Keeping With The Times

living, learning, and keeping with the times

Potting Bench Quandary

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If you’re ever going to be in a quandary, hopefully it’s as simple and light as trying to decide where to set up your potting bench!

This week I’m rearranging my deck; moving my potting bench here and there, trying to decide if the furniture we have is working for me (it’s not) and setting up pots and crates ready to be filled with herbs and flowers.

And while I’m enjoying being outside immensely … I’m a bit frustrated at my deck situation. It’s a partly covered deck (which is wonderful) and I want to take advantage of the space where I can work even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Here the potting bench catches sunlight which is lovely for the plants, plus it’s still under the overhang so it’s out of the elements. But it’s a bit inconvenient as it sits against the railings and partially blocks the view of the surrounding forest:Potting Bench, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the TimesHere the potting bench is against the house which results in flatter light, and no sun:Potting Bench, Barb Brookbank, Keeping With the TimesSo what would you do? I really don’t want to set it against the railings but I feel it’s too drab against the wall.

Wait! I might have another solution … I have two potting benches ;)

The other one sits on the ground and is exposed to the weather. I wrote about it in my An Inspired Barnwood Potting Bench post a few years back.

I guess I would simply have to time my work, and my photography around Mother Nature.

I think I just solved my own problem ;)

xo

DIY Plant Markers for Herb Pots

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Today I have the easiest DIY plant markers you are ever going to attempt to make! Placed in pots of herbs, they make fantastic little gifts for Easter, Mothers’ Day, or simply as a hostess gift.

You can purchase tiny pots of herbs and either put them in special clay pots such as I did here, or wrap the original pot in a bit of newspaper tied with a piece of string (it all depends on how much you want to spend.)Thyme, Easy DIY Plant Markers, Plant markers for pots of herbsIt’s the addition of the handmade plant markers that really makes this gift special. These are so inexpensive they’re practically disposable!

DIY Plant Markers for Herb Pots

What you need:

  • clothespins
  • paper
  • glue
  • sandpaper
  • stamps, ink

How to:

  • Cut strips of paper approximately the same size as the clothespin. You can use scrapbook paper, newsprint, or vintage book pages. I used some old music sheets I found at a garage sale. The strips do not have to be cut perfectly; we’ll take care of the edges later.
  • Using white glue, glue a strip to each side of the clothespin making sure to get right to the edges. Let dry completely.
  • Using sandpaper, sand away the edges for a distressed but clean edge.

Easy DIY Plant Markers, Plant markers for pots of herbsUse alphabet stamps and scrapbooking ink to add the names of the herbs to little brown paper flags, clip them to the clothespins, and voila!Easy DIY Plant Markers, Plant markers for pots of herbs

Thanks for being here!

If you liked this post, you might like these! Please have a peek ↓↓↓↓↓

xo

Hope Springs Eternal

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Here’s a perfect example that hope springs eternal. These anemone bulbs look like dried prunes and are hard as rock, but in a few weeks I’ll be soaking them for 24 hours, then planting them indoors to be put out in the garden later (usually around the 24th of May) which btw seems like forever …

Hope Springs Eternal, Anemone Bulbs, Still Life, Flatlay, Barb BrookbankI’m not really sure it’s going to work, but I can hope. I’ll be posting my process and their progress in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed my friends (but it could take all year ;)

I already have Anemone sylvestris or snowdrop anemone which run rampant in my garden throughout May and June. They’re a hardier type native to meadows and dry deciduous woodlands of central and western Europe and they spread rapidly by root suckers.

Although they can be invasive, they’re one of my favourite flowers; delicate-looking and unassuming.

Hope Springs Eternal, Anemone Bulbs, Still Life, Flatlay, Barb Brookbank

Hope Springs Eternal, Anemone Bulbs, Still Life, Flatlay, Barb Brookbank

So what about you … are you dreaming of gardens and all things green?

