Saturday, May 23, 2015

A Gift / Memory Box for Dad for Petaloo

In our household we celebrate simply. A small token gift, maybe dinner out, or a trip to the movies is standard gift fare. Just because our gifts are small and sentimental rather than large or elaborate doesn't mean that we can't gussy up the presents!
Gift box for dad with Petaloo & Marion Smith - Nichola Battilana
This year for Fathers Day I'm planning a night to our local drive-in to see Mad Max (woo hoo!). Using Cogs & Gears from Marion Smith I created a simple gift box, then topped it with an image from Portfolio. I've finished off the exterior with Embellishment BradsBurlap Trims and a Spring Berry Cluster.
Gift box for dad with Petaloo & Marion Smith - Nichola Battilana

Inside the box I'll wrap up those tickets and add a little floral touch with a little Chantilly-VelvHydrangea
And even better, after our drive in adventure we can store photos and ticket stubs, in the box to remember our 'Dad' night together.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Gina's Designs Birthday Blog Hop!

Welcome to Gina’s Designs 3rd Birthday Blog Hop!

The Birthday Blog Hop will run from today, May 22, until May 29 at 8pm CST.  You should have just come from Diana's Crafts Blog. If you didn't, don't worry! Just pop over to Gina's Designs Birthday Blog Hop post and follow all the blogs in order.

We are having two great giveaways associated with this blog hop.

The first one is the Birthday Prize Giveaway!


The Birthday Prize package includes:

To be entered into the Birthday Prize giveaway, you need to:
1. Stop at all 15 designers’ blogs for a secret word.
2. After you collect all of the 15 words, create a sentence.
3. Email your answer [email protected] for a chance to win the Birthday Prize!

 This is why you will want to make sure you stop at each blog. That prize package is fantastic!  

Now the second giveaway will be done on EACH of the designers blogs. The shape set I am giving away is  
the Steampunk Shape Set which is filled with really amazing and useful pieces. 



I used this set in the piece I showed off the other day.


To be entered into my blog's giveaway,
1.  Subscribe to my blog. 
2.  Leave a comment on this blog post.
THAT’S IT! So easy!

So many great ways to win some fabulous chipboard pieces! My word for the Birthday Prize giveaway is PROJECTS.

The next blog you will want to visit is Carla's Creations.

If you get lost along the way, here is a list of all the blogs you need to visit to collect your word.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Shop Updates

This toadstool house (and its neighbour) have been sitting in my studio for an age. 

I've always had a soft spot for the pair them but it's time to find them some new homes. If you think you're up to a little fairy mischief you can find them here and here.


I've also 'discovered' a fresh batch of fairy thimbles sprouting and listed those too.


Finally, just a few Pixie Dust pendants were added to the shops roster and there are still a few Fairy Dust Shrines available also.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Faeries, Frocks and Godmothers

With the arrival of the glorious spring weather the faeries have come out of hiding and hibernation. I thought it might be a good time to talk about them, the fair folk, and share some faerie truths.

When one thinks of faeries they often imagine tiny winged pretty ladies either scantily clad or clothed in frilly frocks.

Faerie Frocks - Nichola Battilana

While it is true that in the throes of summer many fae opt for minimal covering (they don't have air conditioning after all), I am assured they do not pose with arched backs nor push their bosom forward seductively. That said, please beware that there ARE several varieties of faerie who like to lure men into harms way. Long story short, if you happen upon a sexy faerie, tis best to run in the opposite direction.

Now, about those frilly frocks...

Faerie Frock - Nichola Battilana
Five inch frock worn by Miss Gwendoline Twinkle during the strawberry harvest festival of 1913.
Frilly frocks and pretty dresses are rarely worn by the fair folk. The little people usually prefer clothing that is comfortable and practical. The above dress and slippers fit neither category. There is an exception to this general rule: Fairy Godmothers.

