Mt. Rainier and Lenticular Clouds - Dec. 2008 copyright: JMM

May 12, 2018

My Quirky Yard and Some Crafts

Finally got the yard stuff outside and also had the dump run guy come and take a bunch of stuff away so things are looking better.  We've had a stretch of great weather though.  Perfect to sit outside.  We got the new a/c units in and we're ready to usher in summer.  Time's just going by way, way too fast. 



Finally got the HP signpost put outside.  I wish the pole had been longer but it's good for a first try.

When I got that birdbath, it never occurred to me what a pain the ass it would be to keep clean.  It's plastic and lightweight and the scum grows incredibly quickly.  If I had known that, I never would have gotten one.  I'm on the fence if I'm going to bother keeping it filled this year or buy a plant and put it in the bowl.  I know the water is good for the birds and bees, but scrubbing it every couple of days is definitely not what I'd signed up for.






I saw a project where someone bejeweled a pink flamingo so of course I had to make one.  I used a clear silicone glue and worked on it over the course of a few days.  The weather was so perfect and it was really zen to stick the stones on while listening to the wind and the birds.  

This represents about 2 or 3 days of work, about an hour or two per day.


I really love how it came out.  

It's very sparkly.

My flamingo usually resides in the front yard but this was way too much work to possibly have stolen, so it's in the back.

My friend Jack sent me a Metal Earth Empire State Bldg. kit.  He had attempted the Chrysler Bldg. and got so frustrated he dumped it down his garbage chute.  I figured this one would be easy and quick.  Oh was I ever wrong.  The copyright year on the kit was 2011 and I could tell that this was of lesser quality than their current kits.  The tabs and slots were off by just enough to make one part meet and the other almost meet.  I had to force the pieces in and that caused the metal to bend inwards.  The pieces also broke really easily.  By the time I was done, I had abandoned the tab method and was gluing it together.  It was coming out so bad that I had to finish it to see just how awful it would look.  hahaha  

I call it the 'Day After Tomorrow Empire State Building, Post Flood'.  

I've been wanting to try some different mediums on the glass frames, besides doing beach themed. The gears and stuff on this aren't really pink, it's a reflection off my shirt.

I wasn't sure if marbles would work and stay put but they did and the effect is pretty cool.

And one with glass tiles.  

I did a couple more piece of organite but I wasn't happy with the results.  I have to figure out how to suspend the stuff within the resin because it all sinks to the bottom.

12 comments:

  1. I love your outdoors - so much fun stuff to look at and enjoy. The bejeweled flamingo just ups the ante. The birds should keep their own area clean - ha! And the sad Empire State Building - good effort, but it is challenged. Funny. Enjoy spring - you earned it!

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    1. Thank you!!! Yeah that ESB is pretty sad innit? lolol I put it on the shelf anyway. hahaha

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  2. I don't know how you have time to do anything else at all JoJo

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    1. I actually get quite a bit done. It seems the more I do, the more there is to do though. I kind of rotate through tasks. Some 'adulting' (phone calls, paperwork, bills, etc), chores, crafts, internet, errands, etc.

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  3. The flamingo is beautiful, I love your garden..

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  4. Keep the birdbath, JoJo. Try it in some shade to reduce the scumminess. and thank your lucky stars it isn't a stone one like one of mine! Trust me, the plastic ones are much easier to care for.

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    1. It is in the shade for the most part, but it still gets super scummy.

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  5. Anonymous8:37 AM

    Your yard is so inviting! I'd sit back there with you soaking in the sun! I wonder if you could fill the bird bath with bird seed? Then you could still enjoy seeing the birds visit and not have to deal with green scum. I had to get rid of my bath when I first moved here for the same reason and it was cement. Yuck!

    Elsie

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    1. I bought that same birdbath for my mother in law and she uses it for seeds too. I love that idea. But I know the bees need water and with the bee crisis, I don't want to totally eliminate a water source in the yard. I'll have to ponder it.

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  6. ha! the Empire State does look post flood. Love those glass frames - what great light catchers!

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    1. Thanks! I know right? That poor Empire State. I was finishing it up and just laughing the whole time. I couldn't quit....I needed to see how bad it'd be.

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