A brief walk of appreciation

This morning I saw a weather warning for a giant storm. The blizzard won't even hit near home and yet I cringed.

Normally I am a huge fan of snow. The clean goodness of it. The fun to be had playing in it. I suppose I've been snow-blind the last little while because lately, when I've looked out my window, I've only longed for green.

This mornings dreadful sigh was the last straw. I decided to go outside and find beauty in that cold wet white.

 

And it IS beautiful, in it's bluish morning hue.

 ... that is reflective of the grand sky above.

Even Padfoot took notice... and he never notices a thing!

That white stuff that glitters in the light, and comes alive with sparkles as you walk through it.

That expanse of snow where there's a thousand stories to be told in tracks that lead up to old trees...

 ... and holes burrowed beneath wooden stairs.

And if I hadn't taken that small walk of appreciation I would have missed entirely this tiny ball of snow, which I am sure was made by pixies trying to build a snowman before the sunrise.

Maybe I can endure the white stuff just a little longer.

Time warps and moon beams

I posted this picture the other night after working on these little faces into the wee hours. I love watching other artists work so it occurred to me this morning that you might like to see one of these moony fellows being sculpted.

Typically I do not work this quickly. I'm a bit of a slow poke and enjoy sips of tea and nibbles of cookies as I do my mess making. I am fairly certain I've hit some sort of time warp making this video because it's completed in a 1/3 of the time it usually takes me.

Let's blame it on the 3 cups of coffee this morning.

An odd bird crown to cheer a girl

I've been rather glum the past few days. Perhaps it's too much snow and not enough green. Maybe it was the bickering at the dinner table the other night (yes, the Pixies do bicker from time to time). The fact that the milk turned and there was none for my tea this morning certainly didn't improve my mood.

Something did cheer me a smidgen: a crown. An Odd Bird crown to be precise.

This months Alpha Stamps theme is inspiring me. It could be the fact that I identify with it, being a bit of an odd bird myself, or that it tugs at the soft spot in my heart reserved for fellow strange ducklings. Whatever the case may be, my plans to make a little brooch got out of hand and I've ended up with a crown.

I wore the thing around the house for quite some time. It cheered me. I'm thinking of tucking it somewhere safe so that I can pull it out when a morose Monday or terrible Tuesday rolls around. I'll wear it with my pajamas and drink root beer floats.

If you're keen on making your own, here are some of the supplies I used in making this little piece of lofty head wear: Mini Red Pip Berry Garland, Tiny Green Leaf Garland, Red Glittered Holly Berries, Bird Trinket Keepsake Kit , Petaloo Botanica Chantilly-Hydrangeas in Cream
 

Reality check: I never ever actually look like this. I'm always smudged, tumbled and befuddled.

Cake for lunch

I don't buy all this 'childhood is the greatest time of your life' nonsense. At least when you're a 'grown-up', if you're having a rotten day, you can eat chocolate cake for lunch and no one can tell you that you can't.

Works in progress and a strange riddle

This post is a mess and all over the place, please excuse the disaster and try to muddle through with me.

I finally finished off a batch of little Sherlock chairs for the new 221B tins. They seemed to take forever but they're a big improvement over the original. Here's a the new version...

Based on the The Le Corbusier Grand Confort LC3 chair used in the BBC series (Note: The below picture is swiped from Sherlockology which you should absolutely visit!)

They aren't an exact match but I'm pleased with how they've turned out.

I've also started work on this little painting. It's just a little 4x4 canvas. That's a mockingbird flapping about, a little nod to Littlefinger, my favourite GoT character (Tyrion, I love you too). The piece isn't finished yet and I'm not sure how I'll finish it off so it'll have to sit aside for a while...

Finally, the riddle.

A friend posted this photograph, challenged to identify the object. It is not sharp. It's parts do not move. Any ideas?

ETA: It's a button polisher!

I haven't a clue. I looked through an old catalogue I have here from 1904 to see if I could spy a similar object, but no luck. I did however find these gems...

