For Alice

Ah Geeze, that sounds a little like the beginning of a eulogy. Sorry about that! No, I just became acquainted with Alice by phone recently. She's sad she can't make it to the Pave' Class coming up soon. So here's some Pave's I made recently to tease all of you into the flower fold and to show Alice.

Yes, a Pave' Class at College of Marin is coming right up!
Pave's are low arrangements of tightly packed flower heads. You've seen them most often made with succulents planted in dirt for a wall hanging or table.These are short flowers heads in water in shallow containers. They are a great little option to have up one's sleeve for a low table, in the bathroom, side table....
There's a long tradition in Europe among other countries for using flowers this way. I found them a little more tricky to make interesting than I expected..Come play with flowers. Who is bringing the chocolate??

Note: Addition to the class: I'm going to do a demo only of a Valentine Pave in a small heart shaped box with tiny flowers in honor of the upcoming festival of love. Then we'll commence making Pave's in the container you brought.



Details:
College of Marin 

Feb. 8
Saturday, 10-2,
Fine Arts Building, Room 314
$68


marin.edu/CommunityEducation/schedule

Click on  PDF 2 Mb  next to the picture of the catalog to view the schedule on under pg. 24 in Home and Garden.  

Click on Community Ed Registration Form to Register

Little Bits

Marin County just had it's driest year on record.  I tend to start holding my breath with this kind of news in anticipation of this continuing dry trend and it's consequences.

80% of California water goes to farming. While there are many conservation efforts made for/by home owners, it seems to be a much more complex matter for farmers. In a sense that's good news, because so much more conservation is possible. 

Some little bits of things from my surrounds. The  tomatoes got clipped in November and stuck in water. They ripened and taste like summer. And my new love this year- grapefruit peels.

And Oh Happy Day! Presenting the newest member in my creative family of tools. It's the smallest 35mm type digital, a Cannon SL1.  It's still in the evaluation stage as we get to know one another, so far it's a joy and hey- it focuses when you want it to. It's a wonder these new cameras don't give birth; they have so many bells and whistles. Luckily you can keep it as simple or go as crazy as you want.