Spring Garden Joy in May

What brings you joy in the spring time? I enjoy seeing so many gardens come to life after a long winter.  my joy comes from the success of the plants I have growing. In the veggie garden right now are my cooking greens & lettuces.  I feel lucky to be in Rochester, NY and have the Fredrick Law Olmsted designed gardens to walk through here.  As the calendar says mid spring, the lilacs in Highland Park are bursting with their fabulous scent.   

This is some of the late fall 2022 Collard I planted last year.  It was not big enough to harvest last fall and it has overwintered here.  We had an odd winter and it was not cold long enough to kill this off. 

Why I love gardening. My paternal Grandma had an amazing green thumb. Growing up, I helped her in her gardens.  I have fond memories of her yard in the spring bursting with colors. Some of the flowers and plants in her gardens: roses, zinnias, geraniums, peonies, sweet potato vine,  pansies, petunias, snapdragons, raspberries, blackberries, violets and many others.   

This is perennial sage in my backyard garden.  I have many fond memories every spring when the snapdragon bloom.  it still is my favorite flower and she always put them into water whenever I harvested the wild snaps near her summer cottage.  As I grow older, I am grateful for all I have learned from her about gardening and food storage.  She is the reason I started canning tomatoes.  Now in the winter, I can enjoy the fresh tomato flavor forth summer garden.  Thank you Grandma.  

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.  As an ally, I want to support and stand up. 

 Free the People ROC

 

We need to support our brothers and sisters.

#bekind
#blacklivesmatter 
#blm 
#standup
#listen
#lovewins

Buy Local from the Maker

Why shop Small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  

$68 stay in the community

My Shop:  My Shop

Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram 

 

This stunning statement necklace is made with a OOAK Dichroic Glass focal.  Always happy create custom pieces for your special person.  

 picture by Pixel Wave

HAPPY DANCE FOR BILLS FANS

BILLS FAN

Happy Dance for all of us Bills fans everywhere. 

AFC East Champs 2 years in a row.  I believe 

this is the years for them to go all the way!    

Looking forward to the game tonight to watch the rest of the success.  

Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in Rochester, NY.   FB page  Free the People ROC

Join me:stand up, listen to others, be kind and to support our sisters and brothers.  

#bekind #blacklivesmatter  

#stopasianhate #standup

#listen

Being involved is more that attending a march, make phone calls, VOTE, talk about these rights we have,  help friends VOTE! 

Shop Local

Support small business.  our goods are not stuck on cargo ships.  

My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

Why shop small?  For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community.

Spring in Rochester

 This week is the end of March 2021.  the year has started off well for Panda Wear.  There will be a big announcement soon.  Follow on social media  links below. Huge project has taken most of this month to complete.  Happy to be finished with it.  

Where do I live you might ask?  In Western NY, specifically Rochester NY.  With the Climate
emergency it is very different than when I was a child.  I have daffodils with the crocus blooming in March because of fluctuations from the high of 72 last week to the low of 20 in a few days.  On the plus side, planted mustard in the garden that are ecstatic to be in the dirt. Never was able to plant this early before.  Partly because of a slight drought for this month and the unseasonable warmth which allows my garden to be dry enough to plant.

 RBG   Ruth Bader Ginsberg

To honor Women's History Month, one of my Sheros is RBG.  Who inspires you?  What women are your Sheroes?  RBG quote :

Women belong in all the places where decisions are being made.  It shouldn't be that women are the exception.   

The group Art Force 5 has a fantastic project this month honoring Sheroes.  Art Force 5

Launched on 3.8.21, this year's Women's Empowerment Draft honors 32 Sheroes of college students in the USA.  Read more here 

Womens Empowerment Draft

 Black Lives Matter

Free the People ROC is the group in my area. We must end Asian Hate and the empowerment of  white supremacy groups.  The murders in Atlanta this month as well as the Attempted Coup 1.6.21 must be stopped!  We as a nation are better that this.  the past four years have ruled the fire of this racist segment of the population.  Plain and simple White Supremacy = Domestic Terrorism 

 FB page  Free the People ROC

I invite everyone to stand up, listen to others, be kind and speak up.  

#stopasianhate

#bekind

#blacklivesmatter 

#standup

#speakup

#listen 

My shop: Panda Wear Store

Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

 

Why shop Local (small)?  

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community!  Yes Over 2/3 stays in your local community! 

