJNwflECviZw4kYBua_IYNU7mWcHCDDk5qVqh2Us1HOsQ_qK3DAF1ZXfi3gpTYJpi4zZmoq2w3lpH8P6lzGuwrTR5/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I use linens to decorate my garden. A number of my old linens have stains or small holes. Instead of discarding them, I use them in my garden. Sometimes I buy slightly damaged linens and lace at yard sales just to use throughout my garden as well.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpTEihyphenhyphen0WX9ZKHcD011e13a8An_PuE4C_GyJVvmo46AQkAlH85YwbNvsCkEIlcRktFu1tWw3Zv-4gRjcQvLQJISD5yxLH4eUVD2bg5f9-nsX61Wzf4KogmfNE9meAVVJbzG_W_idIZxTr/s1500/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpTEihyphenhyphen0WX9ZKHcD011e13a8An_PuE4C_GyJVvmo46AQkAlH85YwbNvsCkEIlcRktFu1tWw3Zv-4gRjcQvLQJISD5yxLH4eUVD2bg5f9-nsX61Wzf4KogmfNE9meAVVJbzG_W_idIZxTr/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_wash_station_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't know if you have ever considered a wash station for your garden. I can tell you it is a wonderfully helpful as well as beautiful place in my garden. If you do want to create one, why not make it pretty? A little lace can make an unexpected impact.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Have fun digging in your garden...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">and pamper yourself when you're done.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-50395698616411070972020-08-11T18:56:00.001-07:002020-11-12T19:43:28.364-08:00reminiscing<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">I have been spending so much time working on my gardens at my "new" 1920's home. It has made me think about my gardens at my Sanibel Island home. Although both are on the Gulf coast, the gardens are completely different. I have been carving out a niche for a cottage garden little by little. I have been thinking of adding some inspiration from the shade garden in Sanibel.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here are a few pictures from a walk down memory lane.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4AycjbBrr65JtEh0YZEmPFxuyeWbzDSNb4DZXr7JY9VKYG2QlOZqEh9QSESzDA06bWYhAYKaT2KfknQZHMg4O9Mw0rQXULvKHb2bC1t1sw_imU0gsUq5MyzkfzdHVAbpaNaKkFetELuQ/s1244/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4AycjbBrr65JtEh0YZEmPFxuyeWbzDSNb4DZXr7JY9VKYG2QlOZqEh9QSESzDA06bWYhAYKaT2KfknQZHMg4O9Mw0rQXULvKHb2bC1t1sw_imU0gsUq5MyzkfzdHVAbpaNaKkFetELuQ/w516-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_01.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2grdS6_bf69xQVhTvkuTuIIiAgvpRruorvah4Y612ppxGQ0XE6NcH9iyNVkcfvXJnkqf9HqTIYj8OOmRruiCK5cAfCYMWCHrwqbWeCd2NL-WAsV5iFJdYIcjsEVni3c5RVyjJullBM7li/s1245/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2grdS6_bf69xQVhTvkuTuIIiAgvpRruorvah4Y612ppxGQ0XE6NcH9iyNVkcfvXJnkqf9HqTIYj8OOmRruiCK5cAfCYMWCHrwqbWeCd2NL-WAsV5iFJdYIcjsEVni3c5RVyjJullBM7li/w514-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_02.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc2DQD9ML_P1PoXTsmldUxDBbjzBw6yUWD0TJZ0yOD6QBUF4s2yP62E2AWq3FwRHpeZqvt47No-6Z4GNzoCzxh3dYK98sCN_ss2J1CQda2RO1-0W6JgV96azsZoF2FpaypPvxtRaKLESU/s1247/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc2DQD9ML_P1PoXTsmldUxDBbjzBw6yUWD0TJZ0yOD6QBUF4s2yP62E2AWq3FwRHpeZqvt47No-6Z4GNzoCzxh3dYK98sCN_ss2J1CQda2RO1-0W6JgV96azsZoF2FpaypPvxtRaKLESU/w514-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_03.