The Advent Wreath

Today is the first Advent. For me the Advent wreath is as important, if not more so than the Christmas tree itself. In my tradition the wreath consists of greenery, red ribbons and four red candles. My mother’s favorite color is red, so she always enjoyed the lighting of these candles and insisted that the color was a true bright red, not burgundy, orange or pink. Sometimes it’s hard to find red candles in the weeks leading up to Christmas, so I often buy them at other times of the year and stash them for the holidays.

We used to make a fresh wreath from foraged branches and rather precariously tie the candles on it with wire, but some years ago I found the perfect wrought iron candelabra and it has become much less scary. The first Advent, sometimes sneaks up suddenly almost in mid November and the first candle lighting is usually preceded by madly searching through all the Christmas boxes for the special stand. This year the first Advent is fairly late, so I’ve had mine ready for a while. 

Where an Advent wreath includes a fifth candle, it is known as the Christ candle and is lit during the Christmas Eve service.

Other variations of the themes celebrated on each of the four Sundays include:

• The Prophets' Candle, symbolizing hope; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolising faith; the Shepherds' Candle, symbolizing joy; the Angel's Candle, symbolising peace

• Hope–Peace–Joy–Love
• Faithfulness–Hope–Joy–Love
• Prophets–Angels–Shepherds–Magi
• Faith–Prepare–Joy–Love

Spring Clean

In order to take my mind off things I’ve been spring cleaning my deck and getting my planters ready for growing veggies and herbs. Currently garden centers are considered an essential service and still open, so I will have some seedlings delivered. There are many early varieties available. Apparently the optimum time to plant lettuce and hardy vegetables around here is mid March, so I have to get my skates on.

As you see after two days of intense work I have most of the balcony swept, wiped and rinsed. I have arranged three tall planters to catch the morning sun, which I may ultimately use for geraniums, but use for seeds or seedlings for now. I have three long planters in full sun for my leaf crops, three more tall planters for root crops and various pots for lavender and other flowers. I’m not a particularly good gardener, so this is a big experiment.

In an effort to keep more reflected light in the area I decided to chalk paint my repurposed shutters and create trellis. They were black and I decided on beige because white might be too reflective and burn the plants.

I have yet to refinish my giant farmhouse style table, but since the thrift store delivered it a couple of months ago, it has been used for so many projects. Initially I cut a protective cover from fabric backed vinyl left from another project. Then I cut another thick plastic cover from yardage I had used for classes. These two give me a thick, soft, non skid surface that I don't mind being messy on.

I wasn't too fussy with brush strokes because I love the slightly weathered look, but each of the 8 trellis panels took an hour to paint back and front. There was no need to do two coats, wax or varnish as they are going outside. I love the way chalk paint dries so fast that a project is useable in less than an hour. You get a real sense if achievement.

Isolation Marrons Glacé (Candied Chestnuts)

In times like this we can’t predict the future, but it’s best to conserve as much nutrition as possible. I’m continuing to  rummage around, making sure I use all my perishable ingredients and not let anything go to waste. I purchased a large amount of organic chestnuts at Christmas and due to family circumstances didn’t use all of them. I washed them in their shells and placed them in bags in the fridge, hoping I would find time to do something with them later.

A few days ago I decided to try them in salad and possibly attempt to candy them. Chestnuts must be soaked for at least a few hours before roasting so they stay moist when cooking, 24 hours for good measure. After soaking I washed and wiped off the mold that had grown on the shell, then cut a cross into the flat side to stop them exploding in the oven and make them easier to peel. Roasting only takes about 10 mins. I used my convection toaster oven. Once roasted I shelled and tasted them, apart from a few black areas, which I cut off, they were delicious.

I tried them in salad, but the chestnut flavor didn't come through well. Then I used the recipe below to make the rest into Marrons Glacé, the famous candy that Queen Victoria loved. It’s simple but takes a minimum of two days as they soak up the syrup, so be patient.

https://www.thespruceeats.com/marrons-glace-candied-chestnuts-recipe-1375145

The first resting period, best in a covered dish at room temperature

WHAT DID PEOPLE DO BEFORE TOILET PAPER?

Ever since this pandemic caused panic buying of toilet paper, I’ve been thinking about what people did before it was invented. Every year seven billion rolls of toilet paper are used in America alone. It has bothered me for years how wastful and damaging to the environment this practise is, but while big business is in charge it wont change. Here are some clues to the past and future possibilities.

LOUIS-LÉOPOLD BOILLY - La Toilette Intime ou la Rose Effeuillée - circa 1800 

The Bidet's Revival - Invented centuries ago in France, the bidet has never taken off in the States

In the middle east communal eating makes it a custom to use the left hand for wiping and the right hand for eating. A left handed westerner that doesn't know the rules would naturally be seriously frowned upon at dinner.

Romans were known for their love of bathing and hygiene. They used natural sea sponges tied to sticks and dipped into troughs with running water.

