Trials of a Texas Gardener

Right now where I live in Central Texas we are in a Exceptional drought. One of my new mantras is, "You can't be faint of heart to be a gardener in Texas."  between no rainfall an the constant winds and pests that threaten to destroy my garden plants I want to encourage everyone not to lose heart for doing good.

This is what I am doing in my own garden to help insure a harvest: Mulch heavily your beds, water in a way that goes to the plants roots and not evaporates into the air, feed your plants with good nutrients and try to catch any problems early.  Most importantly pray God has favor on us gardeners and farmers.

Here are some websites to help you in your garden and if you are blessed to have more than enough produce this year enable you to donate to local food pantries.
www.ampleharvest.com
www.homefarming.com
www.feedingamerica.org
www.local.com

I would love to hear what you are doing to have a successful garden this year.  Write a comment to share.
Until next time.
Laurie

More Craft Pictures of Maranatha Garden Friends

Nelda Hunter working on her garden glove umbrella design

Me teaching the ladies, Carolyn Guillotte, Jennifer Porter and not in pic, Marguerite Corbello how to paint the Carrot Gloves.  Betty Isabell showing off her original glove decorating with ribbon and buttons.

Marguerite and Carolyn both working on their carrot gloves

Betty's gloves

Nelda's gloves

Nelda's decorated fan with bee and star stamp design in blue ink

Finished product of Betty's gloves made into a door hanger for Easter.

Painted Carrot Gloves

Bunch of Carrot Gloves

Finished pair made by Jennifer Porter

Our garden club, "Marantha Garden Friends," met yesterday at member Cheryl Luce's home, April 14th to decorate and paint several garden items: paper fans, hats and gloves. Here is the instructions for the cute pair of “Carrot Gloves,” by artist, Sue Bailey.


PALETTE

Folk Art Acrylic Colors: Hunter Green, Ivory Black, Yellow Medium, Pure Orange, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White

OTHER MATERIALS

Pair of plain fabric work gloves, Folk Art Textile Medium, Large paintbrush for laying down main color, liner brush for details and small stencil brush for carrot tops.

PAINT THE DESIGN

1. Put each glove on hand as you paint it. This makes it easier to paint. Base all of front and back of each with Pure Orange.

2. Shade between fingers and seams with Burnt Sienna.

3. Highlight on fingers with Yellow Medium, then with Yellow Medium + Titanium White

4. Paint line-work with Ivory Black

5. Dab on carrot top foliage with Hunter Green + Ivory Black, then with Hunter Green + Yellow Medium, then with Yellow Medium + Titanium White.

FINISH

Embellish with ribbon, buttons use your imagination.
When dry, heat-set gloves for 15 seconds with dry iron.