Raggedy Ann Garden Marker

If you love primitive or country decorating then you might enjoy this tutorial.

I was busy making Raggedy Anns today and thought one would look cute as garden marker. You may not find this exact type of marker, but I'm sure something similar will be available at your local craft shops.

Supplies needed

Sculpey or premo clay (red, white and blue)
Liquid sculpey
Flower cookie cutter




Apply liquid sculpey to the metal garden marker




Roll out a piece of white clay and cut it to size. Place it on the liquid clay and press gently.





Cut out a few flowers and place on top of the white clay.



Add a white ball of clay and press down to form a head.





Add little red (I used rust) clay tear drops around the head to form hair.

Add a triangle nose and two or three little hearts.

Bake at 265 for 20 minutes.

Let cool and place in the garden or inside in a plant.




If you get hard winters bring it in for safe keeping.

Here's a little fairy I made three summers ago. I left her out in the garden during the winter and she looks pretty beat up. I won't be so lazy this year.


Speaking of the garden, I worked out in my yard today.

Garden beds are ready for flowers...



I made a wreath for the birds. They can fly up, grab a strand of straw and build a comfy bird's nest. I think the birds have been using it, because it's starting to look terrible.




My backyard butts up to woods and a park. It's the perfect size yard for me to take care of, yet it feels huge because of the woods.



Even though these are wild violets, they sure are pretty.

Tomorrow I'll be having a tutorial on different Raggedy Ann so make sure you visit again.

Pretty Snow and Frozen Pipes

Last night, after I tucked myself into bed, I thought to myself, "I better let the water drip in the sink" My pipes froze a few weeks ago and I've been letting the water drip ever since.

But, somehow I fell asleep and, sure enough, when I got up, my pipes were frozen.

I am so angry at myself for allowing that to happen! Trust me, it won't happen again.

I tried to defrost the pipes with a hair dryer for an hour. I wanted so badly to get those pipes to thaw because I didn't want to bother the landlord; but, it didn't work.

Now, I have to deal with the grumpy repair man later on this evening. He's such a un-happy person. I guess I wouldn't want to crawl around defrosting people's pipes either, but then again, if he hates it so much, he shouldn't do it.

My pipes have heat tape on them, but I'm having some electrical problems. So the landlord is going to inspect the outside electrical box, to see if the breakers need to be replaced. For once, the landlord was kind towards me. It's like he was giving me a break.

While I was outside I took some pictures.

Snow covered chair and old stove I use for decorations.
The white box is filled with petosky stones.

I love this big old tree. The sun is right behind it.

Another prop in my back yard. It's fallen down the hill a bit.
I better fetch it before it falls further and floats down the river.



This is where I sit in warmer weather to relax, watch nature, get inspired and be rejuvenated.

I've seen deer splash across the river and ducks lead their babies up stream. From this spot, I watched a baby raccoon, high in the trees, fret for it's mother. I've heard owls, coyotes and fox.

Once I saw a big ball of snakes, slithering in the warm sun. Sometimes I see spiders that are so big, I quickly retreat inside.

I don't own the property that slopes down to the river. But, it's nice to be so close to nature, and still be in the city.

While I was outside taking these pictures, it was bitter cold. But, I know that it will only be a few more months before the snow melts, the birds return and I go back out side and enjoy the view.

I'll be back later with some creative ideas.