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKjkrOhDhCMRmhjwCeWsQzs0QNc_1ePJYfyii106IfMrhoWmRrkpYn9b1tOnig8MruCNhVD-odryC04nYxcjqV2PQq9ur1LdVByt0AliIQLj2XRlhT6hYr6EMOi0b_O-LLxQeK4v5zfsu/s1247/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKjkrOhDhCMRmhjwCeWsQzs0QNc_1ePJYfyii106IfMrhoWmRrkpYn9b1tOnig8MruCNhVD-odryC04nYxcjqV2PQq9ur1LdVByt0AliIQLj2XRlhT6hYr6EMOi0b_O-LLxQeK4v5zfsu/w514-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_04.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARb5gzHhuLfddipLZvnftmqrCVRGEpdaXWcKZU_P5GnI8qiSI4zPzwBtxmX82NWu4eQ1l7gehsFWvNgTpMfk6R-qoKV6jHuMt_qSjMtSzx4XvSQlV4vdINLAa80nHdYqhXA1h5L-w1vRq/s1247/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARb5gzHhuLfddipLZvnftmqrCVRGEpdaXWcKZU_P5GnI8qiSI4zPzwBtxmX82NWu4eQ1l7gehsFWvNgTpMfk6R-qoKV6jHuMt_qSjMtSzx4XvSQlV4vdINLAa80nHdYqhXA1h5L-w1vRq/w514-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_05.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpUm5nXEdc-MO822kqTNgdK9ke7prqmZEyAGefiV7_QiIrAHK1UHTgJLjoD9Mi96x2A2BdK4LfvrFMaN3O03XqQXBwqxrr5ml_Pgdh9fTalKaE5cULwWC7kHvDMTkbisfkZUss6jNkRJ4/s1244/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpUm5nXEdc-MO822kqTNgdK9ke7prqmZEyAGefiV7_QiIrAHK1UHTgJLjoD9Mi96x2A2BdK4LfvrFMaN3O03XqQXBwqxrr5ml_Pgdh9fTalKaE5cULwWC7kHvDMTkbisfkZUss6jNkRJ4/w516-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_06.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl-XtH8AdFqS1QDGjWE9Kr7d3BdjZUTcbSS_mUFv_o1H2IVREsWUMUh2gcoqyU_OQLE9QAtQlrp3ZlJDpaaC6vZkL-zhYl6XgZkgTl90EDGUj_jWH_oFCGuUAsvZjnijYBM4mMIyVifba/s1247/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFl-XtH8AdFqS1QDGjWE9Kr7d3BdjZUTcbSS_mUFv_o1H2IVREsWUMUh2gcoqyU_OQLE9QAtQlrp3ZlJDpaaC6vZkL-zhYl6XgZkgTl90EDGUj_jWH_oFCGuUAsvZjnijYBM4mMIyVifba/w514-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_shade_garden_07.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I have always decorated my gardens like I decorate inside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Furniture, accessories, lace, linens, lighting and of course...plants.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I can't wait to keep seeing how these gardens will unfold.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Everyday is a new discovery.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-49862051071299955662020-08-07T18:09:00.001-07:002020-11-12T18:51:53.018-08:00aquarium upcycle<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Since my last post is fresh on my mind, I thought I would share an idea I wrote about some time ago for one of my favorite magazines.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">aquarium upcycle</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It's pretty easy to find an aquarium at a yard sale or junk shop. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to recycle an old tank into a creative and elegant terrarium.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">You don't need much to get started.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">fish tank</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">pebbles</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">decorative rock or shells</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">potting soil</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">plants</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">decorative tape and glass shelf optional</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8qkl0B3nofdR6jQq1mjPgJ0eQcjm0J7xhFuLqkoTELCJZS728ZPT1wPZWXrus6NALSfmNd85nM3fy2awpfTSv7796s38jcsZrw6URUaVZh0Q1snsPUGkFcrJtVZ-QWqzPkGBHRtOG1nW/s800/002_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8qkl0B3nofdR6jQq1mjPgJ0eQcjm0J7xhFuLqkoTELCJZS728ZPT1wPZWXrus6NALSfmNd85nM3fy2awpfTSv7796s38jcsZrw6URUaVZh0Q1snsPUGkFcrJtVZ-QWqzPkGBHRtOG1nW/w512-h640/002_FB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Test the tank to be sure the bottom holds water without leaking.