Getting Creative

First Annual Pod Party!

                                                              The entries

Never underestimate the creativity (or competitive nature) of a group of nature nerds!  When the "pod contest" idea first came up, talk was of day-glo paint and glitter.  I thought I was being clever by using pipe cleaners...I never could have imagined the amazing works of art that would be the result! 

Thanks to all of you who joined in the fun - pod-ders, delicious treat and wine bringers, all so generous!  It was an evening of good fun and good food, shared among beautiful friends.  Marcia and Tracy, we missed you both and were very sorry you were unable to join us.  But, there is always next year!  (See below.)

Here is the official declaration, by popular vote, Pod Queen Kim H!  Congratulations, Kim!  You certainly earned it with your amazingly decorated basket.  Kim proudly wore her Pod Tiara, and realized that with royalty comes responsibility - it is her turn to host the party next year, and to come up with the contest idea.

The winning creation!

HRH PQ Kim

The voting was tied for  Pod Princess, so we made one designate as Pod Princess and one as Pod Duchess.  Newly honored Pod Princess is Lorayne, who earned her honor with her amazing bird creation.   (Sorry the photo does not show its beauty...)  Incredible detail and use of many natural touches made Lorayne's bird a sight to behold (is a pod in the hand worth two in the bush?). 

Congratulations, Princess Lorayne!

Our new Pod Duchess is none other than Alison, whose graceful Pod Shrine was also very popular - despite the fact that some of us (duh!) did not immediately pick up on its graceful representation.  Beautiful!

Duchess Alison's Pod Shrine

As for the non-royal entries, they included Marcia's lovely pod ornaments:  two smaller single pods, and a very pretty pod angel.  Even though she was too sick to attend the event, Marcia's pods were delivered by her lovely daughter Kylee.  A true competitor!

Marcia's pretty pod ornaments

Using the aforementioned pipe cleaners and other silliness, Kim G. created a collection of "critter-pods."  Most were plays on words, but the bird pod is, for now, nameless.  If anyone has a suggestion, please advise.

Clockwise from upper left:  Octopod, 7 Pods-a-Swimming, Arachnopod, Centipod, part of the un-named bird pod, Tripod, Eyepod, Pea Pod.

The Queen & her court:

commoner Kim G, commoner Carol, Queen Kim H,

Duchess Alison, commoner Sarah, Princess Lorayne