#Iron Orchid Designs

[mrs-trophy-wife]

[runwalk]

Traditional Entry Large elegant porcelain tile entry hall photo with brown walls

[vermin-disciple]

Bookbinding: A Stitch in Time

My mom has been hoping to get her hands on a hard copy of A Stitch in Time, which, as I'm sure most of you are aware, tends to be pricey if you can find it. (It's currently listed for ~$115 on eBay, and more expensive elsewhere.)

So, I decided to put my bookbinding skills to use and make her one for her birthday.

Notes on the design and construction:

The cover design was inspired by (or rather adapted from via considerable photoshopping) this book cover from 1901 that happened to cross my dashboard in a post with a bunch of other cool old book covers:

I created the Cardassian building silhouettes based on a screencap, and the DS9 silhouette is borrowed from the Niners logo. The orchid on the back cover emerging from the Obsidian Order logo is one I found in Cricut Design Space.

(Feel free to use these in your own projects, if you like.)

The bookcloth is by BOOKCRAFTSUPPLYCO on Etsy (dark green). The cover designs are HTV, Cricut Everyday Iron-On (black), Cricut Foil Iron-On (gold), and Vinyl Frog Metallic Foil (holographic silver). The Cardassian Union logos on the end pages were done using Cricut's foil transfer system (gold). The fonts on the cover are DS9 Title and DS9 Credits from st-minutiae.com.

[krscblw]

ghoul perfume associations pt. 3!

more ghoul perfume associations bc ghost and perfume are my two main hobbies! all of these are indie/niche perfumes because those are the types of perfume i'm mainly into. these lists are really fun for me and i would love to hear what people think!!

also, jsyk: because this post is so long, some of the text might get cut off on mobile. it should be okay on desktop if that happens (i don't know how to fix it, sorry :/)

Aeon

Notes: non-sweet chocolate, linen, lavender

Perfumes:

Autumn Morning - Pulp Fragrance

hot chocolate, slightly spiced oatmeal, carnations, a cozy blanket

Twice To Tea - Poesie 

strong earl grey tea, lavender absolute, vanilla syrup, a splash of milk

Aether

Notes: bourbon, amber, vanilla  

Perfumes:

Not A Deer - Little & Grim 

cedarwood, chestnuts, sandalwood, maple, oak, tonka, suede, clove, spiced vanilla, amber, tobacco 

Loggia - Solstice Scents 

“High above the village, a castle sits shrouded in a heavy gray mist.  Muted moonlight illuminates its upper terraces. Thick with incense smoke, the loggia swells with invited guests, each heavily cloaked and masked. Laughter, violas and a harpsichord fill the night. Wine flows from never-ending mahogany vats. Exotic spices drape the air in fragrant bouquets. A bell rings from the archway, and all in attendance fall silent as the master of the night creatures crosses the paving stones...”

mahogany, sweet amber, musk, dark incense, deep vanilla bean, sandalwood, cardamom, black pepper, cognac and allspice

(i have this one and it's great, perfect for aether imo)

Alpha

Notes: leather, smoke, gunpowder

Perfumes:

Spiritus Fumosus - Alkemia

volcanic basalt, smelted metal ores, amberwood, smokey birch tar, old leather, galbanum, white oud, gray amber, petrichor, wet sand, bergamot, sichuan peppercorn, gingergrass, white patchouli

Deus ex Machina - Alkemia 

“An olfactory portrait of industrial decay and the fallen gods of age of disruption, innovation, and technological revolution.”

fire-hardened steel, rusted iron, motor oil, wet cement, burnt copper wires, gray amber

Cirrus

Notes: dark fruits, musk, heavy florals, honey

Perfumes:

Virgo - Deconstructing Eden   

dark amber, bulgarian rose absolute, lavender maillette, orris root, benzoin, dark fruits, bourbon vanilla

Eglantine House - Deconstructing Eden 

honeyed roses, mahogany, plums, amber accord, champaca flowers, eglantine roses, white musk

Cumulus

Notes: lilac, magnolia, jasmine, sugar, cold air

Perfumes:

Midnight Garden - Alkemia 

night-flowering white flowers – tuberose, lily, honeysuckle, gardenia, moonflower

Calliope - Alkemia 

clementine, orange blossoms, white orchid, sugared currants, tonka, and vanilla musk, cotton candy, saltwater taffy

Dewdrop

Notes: berries, smoke, spices, metal

Perfumes:

Unrequited - Deconstructing Eden

black sandalwood, raspberries, bitter orange, black pepper, smooth silky musk, dark amber, smoky patchouli 

Lightning Storm - Nui Cobalt Designs 

Petrichor, ozone, electrified metal, cold musk, bergamot, lime zest, cracked pink peppercorn, copal smoke, myrrh, teakwood

