EXCITING NEWS!

Good Morning Everyone!
I wanted to share the most exciting news!
I have been selected to be among uber talented crafter's for The Robin's Nest Design Team.

 

 

 

The Robin's Nest is a manufacturer of exquisite paper, stickers, and embellishments.

 

Follow the links below & stop by The Chattering Robins blog, and meet all the designers, as well as visiting The Robin's Nest online store, for unique crafting products.

 

 

 

The Robin's Nest Online Store:

http://www.robinsnest-scrap.com/

 

The Chattering Robins Blog: http://chatteringrobins.blogspot.com/

 

 

Check back this Friday, as I will be sharing my first project created with some of the BEAUTIFUL products from The Robin's Nest!

 

Many Crafty Blessings!!

 

Here I Go Again.....

The last couple of weeks, I had every intention on getting really crafty, and post away here on my blog.

I got sidelined.

Sort of.

We had 2 graduations, one which was out of town, Memorial Day activities, and a bout with the flu.
(grand job you did flu vaccine)

The biggest distraction? Organizing the abyss that is my craft room.

And this is progress, of sorts...............

 

 

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new week.

Re-igniting my intent, to get this mess under control.

 

Two more weeks until vacation, and some big things to come after we return home.

 

Stay Tuned!

 

Crafty Blessings to You!

 

 

Sometimes We All Go A Little Mad

 

Many that know me, know that one of my most favorite books of all time is Lewis Carroll's "Through The Looking Glass". And naturally, with the release of the movie on

May 27th, I am so EXCITED!

 

And something more EXCITING? This project is my submission to The Robin's Nest Design Team!

 

 

The Robin's Nest is a manufacturing company, specializing in paper & embellishments.

You can find them at:

http://www.shop.robinsnest-scrap.net/

 

My newest creative endeavor, and submission piece, is very inspired by the fantasy that is "Alice".

Using products and supplies from my personal stash.

(*not items purchased from The Robin's Nest)

 

I began with a tabletop clock that my aunt had picked up and given to me, quite a few years ago, from the clearance section because it was without the clock mechanics.

 

Now an easy enough fix would have been to go to a local hobby store, and buy a clock kit, right? But I just knew, that somewhere down the road, it could be so much more than just a time piece.

 

And what better way to utilize a clock face, than to give it an "Alice" update.

 

Products Used:

 

DecoArt Media:

Interference Gold

Fluid Acrylic Metallic Silver 

 White Gesso

Crackle Paste

Liquid Glass

Matte Medium

Misting Spray Carbon Black

Palmer Pearl Paints:

Horizon Blue

Coral Reef

DCWV Paper

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Royal Violet

Lindy's Stamp Gang

Finnabair Art Ingredients Micro Beads

Various Embellishments

 Various Die Cuts Silhouette Cameo

Beacon 3-n-1 Glue

Ivory Tulle

Peach Lace & Ribbon

Stamping Up Chalks

 

First, I chose randomly, sections to apply the gesso, as I still wanted peeks of the original green to be seen.

 

 

I proceeded by applying Royal Violet paint to the pre-gesso sections. After allowing those sections to dry thoroughly, I then "finger painted" (so much easier to manipulate paint)the pearl paints over the top of the Violet sections.

 

Following up with random area's covered in Crackle Paste.

 

I precut many of my design elements on my

Silhouette Cameo.

Including my "mini" Mad Hatter hat, using a heavy card stock.

 

After assembling the hat, I covered it with some sheer, crinkled fabric, giving it a sort of well worn look. I used Lindy's Dark Chocolate Truffle to add a shimmer of gold, without changing the actual color of the fabric. Finishing with embellishments fitting of the Mad Hatter himself.

 

 

 

The 3D Chandelier (chipboard) design also from the Silhouette Cameo, assembled and glued, and used a black glitter glue, Liquid Glass, and Art Ingredients 

Micro Beads in Copper, finishing off the "flame".

 

 

For the face of the clock, I used a DCWV heavy, glittered paper in a Harlequin pattern, cut on a diagonal. And I adding chipboard cut clock hands to the center.

 

 

I used a precut "frame" & vellum and Fluid Acrylic in Metallic Silver, to make a "faux" mirror (or Looking Glass) of sorts, and pre-stamping an Image of Alice, also on vellum, coloring lightly with chalks, and sealing the image/mirror with liquid glass.

 

 

Lastly I finished the design process with randomly glued Micro Beads by Recollection in Peacock & Ivy shades, many metal embellishments in clock face and cog and gears designs, mini paper violets, fussy cut printed images, and tulle and pearl strand draped from the top of the clock, to further ad to a "chaotic" visual.

