Product Review: FixnZip

I freely admit this is a bit random.

A while ago I was contacted about doing a product review for something called FixnZip. I'm a total floozy for free stuff so I said "Yes please!" with the only caveat being that the review would have to wait until I found a zipper in need of repair. Cleaning my room yesterday I came across an old hoodie without a zipper... perfect!

The product comes in three different sizes and is available in light or dark nickle. I was sent both the small and medium sized pieces. For my hoodie, medium was the right fit.

This is the little doodad and it's easy to use. Simply unscrew to open those little jaws, place on the zipper teeth, and tighten it back up. It may take a little bit of fiddling to get everything going smoothly, but I had this in place and zipped in under two minutes.

Now, I'm delighted that my old comfy hoodie is wearable once more but in all honesty the FixnZip is weighty and probably better suited to heftier uses. Jackets, bags, purses, tents would be ideal. Using it on an airy organza dress might be overboard.

One small note worth a mention... the medium size came with a cord pull for which there were no directions to put it together. It might seem obvious (insert cord and snap shut) but it would have been nice to know the 'correct' way to assemble to ensure that it is secure.

ANYWAY it's a pretty nifty gadget. It would probably make a great gift for an outdoorsy sort to keep on hand in case of emergency. It would definitely come in handy if you wanted to salvage something expensive or sentimental. Hop over and check out their website at FixnZip.com for more information and where it is available.

Time for a TARDIS

I've mentioned before that I'm not a huge Doctor Who fan. I'm more of an acquaintance of the Doctor than a fan-girl of his holy Time Lordness. When I saw the House Oddities Box in the Alpha Stamps Odd Houses Add-On Kit however, the very first thing that popped into my head was "This is a TARDIS".

And although I've been swamped (I pinky swear I'll be back on track soon), and sick, and generally pulled three different ways to Sunday... I pushed obligations aside for a short while to make a little blue time machine.

Is it an exact replica? Nope, but that's ok! It was a fast and painless project and I'm sure that it would make a nifty gift box for a Whovian you love.

You have someone in mind? Excellent! Here's what I did: 

1. Assemble the House Oddities Box. The box comes with a door facade. I did add it, but then turned the thing around so that the front became the back of the box. (Basically our version has a back door.)

2. I created a new template. Glued it to some thick card, cut it out and affixed it to the 'new' front of the box. Hint: Leave some extra space around the outside of the template and trim to size after it is glued into place on the front of the box for a perfect fit.

3. Cut a couple of squares of extra thick card/paper board and glue on the top of the box. Add a small square in the centre.

4. Paint the whole thing a lovely shade of TARDIS blue.

5. Apply a wash of white paint in the top 6 paned windows. Once dry, a layer of Diamond Glaze will give a glass effect.

6. For the little light atop our time machine I've used a jar from this Set of Unlabelled Jars, Bottles & Tins and painted the top the same blue as the body.

7. Add a little Police Box and Public Telephone sign as a finishing touch.

Like I said, it's not perfectly accurate... but it was a fun quick make and I don't think any fan of the good Doctor would complain about being gifted one of these blue Time And Relative Dimension In Space.

Supply round-up:

House Oddities Box
Diamond Glaze
Set of Unlabelled Jars, Bottles & Tins
Cardstock
Thick paperboard

Glue
Blue paint (fyi Pantone 2955C is the approved TARDIS shade)

An altered statement brooch for Tresors de Luxe

This is my last project for Tresors de Luxe! It's been fun and I will continue to admire all the lush proejcts my teamies create :) Now on to the project...

I created this altered brooch, a shabby statement accessory, to give my jewellry box a kick in the pants. It's sort of half altered art, half craft medal of honor... and I'm smitten with how it turned out.

I've used a piece from this Fleur de Lis Ivory Lace Trim to hold that watch fob charm in place.

Behind the hob I've braided some Ivory Lace Trim and White Lace Trim and scraps with some ribbon and organza and wound it into a sort of nest to create a background for the watch to rest upon. A little Rhinstone heart at the bottom adds a nice touch and a smidge of colour.

I've pinned this piece to my boring old jacket and can't wait to show it off!

