The Little Death Matchbox Shrine

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

We don't...

Well, not really...

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 HERE or watch below

And here's a list of the supplies I used to create that wee shrine.

• coloured tissue paper
• Creative Paperclay
• standard match box
• chess rook
• paper (I used a vintage love poem and G45 scrapbook paper)
• charms (metal crown, stamped brass butterfly)
• 2 Symmetrical Flourishes Silicone Mold
• Flower Soft (used for flower centres)
• Narrow Gold Fleur Dresden Borders*
• Tiny Dot Dresden Borders - Gold*

• acrylic paint
• glue

Note: The tool I mention in the video is a ball stylus... not necessary, but a handy thing to have around.

Whether you're celebrating today or not, I'm sending a little love your way.

Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie pies!

I am not a painter

I am not a painter
... but I do it anyway.

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.

Being bratty, exceptions, and mossy stumps

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?

Swapping with a Slytherin

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

Isn't it the coolest?! I just love a good swap.

Hope your week kicks off on just the right note.

xoxo