Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Mixed Media Houses

I bought a sheet of masonite for a project and while drawing up the cut lines for my husband (seriously, it's best if I stay away from sharp power tools) I decided to mark out some house shapes. The original project was immediately pushed aside while I rummaged through my stash to create these...


At around 12" tall they are quite large compared to most of my work. They have a nice chunkiness to them. They make me happy to look at them :) Here's a better look at each with some notes on the supplies used.

"Sing like a thrush as loud as you can, one more song for her" Nichola Battilana

The lovely dotty paper at the top is from G45's Times Nouveau - Deluxe Collector's Edition. The striped portion is Botanical Tea > Field of Flowers. There's a crushed bottle cap, little white buttons, cloak clasp, resin frame and Thin Fleur Dresden. The image is from this Tintypes Collage Sheet. Finally, the red square behind the quote is cut from an old hardcover book.


"Drink your tea, daintily like a lady!" Mixed Media House - Nichola Battilana

The background of this piece is a beautiful iridescent paper that I can't seem to find the name of. (I'm a stinker!) The bottom scalloped edge is a section of an old necklace. The butterfly in the top arch is one of those old Red Rose tea figurines. The round bobble at the top is an antique french lottery number. The arches are these bezels from Spellbinders. The image here is from Karen's Whimsy an amazing resource for collage images. The little tea charms can be found HERE and HERE


"across the world and backward in time" Mixed Media House - Nichola Battilana
Finally my little time traveller. He is from my personal collection of old photographs. The background is  Star-Crossed Constellation Scrapbook Paper* with some added glitter :) The goggles, wings and propeller on this piece are Junkyard Findings - Steampunk Air. The gears are actually cut from a texture sheet from Gina's Designs but they don't seem to be available any longer. At the tippy top you'll also see a 25mm Round Antique Bronze Setting*. I've coloured all of my metal bits just a little to match the paint on the chipboard gears.

And that's it! I had a lot of fun making these and now that they're out of my system I can get down the project that got pushed out of the way... unless something exciting distracts me... which is likely...

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

ABC Primer Tags for Graphic 45

I was asked to create something inspired by something on pinterest. Now, these don’t look anything like the original inspiration, but sometimes it’s just a small element, technique or idea that inspires or can be a jumping off point. In this case, the dimension that little bottom fold from the original Pinterest inspiration. I’ve folded the bottom edge of my tags to give depth and interest. The fold sort of adds a horizon point to build upon and creates tags that are extra chunky and sturdy.
Graphic 45 ABC Primer Tag - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 ABC Primer Tag - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 ABC Primer Tag - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 ABC Primer Tag - Nichola Battilana
Supply List:
Graphic 45 ABC Primer Tag - Nichola Battilana
Be sure to check out the Graphic 45 blog too for more taggy goodness by the amazing and sweet as pie Romy Veul AND there's a giveaway a-happenin' too :)

Monday, January 26, 2015

G45 ATC Blocks

There are a number of fresh and bright ideas brewing in my noggin' but they aren't quite ready yet. In the meantime I've been puttering away with scissors and glue, trying to keep the mojo going. One of my go-to projects to do while waiting for my big ideas to percolate is ATC and ATC blocks - so that is what I made...

G45 ATC Blocks - Nichola Battilana

I've used a different Graphic 45 collection for each one. For this one I've used ABC Primer Deluxe Collector's Edition

G45 ATC Block w/ ABC Primer - Nichola Battilana

This one is Typography (one of my very favourite G45 collections)

G45 ATC Block w/ Typography - Nichola Battilana

And the new Home Sweet Home which is fast becoming a favourite also and reminds me that summer is on the way.


G45 ATC Block w/ Home Sweet Home - Nichola Battilana

Lastly... I need to clear out a bunch of stuff to make room for the new ideas I'm working on. Keep your eyes peeled for a big fat sale in the next week or so.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

One Little Thing - Quote

This week's prompt is "Quote"

Some people are filled with magic words. Van Gogh spouted many lovely (and sometimes tragic) phrases "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." Others are filled with lovely nonsense, like my childhood friends mother who would often say "Pink, pink, pink like a roosters dink!" while plucking chickens in her kitchen. It's funny the things that stick with us.