Faerie Frock - Nichola Battilana
Full 6" dress, boots, hat and wand from the closet of Miss Mulberry Threadbare.
While Fairy Godmothers are soft hearted and mostly very nice and down to earth, there is a recent trend among the younger faction to wear large ornamental dresses and completely impractical footwear. The appeal seems to be gaining momentum through the ranks of Godmotherhood, extending as far as the matronly Eldermothers.

While many faerie folk believe these dresses to be ostentatious and showy (some rolling their eyes at the mere mention of them) they also know that there is no harm in it. 

The general consensus is "So long as their job is done, let them look as silly as they like."

The frocks pictured above will be on display at Pixie Hill throughout the summer. You can find the current "Open House" schedule HERE.


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

The Meaning of Life with Graphic 45

The Graphic 45 window shadow boxes just beg to display collections. And collections should definitely be displayed! What use are those little tid-bits we hold dear if only to be shoved in a box in the back of the closet?


The Meaning of Life with G45 - Nichola Battilana

So I gussied up a Black Window Shadow Box with Craftmanship and This Old House from Artisan Style, added some chipboard gears and wings, topped it with vintage ‘junk’ and then finished it off with a Door Knocker for a bit of ‘rawr!’.


The Meaning of Life with G45 - Nichola Battilana

On the little shelves I’ve tucked new and vintage treasures.

The Meaning of Life with G45 - Nichola Battilana

 It may seem like a jumble of miscellaneous bits but there is a loose theme here: the meaning of life according to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The number 42.

The Meaning of Life with G45 - Nichola Battilana

And you should defo hop over to the G45 blog today to peek at more amazing work by my teamies and a chance to win some 'Raining Cats and Dogs' papery goodness.

The Supply List:
Window Shadow Box
Artisan Style Craftmanship

Artisan Style This Old House

Door Knocker

Steampunk Shape Set
Faux Metal Number PlatesFiligree Corners
JUNK!

Adhesive
Acrylic paint


Monday, May 18, 2015

The May Two Four

It's a holiday here, the Victoria Day weekend, or 'the May Two Four' is the slang name that is most often used. Originally intended as a celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday, it's really the weekend gardeners start their planting in earnest and bend a few elbows to enjoy a tipple or two of their favourite summer beverage. It's kind of the Canadian kick off of summer.


While Mr Pixie has been over exerting himself in the garden I've been puttering and picking boughs of lilacs. I LOVE lilacs and their pretty perfume. My kitchen smells divine because of these beauties.


And one little bit of magic to share... this guy. 


Isn't he a beauty?! I found him peeking though our kitchen window last night. I grabbed a few shots then hurried to find my tripod but when I returned he had already left. He must have been called back to the fairy party.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Before chores

Most Sundays are about chores around the Pixie house.

After I put the laundry on the line but before the floors and cleaning I went about the garden and took a few snaps. Everything is coming alive and the springtime greenery is starting to be dotted with colour :)

Inside a tulip in the Pixie Hill garden - Nichola Battilana

No wonder the dogs allergies are acting up. Check out all that pollen inside our tulips!

Bleeding Hearts in the Pixie Hill garden - Nichola Battilana

The white and pink 'bleeding hearts' are doing their dangly thing.

Lily of the Valley at Pixie Hill - Nichola Battilana

I'm sure the faeries had something to do with the Lily of the Valley popping up all at once.

Apple Blossoms in the Pixie Hill garden - Nichola Battilana

And those beautiful apple blossoms... *dreamy sigh* 

Apple Blossoms in the Pixie Hill garden - Nichola Battilana

Hope your Sunday chores get done... but that you take time to notice the nice things going on quietly around you too.

One Little Thing - The Night Sky

This week we'll be exploring one of my very favourite themes: The Night Sky!

The moon, stars, planets, darkness, bats, the milky way, dreams, sleep, lightening bugs... there are so many beautiful things that happen when the sun goes down.

Create one little thing based on your interpretation of The Night Sky.