(this one represents dew as a water ghoul – citrus, spices, ozone, and metal. sweet, cold, and a little bitter)

Ifrit

Notes: black tea, incense, spices 

Perfumes:

Tasseomancy - Nui Cobalt Designs 

black tea spritzed with orange, incense smoke clinging to heavy velvet curtains, fireplace embers, cinnamon, clove

Tasseomancy - LVNEA 

bergamot, black tea, lapsang souchong, honey, spices, milk

(yes they are both called the same thing. he's a guy with a brand i don't know what to tell you)

Mist

Notes: water, herbs, ice

Perfumes:

Eisheth - Deconstructing Eden 

seawater, herbs - rosemary, mint, clary sage, bergamot, hyssop, lemongrass, and verbena, white tea

Blackwater Lake - Osmofolia  

“Short-needle pine branches hang over mossy lake rocks, radiant white water lilies soak in the sun, the surface of the dark lake water ripples above submerged northern watermilfoil, and a chill in the air warns of impending autumn.”

pine needles, cold wind, northern watermilfoil, white water lilies, moss, stone, lake water

Mountain

Notes: vetiver, plants, earth, mushrooms

Perfumes:

Poor Farm - Little & Grim 

“Overgrown grass, tangled undergrowth, wildflowers, the memory of fresh linens, and distant, greener pastures.”

moss, sage, ferns, sweet grasses, green wood, and chamomile

Mycelium - Treading Water Perfume 

“Rounding the corner it came into view, the being that had terrorized the village for decades. It sat terrifyingly still on top of natural rock formation that resembled some strange amalgamation of an altar. An altar not made by human hands but as if created by the forest itself to honor this being. The being was here long before the village and it will continue to be here long after we are gone.”

soil, mushrooms, patchouli, black currants, hinoki wood

Nimbus/Aurora*

Notes: peach, rose, earth

Perfumes:

The Lover Tells Of The Rose - Alkemia 

wild roses, lemon verbena, white pearl tea leaves, delicate white patchouli, new greens, wet moss

Apothecary Rose - LVNEA 

rose gallica, rose de mai, damask rose, tarragon, violet leaf, apricot, labdanum, myrrh

*i headcanon nimbus as a earth/air multi

Omega

Notes: wood, amber, tobacco

Perfumes:

Danse Macabre - Fyrinnae

sandalwood, amber, labdanum, vanilla, woodsmoke, smoldering logs

Leo - Deconstructing Eden 

frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, amber, liatrix, blood cedar, blond tobacco absolute, sweet spices, honey

(i have this one and i love it, it's very warm and resinous)

Rain

Notes: seawater, ozone, vanilla

Perfumes:

Ambre Gris - Alkemia 

“A rare blend of proprietary perfumery ingredients carefully oxidized by sunlight, sand, air, sea salt, water, and ocean minerals. The result is as changeable and morphing as the ocean... earthy, sweet, musky, saline.”

gray ambergris, ocean minerals, sea salt

Cerulea - OSMOFOLIA 

“A synesthesia perfume inspired by a color. Sapphire ocean blue with flashes of turquoise and glistening white.”

osmanthus, ambergris, sea salt, ocean water, tuberose, cucumber

Sunshine/Stratus**

Notes: strawberries, citrus, vanilla, spices

Perfumes:

In Love with Everything - Imaginary Authors

“This extremely versatile (and genderless!) fragrance is great for any time of day and any time of year but the blast of energy it possesses is ideal for whenever you’re feeling low or looking for a little boost of bliss to keep your body moving and your lungs laughing long into the night.”

raspberry, citrus pulp, coconut palm sugar, madame isaac pereire, sandalwood, tropical punch, stardust

(i have this one! it's very fruity, you definitely get the fruit punch, but it still has a good amount of depth)

Eos - Fantôme 

“Eos is named for the goddess of dawn—who beckons the daybreak with her rosy fingers. This perfume smells like the color of the sunrise; pink and gold light breathing life into the morning dew.”

tart lemonade, raspberries, candied rose petals, wild berries, a hint of ginger

**i headcanon sunny as a fire/air multi

Swiss***

Notes: smoke, musk, patchouli, incense

Perfumes:

Black Heart - Spirit & Venom   

dark patchouli, clove, caramel pipe tobacco

Scorpio - Deconstructing Eden

“The fixed water sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are sensitive and intense, complicated and multi-layered. This blend is deep, still water, with notes of humid air and just the barest touch of mud.”

white and pink lotus absolute, orris root, myrrh, patchouli, gray musk, still water

***i headcanon swiss as a fire/water multi

Zephyr

Notes: dust, ozone, faint sweet musk, mint, cool air

Perfumes:

Walking with a Ghost - Spirit & Venom 

“Light & ethereal musk, fresh harvest pear, a whiff of perfume from a loved one long passed.”

