Tutorial: Harvesting Marigold Seeds

We have a well in front of our house that is like a miracle well.  Anything that goes in there will grow tall and big.  It's like instant Miracle Grow.   We had an old marigold plant in there from last year and the seeds were still in the pods.  So, Cheeky Monkey and I ripped out the old plant this past spring and sprinkled the seeds.

This is what the plant looks like now.  Crazy, huh?

To collect seeds for next year, you need to first look for dead flowers.  If you pick a fresh bud, there won't be any seeds inside.

(I love my little helper's cute little fingers!)




 

 Collect several

Open the bud

and you'll see this

Collect them and save for next spring.

Isn't Cheeky Monkey such a good helper? 

As Seen on... A Sprouting Acorn

Last night, Michelle from a Sprouting Acorn emailed me to let me know that this week is National Child Passenger Safety Week in the United States.  I wonder if we have one in Canada...

Every Tuesday, Michelle (and her friend Andrea) hold a spotlight on an ETSY store.  Today they chose my shop!  How very nice of them! 
 
In honour of Child Passenger Safety Week, I am providing Michelle's readers with a 10% discount on the toy leashes in my shop AND an opportunity for one reader to win a leash!
Please visit the blog here to enter! 

 
  You could win this one...

 or this one...












Or any other one that you see in my ETSY shop.
 










Nighty night!
Must go to bed early because Mom, Sis, and I are going to a taping of the Steven and Chris show at the CBC building.  Fun fun fun!

Toddler Backpack: Little J's Dump Truck Backpack

Here it is!  Little J's Backpack is finally done and shipped down south.
I love making these backpacks.  Again, I used a pattern from Made by Rae.  I modified the pattern a bit as little J's mom wanted a bigger pack.  He is going to preschool and the school wants the kids to have backpacks that will fit an 8.5" x 11" folder.   Hopefully the school doesn't expect a pre-schooler to carry a lot in their packs.  Their little bodies are still growing!!

Here is the front view

The side view

Large side pocket

Back View

I modified the pattern slightly:  1) slightly larger straps and 2) backpack connectors instead of D rings.  

Quilted bottom

Lined with hippo fabric and includes an inner pocket.
I included a small velcro tab. 

Couldn't resist putting Cheeky Monkey's spiderman book in the pocket.  


Memo to me:  Must make another one for Cheeky Monkey







Time to take a break and watch some TV!