 

Home Decor Styling Tips

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April made a typical entrance again this year: Friday, March 31st … one of the most beautiful days ever … warm, sunny, calm, and then … boom. Overnight the winds picked up and by morning they were absolutely howling. At 6:30 am the power went out and by 9:00 am snow was being driven sideways across the yard. Yep … spring in Alberta … aaarrrgh.

Lucky for me I had risen early and made my coffee, so I was sitting on the sofa, bundled up in fleece blankets, sipping a hot cuppa, and feeling grateful.

As the first slivers of morning lit up the sky, I watched the outside world come into my view. The barnwood tables and benches that I had set up on the deck in preparation for the new season sat sturdy and solid … waiting.

Earlier in the week I’d picked a ton of pussywillow. Some I’d set in a stoneware pot and was happy to see it hadn’t blown away. The new wreath I’d made was safely stowed against the house, under the overhang, and was no worse for the wear. Whew!

So even though our first day of April was atrocious (weather-wise) I spent it happily creating my spring willow wreath vignette, and came up with some home decor styling tips while I was at it!

I love an uncluttered look, but even so, there’s a lot going on here.

The wreath is hung in the centre of the wall with a small vintage chest and chair underneath. I placed the yellow birdhouse on several books to give it height and then used a yellow/green runner to draw the eye across and to the yellow pillow. Can you spot the repeating shape here?

So here’s my little still life mimicking life … or is life mimicking still life?

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Do you not just love the little botanical print above the chair? Adore!

I was searching for books at Amazon and came across this little gem “Instant Wall Art – Botanical Prints: 45 Ready to Frame Vintage Illustrations for Your Home Decor.” So cute and fun! Botanical prints are hot by the way … .

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Side note: I saw pussywillow branches for sale at Terrain for $48.00/bunch! Gah … choke … eek …

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Try to incorporate meaningful items in your vignettes. A few of my favourite books include “In Detail”, “A Life Less Ordinary”, and “Vivian Maier Street Photographer”. I have so many amazing books, I could have stacked a dozen more, but it would have ruined the effect—less is more.

Mix old and new, organic and inorganic elements, but keep colour tones similar.

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

Making a pussywillow wreath is super simple! Buy a ready-made willow wreath at any craft store and proceed to stuff it with pussywillow branches! If you need a little more detail, check out my instructions here.

Home Decor Styling Tips, Keeping With the Times

And last but not least, I’ll be sending the link to a full resolution copy of my little botanical print “Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play” in my next newsletter!! If you haven’t signed up, check the sidebar for details!

Thank you ever so much for stopping by!

All images edited in Lightroom
Presets by Kim Klassen
kk_breeze
kk_within

 

Spring Willow Wreath Vignette, Willow, Pussywillow, Wreath, DIY, Decor

 

Marsh Marigolds

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Marsh Marigolds [caltha palustris] are one of the first (if not the first) wildflower that pops up around here. Every spring these wonderful flowers light up dark boggy areas with their bright buttercup-like flowers and are a welcome sight to us winter-weary Albertans!

I braved a swamp and an army of mosquitoes to get these photos (and a small handful of marigolds).Marsh Marigolds, Keeping With the Timesmarsh marigolds, Keeping With the Timesmarsh marigolds, Keeping With the Times

Caltha palustris is more commonly called marsh marigold or kingcup. It’s rather toxic and requires careful handling as it can cause blistering. I used rubber gloves to pick and arrange these little beauties.marsh marigolds, Keeping With the Timesmarsh marigolds, Keeping With the TimesTruly a welcome sight in these here parts! Thank you for stopping by!

The Signs are Everywhere – Friday Finds

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Spring is here as evidenced by my newly potted baby succulents #fromthepottingbench! Don’t you just love what a simple glass container and rocks can do?

spring, friday finds, keeping with the times

I love this so much, I think I’m going to make a larger version.

spring, friday finds, keeping with the times

It’s about thyme, wouldn’t you say? My garden is stirring…

spring, friday finds, keeping with the times

Pink tips of a purple globe onion (allium).

spring, friday finds, keeping with the times

The promise of peonies to come.

spring, friday finds, keeping with the times

Sweet spring light.

