A Timeless Grandfather Clock

This month for gslcuts.com I've created a 'timeless clock' with Gypsy Soul's Grandfather Clock.

I've used a pretty floral scrapbook paper to cover my clock. Just one sheet will do the trick. The little drawer at the bottom, and interior of the clock, have been lined with a page from an old, discarded book.

The top section of the clock does not contain a time piece (although you certainly could add one), instead being home to a nest of little eggs.

The top has been decorated with moss, flowers, an acorn and some wee mushrooms.

Inside, a butterfly garden, with moss, paper roses and pretty flying things.

This particular clock measures 11" tall. It's a nice with a goodly amount of space to play with inside for creating a little scene or diorama.

If you're interested in making your own, I have a video of the construction of this piece HERE.

And here is your supply list:

Grandfather Clock 11 Inch
(psst, there is also a smaller 1:12 scale version)

Sheet moss
Floral scrapbook paper
Paper Roses
Plastic Eggs
Flat back pearls
Twig Vine Garland
Red Mushrooms on Wires
English Fairy Garden Collage Sheet
Mini Floral Dresden Borders - Antique Gold
Narrow Gold Fleur Dresden Borders*

Pronged Metal Handles*

Miniature Weasley Burrow Clock

I have a thing for clocks. There are clocks scattered all over the Pixie house. I even have a cuckcoo clock hanging above my work table in my studio. Not a single timepiece in this home tells the correct time.

So, I was excited to learn that 'clocks' were the theme at AlphaStamps this month and as soon as I learned that grandfather clocks were on the menu I knew I needed a Weasley Burrow Clock.

I chose not to paper the clock, but rather cover it in wood filler and gesso. I applied each, layer by layer, allowing it to dry and sanding before the next application. Two healthy layers of each, and a little touch ups to cover the chipboard joints, seemed to do the trick.

The piece is covered with acrylic paint, metal embellishments added, and then washes of earth tones give it some age and grime.

Inside I've placed a Glass Tube Pendant and filled it with magical time glitter. (I said it, so it's a thing, right?)

I've only used three spoons as the hands on the face. (It really should be 9 golden hands if you want absolute authenticity.) Any more seems to get a bit thick where they overlap. If you wanted to add more, I would suggest cutting the handles and placing them 'just-so' to circumvent the issue of over thickness.

For the clock face and Weasley family pictures, I just did a quick google search.

There is a drawer that fits into that bottom area of the clock. After applying so many layers of filler and gesso it becomes a bit of a tight fit. I like the idea of the Weasley's tucking things into every available space so I've used this area for storage. Paper scrolls, Half Scale Wine Bottles that look just like little potion vials, Pumpkin Pods and a Mini Black Cauldron are all crammed into that little space.

And although he's a rotter, I've painted a Tiny Metal Mouse to look like 'Scabbers'. After all, I'm pretty sure he would have kept a close eye on where the family was at all times.

I realize that there are variations of the clock (Mrs. Weasley is said to carry it around the house with her) but I have always thought of it as a grandfather clock as it is in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

Even if it ain't 100% accurate, I'm pretty darned pleased with my little burrow clock.

Here's everything in one place

And bit by bit:

Grandfather Clock 1:12 Scale

Tiny Metal Mouse
Glass Tube Pendant
Brass Flower Charms*
Bronze Branch Connectors
Half Scale Green Wine Bottle
Half Scale Red Wine Bottle
Mini Black Cauldron
Pumpkin Pods
Silver-Plated Teacup, Teapot, Spoon
Tiny Dot Dresden Borders - Black*
Victorian Drop or Handle - Raw Brass

In which some weirdos put on a show

"What's the title?"

"No, idea."

"Well, what is it?"

"Just a bunch of weirdos putting on a show."

"There's your title." 

That, right there, is a good example of why designing for AlpahaStamps is a pretty sweet gig.

I was sent this Miniature Chipboard Stage and I just sort of set to work without much direction. I knew I wanted to have a glittery background. I knew I wanted red and white and stripes and stars and polka dots. Beyond that... ?