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">If it does leak, simply use a waterproof clear caulk in the seams and allow to dry.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Starting on the bottom: layer small clean pebbles then add sterile potting soil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Next, arrange the plants you wish to use. Once placed, be sure the roots are all covered with soil.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Lastly, secure the soil and plants with a layer of decorative river stone and or sea shells. If using shells, clean them very well so no sea salt residue remains.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Hlr3YUCXodKteytSXJck7-TpGtCg_bWUqxfrETMJ7OngwZje6fVl-SarwXyVw1ViK7a6G4_RwJr-ym1E6ayMsRPxSUVKOe31GnhmU9jbYJJ1cBbpKvaFDFKju1JubjHn8DjN2riUQ8c/s800/003_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7Hlr3YUCXodKteytSXJck7-TpGtCg_bWUqxfrETMJ7OngwZje6fVl-SarwXyVw1ViK7a6G4_RwJr-ym1E6ayMsRPxSUVKOe31GnhmU9jbYJJ1cBbpKvaFDFKju1JubjHn8DjN2riUQ8c/w512-h640/003_FB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I used a decorative tape around the top edge to add a touch of elegance to the finished terrarium.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs3vJ7kqzIaxb_1nyOQ94XKxL5vV99_iL4oiFEc8kDNLWSZ6Y9tOgb6Pm2OYXHW9bMQ_ITsBZjB5c1iARlENt7DKwQ8c6F2P7092PA4kedmHJw2iOQjI5UCcO9ukVn9tJaVDma2xdtYU1/s800/005_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXs3vJ7kqzIaxb_1nyOQ94XKxL5vV99_iL4oiFEc8kDNLWSZ6Y9tOgb6Pm2OYXHW9bMQ_ITsBZjB5c1iARlENt7DKwQ8c6F2P7092PA4kedmHJw2iOQjI5UCcO9ukVn9tJaVDma2xdtYU1/w512-h640/005_FB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This type of terrarium makes a lovely centerpiece.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9pHRYf4liMktLg4D7qWPZ29pwgXHr_J3eDbWI5mdyBLE3hFM-lwYzZfAI84sce5yLAQncSuf7k4KJeBuWQsaKs5G4yjA8LYCI2rFqXdfYVx7ZLidF8aphz4-YdeJNVxTEOXl7nq8AWsm/s800/007_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9pHRYf4liMktLg4D7qWPZ29pwgXHr_J3eDbWI5mdyBLE3hFM-lwYzZfAI84sce5yLAQncSuf7k4KJeBuWQsaKs5G4yjA8LYCI2rFqXdfYVx7ZLidF8aphz4-YdeJNVxTEOXl7nq8AWsm/w512-h640/007_FB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I placed a piece of glass shelving that I had in my craft stash so I could display things on top.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX3GCmq8zY2aXWYizX1bilb9gsBiTcTBjNbLAmJ1hNsZ3Dm2QCnJokEUI2E_-venl4coedSE7Qv8okU1vs_43GL-NgqK0KhN5AoXk2reBkG6MrH-pJmF0WKoGevquP6RhziMsCn4w0GFG/s800/008_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX3GCmq8zY2aXWYizX1bilb9gsBiTcTBjNbLAmJ1hNsZ3Dm2QCnJokEUI2E_-venl4coedSE7Qv8okU1vs_43GL-NgqK0KhN5AoXk2reBkG6MrH-pJmF0WKoGevquP6RhziMsCn4w0GFG/w512-h640/008_FB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Select the type of plants depending on whether or not your piece will have a top or lid.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Open terrarium:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">air plants, succulents or cactus</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Closed terrarium:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">any plant that likes a damp environment</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">ivy, fern and tropical plants</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Next time you see a small aquarium on a curb or inexpensively at a yard sale, why not take a chance and create a beautiful terrarium.