Wise words can inspire.

Phrases can stick with us forever.

Silly rhymes are ingrained and repeated for years.

Self made mantras can keep us going.

Feel free to interpret this theme any way you want! There is no wrong way to complete this challenge. The only 'requirement' is that you spend at least a few minutes focused on the theme, and create one small thing this week.

Good luck!

**You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. **

Saturday, January 24, 2015

My One Little Thing "Stash Bustin'"

This piece has been sitting in my craft room for eons. I see it all the time and keep meaning to gussy it up... but life always gets in the way. So this weeks challenge, to utilize your stash, was a perfect opportunity to finally do something with this hunk-o-wood just for me.


A bit of glitter, some paint and starry tinsel and ta-da....


Cute as buttons!

This weeks lesson? Often, little 'just for fun' projects get pushed out of the way. Every once in a while remember to do one of those 'back burner' projects. Check your stash and do that thing you've been putting off for a year. Those fun frivolous projects are important! They get your hands dirty and you'll feel great about checking something off of your never-ending, ever-growing 'to-do' list.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

One Little Thing - Bust Yo' Stash!

This week we're "Stash Busting!"

Your challenge this week is to create something, anything, from your "stash". Go rummaging! Dig deep into your collection of hoarded goods. This is the perfect time to get to work on the little project you've been putting off forever. OR profess your love to your stash of glues and glitters through rhyming verse. Show off your magnificent stash of neatly folded fabrics through photographs! The only rule this week is that you cannot buy anything new. You must create and celebrate what you already have on hand.

You can do it! I know you can :)

**You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. **

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Star Crossed Lovers

The theme over at Alpha Stamps this month is "Star Crossed Lovers" (which I love!) For my project I began by embellishing a Hinged Wood Chest with Clasp with glitter and stars and adding wheels...

Star Crossed Lovers for AlphaStamps.com - Nichola Battilana

... then I altered a series of cards with the romanitcal lusty theme to fit inside.

The cards themselves are distressed and then have fitting snippets from old books added.

Star Crossed Lovers for AlphaStamps.com - Nichola Battilana

I then added some wax and embedded glitter, stars and small heart shaped beads.

Star Crossed Lovers for AlphaStamps.com - Nichola Battilana

I love the way the wax gives a cloudy, dreamy quality to the pieces.

On these cards I've simply used regular candle wax but it has it's drawbacks... if your flame doesn't burn cleanly you run the risk of lampblack/soot getting into the clean wax.
Plain candle wax is actually quite brittle when dried and will easily crack so care must be take afterwards not to bend the cards. ALSO some candle wax is actually quite greasy (especially true if scented oils have been added).
Star Crossed Lovers for AlphaStamps.com - Nichola Battilana

Using beeswax can help you to avoid these problems. Alpha Stamps offers these beeswax pellets which are much more pliable and resilient and are intended for arty/crafty use.

Star Crossed Lovers for AlphaStamps.com - Nichola Battilana

Want to make your own? Here's what you'll need...
Star Crossed Lovers
Star-Crossed Lovers Add-On Kit
Hinged Wood Chest with Clasp* 

Beeswax Pellets

Star Crossed Lovers for AlphaStamps.com - Nichola Battilana

My One Little Thing "Hero"

I had a few ideas for this weeks challenge.

1. There was an idea that I had that used stamps... but I seem to have misplaced my stamp stash (a whole flipping tackle box!) and so that I idea was squashed.

2. Next I thought about doing a piece focusing on the many women that inspire me... but the idea was scattered and not coming together. 

Then I found this picture of Picasso...


... and I knew exactly what had to happen...

P-man standing guard over the Saturday morning coffee and peanut-butter.
I wouldn't exactly call Picasso a hero. He is one of the greatest artists who has ever lived, but he was also a bit of a dick. However, I could not pass up the opportunity to make a pocket sized Pablo in tights.

So what's the lesson this week? It's okay to be silly in your work. Being silly is a valid way to explore a concept/challenge and opens the door to even more ideas. As an added bonus, it can remove fear and gives you freedom over your own work.