Aquarius - Deconstructing Eden 

air, an undercurrent of water, sparkling aldehydes

if you made it this far, thank you for reading! and i would love to hear your thoughts!! (/gen - do you have any recommendations? do you agree/disagree? i love talking abt this) (also thank you sm to @midnight-moth for recommending lvnea!!)

[daintyus]

Trinket trays by Iron Orchid Designs

[littleeyesofpallas]

[Kanto] [Johto] [Hoenn] [Sinnoh] [Unova] [Kalos] [Alola] [Galar] [Hisui] [Champs] [Paldea] [Paldea2] [Paldea3] [Teams] [Misc.]

Ya know who else I've totally neglected in this series of posts? The Battle Frontier bosses.

Anabel's name is LILA[リラ] from Lilac, hence her color scheme. That one's super straight forward.

Spencer's name was UKON[ウコン] from ukon[鬱金] the name for tumeric, a type of ginger root that is very popular traditional chinese medicine.

Noland's name was DATURA[ダツラ] from the genus of poisonous flowers in the Nightshade family, as well as other such charming common names as Devil's Trumpet, Hell's Bells, and Devil's Weed. They are all not only extremely poisonous but psychoactive

Brandon's name was JINDAI[ジンダイ] a neat pun as the common Japanese name of this cactus, jindai[神代], means "god time" as in "age of the gods/myth" in other words, "ancient," which of course lends to his role as Ruins Maniac/Pyramid King.

Tucker's name is HEATH[ヒース] which funny enough means he shares a namesake with Erika, and with Heath, aka HEATHER, Briar's ancestor that wrote the violet/scarlet book.

Greta's name is KOGOMI[コゴミ] from kogomi[屈] the Japanese name for the fiddlehead fern, used in cooking. They have a super distinctive curled shape which is where she gets her hair.

and then Lucy's name is AZAMI[アザミ] as in Azami[薊]: "thistle," appropriate for her prickly demeanor.

Technically I already did Darach's once, but I'll go over it again here. His name is KOKURAN[コクラン] as in kokuran[黒蘭], lit. "Black Orchid" and as a play on that Caitlin is actually named Cattleya[カトレア] from the Catelleya genus of orchids. His ancestor Anthe was named Sharon[シャロン] in reference to the Rose of Sharon, which is actually a common name of a few unrelated flowers, including the national flower of South Korea. (Oddly she seems to bear absolutely no relation to the Orchid theme between Kokuran and Cattleya. )

Argenta's original name was KEITO[ケイト] from keitou[鶏頭] the Japanese name for the Silver Cockscomb, which has very obvious color associations that lend to her design. Also the Silver Cockscomb's scientific name is the Celosia argenta, which is where they got her English name.

Palmer's name is KURUTSUGU[クロツグ] after kurutsugu[桄榔] the Kaong Sugar palm

Thorton's name was NEJIKI[ネジキ] from nejiki[捩木] the Japanese name of the Anyaar/Angeri(Lyonia ovalifolia). They have thee adorable little white bell flowers.

and finally for this batch, it's Dahlia who was in fact just named DAHLIA[ダリア]. For the image i picked a yellow Spider Dahlia specifically since it seemed to match her color scheme and hair

Oh and just to round out this little batch of extras, Barry's name is actually JUN[ジュン] from Junichi Masuda, game director of the core Pokemon series. It's a play on Gary's name being SHIGERU[シゲル], after Shigeru Miyamoto. But sadly it has nothing to do with his dad's name.

While I'm here...

Cheryl's name was MOMI[モミ] from momi[籾] which is a word that refers to unhulled rice specifically. Unrelated to her ancestor Wasabi's name.

Marley's name is MAI[マイ] from mai[米], which is just the word for "Rice" as a food staple, so depending on context it can implicitly mean when hulled, because the alternative would be momi, but it does also generally to the crop and even the food industry. (Ironically Mai in Hisui was actually named YONE[ヨネ] which is an alternate reading of the same kanji for "rice" [米], yet they named her Mai in English, Marley's actual Japanese name...)

Go figure, Buck's name is in fact BAKU[バク] and it's the Japanese word baku[麦] for Wheat or Barley. By sheer coincidence it is how Japanese phoneticizes "Buck" but it does not actually refer to Buck Wheat. Also he has nothing to do with his brother, nor their ancestor's names.

Mira's name is MIRU[ミル] from "Millet." It's also where her little hairtie design comes from.

and finally, Riley's name is GEN[ゲン] from genmai[玄米] the name for brown rice, which is a kind of earthier more nutritious rice.

