Woodland Ornaments~ Moss, Lichen, Nature

I am making these beautiful little spheres of nature for the Christmas House Walk tree. Each carries a small bit of nature, rocks, moss, dried berries, sticks, and more. They look fantastic hanging in a window with the sun rays shining through all year round. They will be for sale at the shop for $5.99 each or 4 for $20. See more photos at The PURE Gardener Facebook Page.

Miniature Pumpkin House for a Little Gnome

This little gnome made his home in a carved pumpkin and patiently waited for guest to arrive :-)

How to Make "Real" Miniature Fall Leaves

A number of customers have come into the shop asking if we carry miniature fall leaves for their miniature gardens. So, I searched and searched and wasn't quite satisfied with what I found.  I decided to make my own. I purchased a tiny leaf punch and set out to find the right material for leaves. I didn't want paper because it would dissolve the minute the leaves came into contact with water. I tried to punch silk but the ends frayed.  Then I got the idea to use real leaves. Success! The punch cut through the leaves like butter! I gathered leaves from all around the Geneva area. They are a bit time consuming so I will have small bags of leaves for sale at the shop for those who would rather have me do the work for them :-)

Here is what I did:

1) Gather leaves of various colors including green

2) punch leaves with a leaf shaped punch

3) Spread out in a drawer or pan to dry. I put them in a drawer so that I could shake them from side to side to get that natural curled edge. Let dry over night.

4) Enjoy!

Sneak Peek~ Alain Roby's All Chocolate Kitchen~ Jurassic Park Dinosaur

600 pound  giant chocolate Iguanodon Dinosaur for the premiere of the movie  "Jurassic Park."

Charity for Saving Tiny Heart's Society

Made by Chef Alain Roby from 600 lbs of chocolate

Chocolate Cake Dinosaur Eggs in a Rhinoceros Suit Case

Yummy Chocolate Dinosaur Eggs

I had a lot of fun creating this jungle for the 600 pound Dinosaur created by Chef Alain Roby for the premier of the movie "Jurassic Park." Craig and I used a huge amount of moss on this project! The dinosaur is very life like and it is hard to believe that is it made of chocolate. He will be on display, along with several chocolate creations, and hand blown sugar  sculptures by Chef Alain Roby, at the All Chocolate Kitchen opening Friday  September 10th- Christmas at 507 South Third Street in Geneva, IL.
  (between Caribou Coffee and Kernal Fabyan's Popcorn). Admission is FREE and there will be chocolate's, tarts, and more for sale. Watch Chef Alain Roby recreate his home kitchen in chocolate right before your eyes.  Proceeds will go to Saving Tiny HeartsSociety.
Annette~

CHEF ALAIN ROBY ‘S ALL- CHOCOLATE KITCHEN TO OPEN IN GENEVA, IL ON SEPTEMBER 10

Read Daily Herald Article 9/8/2010

Our good friend and CHEF ALAIN ROBY ‘S ALL- CHOCOLATE KITCHEN TO OPEN IN GENEVA, IL ON SEPTEMBER 10.  Make sure not to miss this fantastic event and watch Chef Alain Roby build his home kitchen out of chocolate!

CELEBRATED PASTRY CHEF CREATES LIFE-SIZED CHOCOLATE REPLICA OF HIS KITCHEN

 Chef Alain Roby, senior corporate pastry chef for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and the only pastry chef to hold two Guinness World Records for the “World’s Tallest Cooked Sugar Building” and “World’s Tallest Chocolate Sculpture”,  announced today that he will be opening Chef Alain Roby’s All-Chocolate Kitchen in downtown Geneva, IL.  The kitchen, which will be a chocolate replica of Chef’s own kitchen that was designed by Geneva’s Past Basket, will include QCCI cabinetry and high-end appliances among other items.  The Chef is using Callebaut, Belgian chocolate donated by Barry Callebaut, for all his work in the kitchen. 

