Westie, Art & Garden

Tulips as Cut Flowers

2017-12-28T12:56:00.001-08:00

A new year. A new project.

Since I have this flower obsession it only makes sense to share it with others who love fresh flowers. It is a laborious project that my back can surely tell you about. Many tulips were lovingly put in the ground (sounds so simple) with compost added then covered again. They went on a hillside so drainage wouldn't be a problem when our Spring rains come. The temperatures are in the teens here so the roots should be growing 8 inches below the soil as the soil temperature is warmer there. Hidden but very busy.

The months of March, April and May they will be dug out with bulbs attached, hosed off and stored in a 38-40 F cooler til market days or florists call. The reason the bulbs are left attached is they have a long storage life until you actually cut them from the bulb and add to a floral arrangement. You will also get longer stem length. Many start showing color at the same time so this helps the grower, me, have a little more time to sell them.

The tulips that will be available are all billowy doubles that you don't see for sale in your grocery store. These are luxurious and look like peonies. Real showstoppers. Can't wait to share photos with you.

A note here about adding bonemeal. If you are planting with a cat or dog helping they will go bananas over the bonemeal. I used in some beds and didn't in the others for that reason. I think it just as wise to sprinkle fertilizer on the soil when the tulips first start poking up through the ground in the Spring.

Watch how the Smithsonian gardeners plant tulips here. That soil in the video looks completely different than mine.

596https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/videos/400-tulips-in-20-minutes/15596

Squirrel Bank Tellers

2014-12-12T12:46:00.002-08:00

Squirrels.

Just the word conjures up fluffy creatures that jump around,

rarely slow, but always fast paced from branch to branch.

At least here in Maryland. They are about as busy as ants!

The branches bow to the squirrels when they leap through the air

onto them like the branch is saying, "You're welcome,"

and then tossing them back up in the air.

It's a jungle gym out there in the woods.

In town toothy squirrels scold the cats, dogs and

even birds down on the sidewalks.

So I was wondering do you feed the squirrels during the winter months?

Like most people feed the birds?

Our neighbors put out salt blocks and apples for the deer and it keeps

them coming back for more. If someone put out salted caramel apples

for me I would keep coming back too. That is a given.

We have four chestnut trees and the squirrels get more than we

do every year. To pick the chestnuts you need some major insulation

on your hands. The outer part is like picking up sea urchins.

Meanwhile the squirrels who have the daintest paws ever and can

only carry one heavy chestnut at a time to their secret hideaway

still manage to get more than we do.

So here is the real news.......

I am writing and illustrating a children's book

Illustration has worked it's way back to the very tip top

of my creative endeavors.

Stay tuned and in the meanwhile I'll be feeding the squirrels.

Cooking with Lavender - Daily Painting

2014-12-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Lavender...

Just saying the word evokes images.

Have you ever heard anyone call it Rabbit Tobacco?

Okay. So deer don't fancy it, but we all think it's a fine dining ingredient.

Lavender and honey, lavender and lemon, lavender and lavender and lavender....

You get the idea. In the winter months we tend to become passionate about these things.

Maybe you are even sipping on Lavender Tea as you read this.

When I was a young girl I asked my Mother if she could paint my bedroom lavender.

She obliged and I thought she was the coolest Mom and I the coolest kid.

This was before we even had any lavender plants in our landscape.

Now I have both lavender and rabbits outside!

The lavender we planted and the rabbits just came to visit, hop about and nibble.

I'm enjoying my daily painting time.

It's refreshing and it gets the idea machine pumping.

Watercolor and brushes equal Love.

A small size 2.5 by 3.5 inch print offered here.

Signed and titled on the back by myself

$5.00 and that includes shipping.

Simplicity in Art

2014-12-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

Simplicity.

This is what draws me to illustration and watercolors.

Less is more.

Recently I read this quote,

"Any fool can make something complicated.

It takes a genius to make it simple."

Woodie Guthrie.

I'm excited to have a little time to paint,

hoping to get back to the daily painter status.

Looking forward to Christmas as well on this

blustery, first day of December.

I will soon be another year wiser.

Another year getting 'simpler.

As Martha Stewart says,

"This is a good thing."

Purchase a small 3.5 by 2.5 inch print of this illustration here.

Candylei Art photo mark not on print.

Printed on cardstock. Signed and titled on the back by myself.

A sweet deal for $5. which includes shipping in US and Canada

Paypal accepts most credit cards and echecks.