So oddly, there is a concept in Chinese agriculture and cooking called Wu Gu[五穀]: "The Five Grains" that refers to the 5 staple crops of Chinese agriculture dating back to ancient times, and several far et cultures have their own variations on this... but despite the obvious grain theming the 5 stat specialist trainers don't actually match any specific version of the 5 Grains?? It definitely feels like that was the intended reference, yet it sort of falls apart in the specifics... maybe just a disagreement on what made fora good name or not?

Oh and as for a few other oddball ancestors...

Sabi, Mai, and Zisu I've all technically covered before in one form or another but the quick overview is that Sabi was named WASABI[ワサビ], YONE we mentioned above, and Zisu was named PERILLA[ペリーラ], after the same type of redleaf mint that Flint, aka OBA[オーバ], was named after.

Pesselle's name is KINE[キネ] from kine[杵]: "(mortar &)pestel" which is both a cute play on Millet and on her role as head of the medical division and the grinding of medicinal herbs.

and Riley's ancestor Rye is actually named HAKU[ハク] as in haku[白]"white"but sensibly a reference to hakumai[白米]:"White rice" in parallel to Gen's gen[玄] also reading literally as "Black/Dark" when referring to "brown rice."

[yxstxrdrxxm]

POLL RESULT—! > "Sorry, I'll pass..."

"I'm sorry, but... I'll pass."

YESTERDAY looked hesitant as they said those words, their eye drifting away from his. Clutching onto their belongings, they shifted their feet away from the stranger.

"I plan on heading back to my shop, anyways," they added, chuckling nervously. "Maybe another time?"

...

They couldn't tell if he was happy about being denied or not, but when they looked up to see his reaction, he still kept that smile on his face. If anything, he seems rather... Bemused.

"Hm... I'll hold your word to it, little orchid," he replied, nodding. "I'll head on out, then. I'm sure we can meet again."

[ AFFECTION ↑ 3+ ! ]

Watching him leave, YESTERDAY relaxed and sighed audibly, this time turning around to continue walking. Returning was a lie, of course, but being able to speak to another person that knew their struggles was a nice change of pace.

It ironically made them feel better, too.

[ WILT ↓ 3- ! ]

As they walked down the path, they reached the park and went to the nearest bench, putting down their things before they sat down. There isn't a lot of people around this time, which was a relief, as they knew damn well that they weren't feeling up to anymore additional interactions.

Though, as they watched other people interact, they noticed a familiar individual walking while holding hands with a woman. She was a bit taller than him, her black hair billowing in the wind and the coat she wore hung loosely on her shoulders.

And the one she was with was the owner of the eatery, who seem to be quite exasperated over something, judging by how he was talking and gesturing to her with a sharp look in his eye.

... Huh.

It's a rare sight to actually see him go out. From what people told them, TINUVION only leaves the eatery when he needed to make a couple urgent runs to the department store, in an emergency, or for his spouse. And from the looks of things, the third was the case.

What's cute, though, is even when the two bonded like they were arguing over (quite possibly) the dumbest thing in the world, they were holding hands. And those hands both had rings, too— same design, but the gems were in different colors.

One of teal, and the other of purple.

What an adorable couple.

As the couple left the florist be, YESTERDAY focused their attention on the books and picked it up. They grabbed a few in the hopes they can get to some reading, lest they wind up forgetting and procrastinate on returning it.

Though, as they looked through the books they bought, they had realized too late that they had three new books that wasn't in their possession.

Quite a strange conundrum. When did they get these? Do they even recall getting these books before? And the titles were odd, since they had been faded from the cover... Or, some of it, anyway.

"Alter Ego, Rain Burst, and Velvety Susurration," they muttered, eyeing each of the covers. They looked nice, sure, but they damn well knew something is up.

...

Putting the books away, they grabbed the one they sought out to read first, this time to open it and start focusing on the contents.

It's only for the sake of learning, they thought to themselves. It's only that. Nothing else.

In the midst of it all, their mind wandered back to the three men they had met. Each of them were intriguing, but they didn't exactly knew whether to trust them or not from their behaviors alone.

The first customer they had while they worked, the redhead, was one of the few that was easy to satisfy. They recalled he had a business to open, but something about him made them a bit cautious. Perhaps it was due to his manners, or even his nature, but they felt that they have seen him before.

The blonde stranger was someone they still remember— ALBEDO was his name. Although he was nice, when they spoke to him back then, it felt like they were speaking in a void, with him only listening and not expressing much to respond. It was quite eerie, as they swore that his eyes looked a bit dead when they had a chance to look at him.

And the third... The stranger was charming, that's for sure, but he was definitely shady. YESTERDAY isn't stupid; they were at a vulnerable state, and he had the capabilities of pushing them to do what they don't want. It was a miracle he let them off, because his mere presence was making them panicked.