A bit much, I know, but I have the sense of humour of a 12 year old boy.

30 gallons of pickles for $8.50? Bargain!

The Buttoneers

Some pieces sit unfinished in my studio for ages. Days, months, even years will pass before my little half done bits are paid proper attention. These four have been patiently waiting since November. As is usual, I stumbled upon them while looking for a misplaced whatsit and promptly finished them off when I should have been doing something else entirely.

Originally I had made some faux Liquorice Allsorts to embellish these sweet things. The Allsorts looked fine (my kiddo even tried to eat one!) but they didn't quite fit. I was disappointed, but it's not unusual for the image in my head to not want to become a reality. I've learned it's best not to struggle against it.

Instead I wait until my pieces suggest an altogether better idea. Last night these pieces shouted "We want to be Buttoneers!" Exactly what a Buttoneer is... well I have no idea, but I don't argue with my work.

And in case you're interested, here's the supply list: white Michaels plaques, assorted Graphic 45 papers (12 Days of Christmas 6x6 Pad & French Country Promenade) vintage images, acrylic paint, assorted buttons, hinge, metal charms, vintage wooden lottery number, transparency wings, Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Keys and Ornate Metal Key Holes, Masonite cut bird, Reversible Round Metal Number Tile

An Odd Bird Cuckoo House

I'm a big fan of odd things and nonsense so I was pleased as can be when my design team package from Alpha Stamps arrived and discovered this months kit was themed 'An Odd Bird'.

I made a bit of sample art, a sort of Cuckoo house using the kit.

I think the fellow in the window is a hoot. He looks a smidge devious, a little nutty, and rather pleased with himself.

In addition to the Odd Bird Kit, I also used Metal Hands, Metallic Mini Brads, Dragonfly Wing Beads, Brass Eye Pins, Cameo Frames: Circles, Dresden wings and Tiny Watch Parts.

AND if you hurry over and check out the Alpha Stamps newsletter there's even a giveaway!

Graphic 45 'Steampunk Spells' Matchbox

I still find it astounding and totally thrilling to see my work posted. It makes me wonder how in the world I've managed to get so lucky... and it makes me smile just a bit.

This little altered matchbox using the Steampunk Spells collection is featured on the Graphic 45 blog today. (There's also and amazing baseball keepsake box by fellow design team member Denise Hahn that you should check out!)

 

It's not elaborate or terribly complicated but I think it's fun and bright and just the sort of thing to make on a dreary day, or a quick something for a nice friend.

Supplies:

Steampunk Spells Fanciful Floral

Steampunk Spells Nevermore

Steampunk Spells Totally Wicked

Steampunk Spells Chipboard 2

Regular sized matchbox

Thin Fleur Dresden Borders - Gold

Metallic Mini Brad

Teeny Weeny Sneaky Peeky 221B Update

Two blog posts in one day? Insanity!

I've already put in a fair few hours crafting for the new few little 221B tins that I'm working on. Despite my worries I'm having a very good time making them and I'm sooooo pleased. There were a few things about the original tin that bothered me so I'm chuffed to get a second chance to make a few improvements.

One of the things that irked me in the original was the skull on the mantle. It was really only skully enough to give the impression of a skull. The new ones are so much better. Here's one on the head of a match for size reference...

Yeah, I'm pretty proud of that little thing. I haven't finished the complete set because making them causes me to go slightly cross-eyed but I'm really happy with the few that are completed.

The set of Dr. Watson chairs on the other hand are ready to go.

And again I'm happy to be revisiting the project so that I can add teeny Union Jack pillows!

I'll be giving the Sherlock crafting (and my eyes) a rest for a day or two but will give another update as progress is made.

Later gators!

Sweet Sentiments Card from Graphic 45

On the Graphic 45 blog today, beautiful handmade cards.

Besides not being a scrapbooker, I'm also not a card-maker. I was a bit worried about my Graphic 45 assignment to create a card with the Sweet Sentiments collection for CHA. When the collection arrived however, I plonked myself down with a cup-o-tea and fussy cut to my hearts content while watching Downton Abby. I discovered that is a practically perfect way to spend a Sunday evening.

