Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Frogs and Pixies

For the past week, this fellow has stopped by for a visit every evening. He hops onto the living room window and stays for a few hours. I'm not sure if he's a frog prince waiting for a kiss or a maybe a moocher looking to borrow $5. Check out that sexy yellow leopard colouring on those legs!


This morning I ventured outside (a dangerous feat, the mosquitoes were on full alert) and very nearly stepped on this little hopper.


I cursed and grumbled and this wee pixie came along to see what the fuss was about. She double checked on the little guy and gave a nod of approval before fluttering off.

Pixie checking on a little tree frog - Nichola Battilana

She's been hanging out in my studio since Christmas, just lazing around, stealing my scissors and buttons. I guess she got fed up of being on my 'to-do list' and made herself some raggedy clothes.

One little pixie sitting in a tree - Nichola Battilana

Last I looked she was sitting in the black locust tree, taking in the morning sun.

I think this one will be a handful ;)

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Sleeping Stones

I am not the sort who has any desire to travel the world. I'm quite pleased to explore my own land and sleep in my very own bed thank-you-very-much. 

There is an exception. 

Iceland. 

Iceland, where Huldufólk and álfar, (trolls and elves) live in rocks and beneath the earth. Where roads are detoured to protect mounds of stone, least the those creatures be disturbed. Where rocks should not be thrown for fear that Huldufólk may be harmed.

Perhaps these stones in the Pixie Hill garden are sleeping, weary from their long Icelandic voyage.

Sleeping Stones - Nichola Battilana

For more stones that have had their faces coaxed to the surface see my Stone Creatures pinterest board.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

A Mermaid Shrine for Alpha Stamps

Alpha Stamps theme this month is mermaids. Being a child of the 80's my thought process on those fish-tailed beauties beneath the sea goes something like this:

1. Gorgeous Daryl Hannah in Splash.
2. The selkies of The Secret of Roan Inish (if you haven't see this, you should)
3. George Melies' Under the Seas

I ended up with a dreamy glittery underwater mermaid shrine inspired by the tints of Melies' (that sounds far more pretentious than it is).

For the base I've used this Curio Cabinet. I've simply omitted the shelf inside to create a large open interior. Almost every surface has been covered with an iridescent glitter thanks to a Stickles. I simply spread them with my finger, giving a glowwy rather than a glitter encrusted effect. It's pretty, like flecks reflecting light beneath the sea.

I wanted the outside to coordinate with the Unearth Copper Patina Scrapbook Paper interior. Here's the paint process I used:


• plain chipboard
• black
• turquoise smudges
• yellow ochre smudges
• copper highlights

I think it compliments the paper nicely :)


For the seabed floor I used a square of organza, which fills the space nicely and also provides a nice reflective quality too.


My fussy cut mermaids sit upon painted chipboard coral. Staggering the placement of these pieces helps with the depth perception.


On the exterior I've draped ribbons as a sort of banner. It helps with the dreamy quality and is a bit like fantasy seaweed. A few stamped brass charms and adhesive pearls finish off the the piece with a bit of treasure trove flair.

Supply List
Mermaids Kit
Thin Fleur Dresden Borders - Turquoise 

Cream Adhesive Pearls - 3mm* 
Gypsy Coin Mix* 
Waterfall Stickles* 
Raw Brass Flourish* 
Curio Cabinet
Organza



Thursday, June 11, 2015

Mostly Made-Up Mushrooms

I spent Monday evening and the entirety of Tuesday working on these mushroom specimens. Keeping real toadstool samples was not an option, as they would certainly dry, wither and lose their lustre. Instead, these make-believe mushrooms have been created from polymer clay.

Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

The presence of toadstools may indicate faerie activity, especially those found growing in lines and rings. They are tell tale signs that faeries have been trooping or dancing in that very spot. 

While it may be enticing, do not disturb those rings and lines. It would be like showing up at a celebration you were not invited to. Do admire them, appreciate them, and respect the fact that the fair folk may be near by.

Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Fly Agaric/Fly Amanita: The most iconic of all fairy mushrooms. Especially popular in Victorian fairy paintings but renaissance depictions can also be found. It has hallucinogenic properties and a long history of use in religious and shamanistic rituals. Toxic to consume, but lucky to see.

Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Hens Goblets: These goblet shaped mushrooms are often found growing outside of hen houses. Planted by impish fair folk, they are filled with fairy wine to lure chickens from their nests. This allows for the theft of fresh warm eggs. 




White Needles: Similar to Golden Needle mushrooms but slightly larger. I suspect they may be a cross variety cultivated by Koro-pok-guru who may have migrated from Japan.


Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Good Witch's Hat: a specific type of waxcap toadstool especially useful to witches who use green magic. Enhances the potency of any spell or charm. When on good terms, faeries will sprout a small patch of these for their favourite witch to use. The witch in turn will bake a crumb cake and leave it on the window sill for the little folk to steal nibbles from.


Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Smooth Pixie Cups: a lichen, rather than a mushroom, related to the Mealy Pixie Cup. Found in mossy areas known to be frequented by trooping pixies and faeries. It is said that gnomish beer tastes especially good when sipped from one of these cups.


Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Fibbing Amethyst Deceiver: Not to be confused with the true Amethyst Deceiver (Laccaria amethystina) the Fibbing Amethyst Deceiver is a completely different species. A single drop of tincture made from this mushroom in a cup of tea will cause the drinker to hiccup whenever they tell an untruth. 


Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Undetermined Fungus: Grown by faerie folk on dead or decaying tree trunks to store nutrients from the decaying the tree for later medicinal use. Also used practically as shady awning for tree dwelling little people.


Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Conocybe: not entirely certain which subspecies this is, as there are at least 50 found in North America and almost 250 worldwide. Certain varieties have been used for shamanic purposes but others are highly toxic and could be deadly. Caution is advised. Only those with an intimate knowledge of the species, and on good terms with the fair folk, should attempt use.


Fairy Mushrooms - Nichola Battilana

Elven Bluecap: So called for its resemblance to the headwear often worn by Northern elves. The glittery substance on its capped top is believed to magically assist them to remain upright on their rather spindly stalks.


Fairy Mushroom - Nichola Battilana

Verdigris Agaric: Named after its colour, being strikingly similar to the pigment on weathered copper/brass/bronze. A favourite of little people with seaside roots.


Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana
As my Graphic 45 dt term wrapped up, I created this series of tags as a little memento for my fabulous fellow teamies. I wanted the tags to be a ‘set’ but I also wanted each one to be unique.

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

I began by covering ivory Artist Trading Tags with July Flourish from the Time to Flourish collection. Then I found a series of images depicting Marie Antoinette from the blog Magic Moonlight (http://bit.ly/1G6YCm9).

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

Using my stash of scraps and fussy cut bits and bobs, I began playing and layering elements. These ATCs use cut pieces from Time to Flourish, Botanical Tea, Home Sweet Home and Sweet Sentiments.


Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

Finally, I added a nice chunky bow and just a smidge of glitter.

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

The Supply List:
July Flourish
Fussy cut flowers, leaves and butterflies from:
Various ribbon Charms


Marie Antoinette ATC Tags - Nichola Battilana

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Important Announcement: Fairy Tour 2015

This year I'm doing things a little differently for Pixie Hill's annual Fairy Tour. I'll be changing the sign out front and our little spot will become "Pixie Hill Fairy Sanctuary and Museum" for the duration of the summer.



All of the fairy specimens that I've been showing off will be on display.


And outside our resident wee folk will be setting up house once again.


They're already starting to slowly reveal themselves.



Hopefully they hurry so that all will be in place by July 4th, for our 'Opening Ceremony' celebrations.


Here's the what's what as it stands right now:

• Requests for fairy mail must be received no later than June 28th.
Email [email protected] with the name and age of the recipient.
Personalized fairy mail is $5 per letter.


Each letter is unique, and adorned with tiny stamps and sealed with wax.

• There will be a self guided scavenger hunt and other tasks/games to preform for 'awards'

• There is no charge to attend but a donation is appreciated.

• Cash or credit card payments are accepted for 'gift shop/studio' purchases
Interac is NOT available... though you could etransfer if in a pinch.

Monday, June 08, 2015

An Altered Trophy and Fond Farewell

My time with Graphic 45 has come to an end. It's been such great fun and I've enjoyed every minute of my two terms with them. Amazing products. Amazing people. Just an absolute pleasure all around. It's a sad but satisfying goodbye. I'll miss the camaraderie, the giant boxes of goodies, the assignments... but I've learned so much, made new friends, and have a boatload of nice memories. What more could a girl ask for?

The very last project I created for G45. My very favourite of all the altered awards I've created. She's just a bundle of magic and I am certain she will end up with someone very deserving.

Altered Trophy with G45 Staples - Nichola Battilana

I’ve always had a thing for awards. (Ribbons, sashes and crowns too.) Those things that symbolically represent being awesome. Maybe it’s because I didn’t play sports as a kid, that I never had a shelf full of trophies, that they appeal to me so much. 

Altered Trophy with G45 Staples - Nichola Battilana

When I saw the Tim Holtz trophy cups I knew I was going to change the fact that I did not have a trophy shelf. As luck would have it, I came across some trophy cups with the kids party favours in my local discount store. Score! 

Altered Trophy with G45 Staples - Nichola Battilana

Some wooden blocks and the additions of a fantastic Door Knocker, Antique Metal Door PullStamped Metal Brad, and those amazing Claw Feet…. and ta-da! I’ve cobbled together something pretty special.

Altered Trophy with G45 Staples - Nichola Battilana

Know someone who absolutely NEEDS this wee gal? She's listed HERE

Or you can have fun making your own version...
Supply List
I've got one or two additional Graphic 45 projects to show off over the next week or so, and you'll still see their products featured in my work. Can't wait to see what the new G45 team creates :)