Elizabeth's Flowers, and a few other things...

I'm in here...

2009-07-08T09:49:00.004-06:00

I'm not sure if this quite equals my ship coming in, but I am thrilled that my Elizabeth's Flowers website was mentioned as a source for the Microfleur flower press in the August edition of Canadian Living.

Editor Karen Kirk contacted me a few months ago to find out if I ship to Canada, which I have been gladly doing for years. Her article, "Blooming Frames" details an interesting way to use pressed flowers to decorate frames, and has a wonderful step by step pictorial on using the Microfleur. My site is listed as a source under "Things You Need," and you can view the article online here.

It has been exciting to see my website in print and mentioned online, and I'm eager to find out what kind of traffic will be generated to my site. But mostly, I hope the article convinces more people to press their own flowers, and enjoy the beauty they bring.

"The beauty of each blossom speaks silently of God's love..."

Pressed for all time...

2009-07-02T15:24:00.008-06:00

July already? Do you ever get the feeling that God pushes "fast forward" during the summer? It never fails to whiz by.

This time of year almost every spare moment I have is spent pressing flowers, so that I have plenty to use all year long for my framed and unframed pressed flower art, as well as my pressed flower cards.

Today I pressed the last of my violas, the first of my red poppies, many blue and purple cornflowers, a fern sprig, and lots of calendula and osteospermum.

Can you tell what the silver star shaped flowers in the middle of my Microfleur flower press are? They are edelweiss flowers - not an easy plant to grow, unless you are in the Alps. I am thankful when ever they grace me with their presence here in Wisconsin, and this year I've been blessed with a modest amount of small blooms. Many of them will be used for consignment pictures customers have ordered, and any leftovers will be used for cards that I will put up on my Etsy page.

If you are new to pressing flowers, here's a Microfleur Flower List I complied a summer or two ago about on what flowers I have found to press well in the Microfleur - if you have any to add, please email me, and I would be glad add them to the list.

My very simple display

2009-06-16T11:34:00.008-06:00

Debra from Georgia emailed me last week asking how I package and display my cards.

Simple isn't always best, but when displaying artwork of any kind, I find "simple" usually rings true.

Since God already made the plants I use so beautiful, I want my packaging and displays to be almost invisible, so that viewer's eyes immediately travel to the flowers.

Each individual pressed flower card is sealed in a clear cello bag, and my boxed cards are enclosed in clear plastic boxes that fold shut on both ends. I used to display all of my cards in various baskets, but then discovered the great acrylic card rack displays from cleardisplays.com and have been more than happy with them.

Coming up with a simple, inexpensive way to display my framed art was a little harder for me. Other artist friends use metal display grids to hang their art on, and although they are classy and durable, I was hesitant to make that kind of investment.

Thankfully, I passed by an old discarded ladder one morning, and after painting it white it became a sturdy but lightweight way to display my pictures. I also have strong rubber bands behind each picture anchoring the frames to screws attached to the back of each ladder each step.

On really windy days, however, the ladder isn't a good option - but so far this year our Friday Farmer's Market mornings at Northwind have been calm and beautiful. I am hoping this Friday will be the same!

What's in the grass?

2009-06-09T07:54:00.003-06:00

Today's post was going to be about my "set up" at Northwind last Friday, but I have a last minute order to do for a friend who desperately needs a birthday gift for her MIL tonight.

In the meantime, here's a cute picture I took while setting up my space last Friday morning. See anything unusual in the grass?

No better place to be...

2009-06-03T08:27:00.008-06:00

Beginning this Friday, most Friday mornings will find me here, at the very picturesque Northwind Perennial Farm, near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Well known Chicago garden designer J. Siegel describes Northwind as being:

"...exceptional on many levels. They sell & promote unusual plants with a nod to natives, their lovely staff knows a lot about their products, and the place is so well-conceived and arranged, that people visit just for the charming experience."

Northwind isn't just your average nursery; they sell over 400 different perennials, and feature a number of amazing showcase perennial gardens, not to mention a very tempting garden shop in a centuries old barn as well.

I will be participating in their Friday morning farmer's market (9:00 - 12 noon) , from now until the end of August, selling my pressed flower cards and botanical art. I can't imagine a better place to spend a few hours each week - I only hope I don't spend all my earnings there!

Black Pansies

2009-05-29T09:05:00.004-06:00

I'm not into Gothic things (at all!), but I love black pansies.

Actually a deep, deep, purple, the black pansy pictures and cards I make are always good sellers at the farmer's markets and shows I do. The only problem is that I'm sometimes reluctant to press them, because they look so dramatic in the containers on my patio!

I made this card yesterday, and today it's on it's way to a good friend. Because I brushed on a thin coating of Perfect Paper Adhesive over the pansies and their greenery, I don't have to worry about the flowers fading, or being damaged in the mail. A thin coat is all it takes to provide invisible UV resistance, and because it provides a tough, flexible layer of protection, it's perfect for pressed flower cards, gift tags, etc.

Purple Crocus Trio

2009-05-26T09:52:00.006-06:00

Purple Crocus Trio
Unframed Pressed Flower Art
For an 11 x 14" or
8 x 12" frame
Pressed crocuses, handmade paper

Spring is winding down here in Wisconsin, so here is another crocus collage before I have the joy of bombarding you with a riot of summer flowers.

I just got back from a short trip to visit a friend in Puyallup, Washington (near Seattle) and was amazed at the beautiful flowers there. I saw a lot of blooming wild pelargoniums (geraniums) on the Orting Valley bike trail which were tempting to pick and press, but I refrained. My own pink pelargoniums are blooming now and I'll be heading outside soon to press them before this afternoon's rain.

The above "Purple Crocus Trio" pressed flower picture could be framed in either a standard 8 x 10, or 11 x 14" frame. In an 8 x 10 frame, the mat would neatly cover the edges of the handmade paper, and the 11 x 14" frame would allow the interesting deckled edge of the handmade paper to show, for a more organic look.

I will happily include an acid free white mat for either size frame (8x10", or 11x14") upon request. Just state your mat size preference in the "comments" section when ordering, or email me.

How do you know if you're an artist?

2009-04-25T15:05:00.013-06:00

Autumn Leaf Card
4 3/8” x 5 ¾”
Blueberry leaves, handmade paper

For my Blog Triage class, my latest assignment involved reviewing a previous blog post, and as I looked at one of my earliest posts, I started thinking about how I've gotten to where I am now as an artist. I'm wondering if you've ever done that.

For me, I see mundane "random" pieces that have somehow come together.

First, feeling like I made a huge mistake after my first child was born. I didn't think I was cut out for being a mom, and I kept feeling this overwhelming desire to "create." I didn't have a spare moment to myself, but all I could think about was having a few minutes to make something beautiful for my home with my own two hands.

Second, one dreary January day while folding laundry, I watched a TV show about making handmade paper. It seemed really easy. Later I watched a show with a woman pressing flowers in a microwave. I was amazed at how colorful they were. Maybe I could combine handmade paper and pressed flowers?

I did. I sold my handmade paper pressed flower cards and pictures at craft fairs, and made enough money to pay for all the flowers and garden supplies I needed. I had a nice hobby going.

Then one afternoon, at a noisy Holiday Craft Fair, a stern looking older woman stopped to look at my cards. She wasn't the usual friendly faced craft fair shopper, and she made me uneasy. Finally she held up one of my cards and said, "This does not belong here. This is art. You are an artist." I didn't know what to say, but I thanked her as she gave me a business card for a local art foundation.

I joined that art foundation, got to know the artists there, and eventually during the last few years I have given myself permission to call myself an artist.

For me, being an artist has been an unexpected journey. Isn't it amazing how God graciously gives us seemingly random experiences, and uses them to make us who we are? I am thankful.

The Blogging Goals of a Botanical Artist

2009-04-23T18:15:00.006-06:00

Goal - noun: 1.the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end. 2. finish.

My blogging goals:

1. Ultimately, to bring my art work out of my home, into the homes of others.
How? By giving my art words: Describing it. Revealing its origins, motivations, and inspiration.

2. To make connections:
- with others who appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the plants God created.
- with other artists

3. To document my journey as an artist, by having a visual record of my art to look back upon, along with the comments/reflections of others.

Striving Bee Balm

2009-04-22T20:02:00.015-06:00

Striving Bee Balm
Bee balm, handmade paper
8" x 10" Acid-free mat
Unframed pressed flower art

I’m striving a bit.

In order to bring some new energy and relevancy to my blog, I’ve signed up for an intense four week long “Blog Triage Class.” I'm really looking forward to the weeks ahead, and learning how to have a more vibrant blog!

Apparently most of my homework is to be completed on my blog, so hopefully you may end up learning right along with me. Today’s assignment is to blog about my “ideal visitor.” With detail. Quite honestly, I am thankful for absolutely anyone and everyone who takes a moment to visit my blog, but here’s what I’ve come up with:

* My ideal visitors would first and foremost love and appreciate the beauty and wonder of flowers, leaves, and all things botanical. They would also have an appreciation for the One who created them.

* They would tend to be past, present, or future gardeners.

* Other pressed flower artists – who learn from my techniques and share theirs with me.

* Previous customers – who have purchased my art, and are interested in getting to know me as an artist as well as a person.

* Previous customers who have bought flower presses or handmade paper kits from me, and are seeking inspiration and new ideas for their own botanical art.

* Other artists who are on the same journey I am – to get the art they create “out there,” into the world beyond their studio.

Coming up with this list has caused me to slow down and think really think about the readers of my blog. I am thankful – what a neat way to connect blogging can be.

By the way, the Blog Triage "doctors" teaching our class are Cynthia Morris and Alyson Stanfield.

Purple Crocuses - Unframed Pressed Flower Art

2009-04-14T11:33:00.006-06:00

Purple Crocuses
Unframed Pressed Flower Art
For an 11 x 14" or
8 x 12" frame
Pressed crocuses, handmade paper

We have had such a long winter here in Wisconsin, so I find myself unusually reluctant to press my crocuses this year. I just want to leave them in my garden, so that I can look out the window and believe that spring really is here! Despite myself, I have managed to press a few.

This "Purple Crocuses" pressed flower picture could be framed in either a standard 8 x 10, or 11 x 14" frame. In an 8 x 10 frame, the mat would neatly cover the edges of the handmade paper, and the 11 x 14" frame would allow the interesting deckled edge of the handmade paper to show, for a more organic look.

I will happily include an acid free white mat for either size frame (8x10", or 11x14") upon request. Just state your mat size preference in the "comments" section when ordering, or email me.

Going Green Earth Day Journal Project

2009-04-08T13:50:00.008-06:00

Two weeks from now will be Earth Day, a day set aside to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

I like to put my own spin on it, and focus on the beauty and wonder of our earth. More importantly, I like to reflect upon the awesomeness of the God who created our earth, with gratitude.

This Earth Day Journal project is a great activity for kids and adults alike, and is made from 100% recycled paper! The cover of the journal is made from recycled junk mail, using the Going Green Paper Making Kit, and the paper earth is made from scraps of blue and green paper, and believe it or not, tin cans!

I will be making this journal with some of the kids in my life, and I will be encouraging them to fill their journals with expressions of thankfulness for the world around them, as well as ideas about how we can take better care of the earth God gave us.

Here are your instructions for making the Going Green Earth Day Journal Project. Enjoy!

Pressing Time

2009-04-06T07:25:00.004-06:00

Finally, finally, FINALLY I've been able to begin pressing my crocuses, in between the rogue snow storms and spring deluges we've been having here in southern Wisconsin lately. After "tweeting" that I was pressing crocuses this past Saturday, I received a number of emails asking me about how to go about pressing them.

So, for my new readers, here's an update of a tutorial on "How to Press Crocus Flowers" I wrote a few springs ago. Enjoy pressing and capturing the beauty of your crocuses. They are such a welcome blessing from our Creator.

Planting Time

2009-03-30T11:28:00.009-06:00

I planted my peas the two Saturdays ago, and this past Saturday night we were socked not with one inch, but 7 inches of snow! My poor peas. I imagine I won't be hearing from them, and will have to replant them again soon.

On a cheerier note, today is the day that I will be starting the first of my indoor seeds. First off will be a large tray of purple basil. Personally I don't think a person can ever have too much basil, but most of these basil seedlings are not for me - they will be sold at a rummage sale I will be hosting on behalf of my church to raise funds for Operation Christmas Child. I have sold purple basil for the past few years (except the year we had that freak hail storm) and have developed a small following of customers who come back yearly looking for my purple basil.

Other plants that I always seem to have an abundance of in my gardens that sell well at our rummage sale include ostrich ferns (shoots are always coming up where I don't want them), tarragon and oregano divisions, mint, sedums (so easy to root in soil) and cilantro seedlings that seems to come up everywhere in my garden.

Terra Garden has also recommended selling Christmas Cactus cuttings which is a great idea I hadn't thought of. I usually trim my Christmas Cactus right about now, so I'm hoping that the cuttings will have rooted by the time of our rummage sale in mid May.

A quick note:
For those of you who have been patiently waiting, the Microfleur Max microwave flower presses that have been on back order have finally been shipped from Australia. Because of the flooding they experienced earlier this year, they had to order all new boxes for the presses, but thankfully they are finally on their way.

Yellow Crocus Spring Greeting

2009-03-24T08:07:00.005-06:00

12" X 12"
"Yellow Crocus Spring Greeting"
Pressed flowers, handmade paper
$95.00

Over the weekend spring was briefly here in southern Wisconsin, and in a happy frenzy I planted my super sugar snap peas as well as my snow peas. My neighbors said it was way to early, but Martha Stewart always says to get them in around St. Patrick's Day. She should know. And, while I was at it, I also planted a few kohlrabi, some beets, chard, and lettuce. It was probably too early for all of the latter, but it was so much fun for my soul.

Today we are back to that long "in between" time - not quite spring, not quite winter. It's a perfect day to post my yellow crocus creation, and try to think thoughts of spring coming, and staying.

Faith via iGoogle

2009-03-18T08:56:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about "Faith via ipod", and today it's iGoogle's turn. As you probably know, igoogle is a customizable personal web "home page." With iGoogle, users can select amazing themes for their Google homepages, as well as tons of different "gadgets" ranging from news items, calendars, "to-do" lists, daily comics, and on and on. The list almost seems endless.

My favorite igoogle toy at the moment is the "Verse-a-Week-Memorization" gadget. My kids are encouraged to memorize Bible verses each week in Sunday school, and when they asked me what verses I'd been memorizing I felt a bit hypocritical, since I had yet to really work that into my schedule.

But now with this gadget it's become a breeze. I can choose which verse to memorize, and each day a portion of the verse disappears. Every time I'm at my home page, which on most days is many, many times throughout the day, I can quickly glance at my verse. By the end of each week, the entire verse is hidden, and I have memorized it. My screen shot is a bit blurry, but you can see my verse box in the upper left hand corner, with a number of words already hidden.

Of course, the key to retaining what we memorize is to review what we've committed to memory of a regular basis. What I need now is for some brilliant web geek to come up with a gadget to help me keep track of and review all the verses I've memorized!

Aerogarden update 2

2009-03-16T11:29:00.005-06:00

My 8 year old actually took this picture several weeks ago, so my current Aerogarden crop is even more lush than this. The small basil on the right has now caught up to the others.

As you can see, the basil in the center definitely needs a trim! In fact, every other day I need to perform a good trim. Even though I have 4 basil plants (along with mint, dill, and thyme) I usually only have enough basil leaves for a small batch of pesto, so I usually use my basil trimmings to make fresh bruschetta, which is heavenly on my homemade 10 grain sour dough bread. Never made it before? This bruschetta recipe is a good starting point, but I also add some finely chopped onion if I have it on hand.

Lavender Line

2009-02-27T12:22:00.008-07:00

"Lavender Line"
Un-framed Pressed Flower Art
Pressed lavender, handmade paper
8" x 12"
$40.00

I absolutely love pressing lavender in my Microfleur because the fragrance of lavender permeates the air of my kitchen, and it lingers for a long time in the woolen Microfleur pads.
Unfortunately the pressed lavender no longer has any scent for me to enjoy while I am working with it, but I find myself almost unconsciously sensing the fragrance just by being with it.

This "Lavender Line" pressed flower picture could be framed in either a standard 8 x 10, or 11 x 14" frame. In an 8 x 10 frame, the mat would neatly cover the edges of the handmade paper, and the 11 x 14" frame would allow the interesting deckled edge of the handmade paper to show, for a more organic look.

I will happily include an acid free white mat for either size frame (8x10", or 11x14") upon request. Just state your mat size preference in the "comments" section when ordering, or email me.

What to do about Lent

2009-02-25T13:42:00.008-07:00

Pansy Cross
Pressed Pansies on Handmade Paper
14 1/2" x 11"
Privately Owned

Lent is here today. Last year, I didn't do anything in particular for Lent, and when Easter finally came I felt a bit guilty - must be the leftover Catholic in me.

This morning, I came upon a Reflection of Lent written by Nancy Kane on the Midday Connection facebook page (scroll down a bit to find it) which contains some great practical ways to reflect upon and prepare for Lent.

I've chosen to do a few of the spiritual practices suggested, to refocus and reaffirm His place in my life. And, just to make sure I don't wimp out, especially during fasting, I'm also going to ask a friend to join me, to help hold me accountable. If you like to join in and could use some encouragement, Email me.

Coming up for air...

2009-02-16T08:15:00.004-07:00

Lot's of commotion around here lately - my father in law has arrived to recover from open heart surgery, and we have been rearranging our lives accordingly to accommodate him. I'm determined to get back to blogging this week, but today I'm taking the easy way out. I'd like to point you towards my favorite competitor's new blog: Annie's Pressed Garden Blog. Actually Annie and I aren't really competitors, she does amazing things with bouquets, and I've always been afraid to work with them for fear I wouldn't be able to do them justice.

I also really admire Annie's cheerful enthusiasm and her contagious, heartfelt faith. Get to know her, you'll be blessed.

My tour of the Vatican Gardens

2009-02-06T07:58:00.006-07:00

Blogging has been sparse this week, due to an unexpected family medical situation. Right there's not much to do but wait, so we are all trying to get back to a sense of normalcy.

Several of my facebook friends have "tagged" me with the Twenty-Five Things meme, where I'm supposed to list 25 unique facts about myself. At the moment that seems like too much work. But, in thinking about things, I remembered my adventure in the Vatican Gardens.

My friend Annie and I went backpacking in Europe one summer after college. While in Rome I decided to tour the Vatican one day (Ann went to the Coliseum), and unfortunately they were closing down early and none of the usual tours were being offered.
As I was standing there a bit disappointed, an important looking priest came up to me, and said something in Italian. Because he seemed to want an answer, I smiled and nodded, and the next thing I knew, he was leading me by the arm, through a gate, through several doors, down a hallway, and eventually outside into a white van. I squeezed in and realized that I was the only shabby backpacker among lots of well dressed, academic looking Europeans.

Thankfully the ride was very short (I was feeling very self conscious) and soon large ornamental gates were swinging open to let our van through into a large, lush, peaceful greenness that seemed very out of place in the middle of chaotic Rome. Someone handed me a brochure, and from the pictures I was amazed to discover that I was in the Vatican Gardens.

We stayed all afternoon. The tour guide led us to various nooks and crannies, and the academic Europeans listened intently, scribbled notes, took pictures, and even examined leaves and flowers with magnifying glasses. I wasn't really into gardening back then, so I don't remember anything specific about the plants I saw. I just drank in the beauty, and tried to imagine what prayers might have been uttered in that beautiful, peaceful place. And, I eventually said a thankful prayer of my own.

looking ahead

2009-01-29T08:24:00.006-07:00

Through no fault but my own, I've been trudging through this past week, making up for the fact that I didn't keep up with my book work last year. I need that data to file my sales tax return which is due Saturday, so I've been slogging away entering all the data that should have been entered weekly and monthly. It hasn't been one of my more exciting weeks!

It's a good thing I've made discipline one of my touch stones this year, as evidenced by my lack of it last year. I didn't keep up with my book work last year (even though that was a goal I had made for myself!) because I find bookwork tedious and boring. And, if I pushed it off for another day, there were no immediate consequences.

This year, I've recruited the help of artist friend Bonnielyn Brankey to hold me accountable in keeping my books up to date each month, and I in turn have promised to keep her accountable in blogging at least weekly. I'm excited about this because I've had friends keep me accountable in other areas of my life, and it has really helped.

Why the picture of the brayer and printing ink? Just before Christmas I ordered some printing supplies so that I could do some exploration with nature printing - i.e. making leaf, flower prints, etc. on my handmade paper. I have been really eager to try this, and I set up my new supplies with in eyesite of my computer, as motivation to get my tax work done. Next week should be much more interesting!

Faith via ipod

2009-01-23T08:43:00.005-07:00

ABC News is looking for people who turn to new, often abbreviated means, as a way to keep religion in their fast-paced lives. In an online survey, they want want us to tell them how we stay connected to our faith in the digital era.

So I told them. And as I did, I was shocked at how central my ipod touch is to my realm of faith.

In the morning I get up early to read my Bible before everyone else gets up, and chaos reigns. I read the Daily Bible which is the Bible in chronological order, but if I want to look up something specific, I find it fastest and easiest to use the ESV Bible I've downloaded on my ipod. When I'm done reading, I might review some verses I'm memorizing which I keep track of in my ipod Notes application. Next, I check my email from my ipod, where I receive daily descriptions of some Christian podcasts I like (Revive Our Hearts, Midday Connection, etc) and if they sound interesting I will download the podcasts from itunes, and listen to them on my ipod when I have time.

The kids like to listen to K love on the radio, and if there is a song we really like (and if I have any money left in my itunes account) I can quickly grab my ipod and download the song into itunes. Our collection of Christian songs has grown really large, but I don't mind spending money on something that can help reinforce their faith.

On Sundays I often miss the sermon, since I'm in charge of Children's Church during our service. So, I download my pastor's sermons, and if I am going to be driving up to see my parents that week (4 hour round trip) I may also see if John Piper, Mike Bullmore, or C.J Mahaney have any interesting new sermons. I love that these are all free!

I also love blogs written by people of faith, and spend many free moments (maybe too many) reading them on Google Reader from my ipod.

It is amazing to me how many faith building tools are available to an average person like me/us here in America. How blessed we are...but along with all of this comes responsibility:

"...from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48

If you are interested in taking the online faith survey, you can do so here.

Aerogarden update

2009-01-19T10:20:00.004-07:00

For those of you who follow me on twitter, you may recall that I recently received an Aerogarden for my birthday. Basically it's an indoor hydroponics garden, and I inserted the "seed pods" and plugged it in two weeks ago.

So far, as you can see, the italian basil and purple basil are going strong. To the right of the green italian basil there is a thin frond of dill that's about 3" tall, but because it's so thin and delicate it barely shows up against the dark background.
To the left of the purple basil there is mint sprouting, and on the right you can see a sprig of thyme, which is about 2" tall.

There are two sluggards on either end of the back row, chives and parsley. The chives should have sprouted 4 days ago, and the parsley is 2 days late. I called aerogarden, and after being on hold for a long time I was assured that two new seed pods will soon be on their way to me. Unfortunately by the time I get the new pods and germination finally occurs, they will be well behind the other plants. It will be interesting to see what happens.

read, write, read, write, read, read...

2009-01-15T14:35:00.008-07:00

Purple Flowers
Pressed Botanicals on Handmade Paper, Unframed
5" x 5" handmade paper (mounted on 8 1/2" x 11" Gilbert Oxford card stock)
Available for purchase here

Did you make fresh new goals this year? Me too, but lets not make the mistake I made last year.

Last year I spent quite a bit of time making goals, but I'm embarrassed to say didn't really keep any of them! Because I didn't faithfully review them, eventually in the hustle and bustle of daily life they got pushed back to back of my mind.
By early spring I had forgot all about most of them.

Donna Otto, in her book Get More done in Less Time, Otto says the Goals section of your daily planner should be "flexible and expandable - and worn from reviewing. She goes on to say, "Remember that if you write your goals and never read them, you will forget them. Reading them often fives you direction for your daily activities and a focus for your energy."

Every Monday I am re-reading my New Year goals (I have set up Google calendar alerts to remind me), and then basing my weekly goals directly off of them.
Just like our grade school teachers used to say, I need to "read, read, read!"