Thursday, January 15, 2009

Guerilla Art Seed Bombs

I know. It sounds like something Homeland Security should check out. But what Elaine & I were making before Ron's class Tuesday night at Clayworks are really quite harmless.  Here, Elaine demonstrates the "claw" technique.  (Not the same as Ron's but equally effective.)  
Nothing like digging into a bowl of gunk.  For me it brought back memories of making mud pies when I was a kid.   And it probably would be a great activity for children, under adult supervision of course. 

The ingredients are simple: compost, powdered red or brown clay, wildflower seeds and water. Mix it all together, form into Godiva truffle-shaped balls, then set the seed bombs aside to dry.   
The idea is to carry a few "bombs" with you wherever you go.  When you see a landfill or a bare spot in a friend's yard or even an open crack in a sidewalk,  "bombs away."  With a little help from Nature, those areas might soon be sporting a surprise batch of blossoms.  

The idea came from Keri Smith's book "Guerilla Art" and is one of many quirky & wonderful ways to bring a little art and beauty into the everyday world.  

Thanks to Amy for providing the pictures. We'll keep you posted on the posies.

9 comments:

jbf said...

Does that make you "floral terrorists"? It looks like fun.

Becky said...

Ha! I suppose it does.
You got a bit of the Che thing goin' on in that pic too, don't ya? ;)

cindablog said...

Toss a couple my way -

Jerry said...

Love it! Might be something to try out in my class on the last night of a session.

Linda Starr said...

What a wonderful idea. And the clay retains moisture, so the little seedlings will get a good start. I love it.

Becky said...

Jer, great fun...and it doesn't take long! Thanks for the mug you sent via Facebook. That, too, is a great idea! (Is it dishwasher safe? ;> )

Becky said...

Linda, I'd think these seed balls would be a natural for you. You probably have enough seeds of your own from those breathtaking gardens of yours! Maybe you could take some of your garden with you this way?

Ron said...

I've got to get that book and I really would like to make some 'bombs' of my own to plant around town. I like the 'Floral Terrorist' term John.
See ya'll soon. r.

Anonymous said...

Claw technique!! Floral terrorist, I like it too....now we just have to start spreading them!!! Let the terror begin!!