Welcome Spring 2021

Happy dance here SPRING arrives this week.  As a gardener, it is the best time of your wheneverything wakes up.  Five more days and it is SPRING 2021! This is will be fantastic.  It is off to a wonderful beginning.  

We took a walk last week before all the snow melted on a nice 50 degree day and enjoyed the robins at Genesee Valley park.  One perk of being an entrepreneur is I set my schedule. When I need a walk in the afternoon, I take a break and walk.  I love being a woman small business owner.  

Afternoon garden

My garden layout was finished a few weeks back and the seeding are looking great.  Tomatoes, peppers, kale, collard, mustard are all sprouted.  I planted some annual flowers that should sprout by next week.  Harris seed was perfect for the few seeds I need to resupply this year.  My favorite thing is they are in my area and their seeds do well in my backyard garden.  I shop local whenever I can.  

This is a pic from last year in my garden.  these bulbs are a regular beautiful blend every spring.  when my crocus finish, I see these.  there are a few crocus peaking out now that all the February snow has finally melted.  

We have learned the value of small business during this pandemic.  It has been a full year.  We have learned so much.  The list of what is important has changed for many people.  I believe we are closer as families because of what we have been though. 

This is "where is my head" snowman from Genesee Valley park last week.  so nice to be outside enjoying the fresh air an a nice dry day.   

Black Lives Matter

 For Education  please Search 

 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter 

and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I am speaking up.  Please join me. 
BE KIND

 

It is time we listen. Let our Sisters  take the  lead & show us what we need do to help them.. I know we can fix this and become one nation again.   It will be a process and it will take time.  Be patient and show your love of others now more then ever.  

Buy Local from the Maker

 
My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

 

Why shop Local (small)?  

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community!  Yes Over 2/3 stays in your local community!Free the People ROC is the group in my area.

 FB page  Free the People ROC

I took this great pic one week ago downtown in ROC. I love my city, Rochester, NY.

Spring Ahead Today

 Daily Routine

Yes, today we Spring ahead one hour.   As a gardener, so excited I can smell SPRING!!! Six more days until the official start of SPRING!  Spring Ezuinox starts 3.20.21 at 5:37am.  

Those who know me well know this sentiment applies but it is Tea in my case. 

• What is part of your daily routine to help keep you day on track?  
• How do you start each day to be sure it is off the a fantastic beginning?  

 

 

 

Buy Local from the Maker

 
My shop:  Panda Wear Website
Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Instagram: Instagram

 

Why shop Local (small)?  

For every $100 you spend at a local business,  $68 stay in the community!  Yes Over 2/3 stays in your local community!

 

 

 Black Lives Matter

 For Education  please Search 

 I Can't Breathe
Black Lives Matter 

and read from fact checked news sources.  As a supporter I am speaking up.  Please join me.
BE KIND

 

It is time we listen. Let our Sisters  take the  lead & show us what we need do to help them.. I know we can fix this and become one nation again.   It will be a process and it will take time.  Be patient and show your love of others now more then ever.  

Free the People ROC is the group in my area.

 FB page  Free the People ROC

 

 

 

 Spend Womens history month learning about inspirational Women.   

Welcome to SPRING in my Garden

 My Garden

Welcome to SPRING in my ROCHESTER Garden.  We are definitely  back to normal temperatures for this city.  Happy Dance here!  Plans for this week include planting our peppers, tomatoes, and beans.  The final hand roto-tilling was done yesterday & the compost incorporated n the soil.  Two very happy gardeners here in this house.


My pond guest has found a regular spot to sit in our pond.  He seems happy and soon should have a mate and then tadpoles.

Jewelry Design

Here is a stunning smokey quartz prong set in 14 ktgf.  I enjoy showing the beauty of the faceted gemstone with my wire work.  As a lapidary I immensely enjoy cutting gems into cabochons.  I leave the faceting to the people who enjoy spending hours to make such tiny beauties as this one here. I will keep cutting cabochons and selling them to other jewelry designers as well as collectors.   I make many more free form organic pieces such at the earrings below and my necklaces you have seen  here, my website or Instagram (links at the bottom of the blog).  Please feel free to see some of my hand cut gemstones on my website or contact me for pics.  Please include your name with the text or email for custom work.  Always happy for special orders.   

 I am taking orders for graduation gifts.  The class of 2020 needs to celebrate leaving high school and becoming adults.  I would be honored for  one of my pieces to be a milestone gift as they begin the next stage of their life.  If the graduation is college, they journey has been longer and more meaningful for the student.  I am able to work within you budget whether is is $50 or $500, your custom piece will make the graduate very happy. We should all celebrate the class of 2020 this year because it has been so difficult and different than any other year in history for a class to finish school.