Though, they couldn't help but frown. Their judgement on these men were harsh— they were only strangers, after all. They are people, and they shouldn't have thought of them like these three were murderers in disguise. But as they red through the books they borrowed, their mind wandered to each of those interactions more and more.

It was almost ironic, with how they swore to the heavens that they would never resort to overthinking to the highest degree. That was in the past, but here they are, doing the same thing again.

Though, if there was one that they would probably have the most faith in without thinking that he'd actually hurt them...

This poll will receive answers until 8 PM (GMT+8). Keep in mind that the majority will win, so vote what you think is right.

Additionally, any poll after this with additional votes WILL be null when the results are out. Choose wisely, focus on the recent poll, and ignore the past.

FLAWED TAGLIST: (send an ask to be added for Flawed!) @beloved-blaiddyd ; @mixed-kester ; @mochinon-yah ; @fffiii ; @leftdestiny-posts ; @ambrosia-divine

[delicatuscii-wasbella102]

By in the Iron Orchid Designs Creative Tribe.

[mrs-trophy-wife]

[fountainpenguin]

"Anatole followed with his usual jaunty step, but his face betrayed anxiety..." (x)

---

New Dog's Life chapter today!

Chapter 8 - “Flash (Sniff, Scar)”

Read on AO3

Start from Chapter 1

---

“Live SnifferMyFeet reaction” as Etho performs surgery on a guy whose body isn’t even in this dimension. Also, Martyn finally gets a better snack than his shirt sleeve and Scar lives inside your walls.

(First 1,000 words under the cut)

---

SnifferMyFeet

Baby’s first surgery <3

💚  💛  ❤️

SnifferMyFeet, who is a mere 1,584 day/night cycles old since the moment he started counting, is beginning to realize there are a great many things about the outside world he never would have fathomed, even if he’d had a thousand years to consider the possibilities. Surgery is one of them, the whole “free-cam” thing is another, and using free-cam to perform a surgery definitely would have ranked at the bottom of the non-existent list of Extremely Fathomable Things As Far As Sniff Is Aware. Not trademarked, but it’s his list. He’ll stab someone’s elbow crook if they try and take it from him.

Etho’s flat is so naked of decoration, Sniff no joke wonders if he’s the kind of guy who grabs the Hero of the Village effect before he so much as hands over a clump of sticks. The bookshelf in the corner of the room is full of books and board games, but every one of those books is some complicated subject about programming or cartography. And Etho’s obviously no fun, so the games can’t be for him. He probably doesn’t even get invited to play, even though he has two roommates. Sniff picks out exactly two things in the living room that he decides count as decorations. One is the flower pot beside him on the coffee table. It holds a blue orchid. The other’s a salt shaker in the shape of a fox, sitting proudly on his desk. And that’s it.

Come on. Even my spawn town has more interior design than this, and I’ve only been alive a couple weeks.

The flat is also much, much smaller than the flying boat base back on his and Pig's world. Sniff never realized until now that he might be a tiny bit claustrophobic. Gripping the backs of TwoMuchGrian’s knuckles and counting things around the room helps, a little, but he quickly runs out of dusty textbooks to stare at. He did pick everything up after he and Two knocked it over, by the way; he’s not that heartless.

He and Two sit like decorations themselves on the edge of the coffee table, bouncing their heels against the carpet. The table’s equally covered in books, because apparently Etho’s social life died a hundred years ago and totally failed the respawn. Lizzie stands in the doorway between the living area and the kitchen. Everyone is eyeing up the massive bright blue crystal bobbing up and down beside Etho’s work desk. Everyone except Etho, ironically. Sniff has been informed that if he taps the crystal - possibly even breathes too hard on it - it will explode. If he had to guess, the resulting damage will be real bad. Worse than end crystals. And at that point, only the crying obsidian block it hovers above will survive.

Can you even call what’s going on here a surgery? Joel’s body isn’t even in this dimension. Sniff really doesn’t get that part, but then… He’s only 1,584 day/night cycles old since the moment he started counting. He watches, saying nothing, as Etho moves back and forth between looking at the crystal and staring at his… bigger… comm screen? (Not sure what that device is called; too freaked out by ‘forced proximity to deadly blue crystal’ to ask).

TwoMuchGrian shifts his wing, pressing it gently around Sniff’s shoulder. His feathers, Sniff realizes in that moment, are actually half a dozen different shades of blue, though it’s difficult to tell if you don’t bother to get a close look. “You okay?” Two asks.

“Get off me.”

“No, no… If you say so.”