Fleur de Lis Ivory Lace Trim
Ivory Lace Trim
White Lace Trim
Rhinstone heart

Other:
Watch fob charm
Rose coloured rhinestones
Satin ribbon
Organza
Vintage image
Brooch backing

An Impish Convoy for Alpha Stamps

This month at Alpha Stamps is all about little houses. I had a couple of ideas bandying about... but they refused to cooperate and I ended up with this sort of impish convoy instead.

I don't mind that they misbehaved and did their own thing. You can't get mad when projects don't turn out as expected... or don't cooperate at all. Sometimes you just have to go with it. Sometimes THAT is the point ~ to play and enjoy the process of making. To get something... anything!... out and done on that work table. Wheeled house shaped shrines? Why not!

If you have a pile of "to-do's" in your work pile, maybe a little impish convoy is what you need too. A project to make for the sake of making, even if it doesn't make too much sense, to keep you out of trouble, and to drive the rut goblins away.

If you are so inclined, here is a list of the materials used in making these wheeled wonders:

Provincial Hydrangea Scrapbook Paper (Love!)
1/2 Inch Pale Pink Paper Roses*
Spoked Wheel Set - 2 Inch
Tiny Fancy Wheels Set*
Mini House Shadowbox 4 - 4 Inches Narrow*
Mini House Shadowbox 1 - 4.25 Tall*
Mini House Shadowbox 2 - 3.25 Tall*
Mini House Shadowbox 3 - 3 Inches Tall*
Sheet Moss*
Flat-Back Gold Star Studs - 12mm*
Flower Soft - Sweet Pea
Little Darlings Collage Sheet
Little Imps Collage Sheet

Or see the whole shebang HERE

Thinking of Spring Paper and Lace Crown for Tresors de Luxe

The wood stove is working overtime and the snow is falling steadily. While there is a thick blanket of white outside, I'm dreaming of warmer days and the promise of spring.

I've combined some sweet Tresors de Luxe laces with papers from the Madeleine collection from Bo Bunny.

While it may not be my 'go to' colour combination... I gotta say, I'm lovin' the way this Carnation Pink Lace Trim compliments the vintage minty green of the Bo Bunny paper. The Silver Beaded Trim is really pretty too.

And those Ivory Chiffon and Mauve Chiffon Flowers with Pearls and Rhinestone Center add a lovely lush accent to the frontpiece of the crown alongside a bundle of Rustic Ivory Shabby Chic Flower Embellishments

Want to create your own crown to wear as you dream of spring and warmer weather? Here's my supply round up.

Ivory Chiffon and Mauve Chiffon Flowers with Pearls and Rhinestone Center
Rustic Ivory Shabby Chic Flower Embellishments
Carnation Pink Lace
Silver Beaded Trim

Madeleine collection from Bo Bunny

Paper butterflies


P.S. Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I'll be back in full force soon ;)

Shabby Pink Kerchief Hearts for Tresors de Luxe

Valentines day is fast approaching but there's still time to make a little something for your sweetie (or anyone else who needs a little love).

These sweet hearts are created from an old kerchief but any scrap of fabric will do. These won't be handled often so I've simply quick stitched around the edges, giving a rustic, shabby look. There's something terribly sweet about handstitching, it weaves good thoughts into the piece your working on.

You can enhance your hearts as much or as little decoration as you like. I really like the combination of the primitive stitching with opulent Tresors De Luxe embellishments.

How about a heart dripping with pearly beads and sequins WHITE LACE APPLIQUE and IVORY CHIFFON FLOWERS?

Or maybe something a little more sentimental with a vintage picture tucked in with some artificial flower embellishments...

In the end, what matters most, is your personal touch and letting someone know they are dear to you.

WHITE LACE APPLIQUE GL-036

IVORY CHIFFON FLOWERS WITH PEARLS AND RHINESTONE CENTER
WHITE BEADED APPLIQUE AP-023
Rustic Shabby Chic White Artificial Flower Embellishment FL-025
Rustic Light Blue Shabby Chic Flower Embellishment with Wooden Beads FL-097

Cotton kerchief
Ribbon

Woodsy Gypsy Wagon with Walk Through for Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts

This Gypsy Wagon. 

It was love at first sight. 

I swooned. I 'oohed' and 'ahhhed'. Finally, I could resist no longer and had my way with it!