What a stage really needs are it's players. So I printed out the Little People Collage Sheet at 50%, fussy cut those suckers, and added wings. Note: I'm not entirely certain where that devilish fellow in the centre popped up from... he just sort of snuck in there!

There's touches of glitter and sparkle all over. Tim Holtz Mirrored Stars, Shiny Tinsel and Tiny Embossed Gold Dresden Borders.

Really, there's no great intention, meaning or reason behind this piece, it's just a sweet bit of nonsense.

If you'd like to create your own set of weirdos here are some of those bits and pieces.

Miniature Chipboard Stage
Little People Collage Sheet
Tim Holtz Mirrored Stars
Tinsel
Tiny Embossed Gold Dresden Borders.

Miniature Funeral Carriage

Something a little dark but (I think) lovely today. A miniature funeral carriage, inspired by beautiful Victorian horse drawn hearses.

The Funeral Coach base is a chipboard kit available from AlphaStamps. Inside I've slipped a 6 Inch Coffin Box. 

Makers note: I actually didn't include the coffin lid and simply used the main part box upside-down. I trimmed the coffin height down as I was considering adding flowers, or a traditional funerary wreath to the top and was thinking of the available space.

The whole carriage is painted in matte black and gussied up with LOADS of black dresden borders. (I think I have a serious dresden fetish. It's like Franks Red Hot. I put that s**t on everything!)

I've also added loads of ornamental do-dads using Creative Paperclay* and this Silicone Mold - Architectural Flourishes. That particular material works really well with the matte black finish.

19mm Fancy Metal Drawer Pulls act as finials accents for the top. And there is the most lovely little Antique Brass Mini Trunk Lock on the back doors. 

Makers note: the rear doors aren't actually hinged in place. I am a horror show with hinges! They never seem to work well for me and I just make an awful mess. Since I don't plan on opening and closing those doors often, and they sit quite nicely without much fuss, I'm taking the totally lazy route and leaving them free.

I've lined the interior with Bright Red Suede Paper. If you're looking for a more 'authentic' feel, line that sucker in black. (I personally love the shock of red inside.) Finally, the windows. Many funeral carriages had swags of lush drapery inside but I was liking the 'clean' look of this little coach. I put together this Filigree Funeral Carriage Windows Collage Sheet with vintage fancy framework that can be printed on transparency sheets and glued into place. 

I'm smitten with this piece. It looks great on my mantle, and is a good size at somewhere around 10" x 6". Although it's intended as a Halloween piece, it'll stay out year round in my spooky old house ;)

Want to make your own?  

ALL THE BITS in one place

The list of individual bits:
Funeral Coach
Filigree Funeral Carriage Windows Collage Sheet
6 Inch Coffin Box
Creative Paperclay
Silicone Mold - Architectural Flourishes
19mm Fancy Metal Drawer Pulls
Antique Brass Mini Trunk Lock
Bright Red Suede Paper
Black Suede Paper*
12mm Flat Fancy Bead Cap - Bronze*
Baroque Dresden Borders - Black
Black Zig Zag Dresden Borders
Half-Round Dresden Borders - Black
Thin Fleur Dresden Borders - Black
Thin Looped Dresden Borders - Black

Nyx and the Benevento Walnut Tree

I finished the work in progress I showed off yesterday. While it could have gone in a million different directions, this piece is all about the goddess Nyx.

 

Nyx has existed from the beginning. She is the goddess of the Night and the mother of Light and Day (as well as gods of dreams, sleep, death, pain and more).

In one version of her mythology, she was a great black bird and laid an egg from which Eros, the golden winged Spirit of Love emerges.

At the centre of the piece there's a tree that represents the Benevento Walnut Tree. This magical tree was said to be a gathering place for Italian witches. It's roots reached down to the other world and the witches would draw up its power by dancing around the trunk. Nyx was one of the goddesses venerated at the tree.

There are also some tiny handmade paper poppies in there too, said to be sacred to her.

