A Gardening Gift per Day 12 9 09

Flowers and gardens are but a distant memory so why would anyone bother to write this gardening blog as the snow accumulates outside? Because you still need some gift ideas for the gardener in your life. Today’s gardening gift for December 9th, 2009 is a garden photo. Can’t you just hear Ringo singing, “All I got is a photograph, and I realize you’re not coming back anymore” when you think about spring and flowers?

So start digging through those garden photos and frame the memories for the holidays. Custom framing and matting can be outrageously overpriced. A simple yet creative way to add uniqueness to this gift is with a touch of your own color to a standard matte.

First, locate the ideal garden photograph. Print it on premium quality photo paper. Glossy works nicely to show off the colors. Choose the right size frame from a department or discount store with a great home and furnishings section. Find a frame that includes a beige or white matting. Observe the many colors in the photo and then let loose with your creativeness on the matte.

One easy technique is to use pastels. Blending the soft colors of the image on the matte makes the photo jump out. You can try a number of different art techniques, depending on your comfort level.

So don’t let the snow bum you out if you want to see sunshine and flowers. Start rummaging through those precious garden photos and pick that perfect image. Get cranking while your creativity is bubbling over.

If you are faced with a snow day and need to get the kids involved, the inspirational thought of the day by Pablo Picasso sets the tone. “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”