Local Artisans: Honey Bee Gourds

Gourd art is around 365 days of the year, but in the fall is when we see them the most. Farmer’s markets, craft fairs and art shows. We had a beautiful weekend here in southeast Wisconsin about a week ago. So hubby and I hopped in the car and took the short 15 minute drive into McHenry, Illinois to buy some delicious home grown tomatoes and other produce from Stade’s Farm & Market. It’s one of our favorite autumn jaunts, I’m especially fond of their cinnamon sugar covered apple cider doughnuts. Yum! It’s a favorite of ours and we’ve been visiting for ages. See some of the beautiful fall foliage I see every year and check out the amazing giant pumpkins from one of our visits to Stade’s on my poor neglected family blog. haha

Anyway, while visiting Stade’s, sipping apple cider and digesting a delicious doughnut, I decided to check out the vendor tents out behind the produce market. I have to admit, being a crafter myself and loving handmade items the way that I do, I have grown quite disappointed in how the “made in China” products, Avon booths and other non-crafty booths have taken over these spots. As I perused the the shirts made in Indonesia and the Yankee candle collection, I turned and spotted some handmade gourds. Now that’s more like it!

As I wandered over, the first gourd creation that caught my eye was the Jack O’Lantern you see pictured at the top of this post. There were several designs, all hand carved and created by the husband and wife team of Lynn and Diane Abbott. While I didn’t stay long, they were kind enough to let me snap a few pictures (with my cell phone no less) and grab their business card so I could share their fun wares with you.

Their work was top notch and really quite beautiful. But you don’t have to live in southeast Wisconsin or even northern Illinois to get a hold of these whimsical pieces. Lynn and Diane have a website and will ship orders to you. They will even ship internationally, so be sure to add them to your Christmas gift radar.

Check out Honey Bee Gourds to see even more of what this talented couple has to offer.

Have you seen some talented local artisans lately?

Okay, let me start by saying succulents are about the only thing I can keep alive. I have never hidden the fact on this blog that I do not have a green thumb. Yes, I write about gardening, but that doesn’t mean I am successful at it—gardening, that is, not blogging.

Prepare to embark on a succulent-sized adventure as we shrink down to the world of teeny-tiny, small plant pots and planters! In this whimsical collection, we’re diving into the realm of Lilliputian gardening, where succulents reign supreme and creativity knows no bounds. From the adorably petite to the comfortably compact, these DIY ideas are bound to make you smile and maybe even elicit an ‘aww’ or two.

These mini to medium-sized plant pots and planters are perfect for succulents, the pint-sized darlings of the plant world. They bring a touch of charm and quirkiness to your home or garden, and they’re a delightful way to exercise your green thumb in a playful way. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey where tiny treasures meet tiny gardens, grab your crafting supplies and join us on a fun-sized adventure! Get ready to explore 30 DIY small plant pots and planters that prove good things do come in small packages

Ikea Hack: DIY Lantern Terrarium

Thrifted Planters For Spring – Salvaged Living

DIY Planter Wall Anyone Can Make – Angela Rose Home

IKEA Strawberry Planter – DIY Faux Terracotta Planter — CraftBits.com

DIY Copper PVC Wall Planter — CraftBits.com

Dollar Tree – Beach Shell Nautical Planter — CraftBits.com

DIY Balsa Wood Planters – BREPURPOSED

Cement Plant Pot — CraftBits.com

Bicycle Basket Planter DIY – Fun Wreath Idea | Refresh Restyle

DIY concrete planter — Caroline Burke | Burkatron

Diamond Hanging Planters

Chandelier Planter Tutorial – Page 2 of 2 – DIY Show Off

DIY Wash Tub Garden – Liz Marie Blog

Birdcage Planter | Upcycle That

Upcycled Toy Herb Planter – Crafts on Sea

Copper Pipe Pot Plant Holder DIY // Tutorial – Pure Sweet Joy

Succulent Planter Box {Ikea Hack} – A Pumpkin And A Princess

Make a Colorful Indoor Herb Garden – A Beautiful Mess

DIY upcycled tea cup planter – makeandtell

DIY It – Hanging Basket Planters – A Kailo Chic Life

Painted Planter Bowl – Angie Holden The Country Chic Cottage

10 Minutes or Less: DIY Ombre Planter – The Crafted Life

How to Make a Thrift Store Planter – At Charlotte’s House

My DIY Plant Drawers

How to make a Fairy garden in a teacup — CraftBits.com

Easy Planter Hack: How to Convert Used Candle Containers to Cool Planters in Minutes – Paper and Stitch

How to Plant a Succulent Garden in an Ikea Cart

$2 Ikea Rug to DIY planter – Liz Marie Blog

Faux Cast Stone Bowl Planter DIY – In My Own Style

Okay so I am updating this post to include my own tips for growing succulents.