That little glass bauble? A piece made by my friend and glass artist Marc Bourdon.

When I completed this doodad I slipped outside, into the dark. Despite the sky being covered in clouds, I saw a shooting star whiz by. I'm going to take that as a good omen. Maybe even a wink of approval! And I think I'll keep this piece with me for a while.

The materials for this piece are from all over the place but I'll do my best to list what I can.

Wooden House Frame - from Michaels
Wing Assortment
Small Wings
Bronze Hand CharmFloral Border Sticks
Flourishes 2
Adhesive back pearls
Metal Filigree
Metal Wings
Florist Wire
Twig
Old paper
Glitter!!!!
Acrylic paint
Moss
Woodland Scenics Clump Foliage
Glass bauble - glass artist Marc Bourdon

P.S. If you're interested in learning more about this sort of thing, goddesses, spirits and the like, Judika Illes' book 'Encyclopedia of Spirits' might be just the resource you're looking for.

Indoor Fairy Garden Tutorial

It's the first Friday of the month so that means a project for Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts and a brand new TUTORIAL! This month I'm showing off how to make this little indoor fairy garden.

This sweet little cobble stoned garden uses Gypsy Soul's Cottage Base and measures just 9" square. It's a nice size to work on because you can put a lot of detail in that little space, but it's not an overwhelming size to fill or display.

One of the very nice things about this project is that you can absolutely personalize it to make it your own. I've chosen Gypsy Soul's 1:24 scale arbor and Tiny Birdhouse as accessories, but don't let that limit your choices! There are loads of possibilities and you should absolutely make your wee garden to suit your own tastes.

In my example I've used the Cobblestone texture sheet to create the garden path. Again, don't feel limited by my choice. There are loads of interesting texture sheets to choose from, as well as a brick wall sheet that would be ideal.

So, start collecting little garden bits and bobs, teeny flowers and twigs, and let's make an indoor fairy garden!

Cottage Base1:24 scale arbor
Tiny Birdhouse
Cobblestone
Acrylic gel medium
Acrylic paint
Tea and coffee grinds
Sheet moss
Twigs and sticks
Little faux flowers, leaves
Misc. accessories

Pocket Sized Zombie Apocalypse Practice

A load of tiny little plastic people arrived in my mailbox yesterday.

I wanted to jump right in for a bit of practice and my friend Paula Mould suggested zombies. I couldn't resist!

I stayed up past my bedtime to make the teeniest zombie apocalypse you ever did see.

And these wee things are TINY. I didn't really have appropriate brushes (all of mine look like they've been chewed on) but all things considered they didn't turn out half bad.

But it does look like a trip to the craft shop for some supplies is in order. New paint. New brushes. My life is soooo hard sometimes ;) 

P.S. That locker tute IS coming. I filmed it and then realized that the footage was crap and that I hate my camera. *sigh* Fingers crossed the camera fairy visits me this weekend.

P.P.S. I've popped a few sets of little people up on my etsy shop if you're inclined to join the dark side and lose your eyesight painting minis too.

Imaginary Boyfriend - Joseph Gilgun Edition

This is all Ramsay Bolton's fault.

A couple of weeks ago I started watching Misfits because someone said Ramsay Bolton was in it, and, in fact, very sweet. I was sure that could not possibly be true. That bastard?! No way. But it IS true! Iwan Rheon is great and I didn't feel an ounce of loathing toward his character Barry Simon. (Acting!) I was hooked and binged all five seasons.

At some point in the series, this vulgar, childish character is introduced and you really just sort of roll your eyes and don't want to like him but he says something outlandish and swears in all the right places and he has tattoos on his bottom and his voice sort of cracks when he's emotional and before you know it you're smitten and have a new imaginary boyfriend covered in doodles.

Then it's all things 'This is England'... then 'Preacher'... then naturally a crafty ode to Joseph Gilgun just sort of happened.

