Monthly Archives: September 2013

Yarn Painting

When I say “yarn painting,” what do you envision?

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Photo by Pixelverve.com via Wikimedia Commons

Yarn strands dipped in paint and swirled on canvas?

Nice idea, popular with the kiddos, but that’s not quite what I meant.

Painting skeins of yarn?

Gorgeous …

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Photos courtesy of Poppy Gall Design Studio

But, I’m thinking along a different thread.

Yarn painting doesn’t actually have anything to do with paint, per say, but the end result could be confused with a painting,

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Photo of traditional Huichol string art by Jebulon via Wikipedia

until you look at it up close …

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Tree Dreams

Tree Dreams.

I love the idea of it. But what does it mean?

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Photo by Steve Swayne via Wikimedia Commons

When I saw the site called Tree-Dreams.org, I had to know—what is it?

Well, it turns out to be a lovely project launched by author (and avid tree hugger) Kristin Kaye. Inspired by our silently branching neighbors, Kristin wants to encourage the scattering of “tree dreams” around the globe.

“I get this rush of wisdom,” she says of her time with trees, “and want to lie down like a lazy cat and hear their stories.”

When she isn’t listening, Kristin is beckoning others to share stories and ideas with the world by way of Tree Tags.

“A stealthy and merry band of Tree Taggers is already at work spreading the ideas that sustain us all, like love, kindness, generosity, giving, and interconnectedness … anyone can be a Tree Tagger.”

How?

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Carp-HEN-try Merit Badge

The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 5,518 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—7,301 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! MJ

Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life

For this week’s Make It Easy/Carp-HEN-try Merit Badge, I decided to tackle a project I’d been wistfully daydreaming about for weeks. Now that the weather has cooled down a bit, I am spending even more time outside (everything from eating to reading to painting my nails to gossiping is done out of doors these days) and I’ve been eyeballing my old carport.

It’s a sad little carport. A bit tumble down, a bit unloved, it houses exactly zero cars and is nothing like a port. It’s more like a ramshackle weed patch, with a cover. But in my head—ah, in my head—it’s a lovely little outdoor patio.

Picture this: a level ground, grapes or ivy growing up over the trellis, maybe some large stepping stones, and a cute-as-a-button, bistro-style table and chairs. Maybe an old hutch as well, filled with outdoor enamelware and pitchers for iced tea. Some hanging lanterns, perhaps, or some twinkly Christmas lights? A mister for those hot summer evenings?

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Hear Ye!

Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)

Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)

My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Jennifer Knox!!!

Jennifer Knox (#4359) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Intermediate Level Buttoned Up Merit Badge!

“I love buttons! I have two jars of buttons that I have been collecting for a few years. I like to embellish greeting cards with buttons or create dolls and use buttons as eyes.

Buttons are wonderful to have on hand. A jar of buttons is also a simple, beautiful decoration. I plan on continuing to collect buttons.

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Glamping Sites to Visit in 2013: Day 13 of 15

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your campin’ glam on.

We’re back for a 13th day of where to glamp in 2013, or well, 2014.

Enjoy the parts about camping you love—sitting under the stars, a campfire, hiking—but eliminate the hassle of hauling gear, tent poles, or even a trailer!

Now I know what you are thinking … why, those tents look like The Resort at Paws Up! Indeed they do, but you’ll stay for a fraction of the cost. Read on for s’more glamping fun in the heart of Jackson Hole.

Fireside Resort at Jackson Hole Campground
Wyoming

The Fireside Resort at Jackson Hole Campground has a wonderful look and feel and is located in Wilson, Wyoming.

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Gorgeous, soft beds and a private setting await you or your family for a weekend of “back to nature” … with style.

Refresh yourself in the Glamping Bathhouse with private washrooms. Enjoy a luxurious rain shower and heated floors, and indulge in the organic spa products.

Need anything at camp? Out of marshmallows or chocolate? A Glamping Butler will attend to your every whim and whimsy.

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Located only eight minutes from Grand Teton National Park, one hour and 10 minutes from Yellowstone, seven minutes from the town of Jackson, and five from Wilson, there is plenty to see and do around the area.

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You’re also a cool five minutes from the ski slopes at Teton Village. Summer activities include riding the tram or chairlift, leisure biking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. (There are also a variety of kids’ programs.) Here is a larger list of activities.

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