The April showers might bring May flowers but right now they are making my landscape rather grim. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of grim things and rainy days. Rather than fight against the current weather conditions, I'm going to embrace them and make something darkly delightful.
This little "Bathing Machine" is based on the 18th and 19th century change rooms wheeled into the sea by by-gone beachgoers. But what if the Adams' ancestors went to the beach? Or the Munsters? OR MARY SHELLEY OR EGAR ALLAN POE OR... well, you get the point. I'm sure they'd all visit the seaside on rainy days. I'd like to think they had a creepy little space for changing into their wading attire and doing a little fortune telling to see if the water was fine.
Gypsy Soul does have a proper Gypsy Wagon available if you're feeling more ambitious, but I like this little fella. It's a fun kit and there are LOADS of customization possibilities. Travelling snake oil salesman, a tiny portable library, a sideshow trailer... oooh, so many ideas!
Two tips I will mentions.
1. I am terrible at applying hinges so I glued my door in place and ajar. If you do the same, just be aware of the door placement so that you can still add the stairs.
2. I used the Chipboard Shingles - Half Scale Sampler for the shingles. One package is enough to do the entire roof. You might want to position the bottom row of shingles lower than I have. (Don't tell anyone but I think it would have looked a bit better with more of an overhang.)
If you'd like to see the process to create this particular piece, the walk through is available HERE.
And here are all of the supplies I used to create this version of this project:
It's FINALLY spring and I have a head cold. Despite my nose is being an absolute jerk, I've been working away, making a butt ton of these adorable miniature novena candles.
They are in real glass and made with real wax but there is no wick so they cannot be burned. But really... gah! they are just so cute!
There are also a bunch of wee magic 7 day candles too.
Who doesn't need a tiny Jinx Removal candle?
If you don't know which saint or spell you'd like, but want need some miniature non-burnable candles for your doll house I have a discounted listing for 4 randomly selected candles available.
And now I am off to edit video and do battle with my sinuses... it's a hardcore rockstar weekend!
It crossed my mind to use this standing flip book to create something practical . I had thought of maybe a daily "to-do" list, or daily affirmations and meditations. That didn't happen. Practicality went out the window and I just made something pretty.
I dug deep into my paper hoard and used papers from my Graphic 45 days. I've used a mish-mash of older collections, I mostly used Botanical Tea and Time to Flourish.
I added a little sort of nest of flowers at the base... again busting the stash!
Assembly was SUPER simple. I only have two bits of advice...
1. Be wary of adding a large design element at the top. It's so temping, but it may hinder the flipping of the pages.
2. When assembling the base leave the areas that slide together unembellished. This will help the pieces to fit together much more easily.
You know, I've always been more of a silver fox than a golden girl... but this gold dresden may be swaying me to the other side.
Most of the butterflies I've used have been fussy cut from the G45 papers, but the ones below are stickers from... the dollar store! Aren't they pretty?!
The flip book comes with 6 chipboard pages so there is loads of room to play and experiment.
I was rather heavy handed with the dimention on the pages and there was still loads of wiggle room. You could easily add plenty of your own additional pages.
Want to make your own pretty flip book? You'll find the supply list below.
The author of my very favourite magical books ordered something from me the other day. Woo hoo!
It gave me an excellent excuse to make tiny versions of her books to tuck into her package.
It's also an excellent excuse to let you know about her work. If you're interested in magical things, Judika's encyclopedic books are a wealth of information.
Buy some books! Learn some magic! And have a beautiful day my lovelies xoxox
I've been attempting to organize and destash. It's a bit like Christmas, rediscovering old ideas and inspiration along the way. I come across pieces and think "Oh! I was going to..." or see a sheet of pretty scrapbook paper and become enchanted.
This crown was a bit like that. I was going to make it back in September but life got in the way (as it often does). As I cleaned and sorted through my supplies it poked me and nagged to be made.
Spring had snuck off to make way for an ice storm, so something bright and cheery and golden was definitely in order. Is there a better way to wait for a natural disaster than feeling regal in a paper crown? I don't think so.
I think that paper crowns are the crazy craft lady version of the tinfoil hat. They keep bad thoughts away and make you feel glam while thinking good things.
I had thought about adding more... more sparkly elements, a focal piece... but I think the butterflies do well by themselves.
Crowns are gloriously fun to wear and you very nearly cannot feel bad wearing them. If you require a crown for your own noggin' here are the supplies I used to create my "Monarch Crown".
Hello you! I've been working hard on loads of new wee things but haven't had much in the way of finished goodies to show off. BUT I set my mind to it, determined to to give you something to oogle, and here we go...
Three little dressers topped with magical bits and bobs.
Today just happens to be Saint Expedite's feast day and I just so happened to top this piece with items just right for offering him. A little beer bottle, cake and candles.
If you're looking for jinx removal and protection, I've got you covered there too!
Books, wand, scrying tools, candles and more! This piece is available HERE.
And speaking of those candles... how cute are they?! Real glass filled with real wax. I might even go off the deep end and attempt to add a wick. They were an experiment that went extremely well so I've only got a handful to offer, but I'll have a limited number listed soon, then more in the near future.
P.S. I MADE IT! Seriously! I can't believe that I managed to sneak my way into being a Graphic 45 brand ambassador. So chuffed and really, really thrilled. Thanks for all your nice words xoxo
Some of you may recall that a few years ago I was on the Graphic 45 design team. It was a lot of fun, I learned so much, and (best of all) I made such nice friends.
I've made an extra special project with a new video tutorial just for the occasion.
Paper fairy frocks! It's the sort of project that ticks all my boxes... moderately simple, uses few supplies, and easily customizable. As a bonus, there's a bit of recycling in there too!
I've used Graphic 45's Baby 2 Bride Classic Collection "Birdy Baby Blues" with a smidge of Botantical Tea for this frock. But don't let that limit your imagination! You can make these to suit just about any taste or theme.
Seriously, how cute would these be for a shower? Or a ladies lunch? Or sweet 16?!
Something chic for the fashionista with Couture.
Or perhaps something playfully psychobilly with Rare Oddities
I think they are all sweet as can be.
Are the possibilities swimming in your head? Are you ready to create your own?
Download the template below. CLICK HERE if you're having trouble
Scrapbook paper (Graphic 45's Baby 2 Bride Classic Collection - Birdy Baby Blues is used in the video sample)
Pleated Ribbon
Empty container for base
Florist Oasis/Foam
Moss
1/4" wood doweling Fairy Wings
Buttons, faux flowers and leaves, ribbon, embellishments
Adhesive
And... AND... my second audition project: a mini mini album!
And I do mean mini! Just 1.25" x 2" made with Graphic 45's Rare Oddities.
Now, I will be the first to admit that mini albums are not one of my skill strengths, BUT I think that my sense of crafting adventure IS my absolute biggest strength.
I love crafting. It's fun. It brings me joy. That joy comes from exploring, playing, experimenting and fearlessly making mistakes. Loads and loads of mistakes.
I glue my fingers together regularly. I mismeasure and cut where I shouldn't. And that's ok! Everyone does it. Every one of us starts somewhere.
While this finished the project may look spiffy, the two prototypes I made before were a mess!
And those two messes? They are soooo important because, cross my heart, the trying, the doing, the mistakes and messes, they are the most valuable creative tools you have. Never ever be afraid of mistakes (unless you're a beginner knife thrower).
Good luck to everyone auditioning for Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador. I've seen a load of other audition posts and there are some fiercely talented folks auditioning. If you're on the fence about applying... GO FOR IT! DO IT NOW!!! You have until the April 8th, 2018 to apply.