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-28092413508432039072020-08-03T13:11:00.013-07:002020-11-10T13:48:26.422-08:00terrific terrariums<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Oh goodness is it hot in Florida. It's actually not too bad, it's been breezy but it is on the humid side. Although I'm still gardening daily, I either go out early or before sunset. So when I'm in search of fulfilling my green thumb projects, I stay inside and make terrariums.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9aY38JV7ndreCyGU8AVsjJZJnarcUNveofchPKFO0jP3RMaNvvNen8sTemdKXlNRzu7Y7qIrqpH0WBBXiYGy9kENOq5FP-7EkqHC7bgbnVIogr2Ccdyc5fX61LzCsHL7pr65LJjZjuSM/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9aY38JV7ndreCyGU8AVsjJZJnarcUNveofchPKFO0jP3RMaNvvNen8sTemdKXlNRzu7Y7qIrqpH0WBBXiYGy9kENOq5FP-7EkqHC7bgbnVIogr2Ccdyc5fX61LzCsHL7pr65LJjZjuSM/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I have a collection of apothecary jars that I use for all sorts of things. They make wonderful containers for terrariums.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAZAuHXshkvJQYlZM-V2Y-mLyFV0JZYbUBcjhb_Xz4x9WeInMgQYaHgMa5aIN7u1eDGyaVftGG2xTPa5n9-15Mvw1DZn4bEz4RNmMS-tSMMMb8c0TK_YCFyYYSqoq-UwKl-AXO0__gHl_/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAZAuHXshkvJQYlZM-V2Y-mLyFV0JZYbUBcjhb_Xz4x9WeInMgQYaHgMa5aIN7u1eDGyaVftGG2xTPa5n9-15Mvw1DZn4bEz4RNmMS-tSMMMb8c0TK_YCFyYYSqoq-UwKl-AXO0__gHl_/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I place a layer of clean, very fine gravel on the bottom and then a layer of well draining potting soil.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIj7O0hetnuzXJufTump7ALPQ-FR-UkQR8-5yfI3bRHMxH5dq3I6iLRpFJun4xZk5Skfqi934QJ_4M4izVxmGbAL_vU5sBfaNgZU24WfNuUUghBAb742LBaS4j4EglSuNmqT-rWP_WV0l/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIj7O0hetnuzXJufTump7ALPQ-FR-UkQR8-5yfI3bRHMxH5dq3I6iLRpFJun4xZk5Skfqi934QJ_4M4izVxmGbAL_vU5sBfaNgZU24WfNuUUghBAb742LBaS4j4EglSuNmqT-rWP_WV0l/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I tuck in tiny plants with small root systems. They need to like a very humid environment in order to survive. It helps to use a long skewer or chopstick to secure the roots and make sure they are covered with soil.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFNV6H8550G2Ly4XKSfyez6Yar0k3Od0TkVqBFMA_ahNJ0nT9nVlFSt98M2EHfX8vPvd1tjBdKvab4aUwTdoB1O7p7O-uHqlq7U5PgICk9HRyPVFKuC7eojGpqAI7lnB7wnpd2rz_ihiD/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFNV6H8550G2Ly4XKSfyez6Yar0k3Od0TkVqBFMA_ahNJ0nT9nVlFSt98M2EHfX8vPvd1tjBdKvab4aUwTdoB1O7p7O-uHqlq7U5PgICk9HRyPVFKuC7eojGpqAI7lnB7wnpd2rz_ihiD/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Then I carefully layer decorative stones and seashells to hold the roots and soil in place. Be certain that the shells are clean and free from any sea salt residue. Salt can be fatal to plants in an enclosed environment. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeR7Gwkq_SUstDoS5krhIY_3s7xt6j9ZiJ86uV1bi9g4IyAH4YwDes2inV-RLwC1KVdc41Yk1tkxYVOUDfKxaZR0Y049tu8H1Pn4pnWRvlfV3FhBry5BVmVL9YXdqkkwxNExD5tKbpAMl/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeR7Gwkq_SUstDoS5krhIY_3s7xt6j9ZiJ86uV1bi9g4IyAH4YwDes2inV-RLwC1KVdc41Yk1tkxYVOUDfKxaZR0Y049tu8H1Pn4pnWRvlfV3FhBry5BVmVL9YXdqkkwxNExD5tKbpAMl/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I water using a mister. Then close the top and place in a bright room but not in direct sunlight.