The Promise Of Spring

One of the very first signs that spring is coming is the appearance of soft, fuzzy pussy willows on willow bushes in the ditches along the highways and byways. These delightful “blooms” are a welcome sight to those who are eagerly looking forward to spring and many of us “older folk” can remember doing artwork

Grow Gourds For Crafts

Whether you plan to create birdhouses, vases, bowls or even jewelry, birdhouse gourds are a versatile craft medium which can be grown right in your own backyard. Because of their longer growing season requirements, the seeds need to be started late April/early May. Fresh seed is important as birdhouse gourd seeds do not stay viable


Time For A Change?

Will winter ever end? I feel like I’ve been trapped indoors a long time, and the more time I spend within my four walls, the more I want to make changes to them. You know the feeling, time to bring in some rich tones and textures to replace a dated, tired look. But unlike my

Potential Fantastic For Flax, Boosters Say

Flax, it seems, is the forgotten crop. Canadian acreage is declining and when farmers do grow the blue-flowered oilseed, it’s often the last crop to be planted, usually with fewer inputs than the rest. But boosters see lots of potential for flax because of its health attributes and mega-star endorsements. “When you have Oprah calling


More Questions For Reena – for Jan. 13, 2011

DearReena, I’vejust movedintoa newhomewith bamboofloors. I’mtoldnotto usewater.Any safefloor-cleaning suggestions wouldbe appreciated. –Heidi Hi Heidi, Bamboo is becoming all the rage. Installing bamboo flooring is healthier and great for families with asthma, allergies or other respiratory ailments. Treat your gorgeous bamboo flooring much like you would hardwood (although bamboo is not a wood but really a

Down Under Plow Found In Museum Boneyard

While researching the Cockshutt engine plows used to set the recent plowing record at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, much information on the Cockshutt company was unearthed. Cockshutt not only sold plows in Canada but also in the U.S., England, Scotland, Australia and other countries. A twin-bottom walking plow, the “Kid Kangaroo,” was built for the


Break Up Your Wall Space

Creat ing an inter-e sting décor entails more than just the items that you put into the room. The backdrop is just as important. If you’re on a budget, creating a dramatic setting by treating the walls in the room can make all the difference in the world. I will be referring to the two

Quick Decorating Projects

Sm a l l project s can have a big impact on your décor. With our busy lives we don’t always have time for a huge redecorat ing commi tment so we get overwhelmed and don’t do anything at all. If you’re at the point where your room needs help but you can’t make a


Start Preparing For Halloween

It’s not too early to start thinking about Halloween. I have made treat bags for my daughter’s class for Halloween goodies. After deciding how many and what size to make you’ll need: 2 pieces of felt (for each bag) Fabric paint or puff paint (available at craft or fabric stores) Ribbon DIRECTIONS: Cut two pieces

How To Decorate Odd Rooms

There is nothing commonplace about the room in our feature photograph. There is no archi tectural symmetry or balance. This might pose a problem to some but is a creative challenge to others. Personally, I like a room that has odd angles and an asymmetrical look. This room in particular has several unique features that