The season of wondering what in the world to give people for the holidays is upon us. I really enjoy making people things but it can be a challenge to figure out something that people will actually like. This has not always been something I have been particularly good at; I remember the year everyone […]
Archive for the ‘Crafts’ Category
Holiday Gift Ideas from Urban Farm Hub
Posted in Cooking, Crafts on November 25, 2013 | 1 Comment »
More Fair Isle Knitting
Posted in Crafts on November 22, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Being in graduate school has all sort of amazing side benefits like getting to know the plants and people at the University of Washington and getting a chance to learn wonderful new things and knit! I have been playing around more with Fair Isle knitting and think it could take a lifetime to explore all […]
Dyeing with Black Walnuts
Posted in Crafts, Foraging on October 22, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
If you’ve ever handled black walnuts you know how well they can dye your hands, countertop and many other things you may not want a deep brown color. Dark brown yarn is lovely. The first step is to carefully harvest your walnuts. I always use gloves to do this as the fruit is a bit […]
Making Your Own Garden Tiles
Posted in Crafts on August 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
There is a new pottery painting place up the street from our house. I went there with my daughters and was wondering what to make when I thought “Of course – more garden art!” . Who doesn’t need yet more lovely things in their yard? Once the painting is done the […]
Using Glass to Decorate Your Wire Fence
Posted in Crafts, tagged glass decoration, wire fence on July 18, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Wire fences are functional but sometimes lack color and beauty. To beautify your fence or trellis try this simple trick of hanging glass between the squares. Pick your glass from a stained glass store or if you are in the Seattle area, Bedrock Industries has a great selection. Cut two pieces of wire and […]
Garlic Braids
Posted in Crafts, Growing, tagged garlic braid, harvesting garlic on July 17, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Right now is a good time to harvest garlic. Braiding it then hanging it in a cool, dark place is a great way to store it for later. First dry the garlic until the leaves are limp and the outside of the bulb is getting papery. Gently brush off the dirt and trim the roots off. […]
Edible Flowers
Posted in Cooking, Crafts, Growing on June 28, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Many of the flowers that grace our yards are edible. They can be used as accents in a salad or as garnish on a main dish. Here are a few of my favorites: I like to use chive flowers in salads to lend a slightly onion flavor. Here’s a recipe for omelets with chive flowers. Lavender cookies are […]
Spinning with Pet Fur
Posted in Crafts, tagged knitting, pet fur, spinning on June 25, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Spinning with pet fur can be done! In this warm weather Mr. Bunners, aka Attila the Bun, is shedding his white fur in big soft billowy clumps. Petting him it felt sort of like cashmere so I decided to collect it and try spinning it into yarn. First I tried just the fur but the […]
Lavender Sachets
Posted in Crafts on June 19, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
Opening up a drawer and smelling lavender always brings me back to visits to my aunt and uncle’s Montana ranch. Making these sachets is quick and easy and they last for months. All you need is dried lavender and squares of pretty fabric. If you want a sachet with a stronger smell then you […]
Dried Lavender Bunches
Posted in Crafts on June 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
About the simplest thing you can do to preserve your lavender is to cut it, tie it in bunches then hang it to dry. Be sure the bunches aren’t too thick or they might rot in the middle. Tie the string very tight or use a rubber band as it will shrink as it dries […]