Seen Around The Shoppe at GardenologyKC

Our magnificent twig sculpture around the mirror at the shoppe with birds, beetles, mushrooms, spiders, butterflies and more...
Fabulous bracelet by Just Lyssa featuring cobalt blue buttons on an adjustable bracelet.
A button ring from Just Lyssa on a leather ring band - I wear mine all the time and love it!

A felted dog pin by Vickie Hover that is so cute it makes you squeal.  Look at the adoreable ears!  Retail: $12.00

A Buddha candle by Just Lyssa in pink!  A real bargain at only $5.99.
A suncatcher wind chime by Sue Brockmeier - gorgeous!
What we are all about...  Gardenology is the study and practice of growing love, friendship, joy and beauty.

One of my creations featuring a marcasite cross as focal point on this lovely necklace that is something special.

Fabric assemblage cuff bracelets in a vintage muffin tin.  

Finger starfish in an ironstone bowl.

Seaside Mirror - another one of my creations featuring sea glass, starfish, coral, various shells and sanded grout.

I love the vintage painting in a great shade of green.  I love original art and the frame on this piece is really great.   The peach totem made of a vintage teapot, saucers, the lid and a drinking glass base is one of my favorites and makes a great jewelry display.  

Pressed flower framed print is by Kathryn Glevanik.

Seed bead bracelets by Lynette Fisk are extraordinary.

There's so much more, you have to come by the shoppe to see what the gals have been up to this Winter.  Talented, beautiful and soulfull women artists at GardenologyKC.

Gazebo Project

This is our latest gazebo project that we built for a client in Shawnee, Kansas.  We built the gazebo complete with ceiling fan inside for a nice breeze during the warmer months of the year.  We built this gazebo of vinyl overlay over treated lumber so that the gazebo is maintenance free - no painting!
The site had to be graded, a new sidewalk was added to join the gazebo with the existing garden storage shed.  We added a handicap ramp to the garden shed for the occupant who need the shed and gazebo to be accessible.

T

Isn't this a lovely entrance door to the gazebo?
The floor is very special in octagon shape in gray that matches the ceiling of the gazebo.  With screening the gazebo will be a bug free place to relax in the evenings.
A vaulted octagonal shaped ceiling to match the floor of the gazebo with a ceiling fan and light kit.
We built the fence and gate behind the gazebo for added privacy and added the mulch free of cost to the owner.  She loved it and we were so happy knowing that she would be enjoying her new gazebo in her beloved garden.

If you are interested in adding a gazebo or garden element - call our shoppe for more information.

My Relationship With Mary

I have been working on this piece of statuary for over a year now. I am in no hurry to finish my mosaic statue of Saint Mary. I enjoy the time I spend with her. I suppose I will miss the quiet moments as I add each tiny piece of vintage glass. It's peaceful and it gives me a sense of well being as I cut the glass pieces to fit together and glue them in place.

I went to great lengths searching for just the right color of blue glass for her gown. I knew the exact shade I wanted and I finally found the glass in the form of a tea set from occupied Japan. I knew it was perfect when I found it on a dusty shelf in an antique shop. It was apparent that it had been sitting there for a long time and was covered in grime to prove it. I like to think that it was just waiting all those years for me to find it and give it a second life as the gown for Saint Mary. The pearlescent blue glass was the perfect compliment to the veil that is composed of fragments of gold filigree trim from souvenir plates and vintage china. I used large pieces so that the reflection of light would showcase their intricate patterns.I plan to leave her face, hands and feet unadorned as it will give them importance once the entire statue is grouted. They seem perfect the way they are in their simplicity.
I still haven't found the glass pieces for the base of the statue. It needs to blend with the glass used in the rest of the statue so that the piece is unified as a whole. Again, I am in no hurry to finish the mosaic statue as I treasure my time with Mary.

The snake coiled at her feet is done in emerald green, and gold metallic pieces. I will insert a amber glass bead for the eye once I begin the grouting process.

I keep considering adding vintage porcelain flowers from Italian pottery to the base, but I want the piece to endure being moved over the years and the flowers are sure to be broken due to their delicate composition. The idea still intrigues me and I may add a few anyway. It would give the base a "garden" appearance. Possibly roses.....



