Fall in the Garden

 Feeling like I need a happy garden post so here it is! My Fall garden in San Diego County, CA is quite unique due to our delayed Fall weather. It's still warm to hot during the days but cooler at night. We had a bit of rain and hail a couple of weeks ago but I'm still watering ....

This Aloe's parent is over 60 years old. I started it from a cutting taken from Rancho Guajome when I was a docent gardener there. The unusual growth is called crested or monstrose cactus. 

                                          Mexican Sunflower Tithonia diversifolia 

This pot was made way, way back in the 70's during my hippy days...

can you see the dancing couple? 

                                                                Dudleya 

My first Stencil Designs!

 Hi Everyone,

I'm so excited...today is the launch day for my stencils designed for StencilGirl! 

MaryBeth Shaw and Carol at StencilGirl suggested that I design succulent shapes patterns. What's not to love? They are my favorite things in the garden and then some. 

All of my tutorials are on the StencilGirl blog 

Here's a video that I made about my inspirations for the designs

Helen Shafer Garcia Stencilgirl Inspirations

And I've created some tutorials for you at StencilGirl for each design. 

Without further adieu....

 I present  Filigree Sprigs, Echeverias, Echeveria Ballet

Order them at StencilGirl at the links below! 

Filigree Sprigs

Echeveria Ballet

Echeverias 

A Tribute to RBG

 I'm taking an online class from Jan Ledbetter, who's works I have admired for a long time. It's so nice being a student! It's been a long time since I've had time to do this. Jan gives us great assignments each week. 

 Last week we focused on Rodolfo Morales paintings. We were to adapt his style to our work with flat shapes and storytelling. I loved the process. 

Here is my rendition with of course....an agave......and a tribute to RBG. 

Tell me what you think! 

Book Arts Summer class

 My Book Arts summer class at Fallbrook School of the Arts wrapped up. We made 3 structures with glee and fun for all. 

I have new local classes coming up. 2 are with Escondido Adult school with pandemic school district guidelines. 

Also, at Fallbrook School of the Arts: WatercolorJournaling- Creative Freedom is starting up soon. This class will be in- person with safety guidelines (masks and distancing) These are listed on my Classes page with links. Hope to see you soon! 

Shakerag Alley in Mineral Point

My hubby and I traveled to Mineral Point, Wisconsin last week. I taught 3 marvelous workshops, Book Arts and Watercolor Pours for Shakerag Alley Center for the Arts.
This location is beautiful! 

 Found this very cool sculpture property in Galena, Illinois

Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin East 

An amazing home with a sad history