Here in the UP, we get a few sunny  teaser warm days to think about gardening and then the snowflakes return.  I have been wanting to clean up my garden from the overwinter blanket of leaves and stems I left for the pollinators and predators but some say  it's good to wait until the days are consistently warmer.  Hmmm what does that mean here with such fluctuations?   As with everything I think it's a balance.  I think the leaves are a good form of nutrients and moisture control.  Anyway when it was too cold to be out int he garden, theres usually something happening in my tiny studio.   Here's a collection of collage and gel print combinations, Posca marker outlines and other adjustments in Procreate software....Heres to .looking out at the gardenscape from inside as the snow flies.

Bees, butterflies and birds are pollinators and I am learning that dragonflies are carnivorous predators that will eat problem pests....amd maybe some good insects too.  As with everything there has to be a balance.  I am planting a variety of native plants to attract a variety of flying insects.

 I often feel restless during a full moon,  Last night/morning I was grateful for the bright snow moon's light giving me a peek at the protective winter snow blanket on my newly formed garden spaces. So in the wee hours, instead of sleeping I was envisioning new garden designs and color palettes..   So now, at nearly mid morning  on  yet another cold clear winter day, its a magical time to warm my inner garden spirit by bringing out the bags of dried zinnia blooms I gathered last October and separate petals and seeds.  What a fun upcoming  Valentine's Day way to share the garden love.

A fun and colorful, way to spend a cold winter afternoon.   As with all things, you need practice and patience. I personally found It can be booth mindful and mind boggling. You do have to be precise in your folds .

Folk inspired mixed media  image.  Combination gelli print by Cindy and illustration  by Sally.