Fairy Lanterns, Fancy Brooch & Half Sheet Freebie

Ok, how stinkin' adorable is this fairy lantern?!? Could it possibly be any cuter?

What if I add a tealight to show off those transparency wings?

*dreamy sigh* I had far too much fun making these lanterns for Alpha Stamps. Just look at this little fellow picking a tiny rose for his favourite fairy lovin' lunatic (that would be me).

I've kept the embellishments here fairly quiet. Because I haven't I haven't added too many bells and whistles, individually the lanterns have a clean look and together (totally grouping these for a table centre piece!) they are not too overwhelming.

Sometimes restraint is thought of as boring or dull, I believe that it can be classic and demonstrate a certain elegance. Some days restraint is in order... all other days need three buckets of glitter and a two miles of ribbon and as much dresden trim as you can possibly use.

Did you happen to notice those amazing fairy cameos? Totally swoon-worthy. I've used a gorgeous green one for this very fancy cameo locket brooch.

And the pretty thing opens up to reveal a little altered art piece inside :)

Now, on to the freebie.

Not too long ago Alpha Stamps held a Fairy Fashion Giveaway. There were so many sweet comments (especially about keeping fairy magic alive for children) that I knew I wanted to create some sort of freebie for Alpha Stamps customers. So, here it is...

These are the photos I used in today's lantern project. They will be available from Alpha Stamps for a limited time for you to make your own fairy magic. Just leave a comment on today's Alpha Stamps blog and they'll email you a printable version :)

A Little Thank-You

Yesterday I had two little visitors bring me a "thank-you" card after wandering around the Fairy Tour.

I wanted to post the card to make sure that everyone who shared the indiegogo link, everyone who contributed to the Pixie Project, got a peek because this 'thank-you' is absolutely meant for you.

From 4 year old Ella, 2 year old Will and 39 year old me... thanks. You're a good egg :)

xoxo

The Faerie Tour 2013

Last night we invited a gaggle of lovely people to celebrate mid-summer and kick off this years Faerie Tour. The Faerie tour is a collection of faerie houses and hiding spots dotted around our property. This is the third year that I've created the tour, the second that it's been open to the public. The tour is a fantastic way to make art fun and accessible, and spreads a whole lot of joy.

If you're in the neighbourhood stop by and take the tour yourself. The houses will be set up and maintained until the end of July. Then the faeries will take a trip over to The Gates, near Presquile Provincial Park and reside in the old mini-golf course for a month or two. We'll be opening that event with a fairy tea party the first weekend of August.

Merry Mid-Summer!

Merry mid-summer to all of you!We're celebrating tonight with a little party that is quickly getting away from me. Here's hoping the guests won't starve and the faeries will do the entertaining ;)

Today's a pretty special day too because I'm featured on the Graphic 45 blog today! How freaking exciting is that? Hop over and take a peek...

My pants are quite fancy today :)

Happy Birthday to Me

I'm still coughing and sound as though I smoke 2 packs of ciggies a day, but I'm alive. I think it's safe to say that I probably don't have mono, despite being absolutely certain I would be napping for the rest of my life last week. Last night I managed 11 hours sleep, but I didn't take a single nap today so I figure I'm on the mend.

Being sick put me way behind and I've been working like mad to get caught up on this year's Pixie Project/Faerie Tour and cleaning the old house for a little kick off party on Friday night. I'll share photos of the faerie goodness when it's all gussied up... or you can follow my facebook page for frequent updates.

I will share a pic of my birthday cake. I'm not big on the whole birthday thing but it's a fine excuse for cake. My husband picked up this gorgeous slab of chocolaty goodness and my kid shoved in the "170". Yeah, he thinks he's hilarious.

No worries, he made up for it by covering my slice of cake with Smarties :) All was forgiven.

Germs and Flowers

I'm sick. Thankfully I'm past the "Oh my god my skin is on fire!" phase and have moved on to the "I'm coughing lava!" stage. These germs have whopped my ass and seem immune to my many attempts at thwarting them with drugs and miscellaneous concoctions. Even worse news, the Mr. is starting to feel a bit iffy too. If you think I'm dramatic... eesh! I am not looking forward to his interpretation of this particular strain of germs.

Besides being sick we've had day after day of drizzles here. All I really want is a couple of non-rain drenched days where I don't feel like I'm going to fall over so I can get some serious work done on the Faerie Tour. *sigh*

BUT, on a more positive note, I do have something pretty to show off. An altered board book using items from Alpha Stamps  The Language of Flowers Kit ....which was so awesome it's now sold out!

And now I'm heading back to bed to lull these germs into a false sense of security before I wallop them with a hot toddy and mind manipulation later this afternoon.

Fairy Tale Bookmark

Alpha Stamps sent me some of these sweet little Fairy Vials and I FINALLY sat down to make something with them. I'm sure a couple will end up in a miniature house but this one is now a pretty bookmark...

I've also used:

Organza ribbonSheet Moss

Small Ceramic Mushroom Bead

Tiny Antique Brass Leaves

and an Ornate Metal Key from Graphic 45

 Quick, easy and a little bit pretty :)