In the interim there was always the great outdoors, using leaves and grass to clean up.

Castles started to have purpose built rooms with shafts in the 12th century and they possibly used buckets with water and their hands to clean themselves. Its amazing we have evolved into using a handshake for greeting, something we possibly need to rethink.

I’m assuming that for most of modern history, especially among the general population, clothing was the nearest thing to grab. I read somewhere that ladies used to wear seven petticoats; each day the bottom one was removed and washed and the clean one from yesterday was put on top to protect the overdress, which was rarely laundered. One can imagine what the bottom petticoat was used for.

For the very rich, the first flushing toilet was invented during Elizabethan times, but the poor carried on as they always had.

Ironically, the first known toilet paper was used in China in the 14th Century, but it didn't make it to North America till 1847 when it was purely for medical use. The general population didn't want to pay for something they could get for free. (see below)

The printing press was invented around 1440 and the demand for mass produced paper was born. Early printing was reserved for valuable books, but in 1605 the disposable newspaper was born in Germany. Very quickly people discovered what to do with the outdated sheets. From then on free pamphlets and religious tracts were all the rage and I’m sure they were well used.

In medieval cities waste was tipped into a trough that ran down the center of the streets. Communal outhouses used leaves and straw which was shovelled out regularly and dumped in the countryside.

Georgians and Victorians were famous for their chamber pots, but they gradually became more conscious of hygiene and inside toilets became more common, especially when a better system for flushing was invented by Thomas Crapper in the 1860s.

Meanwhile, in the outhouse. Dried corn cobs in water, torn up Sears catalogues and yesterdays newspaper were the norm. 

In the 1890s toilet paper took a surge with Scott eventually achieving over 50% of the market. The first toilet paper was like stiff shiny tissue paper folded into a box like modern facial tissues. It wasn’t very practical or popular. The luxury soft paper came about 50 years ago and that’s when it took off. With newspapers taking a dive since the dawn of the internet and the majority of people living in cities with sewage systems, toilet paper manufacturers have developed close to a monopoly. Hence all the panic buying. People have forgotten there are other options.

Now you know there are options will you make some life changing decisions for the sake of the environment? It doesn't have to be difficult or disgusting, there are many options on the market if you spend a little time with my pal Google. One of my pet peeves is that North American bathrooms are so tiny that its difficult to fit in a stand alone bidet, but there are other possibilities.

Follow my blog for all kinds of interesting ideas on art, health and life in general.

Hall Table Transformation

When I moved to my current home I had a vision for a beautiful, welcoming entrance way. The hallway is wide and opens onto the lounge: There are  five doors and two openings leading off it, so there is little room for decor. And so began the journey of how to furnish the one long wall. This table was a possibility. It was a rich cherry, shiny, 1990s Queen Anne style, which was totally over the top, but I was charmed by the seashell appliqués.

I love the look of chalk paint and find it a fun and gratifying task, so it was an easy choice. The table was very glossy, so first I rubbed it all over with sandpaper. Sanding isn’t usually necessary with chalk paint, but this table needed some tooth for the paint to stick. I decided to prep the top because a hall table gets a lot of abuse from keys and bags. I used some Miss Mustard Seed Bonding Agent which I purchased on Amazon. This prep is gloopy and I used a brush, so brush marks were visible when dry. I didn't sand the marks, I kinda liked it, but I would probably use a roller next time.

The color I chose is called Cascade, a lovely soft grey/turquoise which seems to look good anywhere. The brand is Folk Art Home Decor Chalk which goes on nicely, but make sure you tighten the lid and wrap in cling wrap when done as it tends to dry out easily. I had let the prep dry for a couple of days, then I applied one coat of Cascade. It’s not necessary to leave for more than a couple of days between coats, but I left mine for a few months before applying a second coat because I became busy.

After the second coat of chalk paint I covered the sides and legs with clear satin wax and then I applied a light coat of white wax around the edges and shells. Because the top of a table gets a lot of use I applied a coat of satin varnish. To match the white wax I added a touch of AntiqueWhite to some Cascade in a clean yoghurt container and stencilled some designs on the top. When that was dry I  sealed it in with another coat of varnish.

While I was in process with this table I had decided on different furniture for my hallway, so it is now ready for sale. Have you ever tried chalk paint? I find it very fast and relaxing. It is also an inexpensive way to update a piece of furniture.

Stay home - Stay safe

Furniture and Finishing

I have waaay too much furniture in process in my studio and around the house. Some is half finished and some is a figment of my imagination. However chances are that I will have plenty of time to get some painted over the next few months.

New seat covers - Chairs now ready for sale

These chairs came with a used table I fell in love with. I have a mega excess of chairs, so these have to go. They came with a ghastly set of covers made from old T-shirts, so they had to go. I unscrewed the seats and removed about 3,000 staples from the shirts. The original covers were mostly in great shape, except one had pen or paint marks on it. Drat!

