Driftwood

A walk on the beach, particularly after a big storm, can yield a wealth of driftwood bits and pieces just waiting to find a new home. I don't usually have a particular project in mind when I take such a walk. I just look for interesting pieces. If you are a collector, having lots of storage space is a bonus.

Let your imagination flow freely. I have found "seals," "fish," "birds"—realistic shapes to visions only I can see.

Sometimes my findings are tucked away out of sight for a long time, then one day I get an idea and out they come to be lovingly sorted through in hopes of finding the perfect piece for my latest plan. I have a nephew who collaborates with me, both in feeding my imagination and often in carrying out a project.

Some possible uses for driftwood include:

• Railings 
• Birdhouse decorations
• Handles/Pulls
• Camouflage 
• Stand alone decor
• A doorstop
• Garden art
• Garden furniture
• Lamp bases
• Wall pegs
• Flag pole
• Fort/Child's Playhouse
• Outdoor shower
• Signs

What can you add to this list?

A word of warning: Seaside beach combings are naturally preserved by sea salt—good for longevity, but not great for the health of your fireplace or wood stove.

Door Pull

Base for Garden Art

                                                                                         

Part of Garden Decor

The Power of Thought??

This seems pretty weird, even to me. Yesterday I started this blog. No one yet knows about it yet. This morning I received a call from the past president of my local garden club. She asked me if I would do a small demonstration at the club's Christmas party next month—would I make up a centre piece that would then be raffled off. I don't claim to have any special talents in my garden club with floral arranging so my first response was, "Why me?"

As she was explaining how my name came up, I was already forming the words to say no. Just to be polite, however, I first asked what was involved. She proceeded to tell me how she wanted people to think about being more innovative—to look into their closets, their garage, and basements and find new ways of putting old things to use. She explained how last year she made a wreath of wine glasses purchased at the local Sally Ann. I can't say that I can imagine what it looked like, but apparently it was a big hit. I was hooked.

What intrigues me is is the way her request came to me less than 24 hours after my Junk into Gems blog was born.  Is the passion I feel for my subject so strong that by putting it out in cyberspace, ideas and thoughts are being transmitted without even making a direct connection via the internet?? Mmmmmh, no time to ponder that now. I have to get busy thinking up something weird and wonderful for the garden club party.

One Person's Junk is Another's Treasure

Have you ever been driving along and seen a castoff by the side of the road and immediately had a thought jump into your head: "I could make that into a ... [whatever]"? Your friends love you but may think you a little nutty at times. Your family makes fun of you. Your partner wonders, "What next?" But in the end they may actually be intrigued by some of the resourceful and innovative solutions, maybe even elegant creations, that you come up with in your passion to make things from "treasures" you see along the way.