Magic Mirror on the Wall

This month's AlphaStamps kit is themed "Snow White". How could I talk about Snow White, and not talk about magic mirrors?!

You know the story, the Wicked Queen gazes into her magic mirror to ask "Who's the fairest of them all?"

The idea of a magic mirror isn't made up. They have a long history with documented usage as far back as 3000 B.C., and are found in both Western and Eastern cultures.

Mirror gazing is a method of 'scrying'. It can be used for fortune telling, inspiration, spiritual guidance and prophecy. The viewer gazes into a reflective surface (like water, crystal balls, mirrors) and with focused meditation/trance interprets the visions or symbols that appear to them.

While the mirrors appear dark, and there is some fear that surrounds them, it is worth noting that there is also a belief that they can be protective, reflecting/deflecting evil or negativity.

Black volcanic glass called 'obsidian', is a traditional material used for scrying mirrors... but we can fudge our way around that. I simply cut a piece of Clear Plastic slightly larger than the frame opening. Make sure that the plastic is free from dust and coat ONE SIDE with black paint. You want complete coverage so you may need a second coat. Then glue into place with the UNPAINTED SIDE facing outwards. You should have a nice glossy surface for divination!

Note: A piece of decorative paper on the back will protect the painted surface and look much neater.

For a bit of an extra magical punch, I've added some symbols on to the base of the
Gothic Mirror With Drawer. I've also included elemental symbols and those representing Venus (as mirrors are sacred to her). In that little drawer I'll place some stones and herbs to encourage 'sight' and for protection.

The piece is finished off with Tiny Mixed Size Flat-Back Pearls (painted copper) Raw Brass Fancy Fleur de Lys and Antique Gold Square Filigree elements.

Here's all the bits if you'd like to make your own:
Gothic Mirror With Drawer
Tiny Mixed Size Flat-Back Pearls (painted copper)Raw Brass Fancy Fleur de Lys
Antique Gold Square Filigree
Round Brass Knobs - Set of 6
Mini Metal Box Feet Set (not exact, but close to what I used)
12x12 Clear Plastic for Windows
Acrylic paint

And now to brew some tea and gaze into my magic mirror through the rising steam and ask...

"Who's the fairest of them all?"

Note: The answer is probably Kate Bush.

A Tin Can Kingdom

I have a new project.

It's cute. Really cute.

AND there's a tutorial.

Are you ready?

I think you're going to like this.

Can castles! Tin turrets! Recycled fairy garden towers!

The biggest struggles setting up the summer fairy garden have been the battles with the weather and the critters. This year I was determined to come up with something a little more sturdy to survive the summer and the squirrels. These are the result of all that thinkin'.

I'm kinda in love with them and want to make them in all the colours to dot around my garden. Just look at those blue beauties next to the tall poppies.

Some are topped with roof top gardens (which fairies love btw). Others have really simple pointy cone roofs which are just a bit of burlap sewn into a cone shape, then spray painted. The paint adds some stiffness and helps to prevent fraying. Pretty sure that any stiff fabric would do. My initial thought was to use reusable grocery bags (reusing the reusable!) but the burlap was on hand so I'll do that next time.

And speaking of 'next time'... 

I've made a video tutorial for the basic version of this project so if you haven't already, hop over and subscribe to my Youtube channel.

The video tutorial is below, and below that you'll find the supply round-up. If you're inspired to make your own tin can kingdom and show it off, tag me in your post! I'd love to see what you made. Want to recreate this project for your own blog? Have at it! Just be sure to link back here please-and-thank-you. The credit for the inspiration is appreciated, and it encourages me to share more free projects.

Here's everything you'll need:

Tin cans of all sizes and shapes
Silicone
Spray paint (I recommend using a paint w/ primer)
Bits and bobs for windows & doors

Cardboard
Stir sticks
Burlap
Stones
Soil
Plants and moss

*GooGone for removing label glue from tins
*Nail polish remover will remove SOME ink stamps

Frosty Winter Fairy Dress for Tresors de Luxe

I'm excited to share a lacy project for Tresors de Luxe with you. Today, a frosty winter fairy dress.

I drafted a simple dress form from paper for this piece and added sheer fabrics and lace. Tucked beneath the front layer the edging is trimmed with this 1" Ivory Lace Trim, and the top layer of organza is edged with this 3" Ivory Lace Trim. 

The bodice was created with pieces from this White Lace Trim and Gold Lace Applique. The parts of the deconstructed gold applique have been used on the skirting of the frock.

Some pretty little flowers, acrylic snowflakes and set of fairy wings complete this piece and really add an extra dash of magic to this charming little lacy frock.

Materials used:
White Lace Trim
Gold Lace Applique
1" Ivory Lace Trim
3" Ivory Lace Trim

Sheer Organza
Small Faux flowers
Scrapbook Paper
Acrylic Snowflakes
Glitter
Fairy Wings printed on transparency sheet