In The Garden with Claire

Santa's Elves

2026-10-23T10:25:27.363-07:00

Cuteness Overload 😀😀😀

Christmas Peg Dolls

2026-10-03T15:44:52.731-07:00

Sneak Peek!!! They're actually coming along really well, so many fine details to do with each one. I love the little snow children. I had bought the snowman beads a year or two ago and thought that they might work well with this project.

I think they're so cute!!!

I filled the bead hole with wall spackle stuff, not really sure what's it called but it works to fill the hole.

I think theyre adorable :^)

I have several angels to work on. This one is the first to get her wings!!!!!

I'll post again when I get more done. A friend asked if I could make a St. Lucia doll, so I am going to try doing that.

Later, Martha

Christmas Prep

2026-09-28T20:13:54.162-07:00

Yes, I am still working on the Christmas peg dolls. I am getting closer to doing the finishing touches and I am really loving them, just having a hard time concentrating on them. Mrs Claus will be holding a tray of chocolate chip cookies and Santa will be holding a bag full of toys, or stuffing, hahahahaha.

I will post later when finished!!!

Lunaria the Honesty or Money plant

2026-08-04T10:21:39.886-07:00

This is an easy plant to grow. In early spring it pops up and grows about 36" tall and has beautiful white blooms.

As it dries in the summer the leaves all fall off and it leaves these seed pods. You can peel the sides off the pods and you are left with these beautiful shimmery ovals, perfect in a vase in the home as you can see.

Peg Doll Angels?

2026-07-13T07:31:29.913-07:00

I actually haven't decided if they are going to just be Christmas peg dolls or angels. But they are turning out super cute already.

Even my snowman likes them. He will also get some partners soon.

I'm slowly adding more, just not sure how much each girl needs. They will get hair soon, each a diffierent color and of course eyes, nose and mouth.

And maybe a beautiful set of angel wings???

Stay tuned.

Martha😁

Peg Doll Snowman

2026-07-10T08:59:29.331-07:00

I am starting my Christmas Bazaar crafts for our church now. I usually don't start until October and then it is a mad dash to get things completed. This year I am going to be on top of it and get these items done early.

I will be making several Christmas peg dolls, just now deciding on what I will put them on but I am formulating a fun pland and will share it when completed.

Do any of you paint peg dolls?

What kind and how do you do yours??

Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!!!

Martha😉

Greenhouse Blooms

2026-05-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

I was watering today and these two beautys were in full bloom. I had no idea they were in bud, shows how much I pay attention doesn't it???

The top plant used to be called Brassavola digbyana, but they changed it several years ago to Rhyncholaelia digbyana.

The plant on the bottom is Orbea variegata to the best of my knowledge. Other names it's known by are, star flower, carrion flower, starfish cactus.

They're both very cool blooms, odd and fun!!!

My tiny little greenhouse!!!!

Even though it's little, I can grow my orchids and succulents in there so I'm happy with it. It would be nicer if I had running water in there but I am learning to cope with that.

It used to be a shed and my husband fixed it up for me. 8" x 7 1/2", very small for a greenhouse. He intended it to be a she-shed but I had other plans and they are working out really well for me!!

Take care and God Bless!!!

A Place to Pray

2026-04-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

This spot is in our family room and I have my own little corner where I can pray my Rosary and read Scripture.

I have my Holy Water for The Sign of the Cross when I start my prayers including a beautiful scented oil. I usually have my cup of coffee or Ryze coffee to sip on.

The beautiful painting of Jesus in the river was given to me by a friend from church, who also gifted me the oil.

And there is a photo of my little love, Bailey, my dog who passed away in November of 2023. I still miss her so very much. I love being able to see her in this photo.

I see her in my dreams now and then.

My chair belonged to my grandmother. I remember playing on it when I was very young. Then it was my mom's and now mine.

It's nice having a special spot for morning prayers. I also like sitting here during the day when I need a break. It's very comforting.

During daylight there is a wonderful view out to to the backyard. I can actually see the neighbors' ginormous tree which is in their backyard. There is a neighborhood squirrel who visits all our yards and sometimes I can see him in the very top of their tree!!

Blessings to you and your family!!!

Playing with AI apps on Facebook for fun laughs

2026-04-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

These seriously make me chuckle

😂😂😂

Take up your cross and follow me!!!

2026-04-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

Luke 9: 23

Teaching myself Watercolor Painting

2026-04-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

Not the best but I am having fun. I am watching lots of YouTube videos and just diving in.
I wanted to see if my calligraphy pens would work on watercolor paper and I am pleased to report, YES!!

So I will be doing many more and add in some calligraphy, so much fun!!

My lesson, don't be afraid and don't worry about being perfect, just keep practicing and learning!! There's a lot of wonderful artists out there who are more than willing to share their knowledge with us.

I am very thankful

💙💙💙

Another big fish!!!

2026-03-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Another simple Koi fish with a little background color. This is totally fun!!!

Enjoy

😍😍😍

Watercolor Koi painting

2026-03-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

My first try at watercolor painting, this was fun and I will be doing more when time allows.

ENJOY!!!

Jellyfish using paint pens

2026-02-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

I painted a jellyfish on a past acrylic paint flip cup pour. I love how it turned out. Once I had the jelly all painted I used a paintbrush and watered down white paint to fill it in. I love it!! Now to figure out how to make my own floating frame as I cannot find them for this size of canvas.

check out the youtube video below!!

ENJOY!!