Chef Alain Roby’s All-Chocolate Kitchen will be located at 507 South Third Street.  It is a property owned and managed by Shodeen Management.  Opening day is scheduled for Friday, September 10 at 6 p.m. and the kitchen will be open through December 2010.  Admission is free.  The store’s opening day coincides with the start of one of Geneva’s all-time favorite celebrations, The Festival of the Vines that commences on Friday, September 10 and runs through the weekend.

“This kitchen is a dream-come-true for me,” said Roby.  “My passion is chocolate and my expertise leads me to the kitchen.  I am truly blessed to have it all come together in this way, and am excited to share all of this with our guests.”

The All-Chocolate Kitchen also will offer guests some of Chef’s most famous desserts like pastries, cookies, giant brownies and hot chocolate.  In addition, his book “Alain Roby’s American Classics – Casual and Elegant Desserts” will be on sale. 

On Saturday evenings, Chef also will be creating sugar demonstrations for guests.  The output of these sessions will be available for purchase.

Ongoing information about Chef’s progress at his All-Chocolate Kitchen can be found on his new website, www.chefalainroby.com. 

Also in the kitchen, Chef will share the story of an organization that is very important to him, The Saving tiny Hearts Society.  This charity was created by Brian and Francie Paul in honor of their son, Joshua, who was born with several heart defects in 2005.  The Saving tiny Hearts Society is an entirely volunteer-based organization that was formed for the sole purpose of raising funds for congenital heart defect research.  In four years, The Saving tiny Hearts team has raised more than $500,000, funded three research projects, and is releasing funds for additional projects later this year. 

 “The mission of The Saving tiny Hearts Society is very dear to my heart,” added Chef.  “My hope is that while visitors enjoy the thrill of all that chocolate can bring, they’ll also recognize the commendable work that this charity provides to many ailing families around the world.”

In addition to Barry Callebaut, QCCI, Past Basket and Shodeen Management, other companies who are contributing to the success of the kitchen include: Hyatt Regency Chicago, Albert Uster Imports, Barrett’s Technology Solutions, Blue Dot Sign Co., Continental Electric, Dunbrooke Apparel, Eisen Video Productions, Grahams 318, Life of Dad, Lowes, MPK Enterprise,Plass Appliance,  and The Pure Gardener. 

About Chef Roby

For the past 20 years, Chef Roby’s work has been seen all over the world. The Guinness Book of World Records awarded him with the “World’s Tallest Cooked Sugar Building” and “World’s Tallest Chocolate Sculpture” honors. These creations took his visibility to new heights. Chef Roby is the only pastry chef to hold two Guinness World Records. 

Most recently, Chef Alain was featured on the Martha Stewart Show and created a 1,350 lb. cake that was more than six feet tall, for the Tall Show.  He also appeared on the Food Network’s “Extreme Pastry” and “Sugar Rush” and has been in three of the network’s specials: “Unwrapped with Mark Summers,” “Mystery Birthday Cakes,” and “The World’s Tallest Sugar Building.”  Roby also has been a judge in several Food Network challenges and on The Learning Channel. He also has been featured in numerous magazines including: Food & Wine, Gourmet, Pastry Art & Design, and Chocolatier.

In addition, for the past 19 years, Chef Alain Roby has served as the head pastry chef at the NFL Commissioner’s Super Bowl Party. This is an exclusive VIP party attended by 5,000 people. Roby is responsible for all aspects relating to the pastry creations and displays at this prestigious event. 

Chef Alain Roby’s most recent achievement is the ‘Academy Award’ of the pastry industry and the highest honor of his career - induction into the Pastry Art & Design and Chocolatier Hall of Fame. This achievement is recognition of his contributions to the pastry industry. 

Tiny Gnomes ....

..... are appearing at The PURE Gardener. These tiny hand painted pewter gnomes, from a local artist, just arrived at the shop! Come see them today- one never knows when these diminutive earth dwellers will disappear!  

"To Go Garden"

A tiny Garden that can be taken with you when ever a little nature is needed :-)

Live moss that just needs a little spritzing now and again.

