An Odd Bird Cuckoo House

I'm a big fan of odd things and nonsense so I was pleased as can be when my design team package from Alpha Stamps arrived and discovered this months kit was themed 'An Odd Bird'.

I made a bit of sample art, a sort of Cuckoo house using the kit.

I think the fellow in the window is a hoot. He looks a smidge devious, a little nutty, and rather pleased with himself.

In addition to the Odd Bird Kit, I also used Metal Hands, Metallic Mini Brads, Dragonfly Wing Beads, Brass Eye Pins, Cameo Frames: Circles, Dresden wings and Tiny Watch Parts.

AND if you hurry over and check out the Alpha Stamps newsletter there's even a giveaway!

Graphic 45 'Steampunk Spells' Matchbox

I still find it astounding and totally thrilling to see my work posted. It makes me wonder how in the world I've managed to get so lucky... and it makes me smile just a bit.

This little altered matchbox using the Steampunk Spells collection is featured on the Graphic 45 blog today. (There's also and amazing baseball keepsake box by fellow design team member Denise Hahn that you should check out!)

 

It's not elaborate or terribly complicated but I think it's fun and bright and just the sort of thing to make on a dreary day, or a quick something for a nice friend.

Supplies:

Steampunk Spells Fanciful Floral

Steampunk Spells Nevermore

Steampunk Spells Totally Wicked

Steampunk Spells Chipboard 2

Regular sized matchbox

Thin Fleur Dresden Borders - Gold

Metallic Mini Brad

Teeny Weeny Sneaky Peeky 221B Update

Two blog posts in one day? Insanity!

I've already put in a fair few hours crafting for the new few little 221B tins that I'm working on. Despite my worries I'm having a very good time making them and I'm sooooo pleased. There were a few things about the original tin that bothered me so I'm chuffed to get a second chance to make a few improvements.

One of the things that irked me in the original was the skull on the mantle. It was really only skully enough to give the impression of a skull. The new ones are so much better. Here's one on the head of a match for size reference...

Yeah, I'm pretty proud of that little thing. I haven't finished the complete set because making them causes me to go slightly cross-eyed but I'm really happy with the few that are completed.

The set of Dr. Watson chairs on the other hand are ready to go.

And again I'm happy to be revisiting the project so that I can add teeny Union Jack pillows!

I'll be giving the Sherlock crafting (and my eyes) a rest for a day or two but will give another update as progress is made.

Later gators!

Sweet Sentiments Card from Graphic 45

On the Graphic 45 blog today, beautiful handmade cards.

Besides not being a scrapbooker, I'm also not a card-maker. I was a bit worried about my Graphic 45 assignment to create a card with the Sweet Sentiments collection for CHA. When the collection arrived however, I plonked myself down with a cup-o-tea and fussy cut to my hearts content while watching Downton Abby. I discovered that is a practically perfect way to spend a Sunday evening.

Supplies List:

• Sweet Sentiments  • All My Love  • Violet Bouquet

 • Spring has Sprung  • Be My Valentine  • Sweet Sentiments Stickers

 • Adhesive •  50lb sketching paper *Inside*

It's rather a mystery

I know, I know... ANOTHER block? Last one for a while, I pinky swear! This one has been sitting half finished for a week but I managed to finish it off this morning. I like the placement of the sentiment (it's from an old book) because the 'a' makes him look a little cyclopsy :)

The rusty wire is actually new, as are the little crown at the top and the photo corners. The rusty hand forged square head nails on the sides are old things.

And HERE is the etsy listing for this piece.

Lastly, I have started on the little batch of 221B tins. I thought that some progress photos might be fun so here you go...

I'm now off to sand, carve and paint that jumbled mess of tattered pieces.

xoxo

Across the Sky

I'm participating in the Artist Trading Block swap over on craftster. Basically we all start out with a piece of wood that measures 2.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 and make it purdy for our assigned partner. They are loads of fun to make and just a little bit addictive.

My partner, Killam Creative, should be receiving hers any day now.

Killiam if you're reading this, avert your eyes and stop peeking!

