Button mania! I've stuffed my overflowing buttons into some old jam jars and decked them out with lots of tiny millinery blooms.
Did anyone see all the big, blooming hats on Mad Men last night!!!??? I couldn't even pay attention to the story, I was so overwhelmed with the millinery at the Derby party.
The styles and clothes on that show always grab my attention, I'd watch it even if it didn't feature such good writing.
(These jewels are available in my Boutique and the jam jars are on Etsy)
I've been enjoying going out for walks on them myself. But while out there, I noticed the Canadian Thistle had gone a bit crazy. I know that thistle is considered an noxious weed, but I've always loved it. This drawing, is one that I did at age 15 for a biology class. Its the drawing that made me realize that I wanted to be an artist.
To this day, I keep this ink drawing out on display. You don't want to do the math to know how long that has been.
Why don't I think of that more often? I am finally gaining the wisdom that comes with age (or getting lazy).
So, while Ryan cleared the field of thistles, I was free to foof the Fairy Berry Trail!
Ace Hardware had some clearance garden decor that was just right for out there. Wind chimes with doe-doe birds, and bright metal flowers on stakes. Sugarwings will be excited when she comes home on Tuesday (she spends a few days with her Hippy Chick Mommy and other grandma every week) I love to surprise her with new additions to the trail, she always notices right away when we go for our walks along the path.
And how perfect was this? Its a gift from a buddy who knew I'd love it for the trail. And it is very fitting now, my handsome husband has been expanding the trail, so that now it goes up the hill from the valley it was first made in. He and Sugarwing's Daddy took a chain saw out there and cleared a path through the brush. (We'd do anything and everything for that fairy baby)
So, I've nailed this plaque to a tree at the top of the hill, at the beginning of the walkway.
Sugarwings can't read, but we will both stop and read it together every time we go into the woods.
Your family gathering will be a smash !
Your Garden Decorations are lovely, too.
And, yeah, make those grown sons help out, smart thinking !
Love, love, love those button jars, keep a few, just for your own to look at, so lovely ! Enjoy that garden too.
Love,
Deborah
Posted by: Deborah Woodrow | August 31, 2009 at 01:13 PM
I feel like a little fairy girl when I read your blog. I wish I had a grandma like you when I was little.
Posted by: foobella | August 31, 2009 at 01:20 PM
That garden sign is just the best -- oh, that's so you! And beautiful treatment for the buttons in the jam jars!
Posted by: jeanie | August 31, 2009 at 01:24 PM
I'd love to take a walk on the Fairy Berry Trail someday:)
Twinkle looks like part of the new garden decor around that tree! And the sign--it's so perfect!
Posted by: Marilyn | August 31, 2009 at 02:37 PM
As a Canadian myself, I'm so glad to hear that the Canadians bringing you trouble are mere thistles. They are indeed pesky and invasive. And then there are the Canada geese...
love that fairy trail,
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | August 31, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Love the jam jars filled with buttons and the fairy sign, totally cute!
Posted by: Breezy | August 31, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Hi Karla, love the drawing of the thistle, it is too bad the are so invasive.
Great sign for the Fairy Berry Trail. This also might be the making of another book.
Hugs Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | August 31, 2009 at 05:23 PM
Oh I love that thistle too .... well photos and paintings of it anyway; and YOUR drawing is supurb. So glad you shared it Karla it's beautiful. {and your garden sign is soooo sweet!}
Posted by: DeniseLynn | August 31, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Karla,
Your photos always make me homesick! Looks like you all will have a lot of fun this week end. Love the fairy trail and the sign. Have a good time!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | August 31, 2009 at 07:02 PM
I am loving the trail and all of your cute additions. I believe that your hard work and effort is appreciated by one special Sugarwings Fairy! Hope you have a great time with your family.
Posted by: kana conger | August 31, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Hee hee!
Posted by: Laurie | August 31, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Hello Karla, it has been so long since I've read your blog I can see I'm going to have to go back and catch up. I took a break from blogs and needed a fix so I can't wait to read all about this trail of yours. Take Care!
Posted by: Rainy | August 31, 2009 at 08:42 PM
That sign is perfect! It's going to be gorgeous out this weekend, have a great time with your company!
