Amazing Driftwood Sculptures at Baliker Gallery

The Baliker Gallery in Florida is a must-see if you're in the area!

It's located at 5928 North Oceanshore Boulevard in Palm Coast.

Paul Baliker collects driftwood branches and stumps with the roots attached.

Many of his findings were stockpiled in the courtyard in front of the gallery.

Paul envisions what each piece could become,

then works his magic by carving out the details.

Absolutely fascinating!

We loved the variety of sea life represented in this huge sculpture!

A closer look-

And inside the gallery...

An impressive owl mirror with a photographer's reflection.

This seahorse is my favorite piece!

Much more here:

Website

Facebook

Edgy, Urban Needlepoint by Tapestry Girl

Niki McDonald, of Sydney, Australia, is Tapestry Girl.

Her embroidered designs are reminiscent of colorful urban graffiti.

Needlepoint stitches that resemble digital pixels give a modern vibe.

The women she creates are contemporary, exciting, and edgy.

Enjoy the amazing works of Tapestry Girl!

More Tapestry Girl here:

Blog

Facebook

Images used with direct permission from Niki McDonald.

Let's Kiss the Blarney Stone!

campgrounddesignsandmore

You may have heard, especially around St. Patrick's Day,
that kissing the Blarney Stone is a traditionally Irish thing to do.
According to legend, the one who kisses the Blarney Stone will receive
eloquent speech, skills of flattery, and the gift of gab!

First of all, I had always thought that the stone was a big rock in Ireland,
maybe isolated and roped off for tourists,
something like the picture of Yogi & Boo Boo, above.

Incorrect! The Blarney Stone is actually a building stone that's 
part of Blarney Castle, which is located 5 miles from Cork, Ireland. 
It's situated at the very top of the castle, accessed by a 127 step winding staircase.

latimes

I was doubly surprised when I learned exactly how the actual kissing is accomplished!

The kisser must lie down on their back and lean out over a gap between the floor

 and the wall, which exposes a view of the 37' drop down to the ground below!

With the assistance of a spotter, they must arch their neck backwards for the smooch.

Guard rails make this act much safer than it was decades ago, 

but it must still be very unsettling for the faint of heart.

A few photos of the kissing in action-

usatoday

irishcentral

lovin.ie

Here's a photo from 1897.

ExpressionArtPrints

Enjoy this YouTube video, and have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Vintage Treasures from Hunt & Found

I found a great vintage shop on Etsy called Hunt & Found!
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, Julie has collected some terrific treasures to sell.

I love the addition of a unique vintage item or antique to a home's decor.

It grounds us, paying homage to what we once were and to how far we've come.

Enjoy my favorites from Hunt & Found!

More of Hunt & Found here:

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Images used with direct permission from Julie.

Little Free Library Spotting in Belmar, New Jersey!

Quite a while ago, I had heard about Little Free Libraries, but I'd never seen one.

Being a voracious reader and advocate of libraries, I'm intrigued by the concept.

On a recent trip to Belmar, New Jersey, we were driving along, 

and I yelped to my husband, "Pull over, pull over!"

I had spotted a Little Free Library!

I hopped out for an inspection and to snap some photos.

(The hubby no doubt knew that there was a blog post in the works.)

It definitely caught my attention with a cool geometric design 

and a blazing yellow lightning bolt on its glass door.

The inside was just stuffed with books!

So, what's the idea behind Little Free Libraries? 

Anyone can build and maintain a library.

The purpose? To bring a sense of community, to encourage creativity,

to make books available, and to cultivate reading.

It's on a take one, leave one basis.

There are over 50,000 Little Free Libraries located in all 50 states of the USA!

Plus, this has gone global; they're in 70 different countries!

The website gives tons of information on how you can become a "steward,"

including free building plans and ongoing support from their staff.

There's even a map that helps you find locations near you!

(The one we saw in New Jersey is on 6th Ave. in Belmar.

It is not listed on the website's map.)

Here are photos of more Little Free Libraries~

More information can be found here:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Ann Carrington's Brilliant Silverware Floral Sculptures

British artist Ann Carrington is multi-talented.

Today, I'm showing off her ingenious floral sculptures,

which she's created with thousands of pieces of silverware.

She seems to mostly have used spoons as layered petals, 
but also forks, knives and even some serving pieces.
Notice how the aged patinas give a rich glow. 

She's clustered, bent and curved each piece to resemble gorgeous

flowers in centerpieces and swags that are truly striking!

Find more of Ann's art here:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Images used with direct permission from Ann Carrington.

Those Heavenly Dutch Waffle Treats Called Stroopies

Ever hear of a stroopie? 

Neither had I, until I stopped at the booth for the Stroopie Company

at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. I learned that the business is based in Lancaster, PA,

and after tasting a yummy sample, I was eager to hear more about it!

Stroopies, short for stoopwafels, are Dutch cookies made with waffle irons.

These sweet, cinnamon treats have a gooey layer of homemade caramel inside.

While at the Farm Show, I had the pleasure of meeting the

store manager, Adrianne and her helper mom, 

along with Mary, a refugee from Myanmar.

As a social enterprise, the Stroopie Company helps provide 

employment to the refugee population that is re-settling in Lancaster.

As if stroopies aren't delicious enough as is, they can also be half-dipped

into chocolate (from Wilbur's in nearby Lititz, PA), 

and sprinkled with extras like crushed peppermint or chopped nuts. 

There are even gluten-free stroopies!

Ooooh, party trays!

So, of course I brought some home with me.

I tried out a popular way of enjoying stroopies:

placing one atop a mug of hot tea or coffee

allowing the steam to gently warm it.

Heavenly!

Links where you can learn more:

Website
Facebook

Stroopies are sold at the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe  
located at 141 N. Duke Street Lancaster, PA.

Enjoy my posts on the Farm Show:
2017 Farm Show Fun
Our Day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show

And how about this one?
Visiting the Wilbur Chocolate Co. in Lititz, PA