While spending time with Mary, I often think of the women I have been blessed to know - my Great Grandmother Alice, her sister Aunt Nora, my Grandmother Pearl, Grandma Hannah Mae, Aunt Jessie - my own mother and countless women that have touched my life over the years. Now I am blessed once again with the women that visit Gardenology. They are unaware of how they touch my life in significant ways with their kindness, understanding, playfulness, and the gift of their friendship they share.

It is heartwarming when women come into the shop and go to such lengths to find the perfect gift for a friend that needs cheering up due to illness, the loss of a pet, a death in the family, or in celebration of a birthday, or other happy event.

It is so important to them to find something personal and special for their friend. How fortunate to be reminded daily by these women who are so wise. They understand how to comfort, heal, bring joy, soothe, laugh, and live a meaningful life.

While I add the cut glass pieces for Mary, my heart is full.

Enchanted Silver Spoon Bracelet

I love vintage silverware and have used it over the years to make windchimes, hooks and easels. When I started making jewelry for my Prairie Thistle Jewelry line it was natural that I would look to some of my favorite things to incorporate into my jewelry.

Purchase this bracelet in my online shoppe - http://estore.websitepros.com/1438707/-strse-279/silver-spoon-bracelet-gardenology/Detail.bok

After selecting the spoon for the bracelet, I hammer it out flat and texture the metal with a ball peen hammer. Once I achieve the desired effect I stamp in the expression. In this case, it was the word "ENCHANTED".

Then comes the most difficult part, shaping the spoon into a bracelet. I use an anvil and hammer away, bending and shaping the spoon into shape.

Once the desired shape is achieved, I punch holes and add the clasp, charm and beads.

The last thing is to polish the metal back to just the right shine. Not too shiny as the spoon looses its vintage character which is part of its charm.

I love them and they sell as fast as I can make them. Unfortunately, between running a shoppe, managing and designing my own website, keeping up with my blog, and always searching for merchandise for the shoppe I don't get to spend as much time in my studio as I would like. One of my favorite days is one spent in the studio making jewelry the other is talking to my customers that frequent the shoppe.

If you are thinking of a spoon bracelet as a gift for the Holidays, order now as I have already taken a few orders and I am going to be limited in the number of bracelets I will be able to complete in time for Christmas.

Happy Birthday Celebration at GardenologyKC

I felt it shelter to speak to you. ~Emily Dickinson

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust

A hat box full of money to spend on something that makes you happy. Only girlfriends would understand what a treat this would be in celebration of a birthday.

These girlfriends came into GardenologyKC last week to celebrate one of their own's birthday. They presented her with the hat box and told her that she couldn't leave until she spent every cent.

They had so much fun sharing the shoppe with one another. There were lots of "you have to come and see this" and "isn't that clever". They loved the shoppe and they loved experiencing it together.

Don't these gals look like the kind of girls you would want to have as your friends? What a wonderful group of women. I always say that it is the best thing about our shoppe and that is the women who frequent it.


Girlfriends left to right - Vicki, Pam, Wanda & Jenny. The birthday girl, Lynn is sitting.>

Time Off for Healing

I recently had to schedule an unexpected surgery and will have to close the shoppe until Mother's Day weekend in order to recuperate. Nothing so serious that I won't be my jolly self again, after a couple of months. It is rumored that I will feel so much better that I could be a whirling derbish again when I return!

As you know, we are a small operation with only myself and two part time employees. Since the girls are obligated with school and upcoming travel plans we will just have to close for a short while until I can be in the shoppe again full time. It's the curse of the small business owner.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as I am forced to take it easy for a short while. All of you gals (and guys) that shop GardenologyKC have made it the success it is today and where would I be without all of your encouragement and well wishes. I can't imagine life without all of you in it.

In the meantime, get ready for lots of yummy herbs during our Mother's Day celebration. Have you considered a tea garden this year filled with herbs for herbal teas? We will be making this event quite the celebration with live music, treats for your Mum, and lots of handcrafted goodies and inspiration. There will be free goodies for the Mom's and discounts for everyone during the event.

Marcy and Rebecca will be busy making lots of handcrafted goodies for you and your garden. I will also be making some things myself and have busily been gathering up supplies to work with while I am at home.

