The Queen of Hearts’ Gardener

The Queen of Hearts’ Gardener

his naughty Queen of Hearts’ Gardener ornament is made from repurposed and recycled materials. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this charming collectible will capture the heart of all fans. Whether it is Easter, or Christmas, you can decorate your home with this keepsake. Create memories with your loved ones as you adorn your Christmas Tree or Easter brunch table with this one-of-a-kind Queen of Hearts’ Gardener ornament.

A Childhood Memory

As a child, I never scribbled on the walls. But I did write letters with my #2 pencil on one of my dad’s paintings. I was sitting at my dad’s desk doing homework. Thus, my back was facing a dad’s large painting that covered most of the wall. In all honesty, I am not sure what went through my head. Suddenly, after being bored to death with my addition and subtraction problems, I found myself facing the painting. Somehow, a white geometric shape on the painting seemed the perfect canvas to try my penmanship. Thus, teeny tiny scribbles appeared like magic on this empty white space. As you can imagine, boy did I get in trouble!

Thank goodness, my mom found the letters before my dad did. Like all moms, she knew I was the culprit. So, with a sponge in hand and a bowl of mild soapy water, I erased any trace of my bad judgment. A major crisis had been averted. Anyhow, this episode of my childhood comes rushing through my mind when I think of Five, the Queen of Hearts’ gardener. Just like me, Five gets in trouble when he paints the Queen of Hearts’ white roses red.

The Queen of Hearts’ Gardener Ornament Design Process

Just like with the other companion ornaments, I studied the original etchings of Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I hand-embroidered the gardener’s guilty expression and gave him a black hood like in the illustrations. I chose red, black and white for the color palette. Next, for his body, I used a deck of mini playing cards I found at a flea market. Also, I made buckets of red paint from Chapstick and toothpaste caps. As the final touch, I incorporated a bush of white roses. And so, Five, the Spades gardener sprung to life.

Specifications

Year Designed

2014

Size

Actual size may vary, approximately 3.0” x 3.0” x 5.25”

Materials

Yarn, fabric, cardboard, felt, ribbons, playing cards, embroidery floss, silk flowers, toothpaste and Chapstick caps, eye-shadow brushes

Note:  Given the handmade nature of the ornament, all ornaments are different.  The pictures depict just one sample of the ornament.