Janis St John of 506 Tailgate Creations in Cloyne was the guest speaker at the Tweed and District Horticultural Society’s May meeting. Janis described herself as a “crafty” person who loves to create and try new things. She loves to repurpose the “old” to make it “new” again. She admitted that she loves to “make a mess” but she did say she is very fortunate to have a husband who will clean up!!!
Growing up, Janis’ family always recycled items such as clothing and furniture. Her mother would repaint the furniture and sell it “at the end of their driveway.” And Janis still has a bin at the end of her driveway where people drop off furniture, old windows, screens and even an artificial Christmas tree and Janis loves to use these old items to make them new again!
One of Janis proudest moments occurred when she lived in Port Perry and she was on the cover of Country Woman and her beautiful garden was featured as the centre fold in the magazine. She has lived in Cloyne for 6 years so her present garden is still a work in progress!
During her presentation, she shared some of her “new” works of art…painted screens, stain glass windows, bird baths, a purse with a spring floral arrangement, driftwood creations, a wall hanging that she is rug hooking using old clothes, to mention a few.
Janis used an old picture frame with plexiglass to create a garden art piece during the presentation. She coated the plexiglass with clear silicone and smoothed the silicone with her hand wearing a plastic glove. She added battery operated fairy lights, stained glass that she has previously cut and coloured glass pieces. To add glitter, she sprinkled smashed patio door pieces. She then patted it down when completed and placed it on a birch tripod that she had made from trees on her property…..stunning! And one lucky member won the creation as Janis donated it as a door prize!
Janis stressed that she rarely buys new items for her creations…the bin at the end of her driveway is her “store”!! She uses stones, shells, buttons, old jewellery-basically whatever she can find. Much of her stained class came from a local church where the windows were being replaced.
It will be interesting to see how many members will look at their “old stuff” with new eyes after seeing and listening to Janis!
Upcoming Events:
May 20…Plant Sale at Memorial Park in Tweed….8:00 am
June 6…speaker will be Jeremy Yearwood who will be talking about maple syrup, maple bourbon and even the beehives he has on his property.
July 21-23…OHA Convention in Kanata