Showing posts with label Nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nature. Show all posts

The Story Behind Ukraine’s “Tunnel of Love”

Back in 2011, Amusing Planet posted pictures of a mysterious green tunnel of trees covering a section of railway tracks in Ukraine, known as “Tunnel of Love”. At that time, the internet was not aware of its existence and there was absolutely no information of this place save for its vague location near a city called Klevan. I asked my readers if they knew about the place, and a few chipped in with bits of information. In the last few years, as these pictures became more and more popular on social media and other websites, additional information began to surface. Recently, RFE/RL’s journalist and photographer Amos Chapple visited the site and came back with a more authentic story.

tunnel-of-love-klevan-1

Puzzlewood: Tolkien's Inspiration For Middle Earth


The “The Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel of the same name were shot almost entirely in New Zealand, but the inspiration for the mythical realm of Middle-earth came from Tolkien’s homeland, England.

One of the places that Tolkien is said to have been inspired is Puzzlewood, an ancient woodland near Coleford in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. This primordial forest covers 14 acres of mossy rocks, twisted roots and woodland bridges, with a maze of pathways winding through the gullies.

puzzlewood-9

Lovely Leaf Cutting Art

Lovely Leaf Cutting Art

When it comes to art, the biggest artist of all and one who manages to surprise us at all times is Mother Nature. Not only is she a supreme artist, she is also an inspiration to those who are into art providing us not only with ideas but also raw material. We should be thankful for the ways in which she keeps making our lives so full of sensual delights with so many visuals to see, feel, touch, smell and experience. This article is also going to be dedicated to just one tiny example of her largesse – leaves. We see vegetation around all the time and in our grind of mundane daily lives, we often forget to look at the details. A leaf is one such part of nature that we tend to take for granted. But if you pause to think about it, you will realize that leaves can be such an object of beauty and the best part is that they come in so many shapes, sizes and dimensions. No wonder you have pretty popular Peepal leaf art for a pristine effect.
leaf-cutting-art-15

leaf-cutting-art-6
leaf-cutting-art-5
leaf-cutting-art-4
leaf-cutting-art-3
leaf-cutting-art-2
leaf-cutting-art-1
Come to think of it, that is just one kind of leaf but when you look at nature, you realize there are so many that you can probably do some kind of art based on one leaf a week and never run out of options. That is why there are no doubt many innovative examples of leaf painting. It is not only flowers that inspire like the peaceful lotus flower painting ideas but also the leaves that inspire you to all kinds of art.
leaf-cutting-art-12
leaf-cutting-art-11
leaf-cutting-art-10
leaf-cutting-art-9
leaf-cutting-art-8
leaf-cutting-art-7
Here are some steps you can follow to try leaf cutting art that you will need to follow:
The first thing you need to do in order to try leaf cutting art, is to look at the different types of leaf shapes in and around your area. Do not be too shocked to notice that there are plenty of choices to go with. We suggest that you start your leaf cutting art with leaves that are not too small and with a relatively simple shape and design. You can always move on to the more complex ones, once you have mastered the art of cutting simple leaf shapes.
leaf-cutting-art-18
leaf-cutting-art-17
leaf-cutting-art-16

leaf-cutting-art-14
leaf-cutting-art-13
Cutting into leaves to create the kind of shape or design you want will require you to be very careful in the handling of the leaf. After all, leaves are biodegradable and tend to dry out and crumple into nothing but dust after a certain period of time. We suggest that you learn of ways in which you can make the leaf last so that you can cut the kind of design you want into the leaf. It is also better to look for leaves that have a bit of veins like structures running through them. These can be made a part of your design and can add an extra dimension to the work of art you are creating.
leaf-cutting-art-24
leaf-cutting-art-22
leaf-cutting-art-23
leaf-cutting-art-21
leaf-cutting-art-20
leaf-cutting-art-19
Apart from a creative way of thinking and a knack for seeing hidden art potential in a leaf, this kind of art also needs a lot of patience and delicate handling. It is definitely suited for people who like to work passionately and quickly with their hands. The thought and movements have to be slowed to fit into the delicate shape and texture of the leaf. But let us tell you that once you have done something like that, it will fill you with pride and make you more aware of the environment than ever before. Do look at the leaf cutting works of art that we have shared and tell us what you think.

Ways to Reuse Dried Flowers.

Ways to Reuse Dried Flowers.

