Collecting Nice Things with Graphic 45

I'm sure I've asked this before: Have you ever seen the movie Amelie? 

It’s wonderful, and filled with so many delightful little details. Many of those little details were from a journal that directorJean-Pierre Jeunet, used to keep. A collection of things that made him happy. I’ve wanted my own collection of nice things ever since. And so, my new years resolution is to take special notice of lovely things.

Using an inexpensive coil bound notebook and Graphic 45's Once Upon a Springtime, I’ve created a special place for my collection. It has loads of pockets where bits and pieces can be tucked away… but it’s also practically embellished so that I can toss it in my purse. 

Although I may not have gone over the top with embellishments, I think every snip of Once Upon a Springtime is cute as buttons.

When not making notes it closes up tight and is secured with a length of jute affixed with a brad on the spine. It has quickly become my favourite book to write nice things inside :)

To make your own, I've created a snapguide HERE to help you. Don't let the number of steps put you off, a few of them doubled for clarity sake.

And the supply list...

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Tiny Treasures

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Cut-apart

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Enchanted Forest

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Woodland Fantasy

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Frames

Graphic 45 Stamped Metal Brad

Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Keys

Core'dinations G45 Darks Antique Moss

Blank Journal

Adhesive

A few collages

I've been a total slacker this week. I don't know if it's the weather, or maybe recovery from the holidays, or I'm just burnt out, but I haven't felt like doing much other than veg on the couch and watch foreign horror films.

I dragged my bum up to my crafty cocoon last night and created a few little collages...

First this little girl in the wind. The image of the gal is from The Graphics Fairy, a great resource for free images. That greenish paper in the background has a beautiful iridescent quality... I wish I had bought more of it because I don't think it's available any longer. The little striped bit by her feet is a lovely thin Red & Cream Stripes Paper Tape*

Below is my favourite of the bunch.

I like how serene and surreal it is. I like the colour pallet too, it's like a dream. Warning: I'm about to sound pretenious... I like the spacial quality, the economy of embellishment most of all

And then the moon. Sometimes I sit and chop out words and phrases from discarded books then peice them back together into phrases... sort of like little poems. It's a lovely exercise.

One Little Thing - Hero

This week's prompt is "Hero"

Have you always wanted to be a super hero? Maybe you know a real life hero? This week take a few minutes to create one little thing with a 'hero' theme.

Design a super hero costume, write a list of essential utility belt gadgets, take a photo of your every day hero. There is no incorrect way to complete this task. The important thing is to focus and think creatively about the theme... and enjoy yourself!

**You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. **

My One Little Thing: "Era"

For my own 'one little thing' for last weeks challenge, I created this ATC...

I started out doing a few sketches and making some notes while my kid was at curling practice. I had thought about doing a British Victorian card with a lamp post and carriage. Then maybe a sort of art nouveau inspired something. I also toyed with a 70's theme.

But this is what I ended up with... wanting to create something with the feeling of a past era but my heart kept being tugged by the little French bits in my stash. A tiny nod to the French and a little 'Je suis Charlie' I suppose.

The lesson this week? It's ok to go off track. Just because I didn't follow through with those first ideas doesn't invalidate them. They're still there, waiting for another opportunity to be used.

**Image used from Large Victorian Corsets Collage Sheet**

Graphic 45 Precious Memories Box

Graphic 45 has been revealing their sneak peeks and I was lucky enough to get my hands on them early and create with their new product line-up. Hop over to their blog to see all of the new goods (some seriously cool stuff there!). Here's my first project with their new goodies :)

Browsing the pages of the Precious Memories collection for inspiration, I sort of fell in love with image of the little boy and his rabbit. The fellow with the curls nuzzling his stuffed bunny reminded me of my son when he was toddling around with 'Mr. Elephant' (don’t tell him I told you that!) I still have that little elephant. It’s tucked somewhere, not completely away, so that I stumble across it once in a while, causing memories to flood back.