Remember, as long as you try, you will succeed in this challenge! The intent is to spend at least a few moments every week being creative.

Have fun!


Thursday, May 14, 2015

Home Sweet Home Cards for Graphic 45

We grow most of our own vegetables, collect eggs from our hens, make preserves and hang laundry on the line in the summer. 

Home Sweet Home Cards - Nichola Battilana

The Home Sweet Home represents all of the things we love about our rural lifestyle. It’s bright and cheery, fun and clean. 

Home Sweet Home Cards - Nichola Battilana

It’s a great collection that’s a breeze to work with. I created four cards with this collection, using one sheet of Core’dinations card stock as my base. I have no doubt that this will be a well used collection in this house :)
Home Sweet Home Cards - Nichola Battilana
Supply List
Home Sweet Home Apple Pie
Home Sweet Home Handmade
Home Sweet Home Farmers Market
Home Sweet Home Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home Garden Fresh
Home Sweet Home Granny’s Quilt
Home Sweet Home Country Life
Core’dinations Creme Brulee
Jute Twine


Hope over to the G45 blog for a good gander at more cards and goodies created with Graphic 45

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Monday, May 11, 2015

Done! Miniature Second Year Hogwarts Textbooks

If you can look past the inky, painted, grubby glue covered fingers, you'll see the miniature version of the required textbooks for year two Hogwart's students.

Miniature Year 2 Hogwarts Textbooks - Nichola Battilana
My thumb looks disproportionately HUGE in this photo!

I think I've satisfied my miniature book urges for a while.

Miniature Year 2 Hogwarts Textbooks - Nichola Battilana

I also made some 'autograph' cards to be sent out with the books.
Gilderoy would have wanted it that way ;)

Gilderoy Lockhart Miniature Year 2 Hogwarts Textbooks - Nichola Battilana

There are 12 sets currently available HERE
This is a limited edition so I will NOT be making more. 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

One Little Thing - Comfort Zone Challenge!

This week I'd like to challenge you to step out of your comfort zone.

Create one little thing, using whatever topic you like, but use a medium that challenges you. If you would normally paint... write a poem. If you're a paper crafter, try drawing a picture.

Remember, you aren't being judged, there is no wrong way to complete the challenge. Success is measured by the fact that you tried... not the end result.

Saturday, May 09, 2015

"Of Summer & Bees" Deja Vu

No, you are not going crazy. Yes, I posted this project not long ago.
Of Summer & Bees Triptych with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana

Alpha Stamps is now carrying just about everything you need to recreate this project I designed for Ginas Designs Lasercuts. Also newly available, this collage sheet of vintage blushing beauties. They're really wonderful and (I think) a little bit otherworldly.

Blushing Beauties Collage Sheet - Nichola Battilana
And here's the tutorial again, to help you along :)

Friday, May 08, 2015

Helloooo Prof. Lockhart

I've been working away on the year two Hogwarts textbooks. The year two list is filled with titles written by Gilderoy Lockhart. 

Professor Gilderoy Lockhart - Nichola Battilana

“Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five times winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award. But I don't talk about that; I didn't get rid of the Banden Banshee by smiling at him.” 
~J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

My Lockhart is a compilation of several vintage photographs. The hair, the eyes, the smirk, all coming from different people to create one handsome terrible mess of a man :) And here is his face adorning the covers designs I'm working on...

Gilderoy Lockhart covers in progress - Nichola Battilana

I think this set is going to be a lot of fun. They should be set to mail in about a week. If you want to be guaranteed a set you can order them from my etsy shop here. Pre-orders are slightly discounted and have free shipping. There will be a limited number of completed set available too. 

And I think they'll all have an extra fun little something included too...

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Little drawers a'plenty

I'm in love. Seriously. Just look at these little drawers!

Drawers w/GinasDesigns.net and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana

As soon as I saw this set of 24 drawers from Gina's Designs I knew I wanted to make them mine. 

