Thank you for voting in last month's poll to help me decide which Artsy Project to focus on in 2025. It was a close race with the Wicked Plant Art Journal coming in first. Journal votes were temporarily tied with the Altered Altar Mini Collection, so I managed to make a bit of progress on both. 

 

I wanted to create a spiral-bound book with various papers (for sketching, watercolor painting, or journaling) complete with assorted pockets to store all the treasures one collects as they wander through the woods, and through life. 🌱

 

However, to reduce time at the Post Office and avoid excess inventory, the journal must be set up for POD (Print on Demand). KDP Publishing (Amazon's self-publishing platform) does a fine job of this as they print the book when the order is placed. Alas, they do not offer spiral binding…or any of those other things. 

 

So I'll start with the best version I can create now, and maybe it will grow into something more in the future. All that said, I have ordered and received the first printed proof!

 

You get the first look at the altar and its related relics! The crucifix has been in my collection for a few years now. Having found it in a secondhand store, I gave it a much-needed refresh before attaching it to the main alcove of the altar with E-6000 glue. Because the altar was originally built for a Catholic church, it feels right to have the crucifix featured as the focal point.

 

Everything else on the altar is removable, so the look can change based on mood or the current season. Next steps are to finish up all the pieces (I just started a new one this morning 🙄) and then take photos. 

Again, thank you for taking the time to vote. I appreciate your input!

It has been chilly here in Minnesota, so let’s warm things up a bit with this deep dive into the history of drinking hot chocolate.

Next, it’s time to vote for USA Today’s 10 Best Botanical Gardens in the United States. 

 

For those of you in Omaha, Nebraska - Lauritzen Gardens is currently ranking fifth out of 20! You can vote once a day for your top pick until voting ends on Monday, March 10.

Do any of you use the Merlin Bird app to help identify bird songs and calls? The app also features community contributed photos and tips from experts around the world. I’ll probably try it out when the weather warms up. Want to try it? You can download the app here.

I'll leave you with this video of me working to get the International Peace Garden to show my Wicked Plant Art collection in their Conservatory (link goes to YouTube). 

I'd love to hear about it and include it in a future update. 

 

I will reply back or answer it in a future update. 

 

Drop me an e-mail at Carmen@StrangeFarmGirl.com.

Thank you for allowing me into your e-mail in box!  
Until next time, all the best to you!