A Small Shrine for Saint Expeditus

I have many, many, many half-finished projects all over the place. Sometimes an idea will pop into my head, I'll prep the base work for it... then become thoroughly distracted by something shiny in the corner.

If I really want to finish a project, I will leave it in plain view, poking and prodding me until I pick it up and complete it. This project, a little shrine to Saint Expeditus (who is always saving my bottom just in the nick of time) sat for a few months before finally completing it.

Inside there are offerings of beer and cake in tiny vials, a scroll of thanks and a four leaf clover. The exterior is a jumble of old and new, bits and bobs from here and there.

And finally hand held for size reference.

A little gift for auntie K

My auntie very recently threw herself a birthday shin-dig to celebrate her 60th birthday. I couldn't make it to the party (insert sad face) but I sent along a little present.

The inspiration for this project totally came from EasilyAmused's awesome Tiny Photo Album project on Craftster. I ran with the idea of a miniature photo album and created a tiny book filled with familiar things and memories for my auntie.

The book is handmade. Small but mighty.

I included family photos shrunk down to miniature scale and added embellishments like pressed Baby's Breath, words and bits of ribbon and lace.

Also included are shrunken images relating to her life. Her childhood church, maps and vintage postcards of the places she has lived. There's tiny recipes for Yorkshire Pudding, a little library index card for a Jane Austen book and other papery bits to fill out the contents.

I'm sorry I missed giving it to her myself, but I did hear that she liked this little book of memories.

Arrr! An important scallywag of a notice

Friday is International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

It's short notice but I'm sending out a challenge for you to get your peg-leg on and create something piratey.

To get you started I've created this free collage sheet for you to use. You can download the full resolution PDF file HERE **You DO NOT have to use the sheet to participate!**

Send a pic of your pirate project (and link to your site/page) and I'll feature them on my blog, and post them on my Facebook page on Friday.

IMPORTANT: email your submissions to [email protected] by Thursday.

Be bright

I created this set of collages for an anti-bullying challenge on fb. They are gentle reminders to be kind to one another... and to ourselves.

It saddens me that bullying is an issue in a 'grown-up' setting. Children act out, perhaps unable to fully comprehend that their actions, their words, have an impact on those around them...

... but as grown ups we should be empathetic toward others (even to those we only encounter through a screen). We should strive to be kind, to be understanding, to lift up those who feel low.

 
And while there may be some rotten apples, people who thrive like a virus on drama and hurt feelings, there are far more sweet ones and tender souls. We're all just doing our best, each one of us.

Be kind. Be warm. Your thoughtfulness may be the bright spot in someone else's darkness.

Be good to yourselves too and don't let others dim your light.

Spooky Pillow Boxes with Petaloo and Graphic 45

ANOTHER project from the Petaloo / Graphic 45 blog hop today. Make sure to visit both of their blogs as they are giving away some amazing prize packs to celebrate and their products are absolutely scrummy.

I love working with the combination of Graphic 45 and Petaloo. Their products work so seamlessly together, complimenting each other perfectly.

This set of Halloweeny pillow boxes (which should absolutely be filled with sweets!) were created using the template found printed on the inside cover of Graphic 45's 8" An Eerie Tale pad.

And how deliciously spooky are those Petaloo black burlap blooms?!

Halloween is the perfect opportunity to experiment with unusual colour combinations. Orange and purple may not be everyones cup of tea... but I think this orange filagree pattern paired with that purple Petaloo fat trim and Botanica blooms is fairly fabulous.

And who says that spooky can't be pretty? This Eerie Tale box, with it's little blossoms and purple baubles is pretty dang cute.

Want to make your own? Here's the supply list:

Burlap Blossoms, Black 1200-209Botanica Blooms Lav/Purple 1102-107
Spring Berry Clusters Lav/Purp 1105-107Botanica Petite’s Peach 1101-106MixedTextured MiniBlossoms Black 1263-209Crochet Lace Fancy Trims 1482
Graphic 45: An Eerie Tale 8x8 Pad
An Eerie Tale Banners
An Eerie Tale Decorative Chipboard
An Eerie Tale Tags & Pockets

Baby chick day

We raise our own chickens and a new batch of the fluffy things arrived yesterday.

They are very cute, and very soft when they arrive, just a day or so old.

They peep, poop, peck and sleep.

They like to be warm and will huddle together in a big fluffy pile.

At this very moment they are living in our garage in a big wooden box with a heat lamp to keep them warm.

When they are hearty enough, they will be moved outside where they will live in a movable pen called a 'tractor'.  The tractor gives them access to fresh grass and bugs daily. This pen also keeps them safe from predators like foxes, hawks and coyotes and more. There are A LOT of things that like to eat chickens.

Happy Friday! Hope your weekend is lovely xoxo

Just call me Chatty Cathy

Miss Tigerlily Cribbs asked me if I might answer some questions for artcentive.com. She is a cutie-patootie, and lovely as can be, so I was happy to comply.

Some snippets:

What are your ultimate tips for aspiring artists trying to make it?

Be kind. Support and promote fellow artists that you admire.
Create every single day. Be prolific.
Remember, you’re allowed to say “no”.
Respect and value your own work.
Engage and appreciate your audience.

If you were a fairy, what would your fairy persona be?

I would absolutely be a house brownie. I’d steal sweets from the pantry but I’d also check on sleeping children and shoo mice away.

What do you think the art industry needs more of today?

Humility & sparkles.

What piece of your work would you most like to shack up in?

Probably “Leon’s Window”, because I have a huge crush on Jean Reno and we’d live there together of course (though I could do without the gunfire).  Or “Godefroy’s Bookshop” – because books!

What are your top 3 essential crafting products that you would recommend?

I represent some truly amazing craft companies and I love their products, but don’t ever think that you need anything more than a sharp cutting tool, quality glue and a bit of creativity to get started. Those are the essentials. You absolutely do not need fancy products!

The full interview can be found HERE.