I kind of feel like I'm on the verge of a mid-life crisis. I have this strong desire to wear leopard print, snap gum and listen to old time country music about standin' by yer man.
I'm sort of looking at 'Flo' from Alice as my new life role model. She's a sassy fire cracker who's catch phrase is "Kiss my grits!" I feel like saying that an awful lot lately so I figured I'd make a sign I can just point too when annoyed.
The 'kissy grits' part is a very quick embroidery I just whipped up on some cotton fabric. I've placed the embroidery in a Victorian Frame and Easeland gussied that sucker up with flowers and paper butterflies.
I mean, just because I'm annoyed, doesn't mean I don't want things to be pretty!
This would actually be a great sized frame for an ATC, which would sit nicely with a border between the card and the edge of the frame. Or you could just go old school and put a picture in there.
I'm certain you could figure this one out yourself, but just in case, there's a video walkthrough HERE (link shortly.)
And the teeny tiny supply list!
• Victorian Frame and Easel • Acrylic paint • White glue if you want a crackle finish • Faux flowers and leaves • Paper butterflies • Hot glue
For AlphaStamps this month I've created not one but TWO sparkly Cinderella Coaches.
Because I'm as lazy as one can possibly be... and, let's face it, I have an extreme glitter fetish... my immediate impulse was to bathe these beauties in the sparkly stuff. And because I have low impulse control, that's just what I did.
Now this may seem a bit much (it totally is) but it doesn't actually take THAT much glitter to completely douse something if you prepare. Basically, I paint the object the colour of my glitter (in this case white), then, working in sections, apply a thin layer of glue and cover with glitter. Tap off the excess, collect the extra sparkly stuff, and move on to the next section. Easy peasy!
I LOVE the over the top glimmer of these coaches but the Large Size Cinderella Coach did pose a bit of a safety risk. The glitter I used on that particular one was Twinklets Diamond Dust. It is gorgeous, but made from finely ground glass... so covering the entire piece makes it difficult to handle. All those sharp little glass slivers sticking out all over gave me a few scratches. Crafting is dangerous business!
But look how pretty. Totally worth it.
Those Pale Pink Paper Roses and Bright Pink Paper Roses are so lush and I love the spark of colour they give. Cute as damned buttons!
This carriage is topped withe a little metal crown and is carrying a big fat bunch of Bright Pink Paper Roses.
I'm not planning on getting married again, but... how cute would it be to use one of these to present a ring?! *swoon!* Hang on... you don't need to get married to get a ring right?
Important note: I actually prefer my rings in doughnut form.
Being ultra extra lazy, inside those carriages I've simply tucked in a bit of shimery organza. That's it!
Sometimes the 'lazy' way is a little kooky, a whole lot of glittery, and maybe a little dangerous... but there's nothing saying it's not adorable too.
Okay, I confess, last year asked for chocolates and a card. After almost 25 years with the fella with no romantic demands, I don't think it was asking too much.
This year Mr Pixie asked what I wanted for Valentine's. I said "Nothing" but quickly changed my mind and requested a cheesecake and his spot on the couch.
Mr. P has actually been quite woo-ey over the past few months. It's so out of the ordinary that family members have asked if one of us is dying. For the record, we're both fine. *knock on wood*
Speaking of death....
I made this piece specifically to celebrate Valentine's Day. "The Little Death" matchbox shrine is a bit of a cheeky joke with "La petite mort" a metaphor for sexual orgasm.
Despite there being a little skull smack dab in the middle, and it being called 'The Little Death', this isn't about doom and gloom. It's sex, love and romance baby!
Some of those little paper flowers look like chrysanthemums, a symbol of joy and optimism. Maybe they are asters, talisman of love and a symbol of patience.
There's a golden butterfly, the symbol of the soul and positive transformation.
That shiny amber something at the bottom of the shrine? A nod to Freya, the Norse goddess of love, sex, beauty and death. Freya would weep amber tears while waiting for her beloved husband to return to her from his extended journeys.
Ok, maybe there is a tiny bit of death in all of this, but so many symbols associated with love, sex and life also share a connection with death. And why not, that's what we do isn't it? We live, we love, we die... hopefully we do it all well.