 

 

 

The finished clock.

I am so thrilled with the results!

 

 

Whimsical & Chaotic as it is in Alice's Adventures!

 

 

Please visit The Robin's Nest and see the broad range of products they carry.

 

 

May you be inspired!

Please visit again soon!

Crafty Blessings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Better Than A Box Of Fresh Donuts

A couple of years ago, if anyone would have asked me what my most favorite thing was that came in a box, I probably would have answered with "Fresh Glazed Donuts".

My how a year has made such a difference. Presently  I am 35 pounds lighter than I was last year at this same time.

And now my new "box of happiness".......Crafty Flowers!

Whether they are paper, fabric, or lace, creating flowers makes me happy. With all of these design inspirations flowing, plans are falling into place for a great future of endeavors for me.

And let's face it, calorie free boxes of happiness, is so much healthier than those filled with donuts, lol.

The following is what I had been working on this week, for a very sweet & special crafty gal I know.

 

In a variety of shades of Pink, Ivory & White, some are pearlized with paint, some are shimmering with a hint of glitter, the rest, touched gently with alcohol ink, to give a vintage, sort of shabby feel.

 

I have found by far, the most impressive paint, at our local Hobby Lobby. How I had missed these all of these years....is anyone's guess.

 

 

 

Presently I only have their "Pearl" variety, but guarantee, the rest of the line is on my radar for future purchase. These paints can be used on just about any medium, canvas, wood, paper, even metal!

The paint is super concentrated, so a very minimal amount goes a very long way.

These delightful miniature flowers I actually finger painted on hues of champagne, white & pink.

 

 

 

With the finishing touch of custom creating a shabby inspired box, I would have to say that this was a creative success.

 

 

 

As added bonus, I created a smaller shabby box, filled with heavy paper stock embossed butterflies.

Finishing this entire goody parcel with a spool of vintage satin/lace ribbon, adding yet one more "shabbified" item by covering the spool with shabby printed paper, and a filigree butterfly & shabby rose.

 

I hope you that today you find yourself feeling inspired!

 

Thank You for stopping by!

 

Please visit again soon!

 

CRAFTY BLESSINGS!

 

 

 

 

 

Time Well Spent

 

Well, a new week has begun, and although it is rainy, cool and just downright ugly here in the Ohio valley, and as an added bonus I am a bit under the weather, woo-hoo (said with heavy sarcasm, lol) I am also feeling a bit elated.

 

The reason being.....I have spent a few days, crafting away, and creating new projects, in styles I had not created before.

 

 

For instance, a round Shabby Chic inspired box,that I created for my mother. This box, has a bit of sentimental value for her, a gift a few years ago from one of her sisters. Sadly the lid was damaged, the featured image irreplaceable. So it was time to make the box "new" again. 

As you can see in the photo, I was able to remove the damaged portion.

 

The paper I used for this project, and also featured in the photo, is by My Mind's Eye Lost & Found, and "Vintage Whimsy" by The Girls Paperie, both purchased at my local Hobby Lobby store.

 

Additional Products Used:

Tim Holtz Distress Inks:

Old Paper

Victorian Velvet

DecoArt Media:

Gesso

Matte Medium

Palmer Acrylic/Pearl Paint:

Seafoam Green

Pearl White

Whisper Pink 

Ivory Venice Lace

Ivory Pearl Strand

Paper Flowers

Pearlized Ink Spray

 Coffee Stain Spray 

 Vintage Image

 

 

First I covered the box in gesso, following with matte medium to adhere the paper. Using the distress inks,to lightly, creating "stained" edges, to give an aged look.

 

Finishing touches of Venice lace around the top of the lid, and lower side edge of the lid, as well as the bottom side of the box, along with pearl strand.

 

Finishing touch, my newest flower design, a Peony, and medium roses, pearls, chipboard doily, were adhered to the top of the box lid, with Beacon 3-in-1 glue.

 

The finished box, and I couldn't be more pleased.

 

 

And no Mother's Day is complete with out a mushy card, right?

 

 

Thank You So Very Much For Stopping By!

 

Feel free to leave a comment below, letting me know what you think of the projects.

 

As Always......Crafting Blessings To You

Please Visit Again Soon!

 

 

 

 

Blooms Are Bliss

You know, sometimes all the "busy-ness" of life can be so very distracting. It seems as though it has taken me just a bit longer than I had planned, to get back to my "happy space", shutting all that does not pertain to finding my bliss, turning on good tunes, and creating my big heart out.