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Preparations and Candy Canes

2014-11-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

Tis the night before Thanksgiving and we are all stirring--literally!

Some with a spoon and some with a candy cane.

I heard Ina Garten makes many dishes the night before

and then heats them up on Thanksgiving and things are stress free. Imagine!

I am afraid the meat would be a bit dry if I did and the things

that are to be crispy would turn soggy.

But Ina published a book called Make it Ahead and she knows her stuff.

We are thankful for our family that will gather around the table tomorrow.

For those farther away, we will think of them too.

Back to the pie crust.

Happy Thanksgiving

Memories

2014-11-23T22:28:00.001-08:00

If you've not lost a parent yet,

you don't know what it's like.

You can only imagine.

Last month I lost my Dad.

In a way you feel like a part of yourself died.

Living close and helping take care of him has given me a

library of memories of his sense of humor and thoughtfulness.

Memories to cherish.

Cats Illustration Print

2014-04-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

We Are Friends

Do you think you feed birds first and then you also turn to bird watching? Or vice versa? These two cats feed the birds every day and purr with their eyes closed while the birds sing.

This past winter we fed the birds quite alot and are still feeding them. Woodpeckers, Cardinals, chickadees, and finch. They deserve it and help keep the garden pesticide free! We bird watch out the kitchen window. No need for binoculars as they are so close.

The lilac buds and leaves are opening a little. Yay! The mourning doves always make a nest in one of the lilac shrubs. They are a maze of branches. Their nests are not as neat as the little grass ones other birds make, but they do hatch out their babies nicely. The Mother and her baby snuggle and then comes flying lessons. . There's not a refrigerator or stove but Baby is well fed on the catch of the hour/day.

I've listed a number of new artworks and prints lately. Stop by my shop, Dictionaryreader, to see sizes and titles. Fun. Fun. Fun.

Chicks Spring Party

2014-04-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

All of the sweet babes of Spring. Especially little yellow powder puffs. Chicks.

Little chirps and little baaah's and it's a bit like Old McDonald's farm. So many little calves dot the pastures. Lambs jump and run along with the kid goats. Geese are still laying eggs but soon the nests will be full and then little heads peeping out from under Mother Goose's wings. . So many wonders this time of year. Saw the cutest pics of baby chicks that Martha ordered from My Pet Chicken on Martha Stewart's blog .

I really paint my childhood and the things I liked then pretty much remained the same. Gardening, flowers and animals. There is such freedom in children's art and illustrations. I can truly say I love my job!

Come on over to my Etsy Shop, Dictionaryreader and see all of the wonders of Spring. Easter is not too farm away.

Scottie ACEO Illustrations

2014-03-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year that makes our hearts beat a little faster. The early daffodils are blooming. Tulips

are up and the cheery red noses of Peonies are showing! The iris are sharpening their small sword leaves with each other and happiness is in the air.Good bye Winter.

A little Scottie dog aceo painting love. Not just any Scottie. He is a horticulturist quite schooled in the ways of plants and all of their phenomenal attributes.I will undoubtedly learn much from him this Spring. Scottie Horticulturist is for sale on Etsy.

We have two red foxes that circle the farm morning, noon and night. It's amazing how afraid of humans they are yet they lay low waiting for chickens to fly the coop. We have some that are free ranging, but there are a select few who think they are mountain climbers. Fearless. Those we keep try to keep a close eye on when they are out. Chickens are the best grasshopper eaters around. They can also pulverize your garden in hours so there is a delicate balance to be kept.

Grow on flowers, trees and shrubs! That message is not for the pesky weeds. . . .

Mixed Media and Penmanship Art

2014-01-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things is old penmanship and faded papers.

Another is gardening and painting so they are brought together

in this new grouping (new series) of mixed media prints

that I am offering on at my Dictionaryreader shop

This French girl spreads love and gardening cheer

by planting her gardens in heart shapes.

I am ready for Spring and all of the bulbs

and tubers that push their noses up through the

winter weary soil

Spring is like the opening of the treasure box

and the treasure box being the garden.

All kinds of jewels shimmer and sway!

Not to mention fragrance.

Painting My Dreams

2014-01-28T20:19:00.001-08:00

This is what you think about when you sleep on a

feather pillow under a feather duvet!

Soft and sweet and you fall right to sleep

Another painting in my "Painting my Dreams" Series

Available as a print now here.