Painting a tile with acrylic paint

2026-02-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

I am working on some little tiles for gifts at Easter

Pray for Protection and Guidance

2026-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

The week of prayer for unity is over, but how about we continue throughout the year? The Christian Faith and Faithful are under attack and it is time that we unite in Christ to stand up for our beliefs and for the protection of all people.

And by that I mean from conception to natural death.

The way God planned it.

Our culture has become a culture of death and death wishes. Abortion and Assisted Suicide are the scourge of our culture.

Let us pray together for the end of this and welcome life, support those who are dealing with terminal illness, those in chronic pain and all who suffer. 💜🙏💜 Martha

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

GROWING INTO CHRIST

Artwork by my friend Denise 1/2026

Sunday, January 25,2026

The gifts He gave us were for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

(Ephesians 4:13)

O Christ, True Light of the world, make my soul worthy to see the light of Your glory with joy on the day of my calling, and to rest with the hope of good things in the house of the righteous, until the day of Your great coming. Have mercy upon Your creation, and on me, a great sinner. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen

"the WORD among us, pg 14"

Let's continue our prayers for each other, now and forever, Amen!!!

💗🙏💗

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 24, 2026

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. (Ephesians 4:7)

Lord Jesus Christ. by the action of the Holy Spirit in the one baptism, You have bestowed wonderful graces and multiple gifts upon us for the sake of building up Your body, the Church. Grant us now the willingness to fully appreciate the richness of their diversity and use them fully to further the spread of the gospel. In Your name we pray, Amen.

🙏

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

ONE LORD AND FATHER

Friday, January 23, 2026

One God and Father of all, who is above all through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:6)

We confess with faith and worship You, loving Father, for You are in heaven beyond words and on earth beyond understanding, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Your tender care, You are the beginning and fulfilment of everything. Glory forever to You, Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

-Adapted from a prayer by St. Gregory of Narek

Please join with me today in prayer for all those suffering persecution around the world.

🙏

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM

Thursday, January 22,2026

One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

Spirit of God, true God, who descended on the river Jordan, and into the upper room; who enlightened us by the baptism of the Holy Font, we have sinned against heaven and before You; purify us again with Your divine fire, as you did the Apostles with fiery tongues. Have mery on Your creatures and espicially on us. Amen.

-Adapted from a prayer by St. Nersess the Gracious

"the WORD among us, January 2026, pg 13"

Please join me in prayer for the United States and for those who have been trying to turn evil into good and good into evil. May God Bless them, cover them with the blood of Jesus, protect them from all evil, shower them with love, joy, mercy, grace, truth, peace, give them strength, help them heal, and guide their ways.

🙏

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

CALLED TO ONE HOPE

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling. (Ephesians 4:4)

Jesus Christ, you have brought us together in all our diversity as Your family and church. In the face of so many situations on earth where hope has given way to despair and wounded hearts, renew our hope in the Holy Spirit's work of changing the world. Move us to spread this hope to everyone everywhere. You are the true Light, who cast out the darkness of sin and shines into our hearts the joy and hope of Your eternal love. Amen.

"the Word among us, January 2026, pg 12"

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

THE BOND OF PEACE

Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Prince of Peace. Strengthen the bond of peace among us and in our troubled world. Change the hearts of all who make war; touch the wounds of all who are afflicted by war. We pray especially for the people of Armenia an Artsakh, and their kindred throughout the world. Let the light of Your love shine in all the dark plaes of our world and hasten the day when all peoples may dwell in peace with justice. Amen.

"The WORD among us. January 2026 pg12"

Let us also pray for the safety and peace of all Christian churches in the United States and in all countries of the world.

After this recent violent attack at a Christian church in Minnesota, we need to be even more prayerful. The Attorney General of Minnesota has sided with the violent protesters as a 1st Amendment right, even though the law protects houses of worship and religious freedom.

I pray that the Lord intercedes in this injustice.

🙏

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 19

BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

Lord Jesus Christ, You show us how to be patient with one another in humility and gentleness. May the light You have shined on our path lead us towards unity and help us heal the wounds of division and indifference that often break communities apart. Amen.

from: "The WORD amoung us" January 2026, pg 11

A Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

2026-01-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

This is the one week of the year for all Christians to unite in Prayer

We need to stop the divisions we see.

I will be sharing a weekly Prayer from "The Word Among Us", which is a Catholic publication.

Let's not worry about what Church we go to but focus on our Love for Our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ.

💗

Sunday, January 18

OUR CALLING

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord,

beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, (Ephesians 4:1)

"God of light, you have called us out of darkness into your light. May our response to your call lead us to actively seek reconciliation and share your light in the world. Amen.

"from: "The WORD amoung us" January 2026, pg 11

Orchids under lights

2026-01-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have four orchids in bloom and 3 in bud in the little greenhouse.

Second bloom for the white one!!! I am so happy that the orchids are happy. I really wasn't sure if this experiment would work.

I converted a small 8' x 8' shed into a greenhouse. No running water so I have to fill up five watering cans to water. Also, the greenhouse is on a concrete slab, so I cannot splash water around.

All the orchids sit on plant risers in containers that hold the water, thereby increasing the humidity!!!

I don't mind the extra work hauling water, it's just once a week.

I water the orchids, then fill the watering cans back up so the water can acclimate to the greenhouse, then a week later, I water again.

I have two fans going at all times and a little radiator space heater in there. The temp stays around 60-80 degrees F.

I will post again when the other orchids open up!!!

Martha