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IBglueM6gfZRniak3jssVq70uYVtXECFDjASWZvU9bxqxrLkKyCEHFB9Z1AmLiRn_YjrM2Nc5X9JewqCvS9dC0wKzIDEBKsiEngzl9750zPEZP2BX0FwOAnA_x-LF-Cjovh0m9hRpX7Z/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IBglueM6gfZRniak3jssVq70uYVtXECFDjASWZvU9bxqxrLkKyCEHFB9Z1AmLiRn_YjrM2Nc5X9JewqCvS9dC0wKzIDEBKsiEngzl9750zPEZP2BX0FwOAnA_x-LF-Cjovh0m9hRpX7Z/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Air plants and succulents will not work in enclosed terrariums. The air plants need daily air flow and good circulation. And succulents will rot in such damp growing conditions. Fern, ivy and pink splash will thrive! Just be sure to read the label of the plants you purchase.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4BlT81QMGAUeR-LD11lT5Rk4DUybQvpVRHsQEQ9MJ0SjzP_mEZB_UsvGhh-4rXrk1B2sbVyFsVf6nbdUEsx009T5Ns9gTNgNzp7NGkfDruWGmFD2XlxdHOq4Njfm59uZhl79z3yH82z5/s1875/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4BlT81QMGAUeR-LD11lT5Rk4DUybQvpVRHsQEQ9MJ0SjzP_mEZB_UsvGhh-4rXrk1B2sbVyFsVf6nbdUEsx009T5Ns9gTNgNzp7NGkfDruWGmFD2XlxdHOq4Njfm59uZhl79z3yH82z5/w512-h640/surroundings_melinda_graham_terrarium_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope you will try to make a terrarium. It's so quick and easy. The end product is very elegant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Happy indoor gardening...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-47225638654395745152020-07-29T18:12:00.001-07:002020-10-06T19:05:29.717-07:00green goodness<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Green pottery...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">collecting these beautiful treasures is a passion!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p1uk57F1mouiF5hpFKCqUx6Lvp4iwKTsF08c_5i-DLNFb3bdyUd4cGHlUjamqLWRM0KAAFnjox52QnHFxQdLwhfYuN09vkBD_pf28EZJWckxNlGkEhh-mjQmZOlIjQZBMe3R5U42mmcy/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p1uk57F1mouiF5hpFKCqUx6Lvp4iwKTsF08c_5i-DLNFb3bdyUd4cGHlUjamqLWRM0KAAFnjox52QnHFxQdLwhfYuN09vkBD_pf28EZJWckxNlGkEhh-mjQmZOlIjQZBMe3R5U42mmcy/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_01.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I like to mix in a few pieces of transferware.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1PnCjN_qtG4MnUqcJKCoBE9UTDHyZgUXjR5XJ2L5ukGQE_as2gZDCw8kKHye1wlMkZsH8d4iBe8MzSwfeUyQSkkpA6kCTGwPsdonC3IAZP6EHIgQHN77pOSpY8PBqljO64a8xN8S5iGu/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1PnCjN_qtG4MnUqcJKCoBE9UTDHyZgUXjR5XJ2L5ukGQE_as2gZDCw8kKHye1wlMkZsH8d4iBe8MzSwfeUyQSkkpA6kCTGwPsdonC3IAZP6EHIgQHN77pOSpY8PBqljO64a8xN8S5iGu/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_02.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">All of the different shades of greens look so wonderful together.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth63lKaWzAp4_zUri-HqXCuacX0WbuIUXGG7Urc3c0SVkXyKQVwp6_CEYB0rlH3l5CY0ovDCG6FgAFqSSOmMrwDSl7yfrXyh53f4zCD81tONKi9mmuIvr6pZnua2JiIMFLf7a7noJnyzg/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth63lKaWzAp4_zUri-HqXCuacX0WbuIUXGG7Urc3c0SVkXyKQVwp6_CEYB0rlH3l5CY0ovDCG6FgAFqSSOmMrwDSl7yfrXyh53f4zCD81tONKi9mmuIvr6pZnua2JiIMFLf7a7noJnyzg/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_03.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Oddities like flower frogs and color pencils add interest.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVTW0cjWn_cnOirHnHV_lLgQ5BfQRFksH0xjXLiwy05BpVCcHPLKplYvu10lA8W-TpccmujpYKyJvociN_K-tJarvscG1jGS_yB5kH8i5-DvGLg8szmZKJfrIQu-1TpvplSPTGsHSwTxd/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVTW0cjWn_cnOirHnHV_lLgQ5BfQRFksH0xjXLiwy05BpVCcHPLKplYvu10lA8W-TpccmujpYKyJvociN_K-tJarvscG1jGS_yB5kH8i5-DvGLg8szmZKJfrIQu-1TpvplSPTGsHSwTxd/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_04.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The different shapes create a visual texture.