“It was November - the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, the deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines.” - Anne of Green Gables Hi Friends, It's hard to believe that November has arrived at our front door. How have you welcomed it? With deep, sad hymns of the sea or passionate wind-songs in the pines? As the world outside slips into dormancy, we tend to draw inward, too, don't we? Into our warm, cozy homes we go and begin preparations for the holiday season. My hope is that this month be one of slowing down, of reflection, and of intentional giving. |
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Here at the shoppe, we have begun to move forward into the season of Christmas. I personally prefer to enjoy each season and celebration in it's natural rhythm, but retail is a different animal galloping ahead of what the calendar says. So the trees are up, and I admit that I'm getting excited to celebrate this special time of year for the first time as Bella Botanica. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE We'd like to invite you to our Christmas Open House: Friday, Nov. 12, 10 am - 5 pm Saturday, Nov. 13, 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, Nov. 14, 11 am - 4 pm We have special things planned for you, including a Meet & Greet with our Winter Artist-in-Residence, Gina Schoenherr. |
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I confess that I feel there is a level of expectation of what you will find here during the Christmas season. I've spent a lot of time searching for unique gifts and decor that are beautiful and meaningful. I'm anxious to see what you think! I focused on decor for your mantels, for your gathering tables, and for your front porch. I'm especially excited to offer handmade wreaths made of fresh evergreens and foraged finds. My hope is that they will help you create a warm, lovely welcome to your home, not only for Christmas, but for the entire winter season. Wreaths will be available by next weekend at our Christmas Open House. You'll also find sweet gifts that I hope you won't see anywhere else. Follow along on Instagram or Facebook as we post daily the special gifts and decor for your consideration. As we prepare for Christmas, let's not lose sight of the importance of Thanksgiving. I hope you'll take a few moments with a cup of tea or coffee and read through my blog post below ‘A Lesson in Abundance’. I pray we all see the blessings that fill our lives, and that we are moved to express gratitude in small ways. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your naturally bella life. You have truly blessed me in mine. #liveabundantly |
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A LESSON IN ABUNDANCE: A TIME TO GATHER & A TIME TO SCATTER The sun sets quickly as I bundle up and head outside. Tonight will be our first hard frost and I have zinnias to gather. Snip. Snip. They were beautiful this year, lasting well into November. I think of all the butterflies that lingered on each blossom gathering sweet nectar. Snip. Snip. I've been watching with fascination how cut-flower farmers like Erin Benzakien @ Floret Flowers and Tiffany Jones @ Blomma Flower Farm gather seed to breed new varieties of zinnias. It has inspired me to save seed for the simple act of planting them again next year. Snip. Snip. . . |
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PLANTING BULBS IN NOVEMBER |
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The autumnal rite of planting bulbs holds the promise of spring beauty. As we fall into the season of senescence and dormancy, many think the window for planting spring bulbs has closed - but it hasn’t. Early November is actually a good time to plant in southeastern Wisconsin . . . |
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'"Creativity is experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun" - Mary Lou Cook Get creative and join us for an upcoming class: - Learn how to Force Bulbs - Paint a Little Red Truck - Craft a Winter/Holiday Wreath - Make a Leather Key Fob - Design a Holiday Ceramic Tray See you in class! |
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WINTER ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Gina Schoenherr |
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Gina Schoenherr If you've met Gina, you know her smile, enthusiasm, and kind ways are contagious. Gina is an international mixed media artist specializing in miniatures - cards, bookmarks, small paintings and acrylic hand-painted rugs. No two are alike! Her art is in Canada, Sint Maarten, Canary Islands, throughout the United States and Europe, and now here at Bella Botanica. My personal favorite is her birch art. Her sketches and watercolors of birch are beautiful. You can see them for yourself when you visit. Be sure to head upstairs into the Makery loft where her art is available for purchase now into the new year. |
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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with a friend. Until next month, you can find me on Instagram @bellabotanicaboutique or if you are a fellow plant geek, follow along as I post plant pics @beautyseekr. Have a blessed month! |
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