Tossy's Treasures

The Art of Teaching Craft This book is a great handbook written for all those who teach classes of Art & Craft. It will guide you an the many things to consider when teaching a class.

Especially for those who are not trained teachers, this book helps you to realise there are many other things to consider other than what you are going to teach.

This book takes you through the teaching environment eg lighting, furniture used & class size. Ethics & professionalism are discussed along with establishing realistic aims & objectives for your class. You must create a positive classroom atmosphere, prepare your teaching aids & have planned your teaching strategies & techniques.

Students must be motivated & you must be prepared to cope with difficult students or those with special needs. At the end os the class it is wise to evaluate the lesson.

Business practicalities are considered along with the place of the classes eg dou you have them at home or in a shop or studio.

This is a great book to help you formulate your ideas before you start classes. Especially valuable for those who wish to teach their skill & are not formally trained to do this.

This book is available from

eBay Australia Shop - My Garden Treasures: Geraniums Pelargoniums, Perennials, Roses

 Geraniums & Pelargoniums

Geraniums & pelargoniums are very hardy plants originating in South Africa. I the cooler climates of the northern hemisphere they are delicate plants that are grown in pots & wintered indoors. Here in Australia, we are in the lucky position to have a warm climate where geraniums & pelargoniums thrive outdoors all year round.

Drought tolerant

My geraniums are all very hardy, getting little water, yet thriving in the drought conditions we have had here in Victoria for the last 10 years. They flower prolifically in colours of white, pale to hot pink, apricot, mauve, red & dark burgundy with black stripes. Their leaves range from curly, small, & scented, to variegated to cupped.

Pruning

Geraniums & Pelargoniums appreciate being pruned lightly in the autumn so that they can make new growth for a bright show of flowers. These plants are always a delight, giving flowers throughtout the year.

Visit My eBay Store to buy plants or cuttings just like these.

Geraniums and Pelargoniums

Geraniums and Pelargoniums are very hardy plants. They originate in South Africa. Pelargonium is the correct name for thes specie however they were called Geraniums when first taken to England and the name has stuck. It is also thought that the word Geranium rolls off the tongue with more ease than does the word Pelargonium, and so now the plants are known by the two names.

Taking Cuttings

Geranium/Pelargoniums are very easy to propagate. Take a tip cutting, that is about 8cm long with three or more nodes along the stem. The nodes are where the leaves join the stem. These plants are very hardy and do not like to be kept too wet so leave the cuttings for a day or so for the cut end of the stem to dry then place them in a propagating mix. This mix can be sand, or sand and potting mix, or sand and coir mix.

Place six or ten cuttings in the one pot. Water them and drain well. Leave this pot in the shade for a few days then place it where it can get some sunlight. Keep it out of the hot sun as you don't want it to dry out altogether. Water when dry. These cuttings will take root in about four weeks.

When roots appear out the bottom of the pot it is time to repot the cuttings into pots of their own. When the plant is well grown, about 20-30cm tall it can safely be planted out into the garden and will grow like the bush seen below.

Visit My eBay Store to buy plants or cuttings just like these.

Geraniums & pelargoniums are very hardy plants originating in South Africa. I the cooler climates of the northern hemisphere they are delicate plants that are grown in pots & wintered indoors. Here in Australia, we are in the lucky position to have a warm climate where geraniums & pelargoniums thrive outdoors all year round.

My geraniums are all very hardy, getting little water, yet thriving in the drought conditions we have had here in Victoria for the last 10 years. They flower prolifically in colours of white, pale to hot pink, apricot, mauve, red & dark burgundy with black stripes. Their leaves range from curly, small, & scented, to variegated to cupped.

Geraniums & Pelargoniums appreciate being pruned lightly in the autumn so that they can make new growth for a bright show of flowers. These plants are always a delight, giving flowers throughtout the year.

N-aceyyl cysteine or NAC

Nac or N-acetyl cysteine is a precursor to glutathione. Glutathions is an anti oxidant that is necessary in the brain. It helps the brain to work better. It has been proven to help Depression, Bi-polar & CFS. It is an anti-mucolytic which means that it deters or expels mucous in the body, especially from the lungs. This makes it suitable for Cystic Fibrosis patients as it should help to break down the mucous in their lungs. NAC also helps to boost the immune system making it useful to Chronic Fatigue sufferers and all those with weak immune systems.

Enjoy the art of Thérèse Vahland as she paints her way through simple country scenes. These scenes bring out the nostalgia & serenity in the country. Thérèse loves flowers & gardens & always enjoys painting these subjects. She also likes doing smaller & miniature paintings which are easy to fit in anywhere in your house. You can always find a space somewhere to hang another small painting. Thérèse's paintings go well with any Country or Cottage style of decorating.

 On a number of occasions,Thérèse has been invited to be a judge of the folk art section of a Show. This area of art has been of great interest, having taught folk art for twenty years. Therese is also an author of two books about Folk Art painting.