If you're interested in seeing "The Little Death" being made, hop over HEREor watch below
And here's a list of the supplies I used to create that wee shrine.
Still running with the inspiration of the AGO's Mystical Landscapes exhibit, I've made a handful of little paintings. Canvas' covered with starry nights, strange moons and fluttering birds. All my favourite things mushed up together.
I wish my hands would cooperate with the things that my mind dreams up. I wish my painting was fine and delicate.
I *wish* I was a painter in the same way I wish I was poet, or filmmaker, or writer. In a way, I think I'm still waiting to figure out what I am.
What sort of strange bird am I? Maybe I'm not a bird at all! Maybe I'm a moth or a bat!
One thing is for certain, I am not a painter.
But I do it anyway.
The 'do-ing' is the most important part of all. Do what you love. Enjoy what gives you pleasure and joy and don't allow what you are (or are not) to get in the way.
I don't do commissions. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Commissions, in general, suck the fun out of making. Maybe it's the pressure to please. Maybe it's my inner brat refusing to enjoy anything that I am forced to do. Like every book I HAD to read in high-school, it doesn't matter how enjoyable it actually is, the 'must' ruins it.
But there are exceptions.
These stumps loitering my mantle, for example. Most will become homes for tiny porcelain fairies made by my friends at fairy.com.
The remainder will sit in my studio until brillance strikes and I have my way with them!
What sort of mischief or magic do you think could take place inside little mossy stump?
Itty bitty post today. I forgot to show off this bundle of stuff I swapped with a crafty buddy.
A bunch of Harry Potter miniatures including, scrolls, books, frienship pins and bracelet, newpapers and, last by not least, a portrait of Snape. I know... he's rather handsome here. I think I was projecting a little bit.
And what did I get in return? This amazing pin cushion by the super talented audi.ty
I've always been fascinated with miniature 'lover's eye' paintings and so, with it being so close to Valentine's Day, decided to add my own to this piece. I painted an eye on a small piece of thick watercolour paper, placed it in a watch hob, then surrounded it with rhinestones.
Lover's eye paintings were popular during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The first such painting was exchanged between the Prince of Wales and a widowed commoner. They were tiny, discreet tokens, intimate portraits to give to ones lover. I won't tell you whose eye this is...
Inside I've placed replicas 15th century Visconti-Sforza tarot cards, The Empress and Death. The Empress is one of my favourite cards, representing not only feminity, but wisdom and creation. And Death isn't such a bad fellow. He might mark some sort of ending or conclusion which makes way for positive change.
I've added a little number 7 at the bottom. Seven symbolizes perfection and unity... and it's lucky!
Some Victorian Corners painted copper and topped with flat back pearls complete the piece. Pearls represent wisdom and luck... both things we could all do with in matters of love.
If you'd like to make your own, I have a walk through available HERE
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO for short) has an amazing exhibition called Mystical Landscapes.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was an astounding, inspirational experience.
The exhibit features work by Gauguin, Edvard Munch, Georgia O'Keeffe, Emily Carr, Chagall and so many more. There are TWO Monet Waterlilies and, if you ask me, they weren't even close to the highlight of the exhibit.
As you near the very end of the exhibit you are greeted by the piece "Crystal Castle at Sea" by Wenzel Hablik.
No pictures I could find of this piece do it justice. It catches your eye and pulls you to it. And as we drew near, we saw that the final room of the exhibit was dimmed, the work illuminated in the dark.
Immediately catching my attention, another Hablik (whom I'd never heard of before, but clearly it was love at first sight) "Sternenhimmel Versuch". A large piece, 2 square meters, looking at it illuminated in the dark was like looking up at the universe.
Then you turn around, and on the opposite wall, dancing in the dark, is Vincent van Gogh's, "Starry Night over the Rhône".
Life changing.
One review said "It looks as though it could have been painted last week." Truth! It's so vibrant and alive that the paint still looks wet.
I left the gallery with a renewed energy and desire to make. This weekend I set to painting my own big space canvas in the spirit of Hablik.