. 
I will end this with my beautiful pond.   the serenity from listening to the waterfall and seeing the aquatic creatures enjoy the water is sublime.

     Buy Local from the Maker 

My shop:  Panda Wear Website

Facebook:  PandaWire Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Pinterest: Pinterest 
Instagram: Instagram

We are all dealing with this time in our own way  Remember to be kind., flatten the curve, stay home and stay safe. 

Dog Days of Summer in Rochester, NY

 

Wrote this back in early August.  I went out to water the plants and it was not posted.  Ab it late but the beauty of the plants are shown. 

This was a visitor to my garden toward the end of August. I believe it is a red tailed hawk.  Hope he is eating the mice and squirrels that seem to be enjoying my root crops.

The summer season ended with a drought and federal disaster area for my county and the surrounding area.

Dog days of summer here in my gardens photos.  New York was in early drought stages, is early August  Seems like we just planted the garden.  We have a happy and prolific garden due to water wise gardening practices.  My most prolific plants have been the early spring crops: cilantro, greens, lettuce, peas, radishes.  As the heat arrived:  lettuce, mustard greens, collards, kale, cucumbers, & yellow beans.

My bush beans are quite happy with the heat wave which lasted the entire summer.  My several days a week watering with recycled rubber soaker hoses keep them happy. We have about 10lbs of beans in the freezer for later, the most ever saved.  They are still producing which is unusual,  normally we take the plants down in mid September.

Another of the prolific vegetables are the bell peppers and the broccoli. A different variety, Jalapeno show below.  Especially with the cooler fall temps now and the much needed rain this past week.  The broccoli has taken off and we are eating it a few nights a week.

Apparently the heat is not done here, yet.  High of 79 forecast for the end of this week.  Grilled dinner outside on the deck is what we will be doing.   Mine as well enjoy the unseasonable warm while it is here.  The leaves are certainly falling and it will back to true fall weather.

The Holiday season is here.  Panda Wear is accepting holiday orders thru 11/1/16 for delivery in December.  Please order early.  

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                   Cabochons and Beads

Welcome to the New Etsy

This is the 3rd in my series about Etsy.  I have not been a seller there in quite some time.  Why I writing about the site?  I am asked regularly why I do not sell there and it is recommended  as someplace I should have my One of a Kind items for sale. 

Ever wonder if Etsy changed their core philosophy?  This will answer that question.
EcommerceBytes

Etsy is having issues with their stock and public perceptions. Investorplace

Etsy slam from TheStreet

Since going public last April, Etsy's  (ETSY) stock price has nearly fallen off a cliff, losing as much as two-thirds its value and making it the worst-performing IPO this year.  Current price as of today $8.30 per Bloomberg.  Big change from the peak in April of $31.


Does etsy always tell the sellers the truth?  Does etsy Lie? check out this search
Bubble_Necklaces  every item tagged as handmade.  These also available on Alibaba for under $2.

I am asked why I no longer sell on Etsy.  I believe the above clearly illustrate the reasons.  Why give any more money to an unethical company like this?  It only supports their foreign investors and does nothing for the US economy. Quote:

"Etsy, a company that promised to set an example for its level of transparency, reorganized its Irish subsidiary in a way that conceals its tax-cutting arrangements from public view, Bloomberg News reported last month."  full article here Bloomberg  

I hope the information provided helps paint a good picture for you.  Many of us are now using our own stand alone websites and are quite happy doing this.  Why give money to a company that is that dishonest and hurts small business?  They just want their fees from you and they do not care.  

I have a great group of friends and small business people I have became close with in the past few years.  We are Sellergroup, a group of handmade, vintage and supplies buyers and sellers.  Please follow these links to learn about us.
Sellergroup  Pinterest

 My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                   Cabochons and Supplies

Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Pinterest: Pinterest 
Instagram: Instagram

Happy to take order for delivery in December until 11/30.   Show schedule on my website. 

Labor Day and Taking Time off

 As a small business owner one thing we forget its to take care of ourselves.  I am using the time off to rejuvenate myself.  It worked wonders on Memorial Day weekend.  It is good to take time off and take personal me time.  I have started putting it on my calendar.  I always tell my entrepreneur  friends to do this, I need to practice what I preach.