Sniff drums his fingers on his knee. Etho moves back and forth between his desk and the absolutely massive crystal again. Oh, he’s close to breathing on that thing. He’s so, so close. Maybe that’s why he wears the mask. Maybe it’s for everyone’s safety, so he doesn’t get them all bloody killed.

“Two… Two, if I don’t make it… Tell Pig…”

“Yeah?”

“… that I lied about hating his cake. Also, I think he sucks.”

Two snorts. “Oh, he gets that from me all the time.”

The heck you ribbing on Pig for? He’s MINE to torment, thank you very much. Maybe he doesn’t like Pig’s Between dimension friends after all. Maybe this world’s not treating him with the respect he deserves. Where is Pig anyway? Idly, Sniff wonders if he has enough time to build some sort of summoning circle on Etho’s living room floor, maybe with a few candles. He doesn’t really have a plan. Does Etho have any paper? Sketching ideas on paper sounds like something smart people would do before they jump into work.

Etho shifts away from the crystal, back to leaning over his desk with only one knee propped in his office chair. Sniff burns the thing into his brain. Every scrap of it. The floating crystal has 16 sides. Three are blank, but there’s a single letter glowing white on each of the rest. Sniff didn’t even realize he was fluent in Illagerscript, but sure… okay. I’m now a vex, I eat people, I’m a little bit divorced from Etho despite not actually being married to him like I thought… Learning all sorts of things about myself today. What else is new?

ᓭ ᒲ ᔑ ꖎ

ꖎ ╎ ᓭ ⍑

ʖ ᒷ ᔑ リ

ᓭ

The crystal reads Smallishbeans.

“I’ll be honest, fella,” Sniff says, still kicking the carpet, “I don’t know how you’re planning to pull this one off.”

“Keep watching, I’ll be doing something similar to you in a minute.”

“… Lovely-jubbly.”

Etho rolls his sleeves up to his elbows. Oh. Now it’s getting serious. Sniff glances at Lizzie, then scoots a smidgen closer to Two. He stays dead silent as Etho’s fingers flicker from their pale skin tone to cyan blue. Pixels pop. Then crackle. Sniff winces. Etho’s hands shimmer, morphing into stubby paws. Ah… So that’s the fox in his soul. It’s curious to watch, though significantly less impressive at this point, seeing as Etho already, y’know, kind of dropped the whole when I go into free-cam I turn into a fox bit on the way over here. Loses dramatic effect to go from full body to just the paws, as it were. Y’know?

But the paws, apparently, are all that Etho really needs. He steps up to the crystal and plunges his hands straight inside. Sniff gasps, throwing his arm up to shield his face. Two’s fingers tighten around his hand. But the crystal doesn’t burst. After a few heartbeats, Sniff looks again. Etho is already stepping back, cradling a large, twitching insect in his palms. It’s glowing the same cyan blue as Etho’s fox paws, wings beating feebly in clear distress. Its rear end glows brightest of all, mostly white.

Are we bugs inside? Sniff moves his hands to his chest. All ten of his hearts are still beating. Are Joel’s beating? Somewhere out there? Is this where the expression ‘bug in the system’ comes from?

[Cnt'd on AO3 - Link at top]

[luasworkshop]

Merfolk Evander and Valerius having some fun. Based on the Mermay designs @the-iron-orchid did (actually in MAY, I'm a little late, oops.)

Full image is here.

(Also just a side note; if you want eyes on your work offsite - if you link to Twitter a Twitter account is now required to view adult work, people without a Twitter account cannot view your work. I'm told linking to the image instead of the tweet is a workaround, but the long-term stability of Twitter is questionable... then again, so is Tumblr.)

[bumblebeeappletree]

Tammy takes us through the basics of indoor plant care, starting with choosing the right ones for you. Subscribe 🔔 http://ab.co/GA-subscribe

Time-poor plant parents:

A good rule of thumb is to choose plants based on the amount of time you have to look after them. If you’re time poor, then go for plants that are easy care and don’t need a watchful eye. Hoyas are great trailing plants that can withstand dry periods, Peperomia obtusifolia and dieffenbachias have variegated cultivars that make an impact, and homalomena or monstera can make a big, green statement with little effort.

Plants that need more TLC:

Rex begonias are showstoppers with colourful and hairy patterned leaves. They need high humidity, so group a few together to create a warm microclimate or add a humidifier to your indoor garden toolkit. Overwatering is a common cause of indoor plant issues so make sure they are not sitting in water and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Plus, increasing humidity will mean that they dry out slower.

To check if your plant needs water, use your finger to feel if the first few centimetres of soil are dry. If so, give them a good drink making sure there’s enough water to run through the drainage holes of the pot.

The popular Fiddle-Leaf Fig has caused a lot of heartache, dropping leaves as soon as they’re moved into the wrong spot. Make sure you give them the right environment by finding a brightly lit site with no direct afternoon sun and watering once the soil has mostly dried out.

