A VISIT TO .. DUBUQUE ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

What a stunning dahlia! I never saw one this large!

This past week, my husband and I took an overnight trip to Dubuque, Iowa. I love to go to the Dubque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, so that I can see all the beautiful flowers and gardens, and of course, take photos.

If you'd like to learn more about the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens click on the photo below. This beautiful place is maintained by

all volunteers...some 250 of them.

Gorgeous Hibiscus! One of my favorite flowers!

Since I started creating my new designs of Butterfly Flower Photo Wall Accents, I really couldn't wait to see what wonderful flowers awaited me at the Arboretum this year. We got there just in time, as a lot of the flowers were losing their "perfect bloom". The dahlias and hibiscus blooms were still beautiful and I thought I'd share some of the photos here on my blog. I will be using some of the photos to create my Butterfly Flower Photo wall accents. I love to find the fabric for the butterflies and to match it with the flowers.


I'm not sure what this striking green and white plant was, but loved the contrasts of the green with the white.

This big bee didn't seem to mind that I was that close taking a photo of it. I did notice that a lot of the flowers were being eaten by the Asian Beetles.

There were clusters and clusters of colorful ornamental peppers, so of course they caught my eye!

Since I love color and whimsey I was delighted to find this whimsical gecko in the gardens. It was a fun, beautiful day. One can never get tired of seeing the beauty of nature!

Hope you enjoyed seeing a few of these delightful, flowers.

MAGICAL BUTTERFLY FLOWER PHOTO ACCENTS!

This butterfly has found a beautiful flower garden!
5" x 7" framed flower print

(CLICK ON PHOTOS to learn more about this item)

Introducing my latest idea....a fabric sculpted butterfly attached to one of my flower photo prints. I've decided to combine my two favorite things to d0...creating fiber fantasy creations and taking closeup flower photos. The results is a "Butterfly Flower Photo" wall accent. The butterflies are permanently attached to the glass of the frame.

I have a lot of gorgeous flower photos, which I will be combining with one of my original designed butterfly creations that will match the flowers in each photo. The butterflies all have Swarovski crystal bodies. I will also be having 8" x 10" size photo accents.

BUTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS.....BEAUTY and MAGIC!

Add a fairy and get a magical wall grouping!

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about the fairy)

Beautiful lilies photographed at Borner Botanical Gardens, Milwaukee, WI

CLICK ON ABOVE PHOTOS to learn more about this item.

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - SCENIC NEW YORK

Beach Glass Christmas Tree Glass Tile Pendant, Christmas In July SALE
(CLICK on above photo to learn more about the pendant)

SCENIC NEW YORK is a husband and wife team, but in the interview below we will be hearing from Heather. SCENIC NEW YORK is participating in Etsy's "Christmas in July Sale", which runs through July 22nd, so be sure to stop by for a visit to see what they are offering. You will find a wide selection of beautiful items ranging from unframed photographs, beach lover gifts, pendants, mouse pads and more!

Zen White Waterlily Serene Photograph Mousepad, Christmas In July SALE

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about this item)

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've loved photography since I was a child. My mother encouraged me greatly. She not only bought me my own camera and film, but also took me on day trips where we lived in Pennsylvania so we could take photos (she is also an avid photographer). The other items in my shop are inspired purely by my love of the beauty of the area, especially the beach and lakefront. When my husband and I decided to start Scenic New York, we also decided to create crafts from items found around the state like beach glass and driftwood.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

For photography, I chose to use a digital camera simply because they are easier to find and the results are instantly available. For the crafts, I have collected beach glass (also called seaglass or sea glass) since I was a child, so using that in various ways just seemed natural. The driftwood fit well with the beach glass, and the other items just came along as we traveled the area taking photos. We did make a decision to use milkpaint as much as possible on painted products because it is eco-friendly and really has no smell when you're using it. It smells a bit like damp earth, and that's it.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

The travel. I love to see all the beautiful places in the state, even if I've been there many times before. The biggest bonus to this business is spending time with my husband traveling around New York to photograph the landscape as well as collecting materials like the beach glass. I do enjoy creating new products as well, and the challenge of trying to be unique.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Hm. I've never thought about that! I would have to go with an artichoke, because there are so many layers to what I do.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

If I could, it would be painting. I can see so many scenes that I just can't photograph because I can't remove a specific item from the frame. If I could paint them, I could choose to include or leave out items as it suited me. I'm not very good at painting though, I've tried!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

To stop and SEE the roses! I know it's a play on a cliche, but the main point we want to convey with Scenic New York is the incredible beauty of the state that surrounds us everyday. Sometimes it's not as easy to notice, so we try to "cut out" the distractions by framing a single item in the photo. It's amazing what's here that you'd never even notice as you go about your daily life.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Do what you love! Don't give in to trends or pressure to create something you don't like because you think it will sell. If you create something that speaks to your audience, they will pick up on your message and love it just as much as you do.

THANKS, Heather, for a delightful interview and for sharing your creations with everyone.

To learn more about what SCENIC NEW YORK has to offer be sure to click on the links below.

A COLORFUL VISIT TO BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS - Hales Corners, WI

Metal sculpture among the flowers.

This morning when my husband and I were trying to decide where we could go today, I suggested that we pay a visit to the Boerner Botanical Gardens, so that I could take some "closeups" of flowers. While that isn't as much his idea of fun as it is mine, he agreed to go!

The flowers and plants were so gorgeous, so I've added some of the photos out here for all to enjoy. I took over 95 photos, and will be sharing more of them from time to time. I do hope you enjoy beautiful "mother nature" in all her glory!

This is the biggest hibiscus flower I've ever seen. This was the only bloom on the whole plant.

A stone sculpture entitled "BLOSSOM"

One of several dozens of different tpyes of "lilies"! So exquisite!