Remember the online store at www.gardenologyllc.com for your anytime shopping convenience. We will be happy to ship anywhere in the continental United States. My sweet husband, Dan will be taking care of this end of the business in my absence.

I can't wait to see you in May for our Herb Festival in honor of Mother's Day.

Bird's Nest Jewelry

For bird lover's like me, these bird's nest jewelry pieces are near and dear. I love making them and have been really happy with the finished product. I string them on satin cording with sliding knots so that the necklace can be adjusted to any length so it sits "just right" with whatever you are wearing. The nest's measure 1" in diameter and have three pearls nestled inside. Definitely, a wearable art piece which is my favorite! Who says art has to hang on your wall or sit on a flat surface. Why not take it with you? $38.00 each at GardenologyKC or visit our online store at http://www.gardenologyllc.com/ to purchase.

These tiny bird's nest dangle from sterling silver lever back earrings. $48.00 per pair at the shoppe. Visit our online store at http://www.gardenologyllc.com/ to purchase.

It's Not Easy Being Green Party

March 1st - 7th at GardenologyKC located at 12202 W. 88th Street in Lenexa, KS
10am until 5pm everyday. (913) 227-0334 or (913) 227-0251 for more information.

It's not easy being green! As much as we like to think about recycling, repurposing, and reusing what we have in a new way - it just takes effort and alot of thought. What do you do with those water bottles while you think of a creative way to use them?

We will be setting up displays to show you how to use the common everyday items you have around the house - to take the sting out of being "green".

Recycling Near You

Fairway, KS - http://www.bridgingthegap.org/
Overland Park, KS - http://jced.jocogov.org/solid_waste/OPflyer.pdf
Kansas City Area - http://www.recyclespot.org/

It's easier than you think. Join us for this fun filled event and learn how to make being "green" easier than you think.

GardenologyKC - Asking for your support, again.

There have been days when I have felt so alone in my struggle to overcome the obstacles of owning a small retail shoppe. These times are usually at night in the wee hours of the morning when I wake up with the "big eye" as my husband calls it. We've all had those mornings when we wake up and begin to think about that "thing" we just can't solve quickly or have no control over.



But, then later that morning I open the shoppe and one of you - our cherished regular customers - enters the shoppe and begins to share how much you love to visit Gardenology. How it makes you feel better when you are having a bad day or how you have been looking forward to it for days and it is your personal treat to yourself. Then I think to myself, girl you surely must be doing something right.



The economy has really hit small businesses like mine hard and I am contemplating how to survive the next 1-2 years until gas prices drop again and things start to turn around. I had planned on moving to a higher volume shopping center but, due to the high cost of retail space and the economy taking a downturn, I must stay in my current location for the time being. You all know my location stinks!



We have overcome many obstacles in the past 18 months, our street being closed, the 87th Street exit being closed for over a year and our difficulties with the City of Lenexa. We have survived these challenges and hope we can overcome our next challenge - a recession. Goodness, will it ever end?



I am not sure if we will survive this challenge as retailers like Tiffanys, Nordstroms, Macys, and even Target have reported a terrible year of sales for 2007. We also had a tough year with lower sales than expected. Let's just say I didn't achieve my sales goals this year, by quite a bit. I had hoped to break even in 2007.



So, I have asked for your support in the past, and I must ask for assistance once more. Please keep Gardenology in mind when you are looking for the next birthday present or decor purchase.



I ask this because of my belief that - "Heaven helps those that help themselves." So I will be opening an internet store on our website, continue selling things on eBay, adding lots of new workshops, carrying hard to find plants and merchandise, reducing our overhead as much as possible without sacrificing a great shopping experience. The most important thing I can do is to appeal to you - our regular customers.



Thank you for your kindness and generosity. I know that you will tell all of your friends about our shoppe, put flyers up in your office bulletin boards, church bulletin boards, forward our emails to friends and family, etc. to help us in any way that you can. It's just the kind of gals you are.



I look forward to seeing you all soon at our upcoming event - "My Dirty Affair With Gardening Party" - February 1st - 7th.



We have been working furiously to get everything ready for the big event. See you there!

Ongoings and Happenings

We have been busily making mosaic hearts, special terrariums especially for Valentine's Day, decoupage shadow boxes with little nests tucked inside, Valentine's, gourmet goodies, jewelry, and so much more.