It is so cold outside in the single digits

and we are very glad for feather down coats,

duvets, and all warm things.

Flying Owl Art Childrens Illustrations

2014-01-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

Valentines are being made and written.

This watercolor illustration is one of my new series
titled Painting Your Dreams
Who would want to fly with Owl to deliver letters and
LOVE banners?

Valentine's Day.
Another holiday that we can give and indulge in chocolate treats
and send adorable expressions of love to our friends.

This Owl and children art print is available

Edwardian Art Dolls at Dictionaryreader Shop

2014-01-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

We've had quite a week here of snow, bitter cold, and closed schools.
It's a change from the slushy wet snow, this week it's been white powder
and all of the skiers and snowboarders have got to be on the mountain top!
It was 3 degrees F. the other morning. That probably drops us down to a
gardening zone 4 this year!

Many other "good things" have been happening too. I've completed a few
art dolls from clay. One deserves another until I have a little village!
Do see all of my completed clay handmade, hand sculpted dolls in my shop.
They are brand new, but created with Jane Austen, the Federal Era and
Edwardian Era in mind where possibly tea was taken more seriously and
fabrics and books were discussed every day! My kind of day.

Art Dolls Clay by Dictionaryreader Edwardian Style

2014-01-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

Penelope My newest handmade doll

Sweet from every angle

Some very sweet dolls have been coming to life here.

Penelope was made without molds with my own two hands

and lots of love and time went into her

I hope that is evident in her sweet disposition

when you create a doll you are the hairdresser,

the makeup artist, the fashion designer, etc

no two are exactly alike and each are rewarding to create

See more here

Mermaid Painting Sea Gardener Daily Art

2014-01-05T16:08:00.001-08:00

Etsy store today.

Art -- the great escape from cold blustery weather.

I will go to the beach and swim, dive and sunbathe.

Even if it's only in our minds, I can relive it over and over

each time I look at the painting, when the painting is finished.

Portfolios have been on my mind of late.

"Have recent art and be ready to talk about some of them."

Tell about why you created the piece and what it means to you -

What materials did you use and how you feel you could improve on it.

What if I spent more time and effort telling about how I could improve on it

than what it meant to me? Just kidding, but by painting every day we

can work out alot of those things.

Now art is not always an escape, it's expression, it's about colors,

it's about memories and hopes...and on and on. Soft edges, hard edges.

It's about both you and me and all the viewers.

Now to get my boots on and lock up the chickens!

Bring in the firewood and visit with both Hercules and Ion.

Art can mean something different to each artist.

Hercules Storm

2014-01-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

It started soft and sweet with big fluffy flakes

and so beautiful, calm and quiet. Wind? There isn't any wind, we said.

Everything was looking picturesque.

We got more firewood, candles and matches.

More warm clothes and bulky socks.

We went to bed thinking we might have a foot

of snow in the morning and hoped the power stayed

on just the same. Everything is much easier with power!

It wasn't long til windows were rattling and

the wind was lifting snow every which way like

a big snow blower.

This morning I noticed under the one of the outside

doors that snow had blown in under it and against the wall.

There are days when I think we are living in Laura Ingalls time.

Just that we have electricity, computers and phones, but still

battling cold winters and farming.

Folk Art Cat Illustrations

2013-12-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Always Playful

A pet cat or dog brings down blood pressure.
They bring amusement and love.
Cats are forever playful and fall down and roll over and start playing.
We used to have a cat that raced around the house at midnight
so playful and noisy that you thought someone might be breaking in.
I think they are low maintenance.
The only hard thing about them is keeping them
away from the bird feeders.

New art paintings on Etsy

Snow bound

2013-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's very shabby chic outside with white decor everywhere. We've been seeing lots of it along with ice this past week. The joys of living in the country are many. However you are your own department of transportation director, laborer and complaint department. True multitasking. If you want to get through it you have to make it possible yourself or pay someone to do it. Obviously the second would have been the fastest, but no, we chose the first three separate times. It's not all hot cocoa and marshmallows out here. There is a feeling of satisfaction when you eventually do make it out to the highway. I really need cleats or spikes at a time like this so we can stay standing for longer than 10 minutes when working on ice. Don't get me wrong I'm still staying in the country! Love this life.