P.S. I watched the documentary Blood Brother this week (it's on Netflix). Ahhhmazing! Rocky Braat is a real hero.

Friday, January 16, 2015

Morning Visitors

I've been wondering where my feathered friends have gone. The feeder was hanging half full... yet no visitors for ages. Today I went out to inspect and discovered that all that was left was dried corn which was clogging the holes. I felt badly for not realizing sooner so set out a feast this morning. In no time at all my friends returned.


We're located on a migratory path and see a lot of different birds here. It's lovely to see four or five totally different birds sharing the goods. Sometimes they get a bit bossy and dive bomb one another, but mostly everyone gets along.


Yellow birds in winter are like a wisp of summer.


The bird above is one of my very favourites, a dark-eyed  junco. They prefer scattered seed over the feeder and enjoy the spoils that fall from the feeder.


The sweet girl above is a downy woodpecker. You can tell her apart from the boys because she is missing a patch of red feathers at the back of her head.

Everyone was having a grand time and having their fill until this cheeky thing came bounding along. 


I've been watching a family of squirrels poking in and out of a hole in the tippy top of one of our old black locust trees. Lucky for him they've been entertaining or else I would have shooed him away.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Collecting Nice Things with Graphic 45

I'm sure I've asked this before: Have you ever seen the movie Amelie

It’s wonderful, and filled with so many delightful little details. Many of those little details were from a journal that directorJean-Pierre Jeunet, used to keep. A collection of things that made him happy. I’ve wanted my own collection of nice things ever since. And so, my new years resolution is to take special notice of lovely things.


Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Journal - Nichola Battilana

Using an inexpensive coil bound notebook and Graphic 45's Once Upon a Springtime, I’ve created a special place for my collection. It has loads of pockets where bits and pieces can be tucked away… but it’s also practically embellished so that I can toss it in my purse. 


Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Journal - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Journal - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Journal - Nichola Battilana

Although I may not have gone over the top with embellishments, I think every snip of Once Upon a Springtime is cute as buttons.


Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Journal - Nichola Battilana

When not making notes it closes up tight and is secured with a length of jute affixed with a brad on the spine. It has quickly become my favourite book to write nice things inside :)

To make your own, I've created a snapguide HERE to help you. Don't let the number of steps put you off, a few of them doubled for clarity sake.

And the supply list...
Graphic 45 Stamped Metal Brad
Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Keys
Core'dinations G45 Darks Antique Moss
Blank Journal
Adhesive


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

A few collages

I've been a total slacker this week. I don't know if it's the weather, or maybe recovery from the holidays, or I'm just burnt out, but I haven't felt like doing much other than veg on the couch and watch foreign horror films.

I dragged my bum up to my crafty cocoon last night and created a few little collages...
"Standing outside, her wings waved gaily in the breeze" collage by Nichola Battilana
First this little girl in the wind. The image of the gal is from The Graphics Fairy, a great resource for free images. That greenish paper in the background has a beautiful iridescent quality... I wish I had bought more of it because I don't think it's available any longer. The little striped bit by her feet is a lovely thin Red & Cream Stripes Paper Tape*

Below is my favourite of the bunch.
Collage by Nichola Battilana
I like how serene and surreal it is. I like the colour pallet too, it's like a dream. Warning: I'm about to sound pretenious... I like the spacial quality, the economy of embellishment most of all
"The moon dreamed she was sailing somewhere else." Collage by Nichola Battilana

And then the moon. Sometimes I sit and chop out words and phrases from discarded books then peice them back together into phrases... sort of like little poems. It's a lovely exercise.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

One Little Thing - Hero

This week's prompt is "Hero"

Have you always wanted to be a super hero? Maybe you know a real life hero? This week take a few minutes to create one little thing with a 'hero' theme.

Design a super hero costume, write a list of essential utility belt gadgets, take a photo of your every day hero. There is no incorrect way to complete this task. The important thing is to focus and think creatively about the theme... and enjoy yourself!

**You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. **



Saturday, January 10, 2015

My One Little Thing: "Era"

For my own 'one little thing' for last weeks challenge, I created this ATC...


