Collecting Nice Things with Graphic 45

I'm sure I've asked this before: Have you ever seen the movie Amelie? 

It’s wonderful, and filled with so many delightful little details. Many of those little details were from a journal that directorJean-Pierre Jeunet, used to keep. A collection of things that made him happy. I’ve wanted my own collection of nice things ever since. And so, my new years resolution is to take special notice of lovely things.

Using an inexpensive coil bound notebook and Graphic 45's Once Upon a Springtime, I’ve created a special place for my collection. It has loads of pockets where bits and pieces can be tucked away… but it’s also practically embellished so that I can toss it in my purse. 

Although I may not have gone over the top with embellishments, I think every snip of Once Upon a Springtime is cute as buttons.

When not making notes it closes up tight and is secured with a length of jute affixed with a brad on the spine. It has quickly become my favourite book to write nice things inside :)

To make your own, I've created a snapguide HERE to help you. Don't let the number of steps put you off, a few of them doubled for clarity sake.

And the supply list...

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Tiny Treasures

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Cut-apart

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Enchanted Forest

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Woodland Fantasy

G45 Once Upon A Springtime Frames

Graphic 45 Stamped Metal Brad

Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Keys

Core'dinations G45 Darks Antique Moss

Blank Journal

Adhesive

A few collages

I've been a total slacker this week. I don't know if it's the weather, or maybe recovery from the holidays, or I'm just burnt out, but I haven't felt like doing much other than veg on the couch and watch foreign horror films.

I dragged my bum up to my crafty cocoon last night and created a few little collages...

First this little girl in the wind. The image of the gal is from The Graphics Fairy, a great resource for free images. That greenish paper in the background has a beautiful iridescent quality... I wish I had bought more of it because I don't think it's available any longer. The little striped bit by her feet is a lovely thin Red & Cream Stripes Paper Tape*

Below is my favourite of the bunch.

I like how serene and surreal it is. I like the colour pallet too, it's like a dream. Warning: I'm about to sound pretenious... I like the spacial quality, the economy of embellishment most of all

And then the moon. Sometimes I sit and chop out words and phrases from discarded books then peice them back together into phrases... sort of like little poems. It's a lovely exercise.

One Little Thing - Hero

This week's prompt is "Hero"

Have you always wanted to be a super hero? Maybe you know a real life hero? This week take a few minutes to create one little thing with a 'hero' theme.

Design a super hero costume, write a list of essential utility belt gadgets, take a photo of your every day hero. There is no incorrect way to complete this task. The important thing is to focus and think creatively about the theme... and enjoy yourself!

**You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. **

My One Little Thing: "Era"

For my own 'one little thing' for last weeks challenge, I created this ATC...

I started out doing a few sketches and making some notes while my kid was at curling practice. I had thought about doing a British Victorian card with a lamp post and carriage. Then maybe a sort of art nouveau inspired something. I also toyed with a 70's theme.

But this is what I ended up with... wanting to create something with the feeling of a past era but my heart kept being tugged by the little French bits in my stash. A tiny nod to the French and a little 'Je suis Charlie' I suppose.

The lesson this week? It's ok to go off track. Just because I didn't follow through with those first ideas doesn't invalidate them. They're still there, waiting for another opportunity to be used.

**Image used from Large Victorian Corsets Collage Sheet**

Graphic 45 Precious Memories Box

Graphic 45 has been revealing their sneak peeks and I was lucky enough to get my hands on them early and create with their new product line-up. Hop over to their blog to see all of the new goods (some seriously cool stuff there!). Here's my first project with their new goodies :)

Browsing the pages of the Precious Memories collection for inspiration, I sort of fell in love with image of the little boy and his rabbit. The fellow with the curls nuzzling his stuffed bunny reminded me of my son when he was toddling around with 'Mr. Elephant' (don’t tell him I told you that!) I still have that little elephant. It’s tucked somewhere, not completely away, so that I stumble across it once in a while, causing memories to flood back.

For this piece I created a little needle felted bunny, just like the one in the image, to create a sense that that moment had actually existed. Don’t be frightened off by that little woolen bunny! This little sentimental vignette would be even sweeter created with a real photograph and small childhood memento.

Precious Memories Cuddle TimePrecious Memories CherishPrecious Memories Baby’s Breath
Precious Memories Pat-A-CakePrecious Memories Precious MemoriesSmall Matchbook BoxShabby Chic Ornate Metal BradsOrnate Metal Label Holder
Needle felted bunny
White Picket Fencing
Twine
Wheels
ButtonsAdhesive

Want to see more? Check out the Sneak Peek Re-Cap on the Graphic 45 blog :)

Squatchin'

The last couple of weeks have been a blur of activity. Besides the Christmas/New Year hub-bub, I've been working madly on design team projects and things for other people. If I'm honest, I'm tired and feeling a bit worn down. I need a few quiet demand-less days to rejuvenate my head and heart.

BUT I do have a project to share from the holidays. My handmade gift to my kidlet... a needlefelted Sasquatch.

I was lazing on the couch watching the telly when I saw him scurry across the sunshiny window sill. At first I thought I was seeing things but when the dog started whimpering in his sleep, he stood still for just a moment and looked on curiously.

When the dog finished making his sleepy noises, the creature turned his head to me and gave a grunt, as if to say "What are you looking at?" Then quick as a flash he climbed up into our Christmas tree!

Over the next few days I tried to coax him out with treats of peanut butter and apple slices... but he refused to pose so I could only capture a few blurry images.

Now that the tree is down he's a bit easier to shoot. He sulks around my studio looking for a hidey hole to make his home and Christmas cookie crumbs to eat. 

I've told him I'll make him a spot inside the pantry and he can have his fill of nibbles but he likes being difficult. I can tell you with certainty that "Harry and the Henderson's" is not an accurate depiction of a Bigfoot. Our pygmy squatch is a difficult little diva and a smidge rude too!

One Little Thing - Era

I strongly believe that creativity breeds itself. The more you do and make, the more ideas and inspiration will follow. And so, every Sunday I'll be posting a creative prompt, a challenge for you to spend just a few moments being creative over the following week.

You DON'T have to make something big or elaborate. This challenge is about removing the excuse "I don't have time" and dedicating few minutes to being creative. It's also about giving value to, and recognizing, creativity and inspiration in all it's forms. A poem, photograph, idea list, ATC, doodle, inchie, sketch, card, painting, inspiration board, altered something-or-other... ANYTHING you create from scratch with the theme in mind is a success. 

This week's prompt is "Era"

You're challenge this week is to explore a favourite time period. The roaring 20's, groovy 70's, Victorian, Roman, wild west... the future. It's all fair game.

You may want to think about what appeals to you about certain eras. What are the colours, themes, textures, images, vocabulary, and events that shape that period?

Remember, there is no wrong interpretation... the only thing that matters is that you spend a few moments focused on, and exploring, creatively.

Good luck! and have fun :)