So I then purchased a meter of beige micro fibre fabric and cut it into four squares. I positioned each square on top of the padding, turned each seat over and folded the corners into place underneath. A quick staple with a gun to hold each corner in place. Then one along each side while pulling the fabric taught. Tidying each corner with two more staples each and one more between each of the side staples for a total of 24 staples per seat. A quick flip, then screwing the seats back into place and voila! A beautiful set of chairs ready for resale.

I have at least 3 months worth of things like this to amuse myself while I’m  self isolating. I would love to hear what you are doing with all the extra time.

Stay home - Stay safe.

DAY 12 of 30 - BIRDHOUSE BLING in Progress

One of the things I love most about the 30 Day Creative Gathering on Facebook is that anything goes. It was set up for creators of every level and any media. Thats why today my entry is a birdhouse. We are encouraged to either complete, or work on something every day and it is very motivating and social.

This is not a fine art birdhouse, it is for regular home decor and will sell under my COUNTRY GIRL brand. At the moment the back and sides are a little bland, so I will probably add more. The front is finished and ready for move in. The spotty bits on the eves and base are sparkly jewels although they don't show up well here.

For sale by contacting me through email or comments. I have three more in process if you would like a set.

30DCG2020 - ODP

PEACE TABLE

I’m proud to introduce my latest work of art, PEACE TABLE

This installation was specifically created for this years Lake Country Art Gallery Intergenerational Exhibition, entitled “A Winter Gathering”. I’ve been participating in this exhibition since it began about 7 years ago. Each year I try to step out of the box and create something unusual. I love the challenge and the locals are always sufficiently surprised.

Peace Table isn’t simply refinished furniture, it’s actually fine art painted on a recycled round table. I had been considering purchasing a large round art panel, but when I saw this unloved piece, I just had to give it new life. First I treated the surface, prepping with Golden GAC 100, two coats of gesso and then started painting with quality acrylic paints. By doing this I am following in the footsteps of many famous artists who, when faced with lack of funds, painted on anything they could find..

Most of the sculptures and installations I am producing now have been percolating on my back burner for quite a while. Peace table combines my love of repurposing furniture, my dislike of war, my belief in equality and my ongoing desire to simplify my work.

This painting comes with the option of displaying it as an occasional table or removing the legs and hanging it on the wall using the included attachments. Although it is curing at the moment I will finish with several coats of matte varnish.

Winter has arrived

I was really pulling for my geraniums to last till Christmas, but sadly the frost got them yesterday. I probably could have put plastic over them to stretch it a few more days, but its time for my balcony to change seasons. The weather has turned crispy and last night there was black ice on the road, so it’s a good time to stay home. I’ve moved all the furniture and tidied up, so I can put pretty sparkly lights on the permanent trees and some holiday stars on the railing.

Yesterday at dawn while I was cleaning up, I discovered that I had a view of my favorite mountain, which had been hidden by the now fallen leaves on the park trees. So cool! I can even see it from my sofa in front of the gas fire. I’m loving winter in my new home.

As far as work is concerned, Frida IV is winging it’s way to the big city lights and I’m hoping to start on Frida V tomorrow. Although portraits take more time than landscapes, I’m really enjoying the challenge. I’ve had a portrait of my Mum on my bucket list for some years, so now my skills have been honed by the Frida series, I will probably work on that some time in 2019.

Walking the New neighborhood

The car was in for service so I had no choice but to walk to do errands.

The new condo is in a quiet enclave with Dilwoth Mountain on one side and Mill Creek on the other. However, walk out under the arch and over the bridge and the world is at your doorstep. Every day I’m more impressed by the choice of shops, restaurants and services within a few short blocks. Today I discovered that my bank is less than 5 mins walk and the branch is much quieter than the long line ups I’ve moved from. My teller today was Charles, super patient and helpful as I went through my long list.

Tweaked

I also discovered that Save On Foods, which will now be my closest large food store, has more on offer than I knew. After dropping off the car I had half an hour to wander down the bright and tidy aisles, before the bank opened. Yummy fresh cream cakes, spring flowers, veggies and bulk food all beautifully displayed, almost up to Parisian standards.

Then I discovered Kelowna's best kept secret ... a huge aisle of international food, all categorised by region. Some amazing discoveries were real TESCO products from England, custard powder and piccallilli, what appears to be a good quality black tea from Ceylon? a German section with mild mustard and noodles, a poppy seed paste from eastern Europe, a huge inexpensive sack of cane sugar from India that would last me a year and an expanded line of Asian and Mexican sauces. I think I could do my whole packaged food shop in that aisle. The best thing is that it’s easy walking distance and I could do my shop wih a granny cart or backpack until I can afford a cool bike with baskets.

My continuing saga with Home Depot delivery system took up most of the afternoon, but thats another story.

Till next time.

Sea