May it be the loving occasion of anniversary or the moment when you step ahead with your feelings on your hand in the form of flowers; flowers are always the most significant part of major life events. Proposing someone without wanting to say a word, red rose does that best and decorating your lovely space, name a flower that cannot mark it higher than your expectations. (Yeah, we gift something nice too!) But at the end of the day, the gift stays and the flower is dead. They can herald the coming of spring or signify an anniversary for you. Everyone likes to receive flowers, but unfortunately, flowers don’t last forever – they start to wilt and dry. It makes you feel sad. But wait! You can preserve your flowers past their peak and make this gift more special and everlasting with these genius
Ways to Reuse Dried Flowers.
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Ways to Reuse Dried Flowers
Hanging Flower Rack
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
If you have an admirer who gives you flowers every now and then, try drying them and then displaying them on a wooden board. You can hang different types of bouquets and the proof that you have a special someone in your life is there right on the wall.
Flowers in a Jar
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Once your beautiful bouquet of flowers has dried up, take them and put them into a glass jar that you can place anywhere in your house for decoration. Isn’t that one of the unique ways to reuse dried flowers? Showing the dried flowers by encasing them in a jar or some bottle will instantly flash that story of Beauty and The Beast.
Frame Them
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Flowers are not less than any beautiful piece of art, and so framing them is another option for you. Arrange the dried flowers any way you like and then hang it up on the wall – these unique ways to reuse dried flowers will impress whoever visits your home.
Window Flowers
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
If you have a room without a window that is feeling a bit too stuffy for you, a great idea would be to use an old window frame to make a casing for your dried flowers and then add that window to your stuffy room. This false window with colorful flowers will bring life to your stuffy room. Encasing the dried flowers in a frame that haven’t lost their color could also be a great idea to invigorate your drawing room.
Wall of Flowers
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Guests are arriving but you, already, are running out of ideas as to what to do with a boring, dull wall? The answer to that is hanging up dried flowers all over the wall. They add a colorful touch and of the unique ways to reuse dried flowers, this is definitely one way. Aim high and make the eyes of your invitees get stunned with such amazing and genius inspiration you came up with.
Floral Ornament
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Display your dried flowers in a glass ornament – it will look really nice and pretty. It is not necessary to wait till Christmas to hang up these ornaments – you can use any meaningful occasion to hang up a dried floral ornament. You can take inspirations from several Etsy sellers who won infinite hearts by articulating dry flowers by preserving them within a faceted ring or some neck piece with a pendant or a tiara.
Floral Chandelier
unique-ways-to-reuse-dried-flowers
Image Source
You thought chandeliers were only for lighting? Oh no. You can go that extra creative mile and make a chandelier from an embroidery hoop and hang flowers from it. Make your guests look up in surprise to see a chandelier with a difference.
Musical Flower Arrangement
unique-ways-to-reuse-dried-flowers
Image Source
This one is perfect for music lovers. Gather your dried flowers into a bouquet and wrap it in a sheet of music. Different, yet elegant, this will surely draw the eyes of everyone in the room. How are you going to give your girlfriend (who happens to be the music lover) a bunch of flowers so it feels more special to her? Try this musical coneflower arrangement and you will thank me later! Wink! Maybe there are certain things you must know about flower arrangements.
Floral Bookmarks
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Want some personalized bookmarks? They are really easy to make with some dried and pressed flowers in the center. You can gift them to your friends and family or use them as party favors.
Dried Flower Ornaments
unique-ways-to-reuse-dried-flowers
Image Source
Another way of showcasing dried flowers is to use some epoxy resin to convert them into ornaments. Wear them on a chain or hang them anywhere you like. Art of creating plastic flowers could also be useful somewhere!
Floral Display in a Grater
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Have a grater that is all old and bent out of shape? Don’t throw it away. Use it to hold a bouquet of dried flowers and then hang it up to make a unique piece of decor. Using the flowers to the best of its advantage is what we aim at.
Flower Tattoos
unique-ways-to-reuse-dried-flowers
Image Source
If you want a temporary floral tattoo, forget those usual tattoo ideas that demand commitment and that you have to take throughout the journey of life. All you need is some eyelash glue to stick them to your skin, and some hairspray for a finishing touch. Turn heads with this idea.
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
Unique-Ways-To-Reuse-Dried-Flowers
Image Source
These are few unique ways to reuse dried flowers which will make a thing of beauty last forever. So, now you do not need to feel bad anymore with the withered flowers. Use the best side of your creativity and decorate your house even with dried flowers.