Potting Mixes:

As a minimum, use a premium potting mix. For aroids, such as anthuriums, scindapsus, philodendrons, aglaonema and monstera, it’s worth making your own mix to ensure they have adequate water and drainage.

Tammy’s aroid mix is made from:

- 4 parts perlite (dampen before use as it can be dusty)

- 4 parts orchid bark

- 1 part compost

- 1 part coconut peat

- 1 part horticultural charcoal

Light:

Most house plants are happy in bright indirect light. For variegated plants, brighter light can encourage more variegation. In hot spots with direct sun, try plants such as crotons that have tropical, colourful foliage or in low light, try an aspidistra or dracaena.

If your sunshine is in short supply, artificial lights will allow you to grow a wider variety of plants. General household light bulbs don’t supply all the light spectrum needs for your plants, so go for something designed for plants that mimics sunlight. You can even find lights tailored for different plant stages, such as more red light that promotes flowering.

When using artificial lights, consider the distance – leave at least 40-50cm between the light and the plant so the leaves don’t burn, and don’t leave them on all day and night as plants need rest time just like us!

A little TLC and the right planning upfront will go a long way!

Featured Plants:

WAX PLANT  - Hoya sp. 

BABY RUBBERPLANT  - Peperomia obtusifolia cv. 

- Homalomena cv. 

DUMB CANE  - Dieffenbachia x memoria-corsii cv. 

MONSTERA  - Monstera deliciosa  

REX BEGONIA  - Begonia rex ‘Escargot’  

FIDDLE-LEAF FIG  - Ficus lyrata 

SATIN POTHOS  - Scindapsus pictus cv. 

CHINESE EVERGREEN  - Aglaonema cv. 

- Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’ 

- Croton cv. 

CAST-IRON PLANT  - Aspidistra elatior  

HAPPY PLANT  - Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana'

[nancypullen]

Crafty Crafterson

I mentioned in my last post that I’m spiffing up my craft/art/writing/daydreaming room.  I painted the desk a deep teal and wanted to embellish it, so I ordered something I’ve never tried before - paint transfers!  I ordered from Iron Orchid Designs and give them five stars and a standing ovation.  These transfers could not be easier to use and they look fabulous.  Check out this desk drawer -

That took about 5 minutes. Not kidding. Once I put the knob back in place it will look like that vine sort of wraps around it. Pretty!   Here’s a link to Iron Orchid Designs. 

https://ironorchiddesigns.com/

 I purchased mine from an Etsy seller and she was lovely enough to send a link with an instructional video.  Watch her here and see how easy it is!

I also slapped together a quote on a pretty background and printed it at Walgreens - less than $5. Popped it into a frame that I already had and we’ve got a little something to center the gallery wall.  Yippee! It’s a start.

This room might be too pretty to use.  Just kidding, I’m going to live in here! I’d better get back in there and get busy. I’m feeling creative! Sending out loads of love.

[novumtimes]

How to grow a goth garden : NPR

A slipper orchid clonal hybrid known as Paphiopedilum Saint Albans “Dark Red” from the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection Hannele Lahti/Smithsonian Open Access Collections hide caption toggle caption Hannele Lahti/Smithsonian Open Access Collections Gardens are blooming across the country, and while you’ll likely see plenty of roses and brightly-colored zinnias on porches and patios this summer, one much-hyped trend is moodier. It’s Victorian and romantic and very, very dark. Trend watchers have pounced on goth gardening. Google searches for “goth garden” more than doubled over the past five years ��� with a pronounced spike after the heroine of the Netflix hit series Wednesday started finding comfort in a creepy conservatory filled with ghost orchids and carnivorous plants. Want to make an atmospheric goth garden of your own? We have some tips. Use dark plants (duh) The Chocolate Cherry sunflower variety has become a top seller for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Other garden companies have also reported an increase in sales of dark flowers and foliage. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co./rareseeds.com hide caption toggle caption Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co./rareseeds.com “I can tell you that dark varieties have consistently been among the top-selling items,” said Michelle Johnson, a spokesperson for the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, in an email to NPR. “For example, the Chocolate Cherry sunflower is the top-selling sunflower; Black Magic cosmos is one of the top cosmos flowers and our dark red and black vegetable varieties (tomatoes, carrots, etc.) always sell very well.” That’s right: don’t forget your vegetables (and herbs) “I like the dark red basil there,” said James Clawson, an event designer in New Orleans, pointing at a pot of herbs gleaming darkly on the patio behind his shotgun cottage. “You can plant vegetables there, too,” he added. “Dark red lettuce will be beautiful. Kales are really pretty. “ Don’t use ONLY black plants Experts at the nonprofit National Garden Bureau made a YouTube video filled with tips. Tempting as it may be, they advise against leaning too heavily on black foliage because the plants won’t pop without contrast. And consider a mix that might include darker shades of hollyhock, false indigo and coral bells among the “thrillers, spillers and fillers.” Try some decorative objects Even the generally ungoth HGVTV and Better Homes & Gardens are rhapsodizing over wrought iron gates and broken statuary. The website Gardinista suggests “old animal cages” as decor. And while weeping angels might strike some as clichéd, they can still go hard, as one admiring commentator noted on the instagram post above. Add spikes Finally – spiky plants will give your garden a pleasing air of menace. A bromeliad in Miami, Fla. Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images James Clawson suggests bromeliads for more tropical climates. Commonly found in gardening stores, they’re a member of the pineapple family with long green spiky leaves and a dramatic bloom in the middle. “Those last forever. and they die pretty too,” he said. Goth gardens shouldn’t actually be deadly A final piece of advice: “Don’t go spraying lots of poison,” Clawson suggests. “Butterflies are a good thing.” Even Wednesday Adams might agree that goth gardens can use a little fluttery joy. Source link via The Novum Times