Supplies List:

• Sweet Sentiments  • All My Love  • Violet Bouquet

 • Spring has Sprung  • Be My Valentine  • Sweet Sentiments Stickers

 • Adhesive •  50lb sketching paper *Inside*

It's rather a mystery

I know, I know... ANOTHER block? Last one for a while, I pinky swear! This one has been sitting half finished for a week but I managed to finish it off this morning. I like the placement of the sentiment (it's from an old book) because the 'a' makes him look a little cyclopsy :)

The rusty wire is actually new, as are the little crown at the top and the photo corners. The rusty hand forged square head nails on the sides are old things.

And HERE is the etsy listing for this piece.

Lastly, I have started on the little batch of 221B tins. I thought that some progress photos might be fun so here you go...

I'm now off to sand, carve and paint that jumbled mess of tattered pieces.

xoxo

Across the Sky

I'm participating in the Artist Trading Block swap over on craftster. Basically we all start out with a piece of wood that measures 2.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 and make it purdy for our assigned partner. They are loads of fun to make and just a little bit addictive.

My partner, Killam Creative, should be receiving hers any day now.

Killiam if you're reading this, avert your eyes and stop peeking!

If you are not Killam you should feel no guilt in proceeding with the peeks.

So, I kinda-sorta-but-not-really cheated because the entirety of my piece is quite a bit bigger than the assigned bit of wood. I turned my block horizontally added wheels and built upwards.

I noticed Killam mentioned hot air balloons a few times when I was stalking her, so I knew that was something I wanted to include. What better basket for a tiny flying vessel than a snails shell!? And that hot air balloon? Made from a paper mache egg (here's a slightly larger version)

Here are some of the other supplies used in this piece: Mini Red Pip Berry Garland, black dresden trims, Large Diorama Trees,  Miniature Pine Cones,   Sheet Moss,  Petaloo Bontanica Floral Ephemera in Cranberry, Graphic 45 Staples Ornate Metal Label Holder, Old Curiosity Shoppe - Butterfly Specifics, Giant Snowflake

Phew!

Here's hoping Killam hasn't peeked and that she likes her new thing-a-ma-bob when it arrives on her doorstep :)

221B and the inner conflict

Please note that this is a bit long winded. I apologize. I'm usually not as blabby but I wanted to let you in on the status of any additional 221B / Sherlock tins and the whys and whatfors.

**** 

There's a good chance you are here because of this. 

 

 
G. D. Falksen posted it, Steampunk picked it up and it's been a sort of whirlwind ever since because of this little tin. It's brought me more attention, well wishes and nice words than I've had in a very long time. I appreciate all of it. Truly, I feel like a very dorky princess... which is absolutely bloody lovely.

There continue to be loads of requests to buy this little tin, will there be some for sale? where can I get one? when will they be posted? To be honest I've struggled with that because (cross my heart) I made it just for me. I love it. It's one little thing I created out of sheer fan-girl geekiness, to celebrate something that has brought me joy. I never imagined it would be so coveted.

That's great right? It's what every artist dreams of! So, what's the dilemma? Really, I've been torn about making more.

There's a lot of time, love and skill in that little space and each of those things is valuable to me. Handmade items are unlike those from a factory. They are not manufactured, they are created with hands and skills and heart. I'm sure the price will put some people off and (heaven forbid) dishearten those who would like one but don't have enough pennies. (Being quite penniless myself I understand that particular frustration.)

Then there is the enjoyment of it to consider. I am a fortunate artist. I make what I love. I never want to make things that I dislike. There are LOADS of artists making things they hate. I don't blame them one bit mind you... arty folks have bills just like everyone else. The thing is, I don't want to groan every time someone orders something I once loved.

If I'm honest, the control freak in me is biting her nails right now too. I don't take custom orders or commissions. I like to have full control over what I make and I know that if I started churning these out that people would start asking for changes. Can you add a cat? Can you make the walls blue?