For this piece I created a little needle felted bunny, just like the one in the image, to create a sense that that moment had actually existed. Don’t be frightened off by that little woolen bunny! This little sentimental vignette would be even sweeter created with a real photograph and small childhood memento.

Precious Memories Cuddle TimePrecious Memories CherishPrecious Memories Baby’s Breath
Precious Memories Pat-A-CakePrecious Memories Precious MemoriesSmall Matchbook BoxShabby Chic Ornate Metal BradsOrnate Metal Label Holder
Needle felted bunny
White Picket Fencing
Twine
Wheels
ButtonsAdhesive

Want to see more? Check out the Sneak Peek Re-Cap on the Graphic 45 blog :)

Squatchin'

The last couple of weeks have been a blur of activity. Besides the Christmas/New Year hub-bub, I've been working madly on design team projects and things for other people. If I'm honest, I'm tired and feeling a bit worn down. I need a few quiet demand-less days to rejuvenate my head and heart.

BUT I do have a project to share from the holidays. My handmade gift to my kidlet... a needlefelted Sasquatch.

I was lazing on the couch watching the telly when I saw him scurry across the sunshiny window sill. At first I thought I was seeing things but when the dog started whimpering in his sleep, he stood still for just a moment and looked on curiously.

When the dog finished making his sleepy noises, the creature turned his head to me and gave a grunt, as if to say "What are you looking at?" Then quick as a flash he climbed up into our Christmas tree!

Over the next few days I tried to coax him out with treats of peanut butter and apple slices... but he refused to pose so I could only capture a few blurry images.

Now that the tree is down he's a bit easier to shoot. He sulks around my studio looking for a hidey hole to make his home and Christmas cookie crumbs to eat. 

I've told him I'll make him a spot inside the pantry and he can have his fill of nibbles but he likes being difficult. I can tell you with certainty that "Harry and the Henderson's" is not an accurate depiction of a Bigfoot. Our pygmy squatch is a difficult little diva and a smidge rude too!

One Little Thing - Era

I strongly believe that creativity breeds itself. The more you do and make, the more ideas and inspiration will follow. And so, every Sunday I'll be posting a creative prompt, a challenge for you to spend just a few moments being creative over the following week.

You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. 

This week's prompt is "Era"

You're challenge this week is to explore a favourite time period. The roaring 20's, groovy 70's, Victorian, Roman, wild west... the future. It's all fair game.

You may want to think about what appeals to you about certain eras. What are the colours, themes, textures, images, vocabulary, and events that shape that period?

Remember, there is no wrong interpretation... the only thing that matters is that you spend a few moments focused on, and exploring, creatively.

Good luck! and have fun :)

Good bye 2014!

Well, it's been a weird year.

I've had some successes (yay!). I've never been more unwell in my life (boo!). And, time has flown by (as it always does).

Speaking of time...

I'll be introducing a couple of new bloggy items in 2015, including a weekly 'One Little Thing' challenge. Every Sunday I'll post a creative prompt, and challenge you to create one little thing. Totally low pressure and absolutely good for you. The idea is to spend at least a few minutes every week thinking creatively. If you can only manage a quick doodle or a brainstorming list, that's okay! Creativity breeds itself and even a few moments of scribbling while stirring a pot of stew can be seeds of greatness :) For anyone who wishes they could spend more time creatively, this is a great starting point.

Finally, here are a few of my favourite projects from this past year.

In Praise of Odd Birds - Altered book and poem

221B Baker Street Tin

Man in the Moon

Godefroy's Book Shop

By the light of the moon

Leon's Window

I've created loads of work this past year, but these are the projects closest to my heart :)

Here's hoping that 2015 will be bright, shining and filled with magic... for everyone.

Much love,
Nichola

Oneda the Imperfect , A fairy

"I don't make fairies."

For the past 4 years that is what I have said when asked the inevitable question 'Where are the fairies?' I haven't felt compelled to make them.