A few of you have stopped by the shoppe to say, "Hello." We are always happy to see friendly faces.

It seems strange not to be in the shoppe everyday, but the extra time to design and create special things for you has been wonderful.

I have been home to visit my parents and see my delightful little nephew, Caleb who recently celebrated his fourth birthday. He reminds me so much of my little brother, Jason when he was only four. Jason and I were ten years apart in age and I adored him (I still do!). Caleb has the same twinkle in his eye, has a quick alert mind and always sports a grin. I asked him what he would like for his birthday and he said, "Ten Julies". Well, talk about a charmer! He has charm in spades. Is it any wonder that I am smitten with him?

My husband Dan and I have also found a farm. That's right, a farm in the country with a 100+ year old barn, a greenhouse, a small cottage, a henhouse, and a lovely home setting on 20 acres of land. It's lovely only to me at this point. I have been blessed with vision. Much like the vision of the current GardenologyKC space that was once a former auto repair/car wash. You should have seen it before we began construction. Dan kept asking me, "Are you sure about this?"

Now he groans when we talk about all the work that must be done to rennovate the house, cottage, barn, well everything not to mention the land itself that is so overgrown. He just can't see it but has faith that I can. It really is something special.

Look for another blogspot in the near future featuring the farm and the ongoing rennovations as they progress.

Until then we will continue to scurry around unpacking boxes and restocking the shoppe with all the new goodies that are arriving and making all things that make you squeal with delight.

My Dirty Affair "with gardening" Party

February 1st - 7th, 2008

10am - 5pm Everyday

Except Sunday 12noon - 5pm

We are having a "My Dirty Affair - with gardening - Party" the first seven days of February. GardenologyKC will only be open the first seven days of February and will close again after the event until March 1st.

This party is all about the decadent relationship we all have with soil, flowers, bulbs, getting dirty and communing with Nature. Don't you love to sink your hands into warm soil? Don't you love to inhale the scent of a spring daffodil, lilacs, and a summer rose? Don't you love the taste of a warm tomato fresh off the vine? It's a heady experience and one of my passions. Gardening is the one thing I cannot resist. Thank goodness it is not illegal or yours truly would be in the slammer!

I spend as much time in my garden as possible. I catch myself daydreaming about my flowers and wondering if today will be the first bloom of the tender plant I have so carefully tucked into my garden. It's an obsession.

All Winter I plan what I will transplant or which new addition I will add to my flower garden. I gaze at plant & seed catalogs longingly in anticipation of what I will grow in the upcoming Spring. Don't you love White Flower Farm's catalog?

I want to share this passion with all those other gardeners that just can't get enough of their one true everlasting passion - planting seedlings, feeding the birds and sharing their morning coffee with their flowers. Our common thread -a passion or is it madness for growing things? February is the month of associated with lovers and don't we love our gardens - no matter how small? Whether in containers, in the house in a sunny window, on our patios, or in our lawns. It's the healthiest relationship we mere human can aspire to is one with our gardens and our pets. The rest we really have to work at.

So, we will be making a party out of the seven days that we will be open in February. We are really excited by the idea of having enough time to create all of the handcrafted goodies we are known for - which has become our trademark.

We will have garden related items, but we will also have decadent goodies for the plant lover or the person who is the apple of your eye. Lots of goodies to share and take home.

I came up with a list of 40 items just over my morning coffee this morning! I was on a roll. I couldn't sketch and make notes fast enough.

I would love to tell you all of the really nifty things we will be making for the party - but, a girl has to have her secrets. I also love to see the look of surprise and hear the squeals of delight when our shoppers discover our latest creation. I am a junkie when it comes to pleasing my customers. I just can't get enough of it and it is all the motivation I need to always be looking for that next great "thing".

Here's a hint....

Decadent Goodies - JEWELRY - Apparel - ANTIQUES - Garden Embellishments - DECOR - Cheeky Gardener Items WORKSHOPS - 45 Local Artisan Goods - PRIMITIVES - and PLANTS of course.

As we have been planning the event we keep doubling over in laughter (we are self entertained at GardenologyKC) discussing our ideas for this event. It's going to be so much FUN. I can't wait to share it with you. See you there!

50 Gifts Under $50

Indoor Gardens - $14.99

Inspirational idea book for creating indoor containers and sunrooms. Softcover.

