Tuesday, April 21, 2015

We're Certified!

Hello blogging friends,

Last spring our property was certified as a National Wildlife Habitat.  It has been fun over the years creating a welcoming haven for local wildlife.  In order to certify your yard, you need to provide food, water, shelter and a place for the wildlife to raise their young.


The food sources we have are hanging bird feeders, native plants, seeds, nuts, berries and nectar.  Both the pond and birdbath provide a water source.  Shelter is important to protect wildlife from predators and bad weather.  In our yard we have a diversity of plants, including mature spruce trees and evergreens for the birds to nest and raise their young.

I just love watching the birds, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits enjoying themselves.  Not to mention the bees, butterflies, dragonflies and ladybugs.


These baby squirrels were born this spring.  There are 3 of them, but only 2 came out to have their pictures taken :-)



Have you ever considered creating a wildlife habitat?  Spring is really the best time to garden for wildlife as the migratory birds and butterflies have returned, animals are emerging from hibernation and young babies are being born.  When your property includes the four elements mentioned above you are ready for certification by the National Wildlife Federation.  Even without being certified you are assisting to support a healthier ecosystem in your garden.


For me gardening is more than just making the yard look pretty - it provides a safe and healthy environment for garden creatures.

Wishing you a delightful week!

Monday, April 6, 2015

Lavender Love ...

Hi everyone,

It feels great to be back from my little break.  I hope you had a blessed Easter with family and friends.  If you have been following my blog, you know I like to press my garden flowers.  I enjoy using them on cards and for special occasions.  There are so many different ways to use your precious flowers and there is no limit on what your imagination can create with them.  Dried lavender stalks are also awesome for crafts.


Today I have some gift tags made from Old Lace cardstock.  Each tag was cut 2" x 4" and the tops were punched with the Stampin' Up scalloped tag topper punch.  To create a little French flair, I stamped each one using the En Francais background stamp with Brilliance Pearlescent Beige ink.  The edges were also sponged in Brilliance Pearlesecent Beige.  A piece of 1/8" May Arts lavender silk ribbon was added to the top of each tag.


Several pieces of Old Lace paper were die cut using the Our Daily Bread Designs custom Antique Labels die.  Lavender was stamped on the tags in Lavender Lace and popped up.

Now that all the stamping was done, I glued two dried lavender stalks to each tag and finished them off with a little bow.


A quick and easy way to share your dried flowers with others.  Oh, and they smell wonderful!

Thank you for stopping to visit.

Today I am joining ...

Inspire Me Monday @ Create with Joy








Stamps:  SU En Francais & Herb Expressions
Paper:  Old Lace
Ink:  Brilliance Pearlescent Beige, Lavender Lace
Accessories:  1/8" May Arts Lavender Silk Ribbon, Our Daily Bread Designs Custom Antique Labels Die, SU Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Dried Lavender Stalks, Glue, Bow-Easy
Technique:  Sponging
Tag Size:  2" x 4"
Related Posts with Thumbnails