I started out doing a few sketches and making some notes while my kid was at curling practice. I had thought about doing a British Victorian card with a lamp post and carriage. Then maybe a sort of art nouveau inspired something. I also toyed with a 70's theme.

But this is what I ended up with... wanting to create something with the feeling of a past era but my heart kept being tugged by the little French bits in my stash. A tiny nod to the French and a little 'Je suis Charlie' I suppose.

The lesson this week? It's ok to go off track. Just because I didn't follow through with those first ideas doesn't invalidate them. They're still there, waiting for another opportunity to be used.

**Image used from Large Victorian Corsets Collage Sheet**

Thursday, January 08, 2015

Graphic 45 Precious Memories Box

Graphic 45 has been revealing their sneak peeks and I was lucky enough to get my hands on them early and create with their new product line-up. Hop over to their blog to see all of the new goods (some seriously cool stuff there!). Here's my first project with their new goodies :)

Graphic 45 Precious Memories project by Nichola Battilana

Browsing the pages of the Precious Memories collection for inspiration, I sort of fell in love with image of the little boy and his rabbit. The fellow with the curls nuzzling his stuffed bunny reminded me of my son when he was toddling around with 'Mr. Elephant' (don’t tell him I told you that!) I still have that little elephant. It’s tucked somewhere, not completely away, so that I stumble across it once in a while, causing memories to flood back.

Graphic 45 Precious Memories project by Nichola Battilana
For this piece I created a little needle felted bunny, just like the one in the image, to create a sense that that moment had actually existed. Don’t be frightened off by that little woolen bunny! This little sentimental vignette would be even sweeter created with a real photograph and small childhood memento.
Graphic 45 Precious Memories project by Nichola Battilana


Want to see more? Check out the Sneak Peek Re-Cap on the Graphic 45 blog :)

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Squatchin'

The last couple of weeks have been a blur of activity. Besides the Christmas/New Year hub-bub, I've been working madly on design team projects and things for other people. If I'm honest, I'm tired and feeling a bit worn down. I need a few quiet demand-less days to rejuvenate my head and heart.

BUT I do have a project to share from the holidays. My handmade gift to my kidlet... a needlefelted Sasquatch.

I was lazing on the couch watching the telly when I saw him scurry across the sunshiny window sill. At first I thought I was seeing things but when the dog started whimpering in his sleep, he stood still for just a moment and looked on curiously.

Needlefelted Sasquatch by Nichola Battilana

When the dog finished making his sleepy noises, the creature turned his head to me and gave a grunt, as if to say "What are you looking at?" Then quick as a flash he climbed up into our Christmas tree!

Needlefelted Sasquatch by Nichola Battilana

Over the next few days I tried to coax him out with treats of peanut butter and apple slices... but he refused to pose so I could only capture a few blurry images.

Needlefelted Sasquatch by Nichola Battilana

Now that the tree is down he's a bit easier to shoot. He sulks around my studio looking for a hidey hole to make his home and Christmas cookie crumbs to eat. 

Needlefelted Sasquatch by Nichola Battilana

I've told him I'll make him a spot inside the pantry and he can have his fill of nibbles but he likes being difficult. I can tell you with certainty that "Harry and the Henderson's" is not an accurate depiction of a Bigfoot. Our pygmy squatch is a difficult little diva and a smidge rude too!

Sunday, January 04, 2015

One Little Thing - Era

I strongly believe that creativity breeds itself. The more you do and make, the more ideas and inspiration will follow. And so, every Sunday I'll be posting a creative prompt, a challenge for you to spend just a few moments being creative over the following week.

You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. 

This week's prompt is "Era"

You're challenge this week is to explore a favourite time period. The roaring 20's, groovy 70's, Victorian, Roman, wild west... the future. It's all fair game.

You may want to think about what appeals to you about certain eras. What are the colours, themes, textures, images, vocabulary, and events that shape that period?

Remember, there is no wrong interpretation... the only thing that matters is that you spend a few moments focused on, and exploring, creatively.

Good luck! and have fun :)