Thank you so kindly…I truly value your input. You see, it’s real dilemma between brief and-to-the-point or getting bogged down in too much detail. Some readers do better with bullet points and others like yourself appreciate the details. I’m a detail person myself with thoughts towards someone who is just beginning or that person who has found making garden art a delight and now wants to improve. So I try to cover all the basis and include lots of helpful tips that someone maybe hasn’t tried before that would yield better results. I’ve learned sooo much just by doing this over the years, and enjoy helping others make pretty things.

Thanks for the feedback and good question! Totems displayed outside should be of materials that are durable out in the weather. That would include most ceramics and thick, sturdy glass. These are products that are sealed so they won’t fade. Most dishware is generally oven proof and microwave and dishwasher safe, similar to weather conditions. Occasionally, you might find a pottery piece that is not sealed. So if you wanted to use it for an outdoor totem, you could apply a couple coats of a good ceramic sealer. If you plan to use something that is made of resin (like a figurine), it definitely needs to be sealed with a product that is anti-fade…because resin fades easily in the sun. I have used Spar Urethane–for exterior– or any product that prevents wood from fading.

oh, wow. Am speechless. Best compliment anyone could give! Thank you. I always HOPE my tutorials are easy to understand and follow. I hesitate between providing too much detail for those who already kind of know what they are doing, and at the same time, remembering those who are brand new to a craft—particularly one that isn’t the easiest. Extra tips seem to help. I think back to the time I was first learning, and what kinds of details and tips from others were most useful to me. Thanks for visiting my site and hope your projects are fun and turn out beautiful!

Aw…thank you so much! It’s so inspiring to me that my tutorials are helpful. It’s what Make it a Garden is all about, and “helpful” was the #1 thing I envisioned the blog to be when I first started it. Because I had to learn once, too! That’s why I include all the little tips and details that were helpful to me and the kinds of questions I had when I was just beginning. I want making garden art to be a fun and satisfying experience!