If you are not Killam you should feel no guilt in proceeding with the peeks.

So, I kinda-sorta-but-not-really cheated because the entirety of my piece is quite a bit bigger than the assigned bit of wood. I turned my block horizontally added wheels and built upwards.

I noticed Killam mentioned hot air balloons a few times when I was stalking her, so I knew that was something I wanted to include. What better basket for a tiny flying vessel than a snails shell!? And that hot air balloon? Made from a paper mache egg (here's a slightly larger version)

Here are some of the other supplies used in this piece: Mini Red Pip Berry Garland, black dresden trims, Large Diorama Trees,  Miniature Pine Cones,   Sheet Moss,  Petaloo Bontanica Floral Ephemera in Cranberry, Graphic 45 Staples Ornate Metal Label Holder, Old Curiosity Shoppe - Butterfly Specifics, Giant Snowflake

Phew!

Here's hoping Killam hasn't peeked and that she likes her new thing-a-ma-bob when it arrives on her doorstep :)

221B and the inner conflict

Please note that this is a bit long winded. I apologize. I'm usually not as blabby but I wanted to let you in on the status of any additional 221B / Sherlock tins and the whys and whatfors.

**** 

There's a good chance you are here because of this. 

 

 
G. D. Falksen posted it, Steampunk picked it up and it's been a sort of whirlwind ever since because of this little tin. It's brought me more attention, well wishes and nice words than I've had in a very long time. I appreciate all of it. Truly, I feel like a very dorky princess... which is absolutely bloody lovely.

There continue to be loads of requests to buy this little tin, will there be some for sale? where can I get one? when will they be posted? To be honest I've struggled with that because (cross my heart) I made it just for me. I love it. It's one little thing I created out of sheer fan-girl geekiness, to celebrate something that has brought me joy. I never imagined it would be so coveted.

That's great right? It's what every artist dreams of! So, what's the dilemma? Really, I've been torn about making more.

There's a lot of time, love and skill in that little space and each of those things is valuable to me. Handmade items are unlike those from a factory. They are not manufactured, they are created with hands and skills and heart. I'm sure the price will put some people off and (heaven forbid) dishearten those who would like one but don't have enough pennies. (Being quite penniless myself I understand that particular frustration.)

Then there is the enjoyment of it to consider. I am a fortunate artist. I make what I love. I never want to make things that I dislike. There are LOADS of artists making things they hate. I don't blame them one bit mind you... arty folks have bills just like everyone else. The thing is, I don't want to groan every time someone orders something I once loved.

If I'm honest, the control freak in me is biting her nails right now too. I don't take custom orders or commissions. I like to have full control over what I make and I know that if I started churning these out that people would start asking for changes. Can you add a cat? Can you make the walls blue?

And what about churning them out? Doesn't that diminish the value of the object just a little? Perhaps it would make the original just a little less special.

*sigh*

I'm not naive. I know that others will jump on this bandwagon and sling copies online within a week. They won't feel a smidge of guilt about taking credit for it, claiming the idea as their own. It won't matter that my heart will sink into my feet when I see my idea being sold by others, or that they'll gain greater benefits from it than I. Should I make more just to beat others to the punch and attempt to retain a small portion of the pie? Perhaps, but I have neither the head nor heart for business and much prefer cake.

Now, I DO appreciate that people are interested in a quirky bit of handmade goodness. It's amazing to me that so many people have taken notice of this little piece of whimsy. I'd hate to feel like I'm letting an opportunity pass. It would seem ungrateful in a way.

AND making more would give me the opportunity to make minor changes. There's one or two improvements rolling around in my mind. It could be fun to make a 221B.2 and right all the things that are nagging at me about the original.

Taking all of these things into consideration, here are my plans...

I'm going to create a small run of similar tins. Very small. Probably 5, maybe 8. When they are all complete they will be listed in the etsy shop. I will post a time frame when I have a better idea, and will give 24 hrs notice before they are actually available.

I will NOT be taking pre-orders or reserving listings.

When they are gone, that will be it.

I'll move on and make the other dorky things floating around in my head.

Hopefully you'll like them too.