I loved the fluffy green plants behind the statue.

Gorgeous white roses with hints of pink!

It is hard to tell from the photo, but a tiny humming bird had landed on the top of this sculpture. It sat there for quite a while.

The little speck up there on the man's hat, is the humming bird!

Praying Mantas iron sculpture

The pale greens of this plant with the flowers surrounding it, really made it stand out!

There were so many varieties of "lilies!!

I hope you enjoyed the photos. All these gorgeous flower photos gave me a new idea, which I hope to have out in my Etsy shop soon. A fairy (in colors to match the flower) and a photo grouping....might even add a tiny fabric butterfly! What do you think!

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DOLCE CHIC

Tulip Magnolia- Signed 8.5 x 11 Print

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about this beautiful print!)

If you love flowers, like I do, you'll be sure to want to pay a visit to Candi's shop on Etsy, DOLCE CHIC. There you will find a wonderful selection of flower prints, and more! You will also be able to choose what size print you'd like.

SPECIAL OFFER: Candi is offering "Free Shipping" on 8.5" X 11" prints only, to any reader of DZFANTASY blog. If you see one of Candi's beautiful 8.5" x 11" prints, that you'd like to purchase, be sure to tell her you saw her feature on DZFANTASY. Refund of shipping price will be refunded through PayPal. Be sure to take advantage of this special offer! Offer is available now, July 9th - Sunday, July 12th.

What led you to start creating your art/craftFunny story?

I started a shop in 2008 creating a totally different craft, and to gain exposure I started a blog. I had read that a good way to gain readers is to showcase many different things. My mom has a beautiful garden and I thought maybe I'll start photographing her various plants, David Austin roses, vintage chairs and such, showcase them on my blog so people can see her goodies. I had no idea I'd get such a positive response from my readers telling me I should open up a photography shop.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I love my Canon camera, it is my favorite!

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

Taking photos is most enjoyable and relaxing to me. When I'm stressed, I grab my camera and shoot. It's such a happy medium!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I'd choose a banana. Fashionista Rachel Zoe has coined the term "that's so banana's to describe something she loves, and I've also read that bananas tend to lower blood pressure. Needless to say I love photography and it lowers my blood pressure.

Turquoise Sunflower- Signed 8.5 x 11 Print

(CLICK on above photo to learn more about this lovely print)

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I love writing, my degree is in Mass Media, and I interned at two news outlets while in college. I would love the opportunity to continue writing or even one day combine the two.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Happiness. I love that my photos are bright, colorful and happy. When I take these photos this is how I feel, and I would like others to feel the same way.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Be yourself, work hard, and not to give up. It's tough to make it as a crafter. Don't just rely on online outlets, try to get your work out to the world whether it's taking it to shops for wholesaling, craft shows, what have you. Make yourself known. You never know where opportunities lie.

Candi, thanks for a wonderful interview, and for sharing your lovely photography.

To learn more about Candi and her work, be sure to visit her links below!

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP -MIDNIGHTSKYE

8x10 Beautiful Bright Pink Roses

WELCOME, Toryanni and her Etsy shop, MIDNIGHTSKYE. When you pay a visit to MIDNIGHT SKYE, you will not only find beautiful photography, but also a selection of note cards. First, let's learn a little bit more about Toryanni.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I started making cards when I was 13, because my mom was really interested in scrapbooking, so I started my own scrapbook and progressed to cards. I actually am completely in love with paper and have a ton of it. When I turned 21, my aunt and uncle bought me my first digital camera, so I started snapping pictures of everything. I've gotten alot better at it now then I was before. I really enjoy it because, it's more active then the cardmaking.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I went to Joann's and started looking at the papers and the quality of them. Pretty much I like DCWV for my papers, they have the best quality and selection in my opinion.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I like putting the things together the most, making the selection of paper and ribbon to go with it. I also like that both photography and cardmaking release stress!

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

I would choose an orange, because it's sweet but kind of tart at the same time! Plus I just really love oranges!

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

I would love to paint or draw because I'm not very good at either one of those, but absolutely love other peoples work.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep going! You never know when things may change!

THANKS, Toryanni, for taking the time to share your creativity with everyone! I especially love all your gorgeous flower photography! To find out more about Toryanni and her work be sure to visit her shop and other links below.

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FEATURED ETSY SHOP - DANA LAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Dream in Pink - 8x10 Print

WELCOME Dana, a photographer whose Etsy shop is called DANA LAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHY. Dana recently opened her shop on Etsy, so be sure to pay her a visit. You will find a variety of subjects, from flowers to other interesting subjects. The photo below really caught my eye!.

Bottle House - 8x10 Print

What led you to start creating your art/craft?


My mother was always into photography and it was just natural for me to start taking pictures. I got my first camera when I was about 9 at Disney World, and have been shooting ever since. I became really serious about it about 6 years ago.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I struggled between film and digital and which way did I want to go, but now I just do both!

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love seeing the final product and seeing others reactions to it. It's nice to see what you've accomplished.

If you had ato choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would you choose and why?

I would say a watermelon because it's colorful and juicy, and it usually reminds you of good times. I think watermelon is a relaxing, fun simple fruit, just like my work.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be, and why?

If I didn't do photography there are a lot of other things I would like to try...I think magnets are fun or some kind of mixed media.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

I want people to look at my work and think that I have different and interesting shots. Ones you'll never get bored of looking at. I want them to think "how did she do that??"

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

I would advise to just truly love what you're creating, and believe that you can be successful in it. Just work really hard and put a lot of effort into it and always try to improve.

Dana, I enjoyed having you here on DZFANTASY as a featured artist, and wish you every success with your photography! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and photos with everyone.

To learn more about Dana and her work, be sure to visit her links listed below.

WEBSITE

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