Posted by: shawn | August 31, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Karla, I adore your thistle drawing, you were quite the accomplished artist at age 15. I have a fondness for the thistle, due to my Scottish heritage, the thistle being the national flower of Scotland. I applaud you for allowing this beauty to reside along your paths.
I found it hard to follow the Mad Men story line last night, as well, due to the amazing Derby party fashions. Love that show!
Best Wishes,
Kay
Posted by: Kay Flynn-The Wrought Iron Gate | August 31, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I have enjoyed getting caught up on your last few posts. You make even buttons look wonderful.The fairy trail is wonderful and sugarwings is such a lucky little gal to have a Granny with a wonderful and creative imagination. Have a wonderful week Karla.
Jean in virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | August 31, 2009 at 10:10 PM
I think it's wonderful that you kept that drawing all these years! (well I didn't mean it to sound QUITE like that!) So fun to go back and see how we evolve!
I think it's so wonderful what you are doing for Sugarwings! Such a magical atmosphere! Soon it will take on a life of it's own as you add to it throughout the years!
Good to get those men out there working!
Posted by: Robin | August 31, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Your title made me laugh.. we have those same things here too... love the pic your drew...
Posted by: jen R Sanctuary arts at home | September 01, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Oh Karla, I am so happy to see a picture
of Twinkle!! She's a cutie.
Love your thistle drawing too. I know that
your family will have a GREAT time at
your home this upcoming weekend.
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | September 01, 2009 at 01:00 AM
For a couple years I've thought I really need to push my son to move out on his own. But then I think of how helpful he is to my garden. He leaves in 3 weeks for a job he is really looking forward to. Oh, my garden will miss him! (me too)
~Marilee
Posted by: Rose Brier Studio | September 01, 2009 at 01:50 AM
Thank You Karla for being there for SugarWings.
Posted by: joyce | September 01, 2009 at 02:00 AM
I enjoying stopping by your blog. It makes me smile. :D
Posted by: Teresa | September 01, 2009 at 04:00 AM
Loved the hats on MadMen this week! Also, Betty's white lace dress was to die for! Interesting that they didn't put her in a hat, appropriate somehow. But what the heck is Don so angry about this season? I guess it will all come out eventually...Your Friend, Bobbi
Posted by: Bobbi | September 01, 2009 at 06:26 AM
LOl Karla , and we blame the damn stuff on the Scots along with all the yellow broom. I guess when our Canada Geese fly over Kansas they leave other little seed fill presents .Sugarwings Fair Berry Trail is coming along beautifully . Donna
Posted by: Donna | September 01, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Karla,
What a beautiful post. I too love buttons, especially the tiny mother-of-pearl ones you find in Vintage shops. Your sign about the fairies is lovely.
Karen
Posted by: karen cox | September 01, 2009 at 10:14 AM
For me it's the darn Tansy!!!
Hope you have had a great summer, I am looking forward to the routine of fall...
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: Tiffany ~ Shabby Scraps | September 01, 2009 at 10:24 AM
Karla,
I am LOVING the fairy sign!!! How sweet is that? Sugarwings is the luckiest little girl to have such a wonderful and special grandmother and grandfather. You nuturing love for her always shows! I also think a little of YOU likes to live vicariously thru her. tee! hee!
Beautiful buttons! Love how pretty they look in the jars. Stunning photos of them as well. :) XO, Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer | September 01, 2009 at 10:01 PM
I did love the milenary and Mad Men but I still can't get past the very good looking people!
Blessings,
Christine
Posted by: chrisitne | September 02, 2009 at 05:13 AM
Love those jam jars with buttons, Karla. p.s. so glad you have nothing against Canadians :)
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | September 02, 2009 at 07:04 AM
fairy sign... soo cute! And the campout sounds super fun! I am sure it will be a hit! The buttons look beautifu too!
Posted by: Gabrielle | September 02, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Being a Canadian I was happy to learn that it was only a thistle that had perturbed you and not an international incident.
Rest assured your garden looks delightful and will be the perfect spot for your family reunion.
Also bear in mind that those thistle seeds are on the wind headed right back to your yard.
Enjoy your gathering and family.
Susan
Posted by: Miss Maddie's | September 02, 2009 at 03:29 PM