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFOtXOdPXz5FYAzT2SxZTAmakegS_S3tPWtJ3MvW3_gNh5vV-Fwm6QcJMboHYhRa5Ns_8bq8NlueVW7u0xjUHgkoUjAzLpuWGhr4plNXOtypB0WbCg6Gq6BaNdgrZXvLcQgbqH5yAIaoc/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFOtXOdPXz5FYAzT2SxZTAmakegS_S3tPWtJ3MvW3_gNh5vV-Fwm6QcJMboHYhRa5Ns_8bq8NlueVW7u0xjUHgkoUjAzLpuWGhr4plNXOtypB0WbCg6Gq6BaNdgrZXvLcQgbqH5yAIaoc/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_05.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Live plants give the display life.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKg04Z4l5O1nWZYbzj99Fcmn9W0omPhsrVCP-vxTP2syi911PUl4hSOboh39Z_H7VXTEdLIrEkrIydCetBias0IHks1KlR9t0YFZKGDVKNmTd1qiT8ykcdGXlLuz9eZxrbHooai0EpLp5/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKg04Z4l5O1nWZYbzj99Fcmn9W0omPhsrVCP-vxTP2syi911PUl4hSOboh39Z_H7VXTEdLIrEkrIydCetBias0IHks1KlR9t0YFZKGDVKNmTd1qiT8ykcdGXlLuz9eZxrbHooai0EpLp5/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_06.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The antique Hoosier top without the doors is perfect for showcasing my crazy collection.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUacY-qng5EujovAPzdr51BBedGNwpbY1pzfe2hXWw_65J5jbnVOP9ONJTo14Iw_pBJOGOuQ8ynGO3g71jRvcNrrg5lYvJu1j5_4VwAbeT9kocUfsBkQqILa4sHsZvN6xDU885Vhd0Bz1/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUacY-qng5EujovAPzdr51BBedGNwpbY1pzfe2hXWw_65J5jbnVOP9ONJTo14Iw_pBJOGOuQ8ynGO3g71jRvcNrrg5lYvJu1j5_4VwAbeT9kocUfsBkQqILa4sHsZvN6xDU885Vhd0Bz1/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_07.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Elements of old metal garden tools finish off the display.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YaYb68mn2LxA7w8evMFhEZAZojtN-gplsorfrZXmGg9u8pJnvtvi8Yzp35PIYAROylKTVmQ0p7gJbg1opIGo_nsndrfhqP4rkbRuBuJWDm3UXJTbpOhvA0c7c9V2vObTQU2qGEiCH4gq/s1250/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YaYb68mn2LxA7w8evMFhEZAZojtN-gplsorfrZXmGg9u8pJnvtvi8Yzp35PIYAROylKTVmQ0p7gJbg1opIGo_nsndrfhqP4rkbRuBuJWDm3UXJTbpOhvA0c7c9V2vObTQU2qGEiCH4gq/w512-h640/surroundings_by_melinda_green_pottery_08.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">I have searched yard sales, thrift shops and auctions over the years to constantly add to my growing collection.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It is a nice tie of my love of gardening and my love of vintage pottery. We all have our "thing" we love to collect, but I have my "thingsssss" I love to collect.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6239057471215035961.post-24237018918811753622020-07-23T15:55:00.000-07:002020-10-06T16:56:29.709-07:00fairy garden<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: courier;">Fairy gardens are so special.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And I love them all!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Making a container fairy garden is so simple.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Just start with a clean container with either drainage holes or a thin layer of small rock in the bottom.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbMVnvBz5TMC1NA1S6_e3U-JGHmr1lHjF2QoLzWxJUgn-Kr2c8Zx9uSW_MH638GjAq_bsrVcp8GiJKZaAnhszzcNcozUxxyU1hxdYFgwP2XHk86oN3l68pZGlq1YLv9_3FWbTNZcSAWMP/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbMVnvBz5TMC1NA1S6_e3U-JGHmr1lHjF2QoLzWxJUgn-Kr2c8Zx9uSW_MH638GjAq_bsrVcp8GiJKZaAnhszzcNcozUxxyU1hxdYFgwP2XHk86oN3l68pZGlq1YLv9_3FWbTNZcSAWMP/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_101.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Now add a layer of well draining soil.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPHqX5zDd60XzI8mhGc35nD4ad-_kXQ5dCDTfOkbkpgxl45FRvoDigPxlfWT9bb-EESt4_uJW90bPQBo0Vnvsu1WmLrftDw3luwjGVAj8rWkfYA9ej7WyHJkyZn9f2jgRFexxNvnRm36K/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPHqX5zDd60XzI8mhGc35nD4ad-_kXQ5dCDTfOkbkpgxl45FRvoDigPxlfWT9bb-EESt4_uJW90bPQBo0Vnvsu1WmLrftDw3luwjGVAj8rWkfYA9ej7WyHJkyZn9f2jgRFexxNvnRm36K/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_102.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It's time to add starter plants like fern and ivy.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI06cQ-0wPI_xx5_UYh_XUYIuDrHi4QtxLoxOe_xGRTvo7x0epSae0mC-DTdbADLbsX803eqSKWyo6SH2De9XrMaXBFN8piY2F_nuUyKoaH10VRhaTy-hz4IQDP-3Aou7UR0QVDEB4UB3B/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI06cQ-0wPI_xx5_UYh_XUYIuDrHi4QtxLoxOe_xGRTvo7x0epSae0mC-DTdbADLbsX803eqSKWyo6SH2De9XrMaXBFN8piY2F_nuUyKoaH10VRhaTy-hz4IQDP-3Aou7UR0QVDEB4UB3B/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_103.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Place a layer of clean decorative tiny river pebbles and/or moss around the plants.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L_yTU2ArV-8QkILWCkhq6JynwImNNIweW4z2M9ZFdpDLUnnrgrQ03Q58nRhT5YA3GK5aScnCuwz3N-phv7vke1ajVKBqSnq4kJd-AM7yj1s3q4grTBS7GmDdUU8KdwB6HdPtoLWN9uQj/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L_yTU2ArV-8QkILWCkhq6JynwImNNIweW4z2M9ZFdpDLUnnrgrQ03Q58nRhT5YA3GK5aScnCuwz3N-phv7vke1ajVKBqSnq4kJd-AM7yj1s3q4grTBS7GmDdUU8KdwB6HdPtoLWN9uQj/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_104.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Once you're pleased with the plantings, place your fairy in her garden.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYVWOMiG05YV4tuxRbWaySenuhB5l3unpuxTYqkHNT-lF3xMS_dgpw53WMqBzf89bHQBGbz7i6fTlSPLBMVGrOAQHpJNdYvj4o7HdKs3Si3_2QtxWm5QA5RoiMzmwiujFFB4OXCqcztD5/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYVWOMiG05YV4tuxRbWaySenuhB5l3unpuxTYqkHNT-lF3xMS_dgpw53WMqBzf89bHQBGbz7i6fTlSPLBMVGrOAQHpJNdYvj4o7HdKs3Si3_2QtxWm5QA5RoiMzmwiujFFB4OXCqcztD5/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_105.jpg" width="512" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I like to add very small gifts for the fairies... like acorn tops full of jelly, tiny cups of honey and little notes.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMKc7tbxI8RO-HtIMF3NFdgIMIbZlDY1j2Osy6AZYJAlOZBNicYcg4h9XuUMZJosX3VD0c_z0ljmHI25HsPLTAtaSTG85-QxhVyXKX8aF37TL2eJpmL3AL4Nc2CNlubJcLY22ZcJuRzdj/s1250/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMKc7tbxI8RO-HtIMF3NFdgIMIbZlDY1j2Osy6AZYJAlOZBNicYcg4h9XuUMZJosX3VD0c_z0ljmHI25HsPLTAtaSTG85-QxhVyXKX8aF37TL2eJpmL3AL4Nc2CNlubJcLY22ZcJuRzdj/w512-h640/melinda_graham_surroundings_garden_fairy_106.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: courier;">It takes so little for me to escape the real world. I can visit my fairies and be transported to a magical place where there are no worries, no sickness and no suffering.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope you have a way to escape too.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I'll see you in wonderland...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s300/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15pncM1CrANG1hUyz7xhLZGsbNF1IscSsbvD5rMfvyPxzFnb7UmJ58j7OksM7Eu0BGF3pYxFaYhKUGELvy0Le6yj8epL3xUesRVZMv52A_ICqRe3dJ83zCLEBo9boXdmiVxg2UZQYhmi7/s0/signature.jpg" /></a></div><p></p>Melinda Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023570954976589994noreply@blogger.com0