How you spend the time is going to be your decision.  It will be different for you and me.  What relaxes me may not be your cup of tea.  Even a nice relaxing soak in a hot tub may be all you need.  think about a special  weekend with you significant other and both unplug and enjoy each others company.  The get away does not need to be a million dollar getaway and cross the ocean for it to be time off(down time).  Just relax and enjoy it. 

Enjoying the three day weekend.  The heat wave, over 90 today,  means we are spending much time in the pool.  Will be harvesting more from my garden this week.  Have made tomatoes into sauce twice this year. here is my harvest from last week.  guess what these are?  At right as the full plant and below as a close of of the edible part of the plant. 

Amazed it is Labor Day weekend all ready.  It seems like it was just the forth of July.  This summer seemed to zoom by for me.  would not know it is the unofficial end of summer by the 90's outside now.  As for me and fall it is way past time to start working on my show schedule for the end of year holidays.  Also to make some fall and winter items.  Hard to think of the fall items when it is so nice to just swim in my backyard.  Will have some new jewelry photos of my new items soon.  

Below is a piece of Owyhee Sunset Jasper.
more here   Rock slabs

Follow Panda Wear on FB, Twitter, IG and here to keep up with my new pieces and my specials. 

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                 Cabochons and Supplies


Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Pinterest: Pinterest 
Instagram: Instagram

New Shopping and Site Improvements

The Panda Wear website has just been updated.  We recently added a shopping cart to make the customer experience more enjoyable.  Fell free to to take a look around and let me know if you like it.  I was surprised it took about 2.5 months from start to finish to add the shopping cart.  It only went live after extensive testing.  Link at the bottom of this post. 

Here is one new section for gifts for the stone lover in you life.  It features gem trees and polished geodes.

http://bit.ly/1LaAHEI 

I am working on more gifts for the men besides there items.  looked at belt buckles but did not like my choices for setting.  working on tie chains and rings.  I have a few unisex necklaces. 
always happy to make a custom piece for the special person in your life.   

The jewelry designers will like the Cabochons section.  Also great for the bead embroidery people.  Many of my stone are natural on the back which makes it much easier to glue them for bead embroidery.  The stone at the left is turtilla agate.

http://bit.ly/1Gzbyfe 

New items are being added daily to all areas of the site.   There are several hundred to be added.  if there was a fast and easy way to snap my fingers and have in all done in a day I would go that route.  

Working on some new earring designs and a few rings and pendants.  my next show is local in the city of Rochester, NY. The Festival is August 16th.   It is the annual Susan  B. Anthony festival. this year we celebrate the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment! It is always fun way to spend the day.  I admire Ms.Anthony and all she accomplished for women.  More details closer to the event. 

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                   Cabochons and Supplies

 
Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
Pinterest: Pinterest

Early June Garden Progress

Happy garden is part of a happy home and provides a healthy harvest.

It is early June and my garden is doing great.  I am enjoying lettuce, chives, snow peas, cilantro, swiss chard, kale, collards and radishes. We are enjoying growing many new crops this year.  Surprised some of them are quite easy. We are avid gardeners in my house.

Clematis vine in my climbing rose bed. The roses are slowing budding. 

For those wondering my Square Fair was great.  Many of families spending quality time there.   I plan to go back next year and enjoy the event.. 




Can anyone tell me what this plant on the right is?  It is edible and easy to grow.  raw or cooked it is delicious. 






One of my miniature roses showing off  it stunning color.  Gardens are pretty and enjoyable.  Feel free to start you own garden.  it is really easy and the most important thing its to keep the new pants well watered until fall.  this means water the day you pant and every day it does not rain for the first two to three weeks.

The summer and fall crops of tomatoes, peppers, leeks, carrots, parsnips, cucumbers, beans, and broccoli and doing well.  It went for a dry spring with excessive heat to a super wet late spring. the temperatures seem to yo yo from 80's to low 60's when it rains.  Weather has been great for the greens and the cooler spring crops. 

This is an older rose bush next to my back deck.  it was severely damaged by the strong winter we had this year.  I am surprised to see it loaded with blooms.  Wish I could show the whole plant but rain knocked the petals off several of the flowers. This rose bush is about two feet tall.  It was over four feet all last year. 

One of my favorite plants.  This is a Peonie flower over some hosta leaves.  My Grandmother had two in her garden.  I am delighted to say I have had a second volunteer peonie of the single blooming type come up.
Happy growing to all of you.