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The pussy willows are bursting at the seams.

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Something needs to be straightened out and painted (arghhh)…

spring, friday finds, keeping with the times

I found the inspiration of spring everywhere.

moss-copy

Texture Tuesday: Wabi Sabi

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Texture Tuesday, Perfectly Imperfect, Wabi Sabi, Kim Klassen, Barb Brookbank

Right now my whole world is the colour of a pussy willow; off-white, cream, brown.

Yesterday I observed a rabbit that had this exact colouring! It’s starting to change from the snowy whiteness of winter to the dusty brown of summer.

We have old dirty snow, brown grass, and tangles of branches everywhere.

It’s beautiful. It’s my world, and I feel alive.

Today Kim talks about Wabi Sabi. Oh my! it’s the only reason I got this posted this morning. I won’t say any more… you must pop over to read about it! Thank you Kim!!

Disclaimer:

I’m going into town today with the girls, and I’m making a bee-line to the flower shop …

Have a wonderful Tuesday and thank you for stopping by!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

kk_sophia

Beyond Inspiration – Day 14

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kim klassen, beyond, b2b, texture

The lesson in B2B for Day 14 (or should I say one of the lessons) was on how to stretch your canvas and add words to the side of your image.

I have to say that I really like this format. I had a bit of trouble coming up with a good quote but mostly I didn’t sweat it.

When I saw this little spray of flowers at Safeway, my heart jumped. Such a tiny thing. Surrounded by dozens of colourful roses for Mother’s Day, and I pick these.

I adore them. And I adore the potting bench they are sitting on. I’m afraid you are going to be seeing a lot of that bench this summer. I’ll tell you all about it later… I must get to work on my dinner party. EEK, what am I doing sitting here??!!

Have a wonderful, amazing Mother’s Day weekend, everyone!

 

kk_3003 (my newest absolutely favourite texture) by Kim Klassen

 

Willow Catkins and the Art of Avoidance

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willow-catkins-2

Today I woke up early, enjoyed my coffee, checked e-mails, poked around some blogs, primped my own blog, ate French toast for breakfast, and had a nap.

willow-catkins

I walked down to the lake’s edge and sat and listened to the birds. Geese, ducks, seagulls, and loons. It’s a regular cacaphony of hoots, cackles, and wails (got that from the dictionary).

willow-catkins-1

I admired the willow catkins that seem to glow in the sunlight. Then of course I had to pick a few which I spent an hour arranging and photographing.

Which brings me to the question “when am I going to start preparing for that dinner party for 8 that we’re hosting on Saturday?” Egad. I truly wish I could walk into the sunset and leave that one behind. But I cannot. Tomorrow I start.

A Palo Verde on Fire!

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arizona, palo verde

Well, not really… it just looks like it.

Can you guess where we are? It’s hot. It’s sunny. It’s gloriously beautiful. There are flowers and flowering trees everywhere.

I took this photo while in the parking lot at Costco… (why do I always seem to be there?)

I want to share a bit about our holiday so I guess if I’m at Costco, well, there I am. However, I was wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals – no complaints in that department.

I Must Have Flowers and Cameras

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This winter I’ve tried to pick up a bouquet or a pot of flowers every couple of weeks. They certainly are a mood booster as well as a great motivation to get my camera out.

daffodil, flower, bulbs

I was so drawn to this pot of daffodils. The flowers with their sunny faces, the lush green leaves, and the textured bulbs were a balm to my winter weary eyes.

daffodil

Spring is around the corner (I’m sure) but in the meantime I’m happy to have these simple delights.

daffodil

As I was photographing these, I noticed yet another speck of something on the sensor in my camera. I’ve been meaning to take it to the “shop” to get it cleaned but I haven’t gotten around to it. Lightroom and Photoshop make it easy to avoid such inconveniences.

