Spring or not to Spring....

Things have been pretty hectic in the Madhouse, as of late. 

I regret to say that some of the seeds I started have since passed. Not sure what the issue is exactly. I would have to say Lavender is not a friend to me. I might have to just bit the bullet and purchase dried lavender instead of growing it myself. Going to attempt another round soon, hopefully these will work out better. I have also picked up some hot peppers, cherry tomatoes, green and yellow beans. I managed to find a wooden crate at work that was going to be tossed in the recycle bin and it would be perfect to use as a planter in my backyard for some veggies. I have also planted some bell peppers. 

The weather here has been all over the place. Spring just can't seem to make up it's mind if it wants to arrive or not. It would be nice for it to arrive so I can start planting stuff outside, but looks like I have to wait just a little while longer. I have been keeping busy though. 

Finally managed to upload a couple of my recent projects to Cutoutandkeep.com, one of my favourite sites for crafty things. If you want to check them out click the links below and head on over for tutorials. Both were pretty easy and fun to make. I am itching to make more. Possibly for gifts or to sell. I have a dream to one day get organized enough to open an Etsy Shop of my very own. At the moment though it has to wait. 

Mini Top Hat

DIY Rune Stones

Here is a pic of me wearing my mini top hat before heading out to the birthday/St. Patrick's Day party. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I will definitely change some things with the next one I make. Possibly making it out of fabric instead of foam. The possibilities with these little darlings, are endless. I did win a sash and button for my outfit which made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

I will be adding some more things soon, endlessly trying to get organized and get things done. Sometimes I think it would be awesome to have a fairy godmother to take care of things for me. Or a Mad Hatter. Oooo I think that might be my next hat. Maybe to wear to a tea party, perhaps? 

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. Still hoping for Spring to arrive. 

Hugs and Smoochies 

<3 Arawynn <3 

Spring is on it's way...

...in the Madhouse at least. 

Last year I started my seeds way too late and I didn't get the most out of them so this year I decided to start them early. I have read that planting seeds during the New Moon is beneficial, being it is a new beginning of the moon's cycle and all. So I gathered all my supplies and a playing in the soil-less medium, I went a sowing. 

I decided to give herbs a try. I have been studying home remedies and wanted to try growing what I needed myself instead of buying it from a store. What can I say, I like inexpensive and diying my way through life. 

I have planted Catnip, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Peppermint, Lavender, Chamomile, Apples, Bell Peppers, and Cat Grass and I have signs of life. It is amazing you can plant something so small and it grows into something so beautiful with just a little water, sun and love. 

With the snow we have been getting here, as of late, it is nice to look at my windowsill and see signs of greenery budding through the soil showing that Spring is on it's way.

So far pretty much all my seeds have started to show. I find my Chamomile and Sage have been doing the best, so far and I get so excited to see them grow. "The teen" thinks I have lost my mind, and maybe I have but I am mothering over these little seedlings and looking for ways to protect them when I transplant some of them outside. 

I have purchased some chicken wire from the dollar store as well as some gutter mesh in the hopes to rig up some sort of protection cage that won't keep light from getting to the plants but will protect them from the multitude of squirrels and rabbits I have roaming my backyard through out the year. Many a seedling have been lost to these little creatures much to my frustration. I will post pictures of that project when it comes time to actually construct it. For now I will post a few photos I have snapped of my little darlings. 

Chamomile

Peppermint

Sweet Basil

Chamomile (different angle)

Lavender 

Cat Grass

Lavender (different angle) 

Sage and Lavender

Garlic. 

As you can see I use egg cartons to start my seeds in. I really love how it doesn't cost anything and you can plant them straight into the ground if you wish. I look to reuse a lot of different containers for planting to save money and reuse. As my little darlings grow I will share more photos of the stages until they are outside. I am planning on keeping some in containers in the house just in case the squirrels manage to get their little claws into the ones I plant outside. 

Before anyone freaks out I know Chamomile is dangerous for Cats so those will be moved into "the teen's" bedroom so they are not available for my little furbaby to munch on (since he keeps his door shut at all times to lessen the cat hair exposure to his room), until I can transfer it outside. For the most part she doesn't touch any of my plants. She doesn't even seem interested in the cat grass I planted specifically for her. 

Hugs and Smoochies and Happy Planting 

<3 Arawynn <3