My stores: Jewelry shop
                 Cabochons and Supplies

Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  

Square Fair this Saturday

Preparing for my first show of the year & 1st show of the season.  So busy packing and sorting this week.  Making the lists of what to bring, make and leave home.  Never enough room for everything.

This is the flyer for the event.For anyone local, in Monroe County NY or the surrounding area.

FB event

I will be demonstrating earrings and rings at the fair.  bring you friends for a great event.  Support small business in Rochester, NY.   Many one of a kind creations need new homes.

 One of many earrings style for sale at the event. 
great time to shop for your summer styles.  Orders will taken and free delivery if paid in full at the Square Fair. 



My stores: Jewelry shop
                 Cabochons and Supplies

Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  



We will have the featured artists and the etsy affect on handmade coming soon.  

The Retired Quilt - Artists on my Team

Cindy Strader of The Retired Quilt is the featured artist this month. I met her online about 3 years ago.  About once a month we will feature an artist in my "TEAM".  I have been selling my work online and have a great TEAM of people whom I consider my second family. Here you will learn about the artist and their work.

Cindy's response when asked why she started her business & the products she sells.  She was contemplating retirement from my “real” job and knew that she needed a plan after retirement.  She had been sewing for more than 40 years and it was what She loved to do.  Cindy had had so many requests over the years to make/create things for others that her husband suggested that she start her own business doing it - it really started as a hobby and has grown into something wonderful.

The most popular request that she get is to create T-shirt/Memory quilts for people. As for what is the most fun to make, the same item. Because she makes so many t-shirt quilts, they really have become one of her favorite things to do - each one is different and unique.  No two are the same - the creativity part and seeing the final product is what makes it fun.

As for what to say to someone starting out in the quilting world, what advise would you have.  Her Grannie taught her how to sew when she was just in high school - the best advice she could give is “listen to your Grannie” - but if it is too late for that - then listen to your heart.

Absolutely she accepts custom orders.  All of her t-shirt quilts are custom orders.  She has also accepted many quilt custom orders.  The turn around time is really dependent on the item requested.  T-shirt quilt are just 2 weeks currently.  But around graduation time and Christmas time you want to be sure to get your order in early - Cindy becomes really busy with them at those times of year.


Want to know where to buy her wonderful creations?    Cindy has an Etsy shop, a web site, a Facebook page, & sells in a local Galleria.  She has tried the craft fair/ art events and does not feel they were successful for her.  She gets a lot of referrals from past customers also.

   Contact info for Cindy

   The Retired Quilt

Website

Etsyshop

 Facebook

My stores: Jewelry shop
                 Cabochons and Supplies

Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  

First Harvest of 2015

Welcome to the beauty of my gardens.  a few pic \s of what I saw this weekend..Please enjoy and share with your friends.

 Happy to say I am enjoying the first harvest of the veggie garden for this year. Having a home grown salad with my garden lettuce.  Harris seed grows fantastic and quickly in my garden.
Looking down on the snow peas at right with lettuce on both sides of the row.  Before long, the  snow peas will be 4 feet tall and ready for harvest.  I guess about a 3-4 weeks to wait.



The photo on the left shows the leaf lettuce  on the one side of the trellis from above.  Red and green leaf lettuce are being grown this year.   I should have my first head of lettuce in about a month.  Salads are on the table at my house most nights on the year.  They are especially welcome early like this and when the first tomatoes are picked. 

This is a close of of the snow peas on the right and was taken at ground level.  They were hard to see in the above photos. 

On the left here is the mesclun I harvested for my dinner tonight in the ground.  Below you can see how much there is of the harvest stacked on my kitchen counter top.  

For anyone who has not see this blog before I am an avid gardener and lapidary.  Most of my inspiration comes from nature as can be seen in my work.  Whether it is the arch of a branch, the stem of a bush or the pattern of a flower... I picture designs I make with wire and gemstones.  As a lapidary, when I am cutting a stone my design can take shape based on what I see in the natural stone.  With some pieces, I need to find a stone the right color and shape for my design.

My weeping cherry tree in the front yard.  Did not want to miss showing off some of my flowers.  Lucky to get a good shot this year.  My helper behind the camera is Herb. He does more then help me plant veggies when I am unable to kneel.  He has been a rock through this injury and recovery for me.  I could not be here now without him. He is a keeper.

Every garden has hidden gems.  I found this yesterday and was surprised.  Never had the trunk bloomed before.  May your week be filled with sunshine and nature's beauty.

My stores: Jewelry shop
                 Cabochons and Supplies

Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems