Pretty Bird Matchboxes

Little boxes, fussy cutting, and pretty papers... swoon!

You can absolutely make your own matchboxes, but I totally cheated and bought a bunch from the dollar store. I covered them in papers from the glorousiously gorgeous Graphic 45's Floral Shoppe (seriously, I cannot get enough of those papers).

Inside are fussy cut flowers, birds and butterflies from Floral Shoppe and Seasons. 

(Disclaimer: a butterfly or flower might have snuck in from another collection. I was a flurry of paper and scissors and my memory is a total blur.)

I lined the inside of the boxes with vintage dictionary pages that have been given a wash of white acrylic paint.

Depth is created by using layers foam squares.

What is it about small things that make them precious? Holding these in your hand is like a little bit of magic.

Here's an even better look at these pretties.

Want to make your own? Here's what I used:

• matchboxes

• Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe

• Graphic 45 8" Seasons

• old papers (dictionary pages)

• acrylic wash

• glue

• foam squares

• self adhesive nail heads

Cimaruta Charm Bouquet

I've mentioned the cimaruta charm before. It is an Italian folk charm whose main purpose is to ward off the evil eye. Generally, it is a silver charm comprised of a sprig or rue with magical symbols attached. Below is the most common version of the charm you will come across. Available HERE)

The illustration upon which this is based appeared in print around 1888. It incorporates a Christian symbol, the fiery heart, and therefor considered a late example. Earlier cimaruta include an array of symbols for both protection, and as representation of a variety of goddesses.

I've always been attracted to this charm and with a lush rue plant sitting in the herb garden I thought I'd create my own version.

My cimaruta includes a star, a four leaf clover, a Mano Fico, a moon, and key

It may not be a typical cimaruta, but I think it's a rather pretty and cheerful sort of protective charm.

I've tied everything together with a pretty pink ribbon, and will hang it on my front door to protect from the evil eye and untoward ill intentions.

It's raining today and with a sweep, and a smudge, and this on my door... well it seems a grand way to clear away misery, wash away bad mojo, and ward off general ickiness.

I think there are loads of possibilities here. Combine bundles herbs, colored ribbon and symbols to suit your needs.

And hey, if you create something pretty in the process? Woo hoo! I'm sure prettiness can add to magical potency.

Day 10 - Vintage Image Shaker Ornaments

This month the Alpha Stamps is offering Round Layered Ornaments Kits. They are pretty dang cute. I've actually done two* versions of these (you'll see the second batch next week). 

*Maybe even three if I get my act together.

But on to the ones that I've actually finished and am ready to show off today!

Pretty cute, no?! If you had told me a few years ago I'd be all about the glittery pipe cleaners (and yes, they will forever be pipe cleaners to me) I would have told you, you were nuts... but here we are all glittery and pipecleanerish!

Not only do these sweeties shake and make a lovely noise, are two sided to boot!

I'm smitten!

And here's all the goodies to make your own...

Round Chipboard Ornament Layers Sets
Snowy Winter Day Ornaments Collage Sheet
Silver Snowflake Charm Set
Winter Snow Glitter Mix
Round Ornaments Ribbon Set

Venus' Grotto

This little grotto has been sitting in limbo since just before Christmas! I received the Half Scale Arch Front Room Box from AlphaStamps, promptly covered it in Tim Holtz Wallflower and vintage papers, added Pink Paper Roses and Asparagus Fern Garland... and then it sat.

I was waiting for the perfect little thing to place inside my grotto. I tried my little figure of
St. Expeditus but he wasn't quite happy in there. I bought a beautiful little Madonna statue, Our Lady of the Cape to be specific, but her crown wouldn't let her fit inside.

But it this little grotto wasn't meant for a saint after all... it was meant for a little Venus de Milo!

And the little space seems a fitting shrine for the goddess of love and beauty. A smidgen of space to dedicate to prettiness. The original Venus de Milo (or Aphrodite of Milos as is her proper name!) was actually discovered burried in a niche, so I'd like to think she's happy to be tucked in her little arched shrine box.

Want a slice of beauty to sit on your own shelf? Here's the supplies I used to create this piece:

Half Scale Arch Front Room Box
White Resin Column Set
2.5 Inch Venus Statue
Silicone Mold - Architectural Flourishes*
Creative Paperclay*
Asparagus Fern Garland*
Fern Garland*
1/2 Inch Pale Pink Paper Roses*
Flower Soft - Sweet Pea
Rectangular White Shelf Brackets - Set of 2
Tim Holtz Wallflower 12" pad