MAKE YARN w/ OLD T-SHIRTS May 31, 2009

HOW TO RECYCLE OLD TSHIRTS INTO YARN:

Step 1: Begin by cutting the bottom seam and the top part of the shirt.

Step 2: Next, take the tube from the middle and fold in half-leaving a 1-inch margin at the top

Step 3: Fold again, up to the margin.

Step 4: Now, cut sections up to the margin. You can make them whatever width you like. Mine are about half an inch. Continue to the end.

Step 5: Unravel.

Step 6: Find something to lay your skirt/squid on. I’m using a rolled up blanket, I’ve also used a jar. Use whatever’s around.Cut slits on a diagonal. Keep going until you reach the end.

Source + more pictures at http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/how-to-recycle-t-shirts-into-yarn/A48NT3FSZAANIR1HNU9TQPLH2C9O

RE-USE BLINDS May 30, 2009

     Recycle your blinds by using them as plant markers.

     Tutorial at: http://craftingagreenworld.com/page/9/

MAKE AN ADOBE OVEN May 29, 2009

I LOVE IT.

An adobe oven-how cool. I remember growing up and eating warm homemade corn bread.

This lovely oven comes from Sunset’s website, how to:

http://www.sunset.com/garden/how-to-sunset-classic-adobe-oven-00400000040017/page9.html

Inspiration for Children’s Garden

For more pictures and information: http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2009/05/willow-house.html

FELT BUTTERFLY MOBILE May 27, 2009

From Craft Magazine

This very cute + lovely butterfly mobile  is a lovely way to celebrate the warm weather.

For more pictures + directions: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/02/how_to_felt_butterfly_mobile.html

What to PLANT now…

So, you’re dragging your feet and starting to feel like gardening may be a project for next year but WAIT there is STILL plenty of seeds + plants that can go into your lovely garden in MAY. 

Check out this list from Mother Earth News: http://www.motherearthnews.com

 

VEGETABLES	Sow Indoors	Sow Outdoors	Transplant
Bean, lima		XXX
Bean, snap		XXX
Bean, yard long		XXX
Cantaloupe		XXX
Corn, sweet		XXX
Cucumber		XXX
Edamame		XXX
Eggplant			XXX
Fennel, bulb			XXX
Gourds		XXX
Okra		XXX
Peanuts		XXX
Peas, southern		XXX
Peppers			XXX
Squash, summer		XXX
Squash, winter		XXX
Sweet potato			XXX
Tomato			XXX
Watermelon		XXX

MINI-MEDITATION GARDEN

Keanu and I worked on creating a small area where we can retreat from our long busy days. Most of the space is created w/ old salvaged wood. We added a few new element.  The space is coming together…take a look below.

We started by making this lovely bench w/ salvaged wood  (left over from when we repaired the front porch). We painted the bench red and positioned it by one of the largest trees in our back yard, a lovely fig tree. 

We cleared the area around the tree and we still need to mulch. This lovely chime (below) creates a lovely serene sound. 

MAKING A FIRE PIT May 26, 2009

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

My mother and I found this old calderon at Paris on Ponce. According to their website, their having a spring sale w/ 75% off. Anyway, my mother negotiated with the sales guy and got it for like $20 bucks-I think. Anyway, we decided to use it for our fire pit. It was inexpensive, easy to do  + reused!

Tip: WATER HOUSEPLANTS w/ ICE CUBES May 24, 2009

Here’s an easy, little tip for saving water and helping your houseplants. If you are raising hanging plants, then stop watering them with a watering can. The water rushes right through the soil, and the plant only drinks a fraction of the water. Instead, put a few ice cubes in the hanging houseplant. The water will slowly drip into the soil where it will be thoroughly enjoyed by the plant.

Follow this advice and you’ll save a bit of water and keep your hanging plants healthy.

Source: Written by Josh Peterson for Planet Green

Field Trip to Oakhurst Community Garden-JUNE 7th

Friends of the West End Park is going on a  field trip to the Oakhurst Community Garden in Decatur!

To learn more about the garden or see if you’re interested in joining us…check out: http://www.oakhurstgarden.org

We’ll be given a tour by Stephanie, Executive Director.

JUNE 7th. Meet on corner of Oak/Lawton by park sign @ 3pm.  If you’re interested in attending email me: yomaravelez@yahoo.com