I had toyed with the idea of making a Preacher church but I recently mentioned needing a locker to house my ridiculous, and with a locker room being a major part of the Misfits set, creating a mini-mash-up shrine seemed just the thing.

The locker is made from thick card, glue and paint. Shock of shocks, it's in actual 1:12 scale, measuring 7" tall x 1.25" x 1.25". The hinges are just cardboard with extremely small brass dots as grommets. Note: If I can figure out a good hinge system I'll post a tutorial so you can go a little loopy making a locker shrine too.

I read an interview in which Joe said he liked watching Time Team so there's that logo on the side. The locker number is the same that appears on his character Rudy's forehead, indicating how many sexual partners he has had (yeah, I know). 

Inside the locker are photos of the man himself *swoon* and a penis doodle on the door for good measure.

Misfit references include: orange community service jumpsuit, 'Men are from Mars, Women Love Penis' misquote book, Curly Wurly bars, Cornetto wrappers, a computer science certificate, movie posters for ET and Face Off. 

The 'Men are from Mars' book has a new author, Rudy Wade. Yes, the book opens, but the pages are non-sense.

Joe is in the new show Preacher (which is pretty dang good btw) and there's a bottle of Ratwater Whiskey, an umbrella, and a brown paper bag that probably contains very naughty things, in reference to his character Cassidy.

There are a few accessories I'll add later as a nod to This is England, in addition to the photo and "Lol" written on the door. I'd really like to include a pair of miniature Dr. Martens. I remember my first pair of Doc's. I slept in them the day I bought them. My family was certain I'd wear them down the aisle when I got married. I almost did!

And there you have it! Once again I have lost my ever loving mind, jumped off the deep end, danced a jig and embraced my inner fan girl. Clearly the adoration of a funny, foul mouthed, Englishman, trumps all good sense and housework.

I have been in the studio prepping all sorts of work, tinkering away, waiting for ideas to gel and feeling a little disjointed lately. So, even though this is a bit silly and ridiculous, getting exited about something (anything!) and completing a project has been invigorating and whole lot of fun.

If you ask me, we should celebrate the things we love a little more often.

P.S. Hope you're safe and well and having a splendid day. Here's a big fat hug and a sloppy kiss from me to you XO

A Beatrix Potter Tribute: aka Stumpy and the Bunnies

It's new issue day at DollsHouse and Miniature Scene magazine which means I can finally share this project I've been sitting on for months. (Note: not actually sitting on... oh, you know what I mean!) It's my miniature tribute to the fabulous Ms. Beatrix Potter.

You may remember the beginnings of 'Stumpy' from THIS blog post. I used THIS tutorial from Sharon Ojala at Homemade Obsessions, and modified it slightly.

Dear old 'Stumps' is complete and has become the home of the Rabbit family.

The piece is based on several illustrations by Ms.Potter. 

Lovely illustrations by Beatrix Potter

I tried to capture the watercolour, illustrative style of her images in this piece and I'm pretty happy with the results. Plus, it was was great fun incorporating the little details from her work 

A ball of blue wool on the floor.

A wash bowl to clean up those many bunny messes.

I've added some of my own elements too. One of Potter's illustrations sits on the wall as a 'Rabbit family portrait'.

I've used both handmade and purchased items to dress the piece. All of the vegetables are handmade, as are the table and chair. The adorable carrot tea pot is from Alpha Stamps as is the sack, copper pans, and bowl.

As for those bunnies...

They're made from Creative Paperclay with strands of fur for whiskers. I gotta say, Paperclay works beautifully if you want to achieve that watercolour look. It's a very different from polymer clay, but it's one of my favourite materials to work with.

Beatrix Potter really was a marvel, and a true talent, whose work went far beyond charming stories of cheeky rabbits. If you're interested in Ms. Potter, I highly recommend looking up her botanical illustrations. Her mushroom and toadstool studies are an absolute delight.

Want to read more about this piece? Check out the feature in the July issue of DollsHouse and Miniature Scene.

I have just made stories to please myself,
because I never grew up.

Beatrix Potter