Sunday, February 24, 2019

More ATC madness and a FREE download!

I posted my earlier set of ATCs to a group and had loads of requests to trade. I decided to make a special set specifically for trading.



Like the last batch they are made with vintage papers, gold embossing powder, paint, postage stamps and more.




I had a few questions about my cards, and I couldn't fulfill every trade request, so I thought I'd put together a collage sheet for those who are interested in making similar ATC's for themselves.


If you click on the image above you should be able to download the full-size/high res image. The vintage images on this sheet were sourced from thegraphicsfairy.com which is an amazing place to find free, high quality vintage images. All of the words and phrases included are from an afternoon of snipping from discarded books.


So hop to it! Cut and paste and paint and make yourself some papery bits of 2.5" x 3.5" pieces of magic


And if you'd rather not get your fingers grubby, or would like to own a little original piece of art, you can find some of my cards available in the etsy shop HERE.



Hope your weekend was wonderful. Mother Nature is still drunk here.



Friday, February 22, 2019

A great big fat batch of ATC's

I'm just getting myself back on track. 

I feel like I say that every single month but I suppose it's much better to continually feel like I'm getting back on track than it is to feel like I'm derailing.

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

As I often do when I feel creatively slumpy, I made a batch of ATC's. 

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

I've talked about them loads before but if you're unfamiliar, "Artist Trading Cards" are small works of art measuring 2.5" x 3.5". They can be drawn in pencil, painted, or any medium the artist likes! The only stipulation is the size.

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Mine are made with vintage papers, paint, old postage stamps, discarded books, gold embossing powder and more.

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

There's 16 (!) cards in this bunch so I won't babble and bore you between each card but I will say that if you'd like to own a tiny bit of original art, my ATCs are available in the etsy shop here

Enjoy!

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana

Midnight in the Night Garden Mixed Media ATCs - Nichola Battilana


Have a beautiful weekend filled with warm kisses.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns

You know that as soon as I saw Graphic 45's "Princess" I was going to make crowns. It was an inevitability!

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

And I did! Three simple paper beauties.

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

I cut a simple three pointed crown shape from the 12" Princess pad, about 6" tall at the highest point.

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

Added a 1.75" band around the bottom, and secured a ribbon for tying between the layers.

Note: the gold piece you see there was a Fancy Gold Dresden Diadem I had in my stash BEGGING to be used!

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

This gave me the base to which fussy cut butterflies, die cut pieces, Princess Chipboard,
Princess Stickers and other embellishments were added.

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

These butterflies were snipped from papers from Olde Curiosity Shoppe—Deluxe Collector's Edition.

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

These were snipped from "Flutter".

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

There are a few Metal Brads here and there but I wanted to keep these crowns really lightweight so that they didn't slip around when worn.

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

Want to make your own "Princess" crown? Here's a list of all the supplies I used:

Graphic 45's "Princess"12" Princess Pad
Princess Chipboard
Princess Stickers
Square Tag & Clock Dies
Metal Brads 
Self adhesive gems
Foam Squares
Ribbon
Glue

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns - Nichola Battilana

Have a beautiful day, and here's hoping spring doesn't dally!

Friday, February 15, 2019

Steampunk Dream Box for Graphic 45

Hey folks! I'm back from Cuba and have loads to show off... but first, a dreamy project I completed for my friends at Graphic 45!


It’s a brand new year which means, for many, a time for resolutions of self improvement and positive change.



As the calendar year turns, it’s as though we’re given a fresh start. There’s so much potential in front of us!



I’ve made a box to mark the occasion with a Mixed Media 5x5 Box—Black and Steampunk Debutante—Deluxe Collector's Edition



I’ve dotted the front with loads of butterflies, the perfect symbol of change and transformation.



The hinge created with Antique Brass Metal Clock Key and Antique Brass Metal Door Plates & Knob to open the way.



Inside is ready to store memories of my journey of 2019.



If you’re interested in how this box came together, there’s a snapguide walkthough of it’s making here.



Here’s hoping that 2019 is dreamy and beautiful for all of us.


Graphic 45 Supplies:
Steampunk Debutante—Deluxe Collector's Edition
Antique Brass Metal Clock Key
Antique Brass Metal Door Plates & KnobMixed Media 5x5 Box—Black
Antique Brass Stamped Metal Brads
Clearsnap Decades Dye Pad Photogenic

Other Supplies:
Glue
Foam spacer squares

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Sweet Winged Dressform

I've started this blog post a million times. Trying to come up with a good explanation, a reason for this project. The truth is, there is none. It's just a fun silly thing that happens to be pretty.


And you know, that's ok. Why does there need to be a reason to create something other than the urge to do so?!


 So I've made this pretty frock using a Dressform Hang Up as a base.


To it I've added a pair of wings from the Wings Assortment

And nestled a piece of the Victorian Corners 2 set onto the bodice (it fits just right!)


I've layered silk rose petals and tulle for the dress portion, simply hot gluing them in place. A bit of glitter, paper flowers and a heart embellishment and voila! you've got a sweet little something. 

If you need some guidance to create this piece, I have a video walkthrough HERE, but rest assured it's easy as can be.

Here are all the bits you'll need:

Dressform Hang Up
Wings Assortment
Faux Metal Number Plates 1 to 25
Victorian Corners 2


acrylic paint
paper flowers
silk flower petals
tulle
glitter


glue