Shabby Christmas Tree with Tresors de Luxe

There's less than 85 days until Christmas! As a crafter this means panic mode is already setting in and I'm thinking of holiday treats, gifts and decorations so that I'm not caught behind like last year (Who am I kidding? I'll always be behind!)

I created this lacy tree just as the panic started to set in. I'm sort of in love with this one and think I'll keep it for myself but I do plan on creating a whole forest for gifts.

I've painted a sturdy paper mache cone white then wrapped all sorts of Tresors de Luxe laces around it. Different weights, widths and even some variation in the brightness of the whites of the laces all lend themselves to creating a lovely, interesting texture.

My tree is topped with a Rusty Star and embellished with rusty little snowflakes and a bit of Star Tinsel. The whole thing sits atop a skinny log to give the look of a tree trunk.

 

This cone measures 14" tall and I've used about 12 different types of lace to cover it. Some of the lace, particularly near the top, were small scrap ends. Buy a variety of Tresors de Luxe laces that appeal to you and combine them to create something beautiful :)

Poe Brooch

I couldn't help myself and created another Poe project. Edgar wasn't going to be in this project at all... but sometimes my projects have a mind of their own and take off in their own direction.

The base of this brooch has been sitting around for over a year. I applied a metal butterfly from Graphic 45's staples to a Spellbinders® Media Mixáge Shields bezel (holy mouthful batman!) and the poor thing sat for an eternity. The other night, while waiting for the paint to dry on another project, I started fiddling and fussing with it again.

Inside the bezel are snippets from Graphic 45's Times Nouveau - Deluxe Collector's Edition. The portrait is from this Edgar Allan Poe Collage Sheet. The little locket at the bottom of this piece has what is believed to be the only photograph of Poe's wife, Virginia, and an anatomical illustration of a heart.

My original intention was to make something quite girly and pretty but it wasn't working. I've found it's much easier go along for the ride, to see where my work takes me, rather than fighting and forcing against it. More often than not the destination is quite nice... even if it does take a while to get there :)

A fairy tea party

I've been making an effort to make things for the enjoyment of it, rather than necessity. What could possibly be more enjoyable than a fairy garden tea party?

This piece is really quite sweet :) Those cute as a button Miniature Table & Chairs come from Alpha Stamps, as do the Paper Flowers.

 
I've used Botanical Tea to embellish my wooden spool, which was then wrapped some pretty embroidered organza and finished off with a bit of jute twine. A Candlestick Holder puts the whole scene on a little pedestal.

Knowing that fairies are particularly fond of elevenses and a hot afternoon cuppa, I think they would approve.

 

This piece is currently listed HERE

LAST CALL for Plum Pudding Market!

Just a bit of a shout out to any local artists and makers who might be interested...

I'm putting together a Christmas market at Casa-Dea Estates Winery on November 29th, 2014.

Space is very limited and the deadline to apply is tomorrow BUT if you're near enough and want to join in, please send in your info quick as can be.

Full details at plumpuddingmarket.blogspot.ca

A spooky little something with Petaloo

Autumn has arrived. The leaves are just starting to turn, the evenings are getting cooler, and while these things may turn the thoughts of many to sweaters and apple cider... my mind races with witches and pumpkins!

Halloween is a big deal in my household. I gladly jump at any opportunity to make something for that holiday. Any chance to add more Halloween to my decor! So I present this little piece of hanging Halloween.

The base of this little round shrine is a round cardboard lid. I've wrapped the exterior with some black Crochet Lace Trim then embellished with a combination of black Burlap Blossoms, Textured MiniBlossoms, MixedTextured Layers and lavender Botanica Blooms.

A spider ring crawling through the pretty blooms, and plastic toy bones, add a good dose of creepy. I've also added a vintage image and a spooky sentiment clipped from the pages of a terrible book. And aren't those little pumpkins amazing? They're actually seed pods!

 

Here's my supply list, but don't let it limit you! I think those black and purple blooms are just about the most perfect Halloween combination, but orange and white would also make for some spooktacular festive decor.

Crochet Lace Fancy Trim Black SKU: 1482-148Burlap Blossoms Black SKU: 1200-209
MixedTextured MiniBlossoms Black SKU: 1263-209
MixedTextured Layers Black SKU: 1257-209
Botanica Blooms Lav/Purple SKU: 1102-107
Cardboard lid
Black acrylic paint
Glitter and star sequins
Vintage 'witch' image
Pumpkin pods
Jute
Toy spider, fence and skeleton

Dear spooky ooky Poe

I woke up to this view. It's lovely. Quiet. Still. Magical. At the same time it's a little bit creepy and sort of spooky... but that's ok, creepy can be rather lovely too.

Take dear old Edgar. He's a creepy fellow, eerie tales and poems... at the same time, they tug at your heart and you can't help but like the fellow.

This month Alpha Stamps has been celebrating Poe with an entire kit filled with crafty goods in honor of the dear author and all things horror.

My contribution was this frilly and fussy homage Poe, including a nod to his raven and his tell tale heart ;)

Want to create your own Poe masterpiece? Hop over to Alpha Stamps and check out the Poe themed kit on offer. AND if you're really itching to get your creep on, they're having a sale on their entire Halloween section!

For small pests

Did you know that small vampires have the sharpest teeth? It's true! They may not suck you dry but they will definitely leave a mark and you'll feel quite groggy afterwards.

I've created three wee vampire hunting kits in tiny coffins. Suitable for either very small hunters of vamps or hunting very small blood suckers.

They each measure approximately 6" x 3.25" x 1.5" tall. Inside you will find a brass stamped bat, a mirror, mallet and three wooden stakes, cross, a vial marked 'Holy Water" and a tiny 'Holy Bible'.

Please note: I am totally behind and these are the only ones that will be available this year.

 Currently listed in the etsy shop:

Black lid / Purple interior

Orange lid / Orange interior

Green lid / Black interior