Antique & Garden Sale

The PURE Gardener's miniature and fairy garden creations will be featured here- just a few blocks from our shop. The antique sale is three days long. Stop by early for best selection!

Rain Barrels on Parade! "The PURE Gardener"

Artist Esther Roby - and a good friend of mine- painted this beautiful rain barrel for The PURE Gardener. Our shop is happily nestled in the tree branches. The fairy is Emily, my daughter. The detail is amazing! There are tea cups, butterflies, lady bugs ( for good luck ) and even a strawberry cake. When Esther and Alain (her husband) brought it to our shop, today, it was covered with a blanket. When Alain removed it, we were speechless. It is absolutely beautiful. I am ready to move in :-) 

Adrian Roby- Esther's son- is working inside The PURE Gardener

She modeled this beautiful fairy after my daughter, Emily.

"Emily"

The sun is peaking through the forest trees catching this fairy by surprise.

Rain Man Unvealed July 25, 2009

"Rain Man" (lovingly referred to by locals ) was unveiled today by Mayor Burns at the new public Joshel Plaza in Geneva, IL. today , kicking off the 2009 Art Fine Arts Festival on 3rd St. The sculpture, which was created by Miles Metzger and donated by Kent Shodeen, stands on a portion of the plaza.

NEW! Hand Made Garden Tools Jewelry

Shown Here in Pendant Form. We also Carry Earrings.

"These fun little garden tools make excellent gifts for yourself or a friend!
I found these fantastic little tools while visiting the art district in Paducah, KY. I purchased a pair of earrings and have received so many compliments that we decided to carry them in our shop."

Lost Wax Process Explained in the Artist's Own Words:

A Photo of the Artist's House

Lost Wax Process Explained in the Artist's Own Words: "The process begins when I make a model in metal, usually copper. These models are usually of a single component part of one of my pieces of jewelry. Certain pieces of jewelry such as the insects have up to and above 25 separate component parts, so quite a number of models are made before anything else is done.

These models are the original designs from which all duplicates are made.

A separate vulcanized rubber mold is then made of each piece. Molten wax is then injected into these rubber molds.

Each of these individual wax pieces is set onto a wax rod. These rods are each placed on a rubber base and a graphite cylinder is placed over them. High refractory plaster is poured over the rod to fill the cylinder. They are then placed in a kiln and the wax is melted away, hence the name lost wax.

Molten metal, sterling or bronze is then injected either centrifugally or under vacuum. The cast metal parts are then snipped off the rod, which is now metal also. The pieces are then polished and finished.

These models are usually of a single component part of one of my pieces of jewelry. Certain pieces of jewelry such as the insects have up to and above 25 separate component parts, so quite a number of models are made before anything else is done.

Diana McNish

Once in a while we post artwork from friends, family and customers. This video that we are posting below is absolutely beautiful. Diana is a customer, a wonderful friend, and a beautiful artist.


Her webite url is www.DianaMcNish.com

Break Glass in Case of Emergency- Heirloom Seeds non GMO- Pendant.

Break Glass in Case of Emergency- Heirloom Seeds non GMO- Pendant.

This necklace can be purchased at Buffalosisters.etsy.com

Glass vial filled with 1 PACK / 50 SEEDS, Heirloom vegetable seeds. Vial is approx. 1 1/4 " not including handle.

Each one is different than the other because I hand make them. I choose the vial to send you from a variety of Non- GMO heirloom vegetable and flower seeds- most are certified organic. Necklace included.

IN MY OPINION, Monsanto is trying to buy up all the world's seed supply, patent them, and genetically modify them. Here is your emergency supply!

THE PERFECT WAY TO PROTEST!!

James Kuhn NEW Book for Christmas

My friend, James Kuhn, has a book that I think would be the perfect gift for those who have everything! Click on book -above- to view and purchase.

American Gothic.

American Gothic., originally uploaded by hawhawjames.

Another great face painting by James Kuhn

My Friend James Kuhn- Pansies

Rejected , originally uploaded by hawhawjames.