But now I’m dreaming of a new camera and I’ve been digging around the Nikon site and formulating a list and a plan…

I remember when I bought my Nikon D3000. I didn’t have a single clue how to use it – not a clue. But I took several classes and practice and practiced and practiced. It wasn’t too long before I was out of auto mode and into manual. Buying that camera was one of the best purchases I have ever made, but something tells me that it’s time to move on… and I’m listening.

Going to a greenhouse can make you crazy

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A few days ago I went to a nearby greenhouse to soak up the sights and sounds of a garden setting. This is one of my favourite things to do in the spring. I still have a month to go before I can put out any flower pots so this sort of bridges the gap.

It all felt quite dreamy . . .

I couldn’t seem to focus . . .

 

 

there were so many pretty flowers and I could hear the soft sounds of water running through the fountains . . . and it was warm, oh so warm . . .

 

did you know orange is the new power colour? of course you did . . .

 

everything from flowers, to paint, to clothing, to purses . . .

say whaaa? yes . . . this beautiful baby was in their shop . . . in the greenhouse . . . I still don’t know what came over me but I couldn’t walk away . . . I had to have it . . .

it gets worse, people . . . my orange power shopping didn’t stop with just a purse . . .

no, I had to have a scarf . . . I have a thing for scarves . . .

 

but these shoes sent me over the top . . . whenever am I going to have a chance to get shoes with an orange strip? to go with my orange purse? and my orange scarf?

No wait! one more thing . . .

I’m thinking maybe this could be my Mother’s Day present. But, I’m not my mother. . . (I just look like my mother).

Oh why do greenhouses have to carry merchandise like this? If I had wanted a purse I would have gone to the purse store. A purse was NOT on my radar. Especially an orange one. I’m in a quandary over what to wear with this pretty ensemble. I’m thinking a great pair of jeans and a khaki top.

The gardening can wait.

You should have stayed south a little longer . . .

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Our spring this year has been less than stellar. Over the weekend we had rain, snow, sleet, and wind. For the most part, the Robins have not let this deter them from what they have to do. They are flitting about, chirping, finding mates (I’m sure) and just generally being good sports.

However, I looked out the kitchen window to see this poor thing puffed up as big as it could get. I had to laugh! (oops, sorry little fella).

His friend did not seem to be too amused either.

Easy for me to laugh. When I went to bed last night I had on two pairs of socks, and two extra blankets. This was after I had a hot bath. I was warm and toasty.

I have no shame. As the birds return from their winter vacations in the south we are preparing to board a plane tomorrow and head to a place where the temperature is 31C. See you poor guys in two weeks! Things had better be improving by the time we return . . .

World Bird Wednesday at The Pine River Review

Fascinating lichens

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Yesterday I went for a walk and took a different path – one that I’ve never taken before. On the whole, our landscape is brown, muddy, snowy and at first glance, not too interesting.

But if you keep an eye out – there is wonder and beauty everywhere. Amongst a tangle of fallen trees I noticed that there was a lot of lichen on the branches. There are all kinds of lichens and I’ve decided not to try to explain what they are – it’s a bit complicated and I don’t want to give false info.

I will simply say that I thought these fluffy tufts were fascinating – and I’ll leave it at that!

On this same walk I spied the quintessential harbinger of spring – our robin:

Now this is all well and good. Spring seemed to be in the air.

Not so. Last night Environment Canada issued a winter? storm warning for our area (whaa?? I thought this was spring . . .) This morning I would say there is a foot of snow on the ground. Oh my goodness. I’m going to have to bore you with more snow photos . . .