But this Christmas I asked for (and received) an instructional viddy by Wendy Froud. After a marathon viewing (during which I completely ignored my guests) I immediately set to work. Days and loads of swearing later, I'd like to introduce Oneda.

She's big. Over 13" tall. And why not, she's waited an awfully long time to be made.

I have her hanging with a little help from a pin on her back... but, although she cannot stand on her own, she is poseable and would be happy as a clam in a doll stand.

I've learned so much making her and she has loads of imperfections (her skin isn't flawless, her hands are too large) and loads of things that I'll improve upon when the next winged things get's made... but her stockinged feet are lovely and she seems quite pleased with herself so who am I to complain?

Oneda is available HERE in the etsy shop.

Stamped Embellishments with Graphic 45

I am not a stamper. When challenged to create a project or share tips using stamping techniques I was seriously scratching my head. Then I realized I do stamp… just not on paper! I’ve made a stash of stamped paperclay embellishments with Botanical Tea cling stamps. 

Paperclay is great fun to work with and one of my very favourite materials, but I’m sure you could do the same with polymer clay. 

In the future I’m sure these will find their way into some of my mixed media pieces, but one of my little friends had a dolly in urgent need of a paper crown and I am always willing to lend a hand in a doll emergency.

And here's the Snapguide Tutorial to make your own embellishments!

Supply List

Embellishment
Botanical Tea Cling Stamps
Creative Paperclay

Crown
Botanical Tea: Spring DuetCore’dinations Graphic 45 Lights - Pearl Blush
A Gilded Life - Petite Monarch Crown Long Die
White plastic pearl strand
White glitter

A little butcher shop

The 'big day' has passed and Santa was very kind to all of us with loads of socks and undies (which we love BTW), books and other goodies. We also have a tradition of exchanging handmade gifts. 

This year I made my husband a little butcher and charuterie shop window in a shadowbox frame. Before his life as a winemaker, Mr. Pixie was a butcher and he continues to smoke and dry his own meats and make his own sausage.

I made all of the meat from polymer clay. The window is a transparancy sheet. The 'shelving' is narrow strips cut from an old hardcover.

The outside measurement of the frame is around 7.5" x 5.8" and the inside depth is around .75"... it's pretty tight!

Considering that 'realism' in my miniature work isn't usually a priority, I was fairly thrilled with how this turned out and I think he liked it too :)

Quirky Naughty/Nice Ornaments and a Christmas Message

This is a fun and funky little project. I’ve just made some tiny boxes, about the size of a matchbox, with various Twas the Night Before Christmas papers, tucked in a vintage portrait, embellished with glittery pipecleaner and labeled them as naughty or nice. 

Don’t let the vintage pictures hold you back, these would be so much fun with family pictures! You could even use them as place holders for your holiday feast with photos of your naughty/nice guests.

Most of my guests are naughty, by the way.

Finally, a Christmas Eve message. Relax. Christmas is coming no matter if those 16 dozen cookies get baked, if the icing is wonky, or if the floor is a disgrace. And it'll be ok. You'll survive it! My first guest showed up early yesterday... while I was still in pajamas... while picking up dog poop from the lawn. 

I survived :)

Supply List

Twas the Night Before Christmas 8x8 PadTwas the Night Before Christmas StickersPetaloo Fancy Trims
Glittery wired pipecleaner
Vintage images

Wishing you and yours the very merriest Christmas, happiest of holidays and good cheer all around.

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Regal Christmas Crown and Gift Giving with Petaloo

Over my years of gift giving I have learned that a) Men love socks b) Children appreciate money and candy c) Every woman should have a crown. Don't get me wrong. There are giftees who do not fit within these generalizations... but these prezzies are more often appreciated than not.

I've been on a total crown kick this year. I love making them. I love wearing them. There's something magical that happens when someone dons a bit of fancy royal headwear. The wearer will smile, giggle and immediately begin to act regally! It's a wonderful transformation.

