Botanic Gardens

Recently, I visited Botanic Gardens at Kew. I specifically reached for my zoom lens and am I glad I have done so. Ever since I got the lens I intended to go to Kew Gardens and finally the chance came when I had an unexpected visit from my sister whom I had not seen for quite a long time. And what a pleasant day it was. Not only because of the place itself but also because the weather could not be any better; it was sunny, the temperature was pleasant and it DID NOT rain. :-)

This visit took place a few months ago, in May which is a great time to visit any botanic gardens.

Nature is awake for a while and by then the palette of colours is so varied. Very enjoyable are different spices of plants, flowers and trees that are around you.



Our visit was incredible for the display of tulips.

We were surrounded by fields of tulips of different colours, shapes and sizes.

But it is not only flora that is to admire there. Underground under one of the greenhouses are big aquariums with fish and any other sea creatures. This time, my eye was caught by this little beauty.

With such a backdrop, I would have to be completely ignorant not to see it. There are no words to describe this, don't you agree?

It is true when they say that there is always something to see whenever you go to the botanic gardens. Spring however, is a special time. Nature wakes up offering itself to incredible changes. I am not any botanists but there is something magical to be able to witness nature developing in its gentle face.

So just join me...

K-)

Flipped to a new life

During a one day course where I learnt about making lampshades, I also heard about other skill, transferring pictures on wood (as you do when you mix with other people). I became curious so the next step was to learn more and simply try...

As visible in the picture above, I picked a piece of wood (wooden mixing spoon) that was no longer in use and outlined its shape on a picture of my choice. Now, you need to understand that as simple as it sounds, there are few points to remember. Make sure the picture is flipped otherwise your transfer will be flipped (and I am sure you don't want that). Also, have your picture printed on laser printer (not inkjet) and on the thinnest paper possible.

After cutting out desired scene I used Gel Medium and pasted it on the wooden spoon avoiding any air bubbles.

To be honest, I was not sure this would work since I used something else than advertised but hey, why not try...

...and now I am jumping ahead a little. What you are meant to do next is, after letting it dry overnight or so, get a wet cloth and place it on the paper, let it soak slightly and slowly rub the white paper off. Basictly, wetness helps 'dissolve' the white paper revealing the image underneath, correctly flipped.

This picture does not show the completed piece yet, it still needs more rubbing off and once you are satisfied, it should be sealed with Mod Podge (apparently, but I used simple 3:1 ratio of PVA glue:water which is as effective and much cheaper). But do your own research on this one, there is a lot of information around on both wood transfers and Mod Podge vs PVA glue. I simplified here. I mainly wanted to share my insight into something with quite a potential.

This exercise opens up new horizons so depending on how handled there is a potential. 

K-)

Update: Saturday, 28 August 2016
Flipped to a new life

Talking of a potential, I photographed my wooden mixing spoon, completed and sealed, for you to see attached to a kitchen wall (I have to keep to its original theme) and entering a new role as a decorative piece.

Here, I turned towards recycling, kind of metamorphosis. But I believe, more could be achieved. As said earlier, depending on how handled...

K-)