Drawers w/GinasDesigns.net and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana

Now, doing anything 24 times can be a bit of a pill. About 3/4 of the way though assembling all those boxes I thought "What have I gotten myself into?!" but I prevailed and I LOVE the results. I've embellished mine with papers from the Baby 2 Bride—Deluxe Collector's Edition and added vintage buttons to the front of those drawers.

Drawers w/GinasDesigns.net and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana
Yes, yes... the insides are unfinished. Let's just pretend they're lined with music sheets... which they will be... one day.... maybe.
One of my very favourite things about these drawers is that if you aren't keen on the little finger pull cut out crescent, there is a small hole on the other side for adding knobs and handles. Either way, if you slip your drawer back in the wrong way (not that ever happens to me *cough cough*) you can easily pull it back out. They're a nice size too at 3.5" x 3.5" x 1.5".

Drawers w/GinasDesigns.net and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana

I have a pair of these vintage metal handles I've topped my drawers with. Now that there's only one left, I guess I'll just have to make a second set.

Drawers w/GinasDesigns.net and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana

Last little bit to finish it off, some chess pawns painted white and added as dainty feet. Yep. Pretty pleased with the shabby thing and I can't wait to fill those drawers with all sorts of magic.

The goods:
24 drawers from Gina's Designs
Baby 2 Bride—Deluxe Collector's Edition
Chess pawns
Vintage handle
Vintage buttons

Glue, glorious glue
Ink pad for distressing


Wednesday, May 06, 2015

The Pixie Schedule 2015

2015 is well under way and I've finally gotten around to scheduling some dates for events and workshops around this old dusty place.


 Here are our open dates for summer 2015:

Saturday, June 6 • 11 - 4

Saturday July 4 • FAIRY TOUR OPEN HOUSE • 11 - 4 
This is the big one. If you're making a drive to visit this is probably the day you'll want to come.

Saturday, August 1 • 11 - 4

I've also scheduled a few studio workshops. They'll be very small, and take place at Pixie Hill. You can see the listings HERE. Private visits and workshops may also be arranged (depending on scheduling) by shooting me an email at [email protected].



Paper Rosettes for Graphic 45 with Tutorial

When I created these rosettes it was with Mother’s Day in mind. Mothering can be a thankless job. The cleaning, the laundry, the dishes, the cooking, the cuddling, the worrying… it often gets done with little recognition (although cuddling is it’s own reward). 

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

I think a rosette, a first place ribbon, and a little “Thank you for cleaning the toilet, mum.” would make those thankless tasks much more bearable.

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

Placed on top of a big fat present would be pretty nice too.

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

These rosettes are created (mostly) with Precious Memories. There’s a dash of Botanical Tea, Home Sweet Home, and Couture too. Really, I just played with all of the collections, using the coordinating colours as my guide. Finished off with some Petaloo flowers, ribbons and burlap tails.

But I also created this rosette with Botanical Tea for a video tutorial to show you how to create your own.

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

Here are the supplies you'll need for the piece created in the tutorial:
Botanical Tea > Sweet Chamomile / Birds of a feather / Herbal Infusion
Time to flourish chipboard
Spellbinders® Nestabilities® Decorative Elements “Royal Circle”
Petaloo Crochet Lace Fancy Trim
Petaloo Darjeeling Dahlias
Hot glue


And a few more to show off.... 

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

Paper rosette with G45 papers & Petaloo flowers - Nichola Battilana

Supplies used in non-tutorial rosettes: Precious Memories:
Baby's Breath

Botanical Tea Sweet Chamomile
A place in time stickers
Spellbinders® Nestabilities® Decorative Elements “Royal Circle”
Petaloo flowers and blooms:
Botanica Petites
Botanica Blooms
Botanica Spring Berry Clusters
Darjeeling Dahlias
Darjeeling Petites
Fancy Trims: Burlap
Crochet Lace Fancy Trim
Misc ribbon
Hot glue