Isn't it darling?! AND I've got two videos to help you create this project. THIS ONE is me blabbing about how you shouldn't feel overwhelmed at all because it's pretty dang easy to put all those bits together. The second video is a walk though for decorating and embellishing this bad boy and can be found HERE.

You absolutely 100% do not need to decorate the wagon as I have, but I hope the walk-through gives you a few ideas and a bit of inspiration. 

There are other Gypsy Soul products that you might want to consider if you're making this piece. The 4 Panel Windows are a good fit for the side openings. And these Victorian Corners look amazing as decorative elements on the wagon. I've placed a Faux Metal Number Plate on the back... just because I'm smitten with them and use them at every opportunity.

Now for my full-on gushing. There are plenty of opportunities for embellishment with this piece. You could go absolutely bonkers with fillagrees, frills and decorations. You could lose yourself in colour and trims. Really, this is one of those projects to pull out that 'something special' that you've been saving for just the right time. It's a crafty splurge.

Don't forget the insides! Even with the roof fixed into place it's fun to peek through the windows and see what the little people have been up to. 

Now for the big fat supply list!

Gypsy Soul Products:
Gypsy Wagon
Victorian Corners
4 Panel Windows
Faux Metal Number Plates

Other supplies used:
Natural bark
Glue
Acrylic paint
Paper leaves and flower
Lace trim
1:24 Rectangular Table & 4 Chairs
Flower Soft - Sweet Pea
Narrow Gold Fleur Dresden Borders*
Mini Floral Dresden Borders - Antique Gold
9mm Antiqued Swirl Bead Cap*
7mm Flower Washers
Tim Holtz Long Mini Brads
10mm Clear Glass Marbles
Gypsy Fortune Teller #1 Collage Sheet
Tiny Curved Hinges

Weathered Magic Potion Bottle for Tresors de Luxe

I've seen a lot of stunning altered bottles that have been embellished with bits of lace and wanted to give it a try myself.

My bottle is on the smaller side but I think it's perfectly sized as a sort of fairy tale potion bottle.

To embellish, I deconstructed three different laces from the January Blog Design Team Kit to fit just-so.

From this angle you can see the little flowers around the top of the bottle. They are from this Ivory Lace Trim. (They totally remind me of four leafed clovers so I would be sorely tempted to turn this into a bottle of good luck!) The pieces that drip down the sides are snipped from this White Lace Trim. Around the bottom I've wrapped a length deconstructed from this White Lace Trim.

I really wanted to create a weathered forest fairy-tale look so I brushed some tea onto the lace to give a bit of age. I pushed some wiry moss into the mouth of the bottle, then pushed the cork into place. To finish it off I've added a some ornate keys and Stamped Metal Brad. Ta da! Little magic potion bottle!

Supply round-up
Ivory Lace Trim BN-029

White Lace Trim LA-025

White Lace Trim LA-135

Small glass bottle

Moss
Tea

Ornate keys 

Stamped Metal Brad

A Petite Pink Villa for Alpha Stamps

This month's Alpha Stamps kit theme is Amour (Valentine Paper Theatres). I got totally sidetracked with their new itty bitty furniture and instead of a theatre created a petite pink villa, a sort of miniature romantic getaway.

A Frame Front Room Box is used as the base of this piece. Holes have been cut into the sides and back and laser cut window frames added. The addition of a Shadowbox Facade to the top of the box adds some nice visual interest.

For the exterior I first covered the piece in paper, then, using the Stone Wall Chipboard Texture Sheet I applied random patches of acrylic gel medium. I painted the entire piece, then added wash of darker paint allowed to pool in the crevices giving a good impression stonework without covering the entire piece.

Inside, a sweet little scenario of shared tea, crumbs and honey.

The table and chairs, and china cabinet are made of chipboard, 1:24 scale, and assemble quite easily. I've kept them simple with a coat of paint and a snip of paper, but I'm certain with a bit of ingenuity they would provide a solid base if you wanted to be a bit more elaborate. Tiny cushions on those seats would be absolutely darling. 

You'll find a long list of all the bits included in this piece below... but can we talk about that Green Pumpkin Teapot for a second?! There are a number of those little veggie/fruit teapots at Alpha Stamps and I think they are freaking adorable.

