Checkmate Note Cards

We're going to a young friend's Chess themed birthday party today. Not only is this just one of Ian's friend, but one that he considers very important. While both boys are just 6, I wanted to encourage them to remain friends as each of our families move onto the next phases of life. I know that I really value friends I have known for most of my life. So, I came up with the following gift idea.

Chess themed Notecards to be used to keep in touch by writing.

I created the patterns for each shape and then used card stock I had around the house to cut each one out.

Luckily I also had some envelopes around and so I tucked those behind the "chess pieces" and wrapped it all up with a long strip of paper. Voila, a hand made, personalized present, to encourage friendship longlasting:)

new ideas

here are some images of some flowers i've been working on for my friend's bouquet. A few asters and a stalk of lavendar. i think any of these will look nice with tiger lilies and dogwoods.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

So, all the Irish (and non-Irish) celebration loving folks I know are looking forward to this weeks festivities. While I have nothing special planned for this year's St.Patricks Day, last year I had the good fortune to participate in the Hot Springs, AR, 6th annual "First Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade". It was so much fun and I never would have guessed how excited the folks in that sleepy little vacation town could get and how they would rise to such a joyous occasion. There was the parade (of course) which was presided over by Grand Marshall John Ratzenberger (better known as Cliff Clayburn from Cheers), followed by a huge street party, and plenty of late night bar hopping. It was so much fun. Check out this years parade info at http://www.hotsprings.org/events_calendar/stpat_parade.aspx

I think this is the perfect time to share some of my "greenest" works with you, so here they are and most can be found at my etsy shop http://www.thebeadtanicalgarden.etsy.com/ :

Salon de Refuses

Everyone in Athens

Come on out tonight to the Morton Theater for a Parisian stlye Salon de Refuses to show of works that did not make it into the Lyndon House Juried Exhibition.

Reception from 7-9pm

Here is an image of my piece, Orchid in Plaster that will be on display tonight.

Hello, I just wanted to share this blog featuring one of my hair clips. It's super cute so enjoy!

http://magnoliasurprise.blogspot.com/