Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Not Paper Roses…Wooden American Beauties in Blaine, MN

Carole--Most of these carvings are covered with tarps during the winter but not all. Some have a very thick coating of varnish to protect as I have noticed some in the winter but wait until spring or summer to photograph as they don't look so great covered with snow.

Lizette--There are lots of people in MN who love to wear their interests and loves on their sleeve so to speak with a creative display in their yard.

Cynthia--Agreed! I often see bears and eagle carvings but these roses were very unique!

Lynda--Don't think that there is a carving like this in every MN yard. ;) I try to post the ones I drive by that are unique...I have seen several bears, gnomes and even a viking. I have another one coming up that is also not a bear but still a unique wood carving...There are lots of dead trees in MN and this is one way to recycle! :)

Joan--I honestly hadn't noticed "Rosie" carved into the bottom until my son pointed her out! It is a cute addition to the flowers.

William--I have absolutely no idea how these are done! I just drive by and take their photos for my series of unique yard art in MN. There are so many around that it is fun to share them with people outside of MN. Not all are wood carvings either....I feature some hometown icons like Lindstrom's watertower and North St Paul's snowman.

Teri--It is fun when they "jump" out at you. This type of art is quite an addition to many homes...not so certain how it affects the value though. I have sold one home that had art like this in the yard and the buyer added the wooden man to the personal property addendum!

Kris--It is an amazing talent that I do not have either!

Art--Thank you very much. Homebaked sourdough bread? Yum...Very impressive! I cannot bake bread so that is a skill! I make a pretty awesome banana chocolate chip muffin but not bread!

Bill--There are links to the whole series of wonderful interesting artful distractions in the area where I sell homes. Creative people in Minnesota and the rest of the world needs to know! :)

Karen--Rest assured this artwork is not abandoned. It is located in the front/side garden of someone's home...I think it is carved into a dead tree stump that is still firmly rooted to the ground as so many of these are. I crop off the houses for the privacy of the homeowners and I like to focus on the art that they display in their yards. I think the cold snap of last week killed off the hostas. If I had pulled out the garden is very well kept but there was an ugly fire hydrant that got in my way. :)