Monday, April 11, 2016

Southern Exposure: Peter Rabbit

We're back at my favorite haven, Southern Exposure for another workshop and stop in the gardens!


It was a bit of a gloomy day when Kate and I arrived and the night before had been a cold one. The ice in the fountains and snow covering parts of the ground spoke volumes.


And my poor little angel didn't look particular comfy!


I did have a bit of fun playing with my camera, trying out the new settings! I started out with this look (And yes, I know you've seen it before, but it may have been my favorite photo from the day!.)


And the camera turned it into these!

 

This sweet cart was filled with silk floral rose balls, probably used at one of the many weddings held at Southern Exposure.


Of course I had to get close.


And then let the camera do its thing once again!

 

Then this rather odd one!


I didn't take any photos of the tables because they were similar to this post, but in the craft area we were greeted not with easels but a row of giant bunnies!


These guys were about two feet tall and highly textured. We drybrushed a white latex over them which highlighted the raised areas of their "fur." Then we added a clear coat (which was minwax polyurethane unscented). With about 60 people working on a project using clear coat poly, we couldn't smell a bit of the acrid smell that always kicks my lungs into high gear!


The project was amazingly simple and I was thrilled with the results.


Lizzie? Maybe a little less so!


I leave you with another close-up of the silk rose balls and a question.


Those of you who are gardeners, anyone know what these might be? It was the closest I could get but they were definitely early bloomers!

24 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

What a great rabbit ! I also like the variations of rose ball photo! Good stuff!

Tammie Lee said...

Ice and snow is hard on flowers and spring greens. Looks pretty though. I enjoyed seeing all your photos. Those balls of roses are heavenly.

Your bunny will be a sweet presence in your garden.
I agree, it is an honor to see an owl.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Love the rabbit and I have no idea what the flower is. Sorry.
Mary

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Those rose balls are so gorgeous, especially all piled up on top of one another! What a cool place to have a wedding!

I love the photos you shared but don't love the ice and snow. :( The ice photos are very neat, though! And your bunny creation is so cute! I can see how Lizzie is not so sure about it, though. ;)

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What a fun contrast between the "altered" rose ball photos and the ice and snow photos. I can't believe your camera. I am IN LOVE with that setting.

Your bunny is adorable and I was amazed at the number of participants for this workshop. They must draw a HUGE crowd each time they offer something. I'm with Lizzie. I adore the bunny, but it belongs outside.

I don't think I've ever seen that plant/flower before, so I'm no help at all. However, I hope SOMEONE knows the name of it.

I need orange said...

Hellebores are blooming now and the flowers can be that color........ If you google hellebore and then ask to see the images, maybe you'll agree that might be what you saw?

Lynne said...

Love the bunny . . .
Garden flower question, looks like Helbores, Lenten Rose to me . . .

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

The bunny is great! I love the picture of Peter and Lizzie!

Laura said...

Everything is lovely and I especially love the bunny.
I am a gardener in South Texas and I have never seen that plant.
I have read the other comments so I know there are some smart gardening ladies here today!

Victoria Zigler said...

The bunny project sounds fun! I can't say I'm surprised that Lizzie wasn't too thrilled when you brought it home though, LOL!

Mary Rose's said...

Agree with "I Need Orange" and Lynne -- hellebore / Lenten Rose. They are more heads-up when the temps are warmer, snow is gone!

Your bunny - nice! I bought one like him (her?) at a yard sale. Someone had glazed him and then thought better of it and tried to remove the coating. One could say "shabby," or be reminded of the Velveteen Rabbit, "real." He guards my birch tree most diligently.

I hope you get decent spring weather soon. Roses are blooming in SC.

XOXO,
Maryanne in SC

Sandra Cox said...

What beautiful pictures!

My name is Erika. said...

Wow- I know no one wants to see snow on the flowers but they do look interesting blanketed in a bit of white. What a great project- is it clay? Love the photo of your curious kitty; I bet she didn't know what to make of the bunny. Thanks for visiting my blog. :)

Stacey said...

Your Southern Exposure is a neat spot! The bunnies are so pretty and you'll keeps yours forever. Love your photography. Photography is such a challenge but I sure am enjoying it. Your goldfinch photos are amazing!

The French Hutch said...

I always love photos with snow and flowers. To me it is the beginning of spring while showing old man winter trying to hang on a little longer. Thanks for one of my favorites. I know you enjoyed your workshop and I see you are loving your new camera. Great shots Jeanie…….
PS: Not so sure Lizzie liked the new rabbit:)

Marilyn Miller said...

Maybe hellebore in the garden, but not sure. It looks like the weather has gotten it down and the sunshine needs to cheer it up.

Love the bunny! Another fun project for sure! And again fun to see you playing with your camera.

shoreacres said...

My favorite photo is the one you called the rather odd one. I really like that one. And, I like the rabbit, too. That photo of Lizzie looking at it is hilarious.

I've never heard of hellebores, but many people seem to know them. I suspect it must be a northern flower, like lilacs and forsythia. Speaking of different worlds, I've found some of our wildflowers going to seed already, and some knee-high corn!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Beautiful rabbit. Lizzie looks like she might scratch his eyes out! Your wintry photos are amazing (and I don't use that word lightly).

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Oh Southern Exposure, the most magical place on earth to me!
You create and dream and chat and thrive. LOVE it!
Your camera or should I say the gal behind it, is creating some wonderful magic:)
Great photos, Jeanie!
J.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Jeanie, I am terribly late! AHHHHHHHHH I LOVE that cart of roses and your bunnies! What a fun time to create together and pass the time until this weather passes us. My husband is in Grand Rapids at the moment, and reports how similar our climates are. It's warm out today with sun so I am hopeful we'll get our spring, and you too!

What kind of camera do you have?

Optimistic Existentialist said...

As a snow lover, I love these pictures. I especially love the frozen bird bath :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello again, PETER!

And Jeanie, thank you for coming to my blog post!!!!!

Tracy said...

Ooooo... WOWO... such FABULOUS photos, Jeanie! Those ice-encased blooms are amazing! And LOVE, love, love those silk rose balls--pictured any way! Your finished Peter is LOVELY... and looks like Miss Lizzie is cautious, yet curious... ;) The plant looks like hellebore to me too--soon to bloom! Happy Days ((HUGS))

The Artful Diva said...

Your rabbit project turned out great!

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