I've had a little more peat pot action going on here in the studio. These are those larger pots, about twice the size as the regular ones.
I'd decorated a few, figuring out how I wanted to do the pots for the Fairy Swings project for Birdsong, then made some extra to sell in the Boutique, just because they are fun to make. Then, I started in painting and glittering these bigger ones and adding ruffled crepe paper and vintage trims to them too.
But I stopped at two and decided I really needed to get the stuff done that HAD to be done, not just what sounded like fun to do.
It has just been too cold to work on my banner for A Downton Affaire!! I have to hang the canvas on my garage wall and before that could happen, I had to clean the garage. Because I didn't want to get any of the grit from built up salt and dirt on the floor on the canvas as I spread it out to hang it. And Spring is simply not cooperating with us.
Finally, we had a day warm enough to hook up the new power washer (Oh My Gosh, how did I ever live without one of these in my life?????? It's addicting, I cleaned EVERYTHING with it)
Now, the canvas is hung and ready to paint. But it got cold and rainy again! I'll need the garage door open while painting for good light, so I still have to wait for some sunshine to get the work done.
But at least I have a plan. I started a small painting to get some ideas on what I'd do for the large one. Here is the background of it. After looking through hundreds of pictures of Highclere Castle and its gardens, as well as even more pictures of English country gardens, I think I have a good plan.
Here is a corner of it.
I'm thinking about using the small painting to make my tags for vendor night. Or even cards to sell? What do you think?
Now, I'm itching to get started on the big banner. It's smaller this year than the one I did last year, only 10'
The one for last year's Enchanted Affaire was about 6' longer. And it was one that I did to keep for myself, but it was sooooo big, I didn't have a wall large enough for it.
So, it is now cut up and hanging in the girls' room. They love it, and so do I. I spent weeks on that piece, and a lot of love went into making it.
The one for Downton will be much smaller, not as tall, not as long. It should go quicker because I took the time to do a sketch, which isn't typical of me. But last year's painting got carried away. I painted and painted and painted, covering up the background with the foreground, changing colors and adding things, it was crazy. I felt like I was lost in that forest at times. It had become my second home, imagining myself out in those trees.
Hopefully, my planning ahead will stop my meandering through the woods in this scene. I worked a lot of it out on paper instead. Now, I just have to keep my fingers crossed for good weather, because I do not have weeks and weeks to get it done.
Please wish me luck!
Last year’s banner was beautiful, and it looks like this year’s will be too. Love the corner you’ve shown! I’m sure it would make lovely cards to sell!
xo Jane
You painting would make a lovely card. I need to find out what the UK equivalent of your peat is as you’ve been making some fab things from them☆
Good luck! I’ve never painted anything so large — that would do me in! And yes, note cards would be beautiful!
Hauled out my peat pots yesterday — that’s as far as I have come but it’s a start. Just have to keep them from Gardener Rick’s grubby little hands!
It’s beautiful Karla!
Yes use it for your tags! Hopefully I will see it in person again this year because I usually help Robin with her booth! Hugs! karen….
I love it, Karla! I think tags or notecards {either or both!} would be lovely. What a fantastic canvas! Even though it was big it is good to see that you were able to use it in your home somewhere. Love the basket. I haven’t seen any of the larger peat pots, just the smaller ones.
Karla, I can’t wait to see your finished banner! Do you get to keep this one also? xoxo Mercedes (ps love the peat pots!)
I cannot wait to see your beautiful banner (and you too), Karla!
Your banners are both beautiful, and I think tags AND note cards would be lovely! ~Lorraine ♥♥♥
Thanks, Lorraine! I made some copies of the small painting, I hope to get some cards made.
Oh, gosh I hope it works out, thanks, Jane. Ive been battling that castle for the last two days, it has really been tough. Too many straight lines!!!