A large canvas that had been sitting in my studio, unfinished for two years, had received a celestial makeover. While it won't be to everyone's taste, it's one of my favourite pieces I've created and I like that it will be keeping me company in my studio.
But I don't think it's totally complete. I like the idea of maybe adding new stars and planets to mark good moments and positive happenings in my life. Hopefully that canvas will be covered in starlight in no time at all.
You know the story, the Wicked Queen gazes into her magic mirror to ask "Who's the fairest of them all?"
The idea of a magic mirror isn't made up. They have a long history with documented usage as far back as 3000 B.C., and are found in both Western and Eastern cultures.
Mirror gazing is a method of 'scrying'. It can be used for fortune telling, inspiration, spiritual guidance and prophecy. The viewer gazes into a reflective surface (like water, crystal balls, mirrors) and with focused meditation/trance interprets the visions or symbols that appear to them.
While the mirrors appear dark, and there is some fear that surrounds them, it is worth noting that there is also a belief that they can be protective, reflecting/deflecting evil or negativity.
Black volcanic glass called 'obsidian', is a traditional material used for scrying mirrors... but we can fudge our way around that. I simply cut a piece of Clear Plastic slightly larger than the frame opening. Make sure that the plastic is free from dust and coat ONE SIDE with black paint. You want complete coverage so you may need a second coat. Then glue into place with the UNPAINTED SIDE facing outwards. You should have a nice glossy surface for divination!
Note: A piece of decorative paper on the back will protect the painted surface and look much neater.
For a bit of an extra magical punch, I've added some symbols on to the base of the Gothic Mirror With Drawer. I've also included elemental symbols and those representing Venus (as mirrors are sacred to her). In that little drawer I'll place some stones and herbs to encourage 'sight' and for protection.
Things have been a bit quiet around here, but I have been making stuff. I'm in the middle of a few paintings, a coven of dolls, and a tin too. Phew!
While all that puttering and painting has been going on, I was inspired to make some Valentines cards by the Badlands twitterer, and scientists who are taking up the cause to defend scientific research and fact.
Repeatedly confirmed,
holds up under evidence based peer review,
and never refuted...
It's a fact, I love you.
They're funny, not funny. I'm ok with that. A lot of things seem to be like that these days.
My desire burns like gasoline.
Dirty, with lingering effects.
If you're interested in the papers I used, they from various Graphic 45 collections. I just sort of pillaged my paper drawers for something Valentineish (I know, I'm totally helpful.)
You're like the global climate.
You get hotter every year.
Anyway my lovelies, stay sane and safe. I do love you.
Really! I love YOU to bits and pieces!
I'm feeling rather excited. Inspired. Something good is pushing it's way up, working through the soil, and sitting just below the surface. There's a bundle of creative energy dancing inside me. I'm excited to see what it brings.
Being exciting and feeling inspired aren't enough. There's the "doing" too.
I used to take photographs every morning, searching for one little bit of simple beauty. It was a lovely way to start the day. I'm doing that again, taking notice of those gifts.
Today, a quiet collection of stones that have somehow gathered on the deck.
Immediately I wanted a pair of my own painted earrings.
In my last post I mentioned the story of Cupid and Psyche, and wanting to explore that theme further. This seemed as good an opportunity as any.
In the story of Cupid and Psyche, Venus (Cupid's mom), gives Psyche seemingly impossible tasks. Psyche, in despair, keeps thinking that she should kill herself and be done with it, but at every turn she finds help.
When told to sort a mound of seeds and grains, an army of ants come to Psyche's aid.
Sent to gather black waters from the underworld, Psyche considers jumping off the side of a ship and drowning herself, but Jupiter himself sends his eagle to assist her.
The earrings are made with furniture tacks, painted 1/2 Inch Brass Pendants, and elements recycled from old jewelry.
I really like them and have already worn them twice.
Although I'm not actually a painter, I'm pretty sure I'll be making more painted jewelry. This was a challenging scale to work in, but I really enjoyed it. Same goes for my buddies Cupid and Psyche; I don't think I'm quite done with them yet.
