Rescued Plants

This weekend, in my neverending quest to embarrass my husband, I rescued a few house plants from the curb in my neighborhood. Apparently some neighbors were moving, and they left a streetful of things in front of the house. I saved two plants, but left a few other things I had my eye on (having already pushed the limits of Brian's patience). The plants were in pretty horrible shape, and absolutely needed repotting. One of the plants was a pothos, the other I can't identify. I've had pothos since I was growing up, though I always thought they were called philodendrons. While I was repotting the rescues, I took the opportunity to repot a few of my plants as well. I potted several jade plants; one that had outgrown its planter, and two I recently found at Ikea. I was so inspired by my choices for new pots that I went browsing on Etsy to see what creative pots I could recommend to you. One of my jade plants went into a silver pitcher similar to the one below from AlicesLookingGlass. (I found the photo of the jade plant above at MonkeyShinesDesign.) Another silver pitcher that would make a lovely planter is below. As usual, oldcrowfarm doesn't disappoint. Hindsvik also demonstrates the lovely effect of alternative planters. 2BoredBunnies has this great retro planter with graphic designs (there are two!).

Can't you see a bunch of succulents planted in these little terracotta pots from Trampoline?

Lately I've taken note of vintage McCoy pottery, like this white pot from TheBarnofMiddleburg.

Below is another McCoy planter, from randomthingsand.

This McCoy elevated planter from ShayRose reminds me of a pot I kept a snake plant in when I was a kid.

I love this garden tote complete with terracotta pots. Find them at southrosewindow.

Of course, handmade pots make just as nice planters as vintage planters. I am enthralled with the elaborate carving on the pot below from thewheelandi.

LaCeramique has me completely charmed with this toucan planter.

The colors and textures on this soda fired bowl from joytanner just about knock me over.

This blue altered bowl from Claytastic would also make a great planter. The glaze is so refreshing, I wonder if plants would need less watering...

Do you have favorite planters in your home? Or other objects doing an unexpected tour of duty as a planter?

In Situ: Studio

Some recent shots of the studio - not cleaned up, clay everywhere. Inspiration board, bulletin board, letterpress trays, vintage T square. It's interesting to see the evolution of what winds up tacked to the boards over time. Above the utility sink, calipers as paper towel holder. Clock, chalkboard, gourd owl, raku bowl, shadow boxes, one of my first pottery pieces, a tiny mason jar, plant, remote controls. Plants by the window and a salt lamp. The plant is growing through a rake, and you can see my (paternal) grandfather's fishing poles in the corner.

My (maternal) grandfather created things to serve a specific purpose or solve a problem. This contraption was a remote control holder (I think). It's made from scrap pieces of wood and trim that he used for his many projects. The remote controls would lay on the flat area, and I'm sure every other slot coordinated with something he wanted to keep near the arm chair.

I think the paperclip on the side held a piece of paper, probably a list of channels. I use the contraption for pens in the studio. I also keep his plumb line handy.

Technology and plants. Succulent closeup.

Catching Up

There are a few things I've wanted to share from the last few weeks. I potted a small piece of jade that I had been rooting. I used a short copper and brass goblet that I thrifted, but decided I couldn't part with.

Similarly, I planted some chicks in a pair of copper cups that I just had to keep.

The wall pot below is one of my most recent pieces to come home.

This metal stand is one of my best recent thrift finds. I actually found a pair of these black stands, and I knew immediately that they are exactly what I have been looking for. They are perfect for hanging my wall pots for pictures.

These photos feature my longest lasting air plant.

Even more exciting than my thrift finds is the purchase I made last week from solsticehome. It's one of my favorite vintage shops on Etsy. I couldn't get these vintage pots out of my head, so I finally ordered them. I love them even more in person - I plan to use them as models and inspiration for making vintage-inspired pots.

I use a spray of honeysuckle from my yard in these pictures.

This last photo is of two tea bowls I recently made using 266 clay. I've been practicing the organic form from the Kevin Crowe workshop I took in March. I threw these at home, and fired them at Manassas Clay. I glazed them with Smokey Brown, dipped the tops in Italian Straw, and dripped Opal glaze on them. I didn't expect the Italian Straw (typically yellow) to go blue-gray, but I love how it turned out. You just never know with those tricky kiln gods. (The t and B are for tea bowl.)

I also want to direct you to a lovely blog that featured one of my items - Random Occurances, written by a fellow Etsy shop owner. Check it out, and visit her shops, too if you get a chance - WantedCreatures and MDCardsandGifts.

Ingenuity On Display

Recently one of the blogs I follow did a few posts on decorating with Mason jars (here and here). I thought this was a happy coincidence, since I had just re-done our mantle with Mason jars. I sent the author the picture, and what do you know, she posted it. Yay! Go check out Ingenuity On Display, she has lots of great ideas.

Starting Seeds

We recently started a bunch of seeds in little pots, and I've been very pleased with their progress. I've been less pleased with the delight our dogs have found in sneaking "dirt snacks." They seem to have especially enjoyed the hot pepper seeds... We have the pots set up on a few plastic trays, plus a galvanized garden tote, and inside a small greenhouse I bought at Ikea several years ago. If you want to join me in growing dirt snacks, I've found everything you'll need (excepting the dirt). Below is a seed starting tray from andrewsreclaimed.

This seed starting planner from aQuickStudy is just the thing to help figure out when to plant those green beans.

Dabble with planting with this garden dibble from woodenapple.

We planted mostly vegetables, but I couldn't resist starting some black eyed susans. Thebearfootshaman has black eyed susan seeds.

I adore these antique terra cotta garden pots from solsticehome.

MakeScentsWithNature has these wooden paper pot makers - I recently bought one from their shop and I love it. It's even easier to use than I thought it would be. Can't wait to make your own pots? RushofWings has newspaper pots already made for you.

You could also start your seeds in a sweet little vintage coffee cup from ARareThread. Don't forget to water your seeds regularly. It's very important. Remind yourself with this Water Me garden marker from monkeysalwayslook.

Once you've transplanted your plants outside, you'll need garden markers to keep track of which plant is which. MakeThyme has these copper garden markers that will do the trick.

Wish us luck that the seedlings continue to grow, and that the dogs don't indulge themselves too frequently. Are you starting seeds indoors this year?

Lichen It

Vermilion Lichens, MaryIrene.

Pixie cup lichen photo, NatureMandalas.

Lichen, crazymtnwoman.

Handmade paper and twig art lamp, wyldewoodpapers.

Green tea with lichen terrarium, weegreenspot.

Seven nesting lichen bowls, whitneysmith. Lichen for your wall, Ottoman.

Algae, Fungi and Lichens illustration, vintagehomerecycled.

Wool and birch bark brooch, lilfishstudios.

1907 Lichens Antique Print, thinaircreations.

Moss topiary wall plaque, NaturesCabinet.

Porcelain Spores, karliloveslichen.

Botanical print, slinkymalinkicat.

Weathered American chestnut weedpot, timberturner.

Gray lichen specimen, elinart.

Lichen, Alerion.

Textured wall tile, Lichen, elementclaystudio.

Urban Lichen 002, bettula.

Lichen Study No. 3, annarubyking.

acabinetofcuriosities digital image.