A while back in time, and eye sore happened in the garden, right outside of the little gallery building. It was because of an electrical upgrade, that our tiny vintage box with one handle (scary), had to turn into a proper huge large giant electrical box (yay safety). I hadn't been able to see the last one, but boy oh boy could I see this one.
Months and months, and more months went by as I wondered what to do with the metal lemons into lemonade box.
It will come to me, I thought.
I was going to paint a mural on it. But, wasn't so convinced about that.
So, I kept waiting.
Knowing it would come to me someday.
Then, one day last week, it did hit me...
Actually, it hit me when the hollyhocks began to bloom just the other day.
You see, I planted about 500 hollyhock seeds 2 years ago.
Back then, when I planted them, they sprouted and began to grow very slowly (biennials).
Then rabbits came in a mowed them down.
Gobbled up in one night.
Just like that.
But, a few were able to be saved by me.
I covered them with birdcages, and other cages I made with waffle wire.
I protected them, watered them.
I saved them from a huge wave of caterpillars eating all the leaves up, and thousands of their black eggs.
Eeeeieghwee.
And then, it was another year, another spring, and they began to grow tall and bloom in the now.
2 years waiting.
All of a sudden, I knew what to do with the electrical box.
The hollyhocks made me feel like I was in my own floral shop forest...
Soooooo...
I asked Mister Lovee to bring home some Rust-Oleum chalkboard spray paint.
And he did.
I cracked opened the can, spray painted, and never looked back.
I loved my decision right away.
Now I have a little place to write in the garden.
I'm smitten!!
The paint lets the chalk write so easily, like butter.
I so recommend it.
(oopsie, missed a "u" in bouquet)
Must thank the hollyhocks for chalk board inspiration for certain.
Thank you fluttery papery beauties!!
;)
Hollyhock love.
I don't know how I will ever be able to live without a hollyhock in the garden.
All it took to save them from the caterpillar invasion was spraying with dish soap water mixed into a spray bottle.
There are seemingly two kinds of flowers on these stalks. Some stalks have single flowers, and others have ruffled flowers. It is all so exciting and inspiring to me in some grander way.
Does that make sense?
Can't wait for them to bloom all the way up the stalk.
Would you believe I still had my Valentine's Day Balloons?
I hung them out there for my very proper and pretend flower shop opening...
Petite Fleur.
So, when life gives you lemons, buy chalkboard paint.
Is that the lesson here??
:)
Oh and... I must share some new cards I just put into the shop.
These are so scrumptious in person.
I took the drawing I did for the previous Mad Tea Party, and make proper invites.
These are the large 5"x7" card.
There are 10 to a pack, with envelopes.
You can find them in my shop here...
Below is the back-side of the card.
Super durable commercial quality.
I think perhaps you need to throw a real Mad Tea Party ;)
Possibly, maybe?
Oh and, since I was feeling extra sprinkly happy sweet like, I turned this image below into cards as well.
I had been wanting to turn these into cards for a while.
They are so fun in person.
I can't wait to send some out.
Also found in my shop.
So, that's my tale for today.
I am off to paint, and repair my new hot glue gun.
How about you?
See ya super duper sooooon.
Love, V
ps: Oh, guess what? Some have suggested that my meter reader will be smitten. I only wish! Sadly, he shall never spy it, for technology has him using a gadget to read my meter from far far away, digitally. Gasp! ;)
It's true.
pss:
The best part of getting up at 5 a.m. and weeding and thinning the garden is (dark and chilly, but getting used to my summer hours)...
Nibbling crunchy cool baby carrots that had to be thinned.
This is my second round of thinning them.
I love taking the tops, sautéing them with sweet onions, and cooking them into an egg dish.
(I hear mixed reviews about the safety in eating carrot tops, any thoughts?)
So so so delicious!
It takes me 4-5 hours to tend my garden, so I have to get on a schedule, no lollygagging, or I will never get anything done. Hello 5 a.m. :) Eeks.
