The Blacksmith Boutique & Garden Studio

09/11/2026

I am feeling very honored to have been asked to make something special…for someone special…from someone special❤️. This one I just “felt”, the Hawkeye Gold farm metal, handmade paper from Julie McLaughlin and a sheet of music from a dear friend is all it took to create something for a special person that had music in his soul…..

09/10/2026

I am sooooo proud to have my sculptures at The Arboretum. The archway in the Children’s Garden is extra special as this is a piece that my Dad helped me with❤️

09/10/2026

Today was definitely a good day to have a good day. I was honored to create these for Max, Beth and Brenna and Jeff. I absolutely love how these panels turned out and was so excited to see some forever friends tonight. I love it when special people that are a part of your past, reconnect🥰 my heart is full. I loved seeing you all and thank you for letting me create some special pieces for you to enjoy for years.

09/03/2026

Go for a little walk at this beautiful Arboretum….i have a sculpture being on display along with my large archway that my Dad helped me with many years ago.

🎨🌿 ART STROLL AT THE ARBORETUM 🌿🎨
September 2026
Art • Gardens • Fairies • Family Fun

Stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens and discover incredible artwork tucked among the flowers and foliage!

🎨 LOCAL ARTISTS IN THE GARDEN
Professional and local artists will showcase large-scale metal art displays throughout the Arboretum. Wander the paths and see how art and nature come together in unexpected and beautiful ways.

🧚 FAIRY DOOR CONTEST
Our Raised Annual Beds will become home to a magical collection of hand-decorated Fairy Doors! Visitors get to choose their favorites and help determine the winners.

🏆 $50 PRIZE IN EACH CATEGORY!
Fairy Door creators—invite your family and friends to visit, explore, and vote for your door! Every vote could help you win!

✨ CAN YOU FIND THE FAIRIES?
Somewhere in the gardens is a hidden Fairy Village just waiting to be discovered! Follow the paths, look closely, and join the fun with .

🌸 MAKE A DAY OF IT!
Stroll the gardens. Discover the artwork. Find the Fairy Village. Vote for your favorite Fairy Door. Take pictures. Make memories.

BE PART OF THE SEPTEMBER ART STROLL!

📍 Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
1927 East Orange Road • Waterloo, Iowa

🌿 Open during our regular hours

🎨 COME SEE ART WHERE NATURE IS THE GALLERY! 🧚

09/03/2026

I was so excited that I got some time in my shop this past week…starting a pumpkin collection. The first one was from a tractor seat🥰, it went out the door the first day🥰

09/03/2026

08/31/2026

We are so excited to host this event this coming month. Mark your calendars and invite your “gal pals”….. we have so much to share and get you in the mood for fall. Mark your calendars, feel free to share this post and put in a drawing.

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

Stop in tomorrow….I will be working 9 - 5😏 what a way to make a living💕. I will have a special treat for those that come out and wear PINK. I will have a signup for our Dolly Wear so make sure you are on the list. Let’s all celebrate this amazing lady that stands for soooooo much good💕. I will celebrate this day every year for the rest of my life💕

08/26/2026

We are celebrating Dolly on this Friday…..wear pink into our shop and we have a special gift for each of you. Also check the photos below….we have Dolly Wear on its way. Sz S-3XL. If you want one mention below photo and we will put one back. I adored EVERYTHING about Dolly from my childhood on….Love is like a butterfly 🦋 ❤️😢