Grab a tiny book from the bookcase and let's head up the wee ladder.

This little loft is cute as buttons. It's so cute my camera is jealous and refusing to show just how sweet it is. (What a jerk.) ANYWAY... there's a little bed for getting cosy, maybe reading a book, maybe do a bit of romantical snuggling *wink wink*, or just for having sweet dreams. And let's not forget that Gold Candleholder to read by (which is really, really nice quality btw).

The pink bunting, flowers, curtains and ribbons may be a bit dramatic... but if you're going on a romantic getaway isn't that exactly what you want? What I wouldn't give for a weekend in a private pink villa, sipping tea, eating sweets, reading, and snuggling by candlelight. *dreamy sigh*

See something you like? Here's a link to all of the goodies I've used.

Alternatively, here is a big fat list of the individual supplies used:

Amour (Valentine Paper Theatres)
Frame Front Room Box 

Theatre Francais Shadowbox Facade
Acorn Caps*
Mini Silicone Bread Mold Set - Smaller Loaves
Mini Silicone Bread Mold Set - Larger Loaves
Mini Silicone Cake Mold Set
Creative Paperclay*
Silicone Mold - Architectural Flourishes*
Thin Looped Dresden Borders - Black
Mini Floral Dresden Borders - Antique Gold
1/2 Inch Bright Pink Paper Roses*
Sheet Moss*
Set of Unlabelled Jars, Bottles & Tins
Gold Candleholders
Old Fashioned Grocery Cans
Mini Red Shadowbox
Miniature Potted Plant in Basket
Small Wooden Spools
Wood Mini Spools
Green Pumpkin Teapot
Miniature Silverware - Set of 20
White Plastic Salad Plates
Little Household Goods Collage Sheet
Old Fashioned Grocery Rectangular Tins
Plastic white teacups
Round Table & 2 Chairs
1:24 Cupboard Hutch/China Cabinet
1:24 Chipboard Bed
1:24 Book Case
Chipboard Windows

Embellished Opera Gloves for Tresors de Luxe

A couple of years ago we went to this amazing garage sale. You picked up a cardboard box and crammed it with as much stuff as you could for a flat price. There was even a barn filled with 'junk' that you could pick through. In that junk were scads of dainty satiny gloves.

I have been waiting for ages for an excuse to play with them :)

Before you worry too much about a pair of vintage gloves being sacrificed for the sake of crafting, these were sitting in a barn, forgotten about for years. They were not flawless by any stretch of the imagination. Now that your mind is at ease, let's see how this pretty gold embellishment is made up...

I deconstructed this Gold Lace Applique and used the two swirly sides down the gloves. Wanting to extend the embellishment further down the glove I placed cut elements from the Gold Lace Trim down the back of the hand. To cover the join of the two pieces I've added this sort of starburst Gold Lace Trim.

And if I can't get the hubs to take me somewhere worthy of these elegant mits, I'm just going to get gussied up for my morning tea. Pinky up!

Gold Lace Applique
Gold Lace Trim
Gold Lace Trim

All lace embellishment are from the January Blog Design Team Kit

Paper Pirate Ships (and How to Be Inspired Update)

My fairy lantern post and tutorial have been pretty dang popular over the past week or so. I'm very happy that it prompted parents, grandparents, and caregivers to craft with (and for) the little people in their lives. I thought I'd post another project and tute that might encourage that sort making to continue.

If you know me, you know that I'm not only a fairy fanatic but that I'm also smitten with pirates. I've made paper sky pirate ships in the past as well as a nifty paper Sky Pirate Zeppelin. I have them hanging from my ceiling and I love the idea that there are little fairy sized buccaneers keeping any goblins at bay.

ANYWAY, it's a fun little project. You can get as simple or complicated with it as you like. Loads of opportunity for little people to help... picking paper, measuring, bending and curling the paper, placing the sails just-so. What you'll need:

• thick scrapbook paper (I've used Typography from Graphic 45)
• paper straw
• jute/twine
• large bead / pony bead
• charms and embellishments
• trims (I used THIS ONE for the above sample)
• glue!