 

 

No "Calgon take me away moment", but the pure joy and beauty of creating my blooms. And so many more to come. with the big sale at Michael's this week (EEEEEEEEEEE-really can not contain my excitement!)

 So, Just a lil' peak, of a few that I have been working on.

Using my tried and true cutting machine (oh how I LOVE my Silhouette) I cut out various sizes on my 65lb. weight cardstock, distressing the edges  with Tim Holtz Distress inks in both Peacock feathers & Brushed Corduroy, then using a dry detailing brush technique, with Tulip Metallic Fabric Paint, to add a bit of "glamour" to the petals, and using coordinating gold paint, to color clear "berry" beads to use in the center.

 

 

The finished results......................

 

 

And now for something completely different.........

At least for me..........

 

Vintage Blossoms-created with vintage scarves and material (and some leftovers from some worn out jeans)

 

 

 

 

While I have never considered myself to be a froo-froo

girly kind of girl, I have a profound fondness for frilly flowers.

 

In reorganizing my jewelry the other day, I came across one of my very first mixed media projects. Using Petaloo Paper flowers, Vintaj bronze filigrees & chain, and adding some genuine pearls for dangles, making a necklace, that can be dressed up, or dressed down.

 

 

 

Hopefully, these projects find you feeling inspired.

 

Please leave a comment, letting me know you were here!

 

Thank You

so much for stopping by!

 

Crafty Blessings To You!

 

 

 

BACK TO CREATIVE WONDERLAND

Here we are, already the 4th month of 2016, and it seem as though the first 3 months went by in a blur. And yet I can account for every single moments spent.

 

I had proclaimed 2016 as the year of "CHANGE" in my personal life. And boy have there been changes. Some changes being in the physical capacity, some in a more spiritual capacity, and letting go of a number of other things, that just ceased being enjoyable, often leaving me feeling wounded, and at times, slighted in a manner of speaking.

But there was one moment, that I can say was the most precious moment in my life, being by my baby brother's side, as he and his fiancé, welcomed into this world, their first baby, Amanda Susan. Never being able to have children of my own, being invited to share that very moment as she made her first cry, oh my heart felt the truest form of wonderful love. And I have been spending as much time as I can with this bundle of joy!

 

 

 

 

This weekend, I did return to my Creative Wonderland, after being away much to long. I had these paper mache' monogram for over 3 months, for two of my other nieces, and finally finished them this weekend.

 

My gigantic creative mess.  Just a few of the supplies & products I used in creating the monograms. I actually used a variety of my own handmade flowers on this project as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Viola! The finished project.

Cherry & Delightful

perfect for two sisters bedroom.

 

 

 

I hope you like my newest project. 

 May it INSPIRE you. 

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Please visit again soon.

 

HAVE A CRAFTY BLESSED DAY!

 

Michelle

 

 

 

 

 

I Am A Winner!

I wanted to share some pretty exciting news. After a "blah" kind of week, one bit of disappointment after another (or so it seemed) I received some happy news.

                                                                              (image found on Pinterest)
 
I was chosen by random drawing, to receive a "gift" from the uber talented Laurie Moore over at "Moore Art From The Heart" blog.

When y'all get the chance, stop by her delightful blog and view her MAGNIFICENT projects, also take time to stop by her Artfire store.  
 
Laurie's Links:
http://mooreartfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
https://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/home/mooreartfromtheheart

 I have been busy, with many crafty things on my table, as I get stumped with one project, I move on to another, so forth and so on....working in circles until I am satisfied with them all.  And I am fairly certain that I am not the only artist that does this, lol.
 
ANYWAYS.......
 
I can not wait to share when everything is completed. Please keep an eye out in the future, for projects featuring items from Laurie's store.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by, please visit again soon!
 
Crafty Blessings!



  

LIFE FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN

Oh how I miss getting crafty busy, Not only does life throw curveballs, it can also flip it upside down.

Today, I am taking a break, from stressing, from worrying, let's face it, neither can be good for ya.

Not grand scale craftiness, just a little "redecorating" in the craft space. It begin with painting the old, and giving it new life.

Oh, and crafting a new paper flower (I truly think this is my very FAVORITE).

Crafty Blessings!
 

PAPER ROSES

 

Some people eat, some people drink wine, to unwind. And there is nothing wrong with that.

For me, it is sitting down and creating little bits of love, in the form of paper flowers. I tend to shut out all the troubles and worries from the day. And the results, always make me smile.

I think I may have an addiction.

These are some of my favorite so far. Using various shapes and sizes of flowers, and using various techniques in shaping, inking, or in using glimmering mists.

I find so much peace, in these little bits of beauty.

Thanks for stopping by, and always, be Crafty Blessed!