A Tapestry Hedge.

Form always looks great in a garden, no design will work without some structure.

 

You can make a formal element

from a random planting of shrubs.

All shrubs can be clipped

but may take time to thicken

and take the shape you want.

We have a mixed tapestry hedge

of evergreen and deciduous plants.

Happily, it holds its shape in the winter

and adds anticipation 

to spring and autumn.

You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. Psalm 65 New Living.

Some of the shrubs in this hedge are: Camellia,evergreen.
Purple leaved Plum, deciduous. Chimomanthus, deciduous.
Eugenia, evergreen, Fagus- beech, deciduous.

Of course this looks it's best when neatly clipped.

At certain times of the year there is more colour difference between the various species.

This perfect tapestry hedge is formed of yew,holly, beech and cypress with a ratio of deciduous to evergreen 1:3.

A Sunny Kitchen.

It doesn't have to be up to date but it does have to be full of light. Old style kitchens work as well as newer ones if they have enough work space and light.

With an antique table 

in the centre

this kitchen is the ideal place 

in which to cook

eat and relax.

God's a safe house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times,

the moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.

Psalm 9. The Message.

Make a Garland

 Here are some simple instructions for making garlands, which can be used around the head or on the front door or as a table decoration. Very little equipment is needed. These photos are taken from Gardens illustrated magazine. 

BBC April 2011

God is God,

he has bathed us in light.

Festoon the shrine with garlands

hang colored banners above the altar!

Psalm 118 The Message.

Gardens Without Flowers.

As long as

you have some form,

contrasting materials and textures,

gardens work, even if

all you have is foliage

and the only colour is green.

There is enough variety in tone and leaf for interest and artistry, however, lawn alone without hard landscaping, here it is decking, will not make a great garden.

The deck at our house viewed from 2 different angles.

May He never be forgotten,His fame shine on like sunshine.

                Psalm 72 The Message.

White Backgrounds

If you have white as your basic colour - here the walls, table and a few chairs - then all the paintings, the kids' or yours, and interesting coloured dishes, flowers and so on, will look spectacular. There is a reason Art Galleries have white walls!


Just as each day brims with beauty, my mouth brims with praise.
                  Psalm 71 The Message.

Make Your Own Art

Anyone can make their own 

personalized monoprint.

Using an old piece of glass

or plastic or perspex as a base

and acrylic or watercolour

paint, a rag, a brush and a stick,

draw your design.

It could be a vase 

and some fruit as shown

or any theme you like.

Paint onto the base.

Wipe out areas you don't like.

Scratch into the paint

to have lines and squiggles.

Place a good heavy paper, 

carefully,on top of your work.

press gently all over.

Lift the print off from the top 

carefully.

You may have to experiment with cheap paper a few times before you are happy. If you love it get it framed. YOU are an original.

Dressing by Numbers.

Write down 5 outfits- jewellery, top, skirt, dress or pants. Cardi, jacket or coat, leggings, tights and shoes. Things you know work well together and make you feel confident. Number them 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5. Stick the list to the inside of your wardrobe. So when you are late for work or can't think of what to wear-just decide on a number!

Be friends who love deeply, practise playing second fiddle.                                                 
    Romans 12 The Message.                             

Rustic Pantry.

  STORAGE.

Natural materials

always look great and add texture.

Open shelves work well 

when similar items are stored

in easily removable boxes or crates.

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart. Psalm 119

                                                The Message.

A Flower Table

Have a table in your living area, or even an entry way or hall that's sole purpose is to display flowers or foliage.

If you have no bought flowers

gather anything wild,

shrubs or sprigs from the garden

or the countryside.

As you cut them

make all the stems the same length.

Let them fall naturally.

A glass jar will do

if you haven't got a suitable vase.

Yes your sayings on life are what give me delight. I listen to them as to good neighbours!   The Message Psalm 119.

Town Garden Design

Gardens work best

when they are limited in color and shape.

The textures in this town garden

are pebble, wood, foliage and whitewashed concrete.

The colors:

Neutral, green and white.

A perfect space to retreat to

in a busy life.

Low maintenance too.

A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.1 Timothy 6 The Message.

Using Old Magazines.

When you have removed the pictures you want to keep

cut up the advertisements

that have pattern and texture on them.

Use these to cover ugly note books

or old books that have lost their covers.

Textures and patterns, without images, go together in related colors e.g. All neutrals or different shades of blue or green.

Heaven in our Hearts.

Keep your old magazines.

Take the beautiful pictures out,

photograph them

for your blog.

He puts a little of Heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less. 2 Corinthians 5 The Message.

Garden Design

When creating your garden

have a few steps

that lead to another level

or another corner of your 

landscape.

A path always adds

an atmosphere

of expectation.

By your words I can see where I'm going. They throw a beam of light on my dark path.             The Message Psalm 119, 105.

Eating al fresco - Make a memory.

Eating outside

take a few props with you.

For eg a vase, a candlestick, a cloth.

some nice china,

a few flowers.

Make it a time to remember.

Psalm 18 The Message.

He stood me up on a wide-open field. I stood there saved-

                       Surprised to be loved.


Italian Style: 
Eating outside requires very little - a view, some shade, some friends and the sun.

Nearer to home

Add a Candle Chandelier - hang it from a tree.

Bring out your old china.

Be sure to photograph your meal,it will jog your memory to recall happy events.

Bathroom Beauty.

A simple touch

a flower and some gauzy curtains.

Rectangles and two tones:

Gorgeous.

The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.Psalm 20.

                                                The Message.

Mini Displays

Group things together

in harmonizing colours.

They don't need to be expensive.

Or

group things

in contrasting colours

like wild flowers on a bright cloth.

You put me in charge of your handcrafted world. The Message.