It is annoying when leaves catch a ride on a sock or shoe or paw coming into the house, but it is hard to stay irritated when the leaf is in the shape of a heart. Aw.
With love from the Woods
Month: January 2025
Update on rock painting durability
In August 2023 I painted several rocks using a line painting tool, then finished them with a clear UV spray coat. One of the rocks I put out in the garden with a collection of other painted rocks. A year and a half later, this is the only rock that looks as good as new. The others’ designs cracked and flaked off since they had layers of paint, sometimes quite thick.
My takeaway for this is that if you make or find a rock completely covered in paint, keep it inside. If you want to be super clever and hide your rock in a place it might take someone years to find, apply the paint sparingly. I think some of my planted painted rocks may have returned to their natural color waiting to be found. Those freeze thaw cycles and UV rays are hard on paint.
Splash of yellow
Winter has actually made its way to Texas. Tree leaves are down, the temperature has dropped (mostly), and we’ve seen ice. So I was surprised to see a splash of yellow in the front yard in the form of a dandelion head.
I leave the dandelions, I admit. The thistles I remove, but the common dandelion and lawn daisies get to stay.
Throwback Thursday: crochet star blanket
In 2012 my youngest was hospitalized for a total of 33 days with pneumonia and complications. I was a wreck. To maintain sanity I asked my family for yarn and sat in the PICU crocheting. I learned how to make star blankets and made two (I don’t have pictures of the first).
I still find crocheting a calming activity.
Bargain wreath
I wanted a winter wreath on my front door that didn’t have red or green, so I wandered over to a craft store, and because it was after the holidays, all of what I wanted was on super clearance. I found a painted and glittered vine wreath that has a wire base, and 27 picks that are silvery gold with crystals for under $20. Before the holidays the same wreath parts would have cost $160.
The pre-painted vine wreath was heavily covered and it was difficult to get the picks wedged into the shape, so I used heavy wire cutters to snip off half the length, which helped. My eldest thought I bought it as pictured (I should have taken a before picture!)
Critters and Craft 