Xyliss Vegetable & Fruit Peelers - $7.99

The very best soft skin peeler you will ever find. Made in Switzerland kitchen tools feature ergonomic handles perfect for arthritis sufferers.

Cast Iron Garden Spade Door Knocker - $12.00

Great for your potting shed, garden gate or as a door knocker.

Gardening in the Prairie Lands - $12.99

Great book for beginners or experienced gardeners featuring lots of invaluable information for Zone 5 gardening.

Wheelbarrow Pendant on 14K gold chain - $28.00

Beautiful necklace in cherry wood presentation box.

Delicious Purse from the UK - $21.99

Great purse for shopping or lunch with the girls. Real flowers pressed between two sheets of clear vinyl, snap closure and metal cable handle.

Garden Home City Hardback Book - $19.99

One of my favorites idea books for bringing the garden into urban spaces.

Dark Side of Gardening T-shirt - $18.99

T-shirt features Darth Vader clipping his Death Star topiary.

Master Gardener Cap - $18.99

Tropical print Master Gardener cap available in pink, lavender, orange, yellow and blue.

Ladies Leather Gardening Gloves - $14.99

Stretch nylon ensure proper fit with leather palms, thumb and index finger. Velcro closure around wrist keeps soil from inside of gloves as you work.

Gardener's Kitchen Set - $ 14.99

Generous sized kitchen towel and soap set.

ZN Creations Enamel Flower Necklace - $38.00

Hancrafted enameled flowers hang from adjustable silk cord allowing for choker length to pendant length wear. Each piece is signed on the back by the artist. Available in yellow, pink, red, orange, royal blue, and robin's egg blue.

Hummingbird Bird Feeder - $18.99

Cast concrete hummingbird feeder by local artist Linda Martin. Great for the garden or for spare keys on your table. I have one on my desk for paper clips.

Bronze Rain Gauge - Fairy $34.99, Frog & Turtle - $28.99

Lovely rain gauges in sold bronze are perfect for a potted plant on your patio or in the garden.

Artglass Bird Feeder - $38.99

Swirled artglass & copper bird feeder perfect in any garden.

Porcelein Tea Set - $24.99

The art of tea perfectly presented in this porcelein teapot and four cups.

Dancing Fairy - $49.00

Dancing fairy for tabletop or conservatory.

Hand tuned Wind Chimes by Serenity Gardens - $12.99 & up.

These precision tuned wind chimes have earned the reputation of being the most musical wind chimes on the market.

Jayhawk Set - $8.99

For the KU fan in your family liquid soap and lotion for the kitchen or bath.

Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeders - $24.99

These hummingbird feeders in blown glass shimmer in the light. Each feeder is unique and available in an array of colors.

Garden Tool Hoseguards - $14.99

Hoseguards featuring garden tools to protect your flower border.

Nuttery Bird Feeder - $48.99

Generations of Carolina wrens, tufted titmice, chickadees, nuthatches and downy woodpeckers have feasted inside the Nuttery's protecting bars. Red bellied woodpeckers poke their long beaks from outside to dine. Yet squirrels, grackles and blue jays have never managed to crash the ongoing party.

Garden Gnome - $38.99

Your new favorite garden gnome has a personality all his own.

Handcrafted Korean Hand Plow - $21.99

Evolved over centuries by farmers, this hand-forged tool is a joy to use for a multitude of jobs. You can dig holes, make planting trenches, weed and cultivate. Swan neck, angled blade and comfortable wood handle form a natural extension to your arm and wrist. Heat treated blade is light in weight, but strong and beautifully balanced.

Schwegler 1 1/4" Predator Proof Birdhouse - $48.00

Schwegler Birdhouses Proven in Europe for over 40 years Long reach from front of box puts nest at rear beyond reach of cats or squirrels. 11-1/2" high, 7" wide, 9-1/2" long. 18" overall inc. hanger, 14 lbs. 1-1/4" hole for wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, small woodpeckers.

