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...

... 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.

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

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).

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.

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* 

Masonite Circus Flag Cut-Outs*

Tiny Star Sequins 

Thin Fleur Dresden Borders - Gold 

Mercury Glass Stickles

Beeswax Pellets

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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...

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Tiny Treasures

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Cut-apart

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Enchanted Forest

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Woodland Fantasy

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Frames

Graphic 45 Stamped Metal Brad

Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Keys

Core'dinations G45 Darks Antique Moss

Blank Journal

Adhesive

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...

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.

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

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.

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. **

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**

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 :)

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.

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.

Precious Memories Cuddle TimePrecious Memories CherishPrecious Memories Baby’s Breath
Precious Memories Pat-A-CakePrecious Memories Precious MemoriesSmall Matchbook BoxShabby Chic Ornate Metal BradsOrnate Metal Label Holder
Needle felted bunny
White Picket Fencing
Twine
Wheels
ButtonsAdhesive

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

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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!

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 :)

Good bye 2014!

Well, it's been a weird year.

I've had some successes (yay!). I've never been more unwell in my life (boo!). And, time has flown by (as it always does).

Speaking of time...

I'll be introducing a couple of new bloggy items in 2015, including a weekly 'One Little Thing' challenge. Every Sunday I'll post a creative prompt, and challenge you to create one little thing. Totally low pressure and absolutely good for you. The idea is to spend at least a few minutes every week thinking creatively. If you can only manage a quick doodle or a brainstorming list, that's okay! Creativity breeds itself and even a few moments of scribbling while stirring a pot of stew can be seeds of greatness :) For anyone who wishes they could spend more time creatively, this is a great starting point.

Finally, here are a few of my favourite projects from this past year.

In Praise of Odd Birds - Altered book and poem

221B Baker Street Tin

Man in the Moon

Godefroy's Book Shop

By the light of the moon

Leon's Window

I've created loads of work this past year, but these are the projects closest to my heart :)

Here's hoping that 2015 will be bright, shining and filled with magic... for everyone.

Much love,
Nichola

Oneda the Imperfect , A fairy

"I don't make fairies."

For the past 4 years that is what I have said when asked the inevitable question 'Where are the fairies?' I haven't felt compelled to make them.

But this Christmas I asked for (and received) an instructional viddy by Wendy Froud. After a marathon viewing (during which I completely ignored my guests) I immediately set to work. Days and loads of swearing later, I'd like to introduce Oneda.

She's big. Over 13" tall. And why not, she's waited an awfully long time to be made.

I have her hanging with a little help from a pin on her back... but, although she cannot stand on her own, she is poseable and would be happy as a clam in a doll stand.

I've learned so much making her and she has loads of imperfections (her skin isn't flawless, her hands are too large) and loads of things that I'll improve upon when the next winged things get's made... but her stockinged feet are lovely and she seems quite pleased with herself so who am I to complain?

Oneda is available HERE in the etsy shop.

Stamped Embellishments with Graphic 45

I am not a stamper. When challenged to create a project or share tips using stamping techniques I was seriously scratching my head. Then I realized I do stamp… just not on paper! I’ve made a stash of stamped paperclay embellishments with Botanical Tea cling stamps. 

Paperclay is great fun to work with and one of my very favourite materials, but I’m sure you could do the same with polymer clay. 

In the future I’m sure these will find their way into some of my mixed media pieces, but one of my little friends had a dolly in urgent need of a paper crown and I am always willing to lend a hand in a doll emergency.

And here's the Snapguide Tutorial to make your own embellishments!

Supply List

Embellishment
Botanical Tea Cling Stamps
Creative Paperclay

Crown
Botanical Tea: Spring DuetCore’dinations Graphic 45 Lights - Pearl Blush
A Gilded Life - Petite Monarch Crown Long Die
White plastic pearl strand
White glitter

A little butcher shop

The 'big day' has passed and Santa was very kind to all of us with loads of socks and undies (which we love BTW), books and other goodies. We also have a tradition of exchanging handmade gifts. 

This year I made my husband a little butcher and charuterie shop window in a shadowbox frame. Before his life as a winemaker, Mr. Pixie was a butcher and he continues to smoke and dry his own meats and make his own sausage.

I made all of the meat from polymer clay. The window is a transparancy sheet. The 'shelving' is narrow strips cut from an old hardcover.

The outside measurement of the frame is around 7.5" x 5.8" and the inside depth is around .75"... it's pretty tight!

Considering that 'realism' in my miniature work isn't usually a priority, I was fairly thrilled with how this turned out and I think he liked it too :)

Quirky Naughty/Nice Ornaments and a Christmas Message

This is a fun and funky little project. I’ve just made some tiny boxes, about the size of a matchbox, with various Twas the Night Before Christmas papers, tucked in a vintage portrait, embellished with glittery pipecleaner and labeled them as naughty or nice. 

Don’t let the vintage pictures hold you back, these would be so much fun with family pictures! You could even use them as place holders for your holiday feast with photos of your naughty/nice guests.

Most of my guests are naughty, by the way.

Finally, a Christmas Eve message. Relax. Christmas is coming no matter if those 16 dozen cookies get baked, if the icing is wonky, or if the floor is a disgrace. And it'll be ok. You'll survive it! My first guest showed up early yesterday... while I was still in pajamas... while picking up dog poop from the lawn. 

I survived :)

Supply List

Twas the Night Before Christmas 8x8 PadTwas the Night Before Christmas StickersPetaloo Fancy Trims
Glittery wired pipecleaner
Vintage images

Wishing you and yours the very merriest Christmas, happiest of holidays and good cheer all around.

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