Thursday, October 17, 2013

Instacraft - A Review

So I was contacted about reviewing a craft book. This book:

 
InstaCraft: Fun and Simple Projects for Adorable Gifts, Decor, and More [Paperback]  
Alison Caporimo (Author), Meera Lee Patel (Photographer)

It's a cute book. The format is interesting. A full page, full bleed, photo on the left and simple supplies and directions on the right. There is nothing so complex in this book that it requires more than a single page of direction.


Projects are divided by categories: Spray, Cut & Hang, Write & Paint, Pin & Fold, Tape & Glue, Dip and Stamp.

There are some really cute projects in the book. The Checkmate Chess Jars above are adorable. Then again, there were a few projects that left me scratching my head. A ball of twine spray painted gold? Really?

The crafts included in InstaCraft were a little too simple for my crafty-self but I can see them appealing to those who just want to craft on a whim and have an hour to kill. The skill set for the projects in this book would be beginner level and many could be adapted for tween crafting. (Go! Go! Crafty kids!)

Overall, it's a pretty book with very simple crafts for people with limited time/skills. Those who are a little more skilled may find it more useful as an inspiration, to spark ideas and go on to create greater things than the projects within.

Now that I've given you the down and dirty, Ulysses Press was kind enough to send an extra copy for me to give away! Just leave a comment below and a winner will be randomly selected next Friday, October 25th!

International entries are welcome (just be aware that it could take AGES for your prize to arrive). ONE entry per person please AND please be sure that I can contact  you.

P.S. Another copy is available on the Pixie Hill facebook page, so hop over there for a second chance to win!
Posted by

Morning Inspiration 10.17.13


This is the Schwab - Gilbert Hideaway. Every day I place it on a stump near the old Troll hole. Every day it gets knocked down. I suspect our Troll is displeased.

The Troll hole was abandoned when the tall Black Locust tree above it was struck by lightening and had to be chopped down. Half of that tree is still standing but entrance to the dirt cave below is blocked by giant logs from the felled portion. Almost immediately after our poor Troll was forced from his home, a snake moved in. Not a nice snake who looks after the place in Troll's absence. A horrible snake who has eaten at least one of our toads!

Our Troll is not impressed.

Rebuilding a home for our dear Troll must be moved up the priority on our to-do list.
Posted by

The Tea Party


Here is my latest 'completed' piece for my December show at Impresario Artisan Market. I'm calling it "The Tea Party". I was going to add wings and hats on those lovely ladies but I think the piece is done.

The butterflies are copies of old scientific illustrations. The slugs and birds are hand painted over the collage work. The beads and lace were all taken from an old wedding gown (which was already torn up btw). And those ladies really were having tea! Here's the original photo I found at a flea market. Just look at that wallpaper!

Measuring around 36" x 24" this piece is HUGE as far as my work goes. I do have one more large collage piece planned for the show, but then I think I'll come down to earth once more and dabble with my tiny things :)

Here are a few detail shots for a better look.




Posted by

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Typography Postal Station No. 45

I'm so excited about today's post!

Today I'm being featured over at Papercrafter's Library! Can you believe it?! Me! ME!

AND, as if that weren't exciting enough, they are revealing one of my very favourite projects. Postal Station No. 45!
Very often, when little people come to visit my studio, they will discover that imps, elves and faeries have left them miniature mail. I thought that it was about time that they had a proper place to work from, so I created this post office for them.

The base of the piece is a Mini Album Display Case from Ginas Designs. The drawer has been upturned and hinged to the top to create a spot for secret messages (or hiding candy). Graphic 45's Typography line embellishes the piece, it's stickers providing perfect classic advertising posters for the little place. Inside there are stacks of little letters and brown paper parcels waiting for delivery.

Want to see more? Head over to the Papercrafter's Library for more pics of this fun little project.

Want to make your own? Here's the complete supply list:
Small wooden table
Red Thread
Miniature Books and Scrolls
Pen Nibs
Scor-Tape
Tacky Glue

Posted by

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Graphic 45 Sneak Peeks - Couture

Graphic 45 is sneak peeking their new line of papers this week called Couture.

I have one word: 'Swoon!'

Here are my favourites from what I've spied so far.

"Couture"
"Gorgeous" ... Um, yes, yes you are!
"Chic"
Day one sneak peeks can be found HERE Day two is on the blog right this minute HERE but be sure to visit their blog often and take advantage of their "Win It Before You Buy It" contest :)
Posted by

Morning Inspiration 10.15.13


I am always amazed at the number of mushrooms and toadstools that grow here. I spied these in the old mossy stump where the pixies live. On the lawn to the west, behind the house and across the tiny bridge (seriously, it's only about 3 feet across), there are more mushrooms than you can imagine. One day soon I'll show you!
Posted by

Monday, October 14, 2013

Being Thankful


Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. We usually mark the occasion quietly, and this year is no exception. A little feast for our family of three and puttering around the garden and house, preparing for the chilly season.

I thank my lucky stars every day for this enchanted life, but today I will be extra mindful. I will not grumble while doing laundry, I will be thankful we have clothes on our back. Dishes will remind me that food was on those plates. Making beds, a reminder that we have somewhere safe to sleep.

Happy Thanksgiving lovelies!

Posted by
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)