Bright Flowers from Salvaged Materials

I was wandering around Etsy when I came across this lovely flower. Imagine my surprise and delight when I saw that it was made out of salvaged wood and metals! So of course I contacted the owner of Salvage and Bloom to see if she would let me show my readers! I was delighted that she agreed.



I love the spring wreath above, it is made from barn wood, recycled metal and has hand painted details that make it truly unique. The outdoor decorations at right can be ordered in a variety of colors.

I asked the owner of Salvage & Bloom if she could tell us a little bit about herself and shop. This is what Lynda, the artist who made these gorgeous creations has to say about her work

"Nature is filled with strength and beauty - and exists without waste or a hidden agenda. I operate my business with that in mind. I use sustainable practices in my work, and remain dedicated to you, my customers.

I create each of my wood and metal flower sculptures to not only stand up to the elements – but to also stand the test of time - and become a keepsake that lasts season after season, and collects enough memories to become a treasured heirloom.

An Unexpected Bounty

   My neighbor called yesterday and asked if I could use some vegetables out of her garden, she wasn't going to be able to use them and didn't want them to go to waste.
   Figuring there was just going to be a little bit I said yes, even though I have my own garden, we don't grow a lot of the same stuff. We've "traded" before for veggies the other didn't grow.
   This morning she brought them over. You can't see everything in the picture but there was a huge bag of swiss chard and beet greens. Another bag of sweet potato greens which I had never had before, a very large bag of yard long green beans, an eggplant, a tomato and about 8 pickling cucumbers.  So, although I had a bunch of patterns and fabric to list in my shops, today was turned into a cooking day.

So here's the game plan, pesto with the greens because I love it and it freezes so well.

Washing Greens for Pesto

 Washed the greens and added a large handful of basil leaves from my garden. Yellow split pea and greens soup. I added some barley and yard long green beans and it's cooking in the crock pot as I type. I have a potluck Saturday so a pasta salad with veggies and greens. Freezer pickles for the cucumbers, I don't have time for canning right now. And when all else fails, just blanch and freeze.

Oh, as a side note, I scrambled some of the sweet potato greens up with my eggs this morning and I am a new believer! They're really good. I usually use kale, spinach or collards but I like the sweet potato greens better!

Planting for Healthy Bees

Keep this in mind when planning your garden and landscaping.

It's Compostable

I have a compost pile in my backyard and it is a wonderful thing! Not only does it cut down on the stuff that goes to the landfill but it makes wonderful food for my garden so it can make wonderful food for my table.

The other day at the farmers market I bought a cup of coffee at my favorite booth (of course the one who sells coffee would be my favorite) and just happened to notice that not only the cup (which I knew) was compostable but the lid was, too! This led me to investigate what else may go into the compost pile that I hadn't thought of.

I'm going to make a long list here and add to it if I find other stuff that will compost. This will be in addition to the kitchen and garden waste most people already know about. I'll also include a few links on articles about composting at the end. Just remember meat, dairy and bodily waste of carnivores are all no nos they stink and attract pests as well as having the potential of causing illness.

Cardboard toilet paper and paper towel rolls. These not only compost but they keep the pile aerated.

Paper can be added, just remember to crumple it. I usually go for small stuff like receipts and junk mail. Whole newspapers need to go in the recycling bin. Unless you're composting on a very large basis. The daily newspaper can quickly take over the bin.

Coffee grounds, filters and tea bags are great for the compost pile (I think this is my main source of compost)

Dryer lint, the dust from the vacuum cleaner bag, and the sweepings from the floor can all be tossed in the pile, too.

Wood ashes.

Got a long haired cat or dog? Losing your hair? the hair from the brushes can be thrown in the pile.

I kill houseplants on a semi regular basis, good thing they and their soil can be thrown into the compost.

Natural fiber fabric such as cotton, wool and silk can be added. This is great for me since I do a lot of sewing, all those scraps that are too small to do anything with can be added to my compost as long as they're 100% cotton or silk. (I don't work with wool much).

Have a small animal such as a hamster or gerbil? The used bedding is great for the compost pile.

As my friend Helena just pointed out in her comment, used Kleenex can be thrown in there. Also used paper towels unless they wiped up greasy stuff can be added, too.

EPA site on composting

If you have anything to add, or have a question please leave a comment.

Monsanto Poster

Garden Harvest

Purty, ain't it? Homegrown and organic!

My Garden and Shops

Wow, I've got to start taking this blogging seriously again. Have a lot to say, lot of different things going on. I have a great garden this year, my new landlord actually built me a couple raised beds for it. I've been out watering it everyday because of the heat, not real efficient on the water conservation but I haven't had to buy many fresh veggies lately. What I do buy is bought at our Farmers Market. It's a little bit more expensive but it's local and organic. The money I've saved growing my own, covers the extra expense.

I've also been working hard on my Deb Upcycles Shop on Etsy. Made some more gift bags and a few more pillow covers. I'm working towards the day I no longer have to have a day job. I don't know if it will work but I'd love to try

I've added a lot more to my other two shops, Deb's Crafts and Deb's Patterns. Both of them are stocked with sewing and craft supplies I've saved from thrift shops and yard sales.