Spring vignette

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I think I’m ready for spring. In my mind anyway, so as my hutch display needed some brightening up, I went to my newest favourite store, The Country Pumpkin. Serious addiction going on there. I want everything I see!

So I have to be very careful and choose wisely. I tried to think of things I could use for spring, right through summer (if necessary). I started with a new table top runner – light green checks – gorgeous! Oh and that yellow birdhouse – must have . . . hmmmm . . . I love that little black lantern – how very country! That pretty green and white berry wreath – Superstore . . . OK, I did buy that bird too. But, I did re-use my antique books, chicken wire basket and of course my old window frame mirror stays put.

Spring Banner Mantle

Then I made a banner!! Yippee! how long have I wanted a banner? I simply cut the banner from cardstock, printed the word spring, cut the letters out and sewed them onto the paper. Then I stitched along the edges of the banner and added some paper flowers and other embellishments (of which I have a trillion due to my earlier paper scrapping days). So easy! I didn’t try to make it perfect either – I just had fun.

I love my old window frame – so chippy!

Spring Banner Mantelscape3

I love using birds in my decor …

Spring Banner Mantelscape5

… and bird houses …

Spring Banner Mantelscape6

… and wreaths.

Spring Banner Mantelscape4

… just love!

Spring Mantel 2012

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When I look at my spring mantel I feel that it’s quite plain. Well, maybe it’s just simple . . . I like that word better!

Spring Mantel, Moss, Pussy Willows

When I spied some pussy willows in the ditch in late February (earliest ever), I decided I couldn’t wait any longer to bring a bit of spring love into the house.

I bought the big ‘old’ wood mirror from Home Sense and at the same time noticed the two black framed pictures with the trees. They could have been photographs taken from my dining room window! They really drew me in – I love the fact that there is a tiny bit of green growth showing.

I added three moss balls and a tiny bird house which I found at our country gift store. I also found a pretty yellow pillow and layered it on top of a light green one to brighten up my brown chair.

Spring Mantel, Moss, Pussy Willows

Spring Mantel, Moss, Pussy Willows

Spring Mantel, Moss, Pussy Willows

Spring Mantel, Moss, Pussy Willows

Spring Mantel, Moss, Pussy Willows

The sun is so bright right now and it was pouring in as I took these photos. Everything looks so cheerful. Spring is here, in my house at least.

An explosion of pussy willows!

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Every spring I go out into the countryside and gather pussy willows. I create these wreaths as soon as I get enough gathered and while the branches are fresh and pliable – it’s amazing how durable they are when fresh.

I used to sell these wreaths at craft fairs and one year I had them all sold before I even got into the building! as I carried them in, people in the parking lot snapped them up – it was crazy. However, I don’t sell them anymore, I just give them as gifts to a very few select people!

Pussy Willow Wreath

Pussy Willow Wreath

Pussy Willow Wreath

Pussy Willow Wreath Tutorial

The ‘how to’ is really very simple. Start with a purchased 18″ willow wreath base. It doesn’t have to be the best kind – actually the looser the base the better since all you do is start stuffing the branches into it! There is no glue or wire involved – the pussy willows themselves hold the wreath together if you stuff in enough. I have never had one fall apart and when I’m tired of it I always end up pulling the branches out and it isn’t easy.

Start by inserting branches from the left and from the right to form the beginning of a spray at the bottom.

Pussy Willow Wreath

Continue to add branches to the spray, building up the middle.

Pussy Willow Wreath

Pussy Willow Wreath

Add the rest of the branches from the bottom up towards the top until they meet at the top.

Pussy Willow Wreath

I went over the top with my wreath and crammed in branches until I couldn’t cram in any more – why not! it’s over the top, but fun!

I would caution you, however, to start smaller and that you periodically hang it where you are going to put it to make sure it fits – it’s better not to have to trim it after the fact since it removes the wild looking branch ends.

And lastly, it’s wonderful while fresh but if you hang it where it isn’t going to be bumped it will practically last forever.