[tammylilly13]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Iron orchid designs moulds.

[mykreatecube]

The Best Balcony Ideas for a Relaxing Retreat

Your balcony, whether big or small, serves as a gateway to relaxation and rejuvenation—a private oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in peace. With thoughtful design and creativity, your balcony can be transformed into a tranquil retreat that soothes the senses and restores the spirit. In this guest post, we'll explore a variety of the best balcony ideas to help you create your own relaxing sanctuary right at home.

Coastal Escape: Transport yourself to a seaside paradise with a coastal-inspired balcony retreat. Choose furniture in weathered wood or wicker to evoke the look of beachside lounges. Add nautical accents such as striped cushions, rope details, and marine-inspired decor to complete the coastal vibe. Hang sheer curtains or bamboo blinds for privacy and to diffuse harsh sunlight, creating a serene atmosphere reminiscent of a breezy day by the ocean.

Zen Garden Haven: Embrace the principles of Zen design to create a peaceful and harmonious balcony sanctuary. Opt for minimalist furnishings in natural materials such as bamboo or teak, paired with soft cushions and meditation pillows for comfort. Arrange potted plants and stones strategically to create a balanced and serene environment. Incorporate elements of water, such as a small fountain or tabletop water feature, to enhance relaxation and promote tranquility.

Tropical Paradise: Bring the lush beauty of the tropics to your balcony with a tropical-inspired retreat. Choose vibrant, exotic plants such as palms, ferns, and orchids to create a lush and verdant oasis. Add colorful throw pillows, rugs, and outdoor textiles in tropical patterns and motifs to infuse your space with warmth and vibrancy. Hang string lights or lanterns overhead to create a magical ambiance after sunset, transporting you to a tropical paradise right outside your door.

Urban Jungle Hideaway: Transform your balcony into an urban jungle retreat filled with lush greenery and natural textures. Create a vertical garden using hanging planters, trellises, and wall-mounted shelves to maximize space and bring life to your outdoor sanctuary. Layer soft textiles such as rugs, cushions, and throws to add warmth and comfort. Incorporate natural materials such as rattan, jute, and bamboo in furniture and decor to enhance the organic feel of the space.

Mediterranean Retreat: Channel the relaxed elegance of the Mediterranean coast with a balcony retreat inspired by rustic charm and timeless beauty. Choose wrought iron or wicker furniture with ornate detailing for a touch of Old World sophistication. Add vibrant pops of color with cushions, throws, and ceramic pottery in shades of blue, turquoise, and terracotta. Complete the Mediterranean look with lush Mediterranean plants such as olive trees, lavender, and bougainvillea, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a sun-drenched villa.

Bohemian Hideaway: Embrace free-spirited bohemian style to create a whimsical and eclectic balcony retreat that celebrates individuality and creativity. Mix and match colorful textiles, patterns, and textures to create a vibrant and eclectic look. Layer rugs, cushions, and poufs for a cozy and inviting vibe. Hang tapestries, lanterns, and dreamcatchers to add a touch of boho charm. Incorporate vintage furniture and flea market finds for an eclectic and personalized touch that reflects your unique style and personality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your balcony has the potential to be so much more than just an outdoor space—it can be a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, a haven of peace and tranquility right at home. With the best balcony ideas outlined in this guest post, you can transform your balcony into a welcoming retreat that invites you to unwind, recharge, and connect with the beauty of the natural world. So, unleash your creativity, embrace your personal style, and create a balcony retreat that truly reflects your unique vision of relaxation and escape.