And what about churning them out? Doesn't that diminish the value of the object just a little? Perhaps it would make the original just a little less special.

*sigh*

I'm not naive. I know that others will jump on this bandwagon and sling copies online within a week. They won't feel a smidge of guilt about taking credit for it, claiming the idea as their own. It won't matter that my heart will sink into my feet when I see my idea being sold by others, or that they'll gain greater benefits from it than I. Should I make more just to beat others to the punch and attempt to retain a small portion of the pie? Perhaps, but I have neither the head nor heart for business and much prefer cake.

Now, I DO appreciate that people are interested in a quirky bit of handmade goodness. It's amazing to me that so many people have taken notice of this little piece of whimsy. I'd hate to feel like I'm letting an opportunity pass. It would seem ungrateful in a way.

AND making more would give me the opportunity to make minor changes. There's one or two improvements rolling around in my mind. It could be fun to make a 221B.2 and right all the things that are nagging at me about the original.

Taking all of these things into consideration, here are my plans...

I'm going to create a small run of similar tins. Very small. Probably 5, maybe 8. When they are all complete they will be listed in the etsy shop. I will post a time frame when I have a better idea, and will give 24 hrs notice before they are actually available.

I will NOT be taking pre-orders or reserving listings.

When they are gone, that will be it.

I'll move on and make the other dorky things floating around in my head.

Hopefully you'll like them too.

Strange Fluttering Afoot!

I'm certain something sneaky and mischievious was accidenltly shipped with my latest Alpha Stamps design team package. There was more rustling than usual and my supplies kept disappearing (entirely true!).

 

I kept seeing movement from the corner of my eye and hearing high-pitched titters when I danced around the living room on Thursday morning.

Finally, after many shenanigans, I spied her!

I even managed to coax her to pose for a photo with a few crumbs of banana bread.

Then, quick as you please, she was off like a shot! I haven't been able to find her since. I suspect she's in the pantry eating the chocolate chips.

Want to create your own fluttery friend? Here's the supply list:
January 2014 Kit - Romantic Women • Just Wings Collage Sheet  • Wire • Autumn Flower Mix • Foliage Bees Epoxy Stickers • Cream Adhesive Pearls - 3mm

Purple People Eater (not really)

I'm not a big fan of purple. Don't get me wrong, I can certainly appreciate the hue of a plum, the beautiful lilacs that grow on the old tree of the bottom of our hill and the violets that blossom in spring. It's not that I DIS-like purple. I'm just not crazy about it like some people are. My auntie is one of those people. Purple is HER colour. She owns it. She wears it daily.

Despite not being a fan of purple I made this...

 It's frilly and girly and quite purply... but I like it. It's romantic.

And although it may not be exactly the sort of thing I usually make, it was exactly the thing I needed to make last night while drumming up some crafty mojo.

There's an idea in my head. It's tumbling around, trying to form but it's not there just yet. But I can't sit on my hands... that would stop the tumbling altogether! Instead, I grab at whatever little bits of inspiration I can and get messy.

Sometimes, while waiting for the big ideas to cook, it's good to explore the unfamiliar and do things you're unsure of. That is my favourite thing about being on a design team: the thrill of playing and creating with unexpected materials and styles and seeing a rather pretty result. Even if it is purple :P

This project is listed in the etsy shop HERE

Materials:
plain wooden box shelf
vintage tea cup
moss
vintage button
tiny frame
acrylic paint
cheesecloth
adhesive pearls
Graphic 45 > Sweet Sentiments > Violet Bouquet
Graphic 45 > Sweet Sentiments > Sweet Sentiments 
Graphic 45 > Sweet Sentiments > Be My Valentine
Graphic 45 Staples > Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Keys
Spellbinders Oval Hat Pin
Petaloo Textured Mini Blossoms
Petaloo Botanica Blooms
Purple Iris Paper Flowers

P.S. Although I'm not a huge fan of purple I freely proclaim my absolute adoration for the Violet Bouquet paper used in this project