The tutorial can be found HERE on my YouTube channel (or below) and just in case you need some clarification, here is diagram of what your boat folds should look like:

___________________________________________

Finally, a quick check in for those following along with the "How to Be Inspired" posts:

After the initial think, I've collected and pinned loads of images over on the Inspiration Board. Now it's time to form some ideas and let them brew. 

I've got a couple of thoughts floating around in my head, directions that I'm considering. I'm loving the medieval tents I've come across. Their shape, colour and decoration are amazing. I also really like the circus tents that I've seen - so whimsical. But I think it's those simple camping tents that are calling my name so that's where I'm headed.

How are you coming along? Have you given it any thought? Do you have a clear vision what you want to create? It might be helpful to consider WHAT it is you want to make. Yes, you're making a tent... but is it a functional thing? big? little? decorative? ornate? simple? permanent? movable? Does it have a theme? a story? Figuring out these sorts of details will help to narrow down the vision for the final project.

I'll check in again next Tuesday with a few more details about my idea, what I'll be making and how I go about making it.

_________________________________________

Upcycled Shabby Pail for Tresors de Luxe

Todays project is absolutely inspired by the January monthly challenge mood board found HERE at Tresors de Luxe. A recycled/upcycled metal bucket turned pretty shabby pail.

Here's how it started out. (The picture is pretty terrible, but honestly, a better shot would not improve how it looked.)

The bucket was filled with delicious bottles of hard cider from my father-in-law (pretty much the perfect gift in my estimation). Looking past the bird, beer, beach and blue sky, a good sized metal pail for toting around craft supplies is nothing to snub your nose at. Sophisticating the rockin' tropical exterior was fairly simple.

I covered the exterior with a good coat of matte white spay paint. Once dry I applied a bit of colour by smooshing (that's a very technical term) some pale blue and white acrylic paint on the surface. Then the embellishments!

I used lace from the January blog kit for the edging and the pretty dangly bit. Colour is added with the addition of a length of seam binding. Deconstructed Ivory Applique Lace Trim from my stash provides a perfect foundation for that vintage button. But check out that sparkle! I think that Rhinestone Silver Key Charm is really the crowning jewel and oh, soooo pretty.

The laces and sparkly key used in this project are from the January blog kit (except for the tiny piece of applique behind the vintage button) which you can now purchase from Tresors de Luxe. If you'd prefer to purchase them individually, here is the supply list:

Ivory Venice Lace GL-108
Ivory Applique Lace Trim GL-185
Rhinestone Silver Key Charm CH-026
Ivory Lace Fabric Trim BN-010

Additional supplies used in this project:
galvanized bucket
spray paint
acrylic paint
glue
vintage button
seam binding

Old timey seed storage

I can not be the only person who finds crafting for men extremely difficult. There's only so many pairs of jamma pants you can make a man! 

So I set my mind to it: What does Mr. Pixie like?

• hot peppers

• making sausage
• food that takes a gazillion years to prepare and is a pain in the bottom
• bacon
• his garden

My mind turned to alllll the seed packages that were tucked and stuffed everywhere. I began to dream of tidy seed storage.

I searched for something that would fit standard seed packets and as luck would have it, the spaces in this 15 Drawer Storage Cabinet are the perfect size!

Just flip it on it's back, and don't add the drawers! I am all for crafts that require less work. I had little divider tabs made so that the Mr. could label things if he liked (which clearly he has not done).

I slapped on a coat of green paint and roughed it up for an old timey feel. Finally, for the front, I digitally altered an antique seed label graphic to include 'Battilana & Son'. I was sorely tempted to add little feet, ornate corners and gussy this sucker up, but I held myself in check to keep it as functional as possible.

I know, I know... gardening isn't just for men and this could easily be given to any seed nut. But my struggle was real *overly dramatic swooning* and I think that others must face the same crafty dilemma when crafting for the men they love.

In the midst of chaos

I'm reorganizing my work space (again) to accommodate a huge paper file that the hubs refinished for me for Christmas. Isn't it glorious!? Each drawer can fit 6 12" pads *swoon*.

While cleaning and rearranging and organizing I uncovered supplies I forgot I had, a slew of unfinished projects and a couple of pieces that I never got around to sharing, including this gal...

In the middle of the chaos, a little bit of pretty.