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Sugar Lump Studios

Art by Nancy Maxwell James

{Stone Cairns}

June 5, 2015

rockstacks

Cairn is a man-made pile of stones. Once considered an ancient art form, stone cairns were often constructed by balancing large rocks or stones on top of smaller ones. No mortar is ever used in making a stone cairn, which is what makes this feat so amazing.

Last summer I had my first encounter with stone stacking and cairns was when I went up north to Traverse City with my girlfriend. A woman that lived behind the Bed and Breakfast we were staying at had the most wonderful “caged” rocks displayed. After speaking with this homeowner, we discovered each cage was filled with “Petoskey” stones which can only be found in Northern Michigan (and fetch a pretty penny when polished to tourists).

My girlfriend and I saw the rock stacks along Old Mission Point (Lake Michigan) as well, and I started reading up on it. I thought is was so peaceful and a really clever thing to do. Since that trip (and the stroke happening a mere 5 days later) I have wanted to create something like this in my own yard. Although, I cannot lift them like I could before – I have a vision and began collecting photos on Pinterest and the web. I thought you might be interested in seeing them as well.

stacking1
Photo from Pinterest

stacking3
Photo from Pinterest

stacking4
Photo from Pinterest

stacking5
Photo from Pinterest

One of my goals this summer is to somehow incorporate this into my garden areas. I have a two spots that need work – they are ugly ugly ugly. One is along the wood line, and my cat who I lost last June is buried there. I have wanted to make a nice little spot for him since his passing. For Mother’s Day, my daughter and her boyfriend gave me a “Bleeding Heart” which I think needs to be planted where my Baxter was laid to rest. Maybe some hostas as well.

gardenmess1

The other is a corner under my bedroom window which has been a mess for years. At least the stone came with the house, but killing all the weeds and keeping them away will be another thing. So these will be my summer projects. I say this because I need my daughter’s help planting anything. Hopefully, before September I will tackle this and show you a wonderful transformation.

gardenmess2

Here is to BIG gardening dreams on a very limited budget! :-)

Filed in: cairn stacks • by Sugar Lump Studios • 5 Comments

About Sugar Lump Studios

I am a dabbler. I love to create using all sorts of mediums...pattern papers, stamping, fabric, assemblage, collage, altered art, a never ending smattering of whatever strikes my fancy in whimsical moments. I find creating allows my soul to be fulfilled and love to spend hours in the studio.

Comments

  1. sherry

    June 5, 2015 at 6:29 pm

    I am always enamored when I see someone has piled stones or rocks one atop the other to make a stack. Your two areas are perfect for building stone cairns and having just a few plants. A Zen Happy place for you…

    Reply
  2. Laurie

    June 6, 2015 at 11:05 am

    My sister who passed and myself have a love for cairns. She had them in several spots in her gardens, and I have one in my memory garden I grew for her. They are fascinating! Your gardens are going to be beautiful, and I look forward to seeing your completed ones!!

    Reply
  3. Dorthe

    June 6, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Dear Nancy, I am very taken in cairns , too, and even sometimes see very little ones when walking the beach, here. They kind of gives me a feeling of wisdom and piece,-and I think your corner would look wonderful with some cairns there.
    Also the resting place for your cat, would be great looking with one big one, or a few smaller ones. I love the containers filled with stones in the first picture, it looks so beautiful, there !
    I hope your garden dream comes true, dear friend.
    Hugs,Dorthe

    Reply
  4. Linda K

    June 7, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    there is something so connecting with the spirit about cairns. I love the ones you have shared, and I know your garden area will soon be a beautiful, restful haven. Love and hugs!

    Reply
  5. Barb

    June 8, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Hi Nancy,
    Being a rock lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this posting, you have given me a few
    ideas. Take care.
    Hugs,
    Barb ♥

    Reply

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