I think crowns are amazing gifts. With a bit of paper and some pretty blooms you can say "You are so special and important you deserve a crown!" and encourage silliness and joviality at the same time. They are something totally frivolous but symbolize esteem, importance and beauty.

I've listed my supplies below, but if you're going to make a crown for someone you admire try to create one that suits them and celebrates their personal tastes and flair. I'd wager it makes them feel pretty good :)

Supplies:

Botanica Chantilly-VelvHydrangeas 1272
Botanica Petites 1101
Botanica Sugared Berrys Clusters 1132
Embellishment Brads Shades of Green 1920

Jolie Gold Floral Scrapbook Paper
Authentique Faith - Reverent Scrapbook Paper
A Gilded Life - Petite Monarch Crown Long Die 

Elf Book Box House with Graphic 45

Inspired by my fellow team member Yumi’s amazing little suitcases I decided to create my own little travel case. 

I converted a  Staples Book Box into a little suitcase, then created a homey elf house within. 

I’ve used a mash-up of three different collections for this piece: 'Cats & Dogs', 'Away with me', and 'Night Before Christmas'. 

The interior features a fireplace, complete with screen and pipecleaner flames, Christmas cards on the mantle, tree, gifts and more. 

The little wire loveseat even has tiny cushions made from Graphic 45 fabric!

Supply list: 

Raining Cats and Dogs 
> Raining Cats and Dogs
> Well Bred
> Pitter-patter
> Cats Meow
> Precious Pets
> Playful Pals
Raining Cats & Dogs 4x6 & 3x4 Journaling & Ephemera Cards
Come Away With Me > Pleasure 
TripTwas the Night Before Christmas 6x6 Solids & Patterns
Graphic 45 fabric
Staples 
Book Box
Ornate Metal Keys
Ornate Metal Key Holes
Stamped Metal Brads
Miniature Wooden Fire Place
Mini Pine & Berry Garland
Miniature Garden Bench
Retro Bottle Brush Tree
Assorted Wooden Cube Blocks
Black ribbon
Box Latches
Beads
Thermoweb Decorative Photo Corners • Kraft

Upcycled Yule Luminary for Tresors de Luxe

Tomorrow is Yule and the official kick off to my family's holiday festivities. In the Northern hemisphere this date marks the first day of winter, and the return of the sun. Our days begin to lengthen, light takes over darkness, and we celebrate with food, drink, fire, laughter and light.

I spied some pretty luminaries on pinterest and thought they'd be a perfect addition to our celebrations. Remember that winter womderland jar I posted this week? This is its kin. I've upcycled this one into a lantern. It can be filled with a candle or (for those especially safety conscience) a string of holiday lights. 

**NOTE: If using a candle, your lid must remain OFF while the candle is lit**

I podged some light tissue paper on the outside of my jar to give it a softer 'glow'. I applied some White Venice Bridal Lace Trim LA-050 around the top. I've used a Tresors de Luxe lace with a triangular pattern, a little reminiscent of Christmas Trees around the base.

Gussy up the lid and you have a beautiful holiday luminary, perfect for any celebration :)

Regifted Christmas Jar

Last year I received a number of these jars filled with candy. The candy is long gone but the jars are still kicking about my kitchen. When Alpha Stamps announced their House Ornament Kit for December I thought I'd create a fun little wonderland to re-gift the jar.

The wide mouth of the jar made it easy to slip over the contents. There's quite a bit going on in there! Bottle brush trees, a house, Santa... there's even a snowman tucked in the side :)

Note: How the heck have I been missing out on Stickles? Glitter that stays put?!?! I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more projects using that glorious stuff from me.

Anyway, this may not be the most sophisticated project. But it sure was fun to make and I don't think the recipient will mind the 'regifting' one bit.

Supplies:
Large mouth glass jar
House Ornament Kit

Glitter Houses Add-On Kit

Retro Bottle Brush Tree Set - Green 

Diamond Stickles 

Star Tinsel* 

Double Dot Vintage Wild Berry Scrapbook Paper
Jute twine

White glitter
Buttons