One benefit of it being way too hot for my liking...

Is that the flowers are all in full bloom and I am loving it! I can't wait to put some annuals in to make the flower beds complete!

Clematis (below)

Tea Cup Roses (above)

Upcycled Rosette Brooches

 I'm a little embarrassed to admit I still have every single formal gown I wore to my High School dances (Homecoming, Winter Formal, Prom, etc..). I paid way too much money for them and wore them all of one time. Truthfully, I did have a friend who was the same size as me and borrowed a few, but still, that only amounts to two wearings per dress at the very most. Ugh. What a waste!

So after all these years of hanging on to it, I finally found another use for the dress I wore to Homecoming my freshman year of High School. I cut all the layers for the rosettes from the satin and still have a good amount left for another project. I'm tickled pink that I was able to upcycle something and give it a brand new purpose! The pearls in the center are from a necklace I got at a local antique shop. The clasp was broken, so I got a ton of real pearls for only $4! Score!

I hope the girls over on Two Peas in my "5 Things Accessories Swap" are as thrilled with them as I am :)

My first attempt at paper roses

I've been eyeing  this style of flowers on Etsy for some time now and finally decided I was going to make an attempt to produce some. For a first try, I think they turned out pretty stinkin' cute! On the next batch, I'm going to trim the tips of the cones a little more so they aren't quite so dimensional.

Mixed Media Embellishments

These handmade embellishments are for a swap my friend Anna is hosting over on Two Peas. These in particular are for the Black group :)
Papers are from Moxxie, DCWV, and American Crafts.

These little gems are for the Pink group :)
Papers are from TPC Studios.

One tough cookie!

This rhododendron is one tough cookie! It's been barely hanging on for the past few summers and I was afraid it might now have made it through the winter. To my surprise, it's still hanging in there and has blossomed already this spring!

I also captured nature taking its course on my peonies! I detest ants, but can tolerate them just long enough for them to make my favorite flowers bloom!

Speaking of flowers...

This pictures is from a few days ago. The clematis is now in full bloom and is absolutely gorgeous!

I was a little nervous about bringing home one of Grandma Sally's beloved violets. I am proud to announce that my diligence in taking care of them since February has paid off! Not only is it in bloom, but it looks as if there are more buds that will be blossoming within the next couple weeks. I've done my very best for the plant, but I like to think the flowers are little blessings from Grandma Sally to let me know she's watching over me :)