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Simple Choices for Creative Garden Signs

by Deborah L. Hibbert

132 pages; Black coil; catalogue #01-0036; ISBN 1-55212-634-X; US$19.50, C$22.50, EUR16.00, £11.50

Simple sayings of faith, humour, contemplative and whimsical, to be used in garden signs, gift cards and other craft mediums. Illustrated with easy line drawings.

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About the book      About the author      Introduction and Samples      Catalogue info

About the Book Crafting and gardening - two hobbies the just naturally go together. The words and diagrams in this book are designed to help you let your imagination take root and inspire you to create your own garden art and gifts. You can create a wealth of simple signs and put them in the garden for a friend. Perhaps you enjoy creating craft sale items. These pages will inspire you. Find the words that touch your heart - or funny bone - gather some materials and pains and have fun!

About the Author Deborah has crafted for 25 years, feeling the freedomto express ideas in stitchery, simple drawings, dimensional crafts such as stone birdhoouses and floral arrangements. After seeing the same few messages on garden signs, it was time to give people more options. After living a life in the Canadian Armed Forces, literally travelling the world, Deborah and her husband Ken have chosen to settle on Vancouver Island. In between her work at Duncan United Church and daycare for some friends, time is always found for heer creative needs.

Sample Excerpts

Every garden is unique and often reflects the personalities of those who own or work in them. Some are wild and whimsical, adding a touch of humor while others impart a sense of quiet contemplation and nourish the spirit. The art you place in your garden should reflect your ideas and the feeling you wish to share. Garden signs are a special way of passing on the message. Imagination does count in a garden.

Every line in this book has a sign to go with it. Some of those signs I have created and some may only ever be in my mind. As you read, dream a little and choose the words that speak out to you. Then create a sign, adding your own ideas to the craft. I have been making garden signs for years, for my garden and gardens of my friends. Finally, with their encouragement, I have decided to share my ideas with other gardeners and crafters.

It does not take an artist to create a simple sign. Find a piece of wood, old or new, choose a saying, a little paint and you have begun! Don't stop there. Any "found" object can be a potential sign. I have used rock, ceramic tiles, rusty metal pieces, watering cans, flowerpots, large coffee mugs and wicker baskets. Glue on decorative items to dimensionalize your project. Silk leaves, tiny birdhouses, buttons, small stones, wooden cutouts, ceramic "gidgets" all have been incorporated into my signwork. Let your imagination run free.

I have included simple line drawings to copy and paint in the colors you desire. Even the more complicated drawings are quite simple when done one type of flower at a time. Precision is not needed. Don*t worry if they don't look exactly as they do in the book, they are your signs and they should be unique. There are other ways to "illustrate" your sign. Use real leaves and petals, some arcrylic paints and make "leaf prints" on a smooth board or flowerpot. Practice on paper first until you catch the technique. Sponges can be used to create textured flowers, trees and shrubs. Decoupage animals, birds and flower, using several protective coats of sealer. Painting on glass or ceramic tile is fun, easy and very durable.

There are several saying relating to various occupations, such as musicians or beauty stylists, even accountants. Contemplative and faith saying are a special part of this book. Humor and whimsey will always have a place in my garden and should give someone a smile or two. The saying are deliberately mixed, for variety and fun.

I have a small metal easel at my front door garden area. There I change the signs as frequently as I want. Hanging eye hooks on your signs and slipping them over nails or cuphook holders would work well too.

Garden names are included because I think every garden deserves a name. Have fun using one listed or let them inspire you to your own garden title.

Gift Tags (GT) should be fun, romantic and perhaps sentimental. A few ideas are included to use when you pass along a bouquet of your favorite blooms.

Whether you are making signs for yourself, a friend or even for sale, it is my hope that these lines and drawings will inspire you to have some creative fun. Get out the teapot, invite a friend over and make a sign! Let your garden speak!

Catalogue Information