Down Under Pots - $28.99

Down Under Pots are popular from Spring through Fall and for Christmas gifts. Foliage plants look stunning year round in kitchens, by windows - even in a bathroom. And there's a rainbow of colors to suit any decor. Planting Suggestions Annuals: Lobelias, Begonias, Dianthus, Impatiens, ColeusPerennials: Perennials will take longer to grow, but it is well worth it. Roses, Fuchsias, Geraniums and Succulents all do well. Miniature varieties are especially adaptable. Herbs: Herbs can also be planted in the top once the bottom plant is established. Parsley, chives, Mint, Sage, Coriander, Rosemary, Lavender and Aloe Vera, to name a few.

Shhhh.... Garden Sleeping Poem Stones - $36.00

Poem stones made by local artist Lisa Phelps are perfect for the Winter garden - poem stones made of concrete for your tulip bed.

Beautiful Cast Leaves - $8.00 & Up.

Large cast leaves of all colors and sizes by Judy Murray. Great for fountains, water gardens, ponds, or the bare spot waiting to be planted.

Cloisonne Desk Clock - $28.99

Beautiful cloisonne desk clock featuring the garden toad, ferns, buttterfly, dragonfly and honey bee.

Soy Candles by Pacifica - $19.99

Pacifica Candles in Seabrook Cranberry made of soy burn clean for 100 hours.

Rooms Outside the House Coffee Table Book - $19.99

Whether designing a new outdoor entertainment area or if you already have one this book is packed with great decorating and entertaining ideas.

Gift cards from Gardenology always a hit!

Pressed Flower Set - $45.00

Local artist, Francie Wenner has created serene pressed flower art for your wall or table.

Wheel Thrown Pottery - $8.00 & Up.

Tarin Scott, a local potter was commissioned to create pottery for Gardenology in 2005. Her creations are elegant in design with gingko medallion available in cream (shown), sage green, chestnut brown, robin's egg blue, and cranberry red.

Pitcher $40.00, Wine Glass $12.00, Bowl $10.00 & Teacup $8.00.

Holiday Wreath - $48.00

Red Sparkle Cone Candles - Small $8.99, Medium $10.99 & Large $12.99.

European Soaps/Jardinier Liquid Hand Soap - $12.99, Hand Butter - $ 14.99 , Hand Scrub - $19.99

Toadstool Set for the Garden - $48.99

Terra cotta toadstools look great in a shady spot in the garden.

ZN Creations Enamel Flower Rings - $34.00

Handcrafted enameled flower ring in sterling silver by Grace Wang Bishop.

Terrarium Globe Ornaments - $22.00

Perfect for hostess gifts, cubbie dwellers, offices, teacher's gifts, etc. Requiring no natural sunlight they thrive on neglect. Selfwatering. Terrariums require 6-8 hours of florescent or incandescent lighting per day.

Gardenology Canvas & Leather Tote - $44.00

Rugged with suede leather bottom and large enough to handle all your garden gear with pockets on the inside for small items.

Art Glass & Copper Bird Feeder - $ 38.99

Swirled glass bird feeder with copper base looks lovely in the garden.

ZN Creations Reversible Enamel Bamboo Necklace - $47.00

Handcrafted enamel pendant by Grace Wang Bishop is reversible with white background and black bamboo silhouette on the reverse side.

ZN Creations Reversible Enamel Lotus Necklace - $47.00

Handcrafted enamel pendant by Grace Wang Bishop is reversible with robin's egg blue background and lavender lotus flower on the reverse side.

Elle Tag Earrings - $48.00

Handcrafted sterling silver tag earrings by local artist, Elle. Comfortable to wear with hinged backs so earrings fit securely. Earrings are mix and match to fit your mood. dance.sing.dream.grow.grace.laugh.happy.shine.believe.joy.and more...

Handcrafted Tin Angels - Small - $ 29.00 and Large - $39.99

Shiny tin angels hold a plate for your favorite votive.

Terrariums by Gardenology - starting at $24.00

Terrariums make perfect gifts for your husband's office, a reception area, assisted living, cubicle dwellers, and even a child's room. They thrive on neglect, are self watering and require no natural sunlight. Florescent or incandescent lighting for 6-8 hours is required. All you need to do is dust the container and keep it in a room with temperatures between 68-80 degrees.

Seed Bead Tag Necklace by Elle - $ 44.00

Sterling silver tag & seed bead necklace by local artist, Elle. Fun to wear with magnetic clasp for quick and easy accessorizing your favorite ensemble.