Buttontop Girls and Squirrels Illustration

2013-11-23T19:03:00.002-08:00

Tis the season for comfort and joy...and tea. It's all sunny and warm inside while frost is forming on everything not moving outside. It's also the season when car batteries seem to go ker-plunk, but who wants to talk about that. We want to talk about cookies and pies, preserves and all those things we enjoy cooking on the stove or going in the oven. Warms us all around.

The corn has been harvested here and the fields look so bare. Not much different in color as the cornstalks were wheat color and the chopped off stalks are still the same color, but now the deer are much more visible. There's lots of dropped kernels here and there for birds and wild animals.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are approaching. I'm trying to add new paintings daily to my etsy store. Etsy is such a vibrant community of artists. If you've not visited it do so soon and browse many handcrafted items and works of art. Link here to Etsy

Westie Aceo Illustrations

2013-11-09T08:51:00.001-08:00

Shop.

It's Fall but we are thinking about Spring already. Thinking about seeds and bulbs and all things green and beautiful. Leaves float and twirl some days and other days the wind whips them by. Mother Nature is playful one day and strict the next hurrying them on their way. I want to get as many oak leaves as I can in the compost pile.

This year I am noticing how beautiful the Korean Dogwoods trees are coloring up now. Some trees here are almost fully decloaked but not the Dogwoods. It's November and they are center stage! They bloom later than the other dogwoods in the Spring and I cannot think of anything negative about them.

We have wood for the fire. Let the wind howl and bring on the seed catalogs!

(Still trying for one aceo painting a day.)

Flamingos Can Swim

2013-10-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Flamingo Swim

This is the time of year when the color balance shifts from more color outside to more color inside our home. Possibly there is more color in my paintings too at this time of year although it's subtle. Coral pink is one of those hard to use colors in the garden, but it always looks great with burgundy, plum and dusty pinks. Every color is pretty if we know what to lay it next to. I am trying to absorb this idea as much as possible and continue to learn. More artwork here.

Art journaling by Candylei Yap

2013-10-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Drawing, designing and painting are each in themselves a beautiful process. We are not limited in any way, yet we tend to limit ourselves. We are our own worst critic, right after our children. They in innocence point out what they like and don't like. First we need to remember that not every drawing or sketch is meant to be sold. Each sketch is a learning process. The more we wield the pencil the more it frees our mind and opens our heart. Freedom is what gives us confidence in the art world and what a beautiful world it is.

Often when cooking if we don't have an ingredient in the recipe we improvise according to our taste and substitute a different ingredient. This is slightly where I am at adding a little more abstract backgrounds to my aceos. Different, but overall reads the same!

Stop by my little aceo shop called Dictionary Reader

Alice in Wonderland Art

2013-10-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Every day we choose a path to take. Often we cross paths with others which are not confrontational, but a new acquaintance is made. We are so happy for those we meet that open up new ideas and cultures. It adds a little more wonder to our world.

A sweet aceo painting a day is one of my new challenges. When I put myself to a commitment it cultivates the mind like a farmer who tills the soil. I am surprised what is in my mind and heart and how the art and ideas shoot forth like a fresh spring. So much is hidden away in each heart waiting to grow! When I get a pencil and start sketching it frees me and lets me dream as well. And sketching is an art form we can do anywhere. As the weather cools outside, my drawing table inside is filled with sunshine.

View more art if interested here. Candylei Illustrations

Original Aceo paintings

2013-10-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

At the drawing board and loving it. When we create it makes me feel weight free...until I stand up! Gardening with all it's wonders and helping others has kept me busy before.

The titled of this illustration is Gentleman's Agreement. It's a small 3.5 inch by 2.5 inch painting. Such a darling size. This boy made an agreement that he would search high and low for the largest flower. He succeeded. You think of all of the men and women who searched the globe and brought plants and seeds back to their countries and today we are enjoying them in our own gardens. Thank you all!

We have had a lovely summer with lots of rain. The plants and garden loved it. Love this new cool fall weather though! Yes!

Great News

2013-02-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have been following along about my son and his chemotherapy, will be happy to hear this. He had 6 strong chemo treatments with 3 weeks inbetween each treatment. After the very last treatment the Dr. ordered a petscan. The petscan revealed no cancer. Petscans are metabolic maps. His Dr. referred him to a radiologist and that Dr. didn't recommend radiation. We are thrilled! Everyone is happy and very thankful! He has numbness and tingling in his fingertips and also his toes from the chemo but hopefully the nerves regenerate there. Our bodies are amazing creations.

Above art is on a vintage postcard. Adorable.