Choose Soil with TLC: Start by picking the perfect succulent soil. Make it fluffy by mixing in some extra perlite, like giving your plants their favorite comfy blanket.

Pick the Right Pot Pal: When it comes to planters, go for ones that make your heart sing. Just like you’d choose your favorite mug for morning coffee, your succulents deserve the loveliest homes.

Sunshine Buddies: Find a sunny spot that your succulents adore. They’re a bit like sunbathers who love a warm, sunny nook. But remember, they can get sunburned, so keep them out of that intense midday sun.

Turn & Chat: Every now and then, give your succulents a spin. It’s like a little conversation with your green pals. Turning them helps them grow evenly and not become one-sided buddies.

Water Wisely: Succulents are more about quality time than quantity when it comes to watering. Wait until the top inch or so of soil is dry, then shower them with a good soak. But don’t drown them; succulents are all about that ‘sip, don’t gulp’ life.

Mist Magic: Use a misting bottle to give your succulents a little spa day. They adore the moisture in the air, and misting keeps them feeling fresh and fabulous.

Room Service: Make sure your succulents are living the Goldilocks life when it comes to temperature. Not too hot, not too cold—just right!

Fresh Air Vibes: Open a window or get a fan going for some fresh air vibes. Succulents are all about that ‘breeze in my leaves’ feeling.

Fertilize with Love: Just like a pinch of salt in your cooking, give your succulents a diluted, balanced meal during their growing season. But don’t overdo it; they’re not big eaters.

Grooming Time: Your succulents appreciate a little grooming. Remove any brown, shriveled leaves or spent flowers to keep them looking their best.

Eyes on the Lookout: Be a vigilant friend and keep an eye out for pests. If you spot any unwanted guests, it’s time for a pest-removing party.

When in Doubt, Google It: Each succulent is a unique character, so when in doubt, a quick Google search for your plant’s specific needs can be a lifesaver.

Have Patience: Lastly, be patient with your succulents. They’re not in a hurry to grow, and neither should you be. Enjoy the journey together.

Remember, your succulents appreciate the personal touch. Treat them like friends, and they’ll grace your home with their timeless charm and resilience.

If you’re new to succulent gardening and looking for easy-to-care-for succulents, here are some beginner-friendly options:

Echeveria: Echeverias come in a variety of beautiful rosette shapes and colors. They are resilient and relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

Sedum: Sedums are hardy and adaptable succulents. They come in various shapes and sizes, and many are well-suited to a range of growing conditions.

Kalanchoe: Kalanchoe is known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms. It’s a forgiving succulent that can thrive in various light conditions.

Haworthia: Haworthias are small, compact succulents with distinctive striped or textured leaves. They are well-suited to indoor environments and require minimal care.

Aloe: Aloe vera is not only easy to grow but also has medicinal properties. It’s a great addition to your succulent collection and can be used to soothe skin irritations.

Crassula: Crassulas, often called “jade plants,” are hardy and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are adaptable and relatively easy to care for.

Gasteria: Gasterias are similar in care to Haworthias. They have unique, tongue-like leaves and thrive in indoor environments.

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks): Sempervivums are known for their charming rosette shapes. They are hardy and can withstand various conditions.

Senecio (String of Pearls): While not the most common beginner succulent, string of pearls can be easy to grow with the right care. They have unique trailing vines with bead-like leaves.

Agave: Agave plants are low-maintenance and come in various sizes. They require bright light and minimal watering.

Remember that while these succulents are considered easy to grow, they still have specific care requirements. Pay attention to factors such as light, water, and soil quality to ensure your succulents thrive. Additionally

DIY: Succulents in a Bowl

7 Succulents you Can Grow Easily if you’re a Newbie

How To Make Garden Art With Colourful Succulents

Have you read?

Okay so I am updating this post to include my own tips for growing succulents.

If you’re new to succulent gardening and looking for easy-to-care-for succulents, here are some beginner-friendly options:

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