tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21221234316904571602024-02-19T02:25:07.532-08:00Crafty CuriosWho knows what imp of inspiration will hijack my brain next...
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www.craftycurios.comAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-48613572930073254082016-03-09T20:30:00.001-08:002016-03-09T20:31:20.716-08:00The Speed of Joy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anna%27s_Hummingbird_-_male_flying.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1a/Anna's_Hummingbird_-_male_flying.jpg" title="By Kevin Cole from Pacific Coast, USA (en:User:Kevinlcole) (Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anna%27s_Hummingbird_-_male_flying.jpg" target="_blank">Anna's Hummingbird</a></td></tr>
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Ever since I learned to identify the song of our local hummingbird, I have been a fan. I love to scan the treetops in search of this tiny creature, bravely declaring its dominion. Within that gracile body is a thundering heart. They dive and whirl in the air to warn other hummingbirds that the vicinity and all its nectar is spoken for. My relationship with the hummingbird as a symbol has been colored by these facts. Still, its bright, iridescent presence among the flowers, its penchant for sweetness and its tiny form have lent it an association with joy, love, dance and playfulness.<br />
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<a href="http://www.medicinecards.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Medicine Cards" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitKW8PewsjZTTkSy-AnYJyrMXRzF4IH5faV2Bk8K1gpikBNkHirjY1KnZ0CsgcdlJV9n6lRIZKrasNKGdo-BxqhHZi0vJ0eLQ2gnddCyC7jwZn1ve9oZcfuXf0qbkiY72IRF_o-DF1b1T/s320/44hummingbird.jpg" title="Medicine Card 44: Hummingbird" width="170" /></a> Joy especially is the quality I Remember from Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson. This amazing oracle deck and book, published in 1988, greatly influenced my understanding of animals as totems and symbols. Still, it is important to blend the teachings of others with your own experience. Recently, this little bird has brought me a message by activating my memories and knowledge. When something unusual or out of the ordinary happens, we humans are hardwired to notice. Our survival may depend on it. In modern society where so much seems routine, the appearance of a hummingbird sitting in a nest is reason to gasp in awe.<br />
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I was going out to my car and happened to look to the left. I saw a flash of movement suddenly stop in a gangly tree. The nest was hardly more than a hammock strung in the fork of a branch. I tried to get closer but I was spotted and the bird flew out of sight. Later, I desperately wanted to show the nest to my daughter but we were in a rush. On another occasion, the nest was blending in with the tree branches. When I finally found it again, it looked too small and thin to support any weight and I wondered if it had been abandoned. Still, the hummingbirds are all around our condo and the adjacent carport. They have not gone.<br />
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Every day that I looked for the nest, I knew I was searching for joy. I was looking for a way out of my depression and apathy. The struggle against my greatest fear, that life is mostly misery, was taken up by this tiny bird. Or, I had assigned the bird this task. I don't really think that some conscious mind is trying to communicate with me through the daily comings and goings of nature. Rather, I think my own mind is speaking to me through symbolism, the language of dreams. How can I make sense of the cycles of my life? How can I accept the time that is passing away from me? How can I achieve contentment, let alone, joy? I have to keep looking. Joy is fleeting, like a hummingbird. It cannot last. It will not stay. But that moment, when it alights so close to you that the colors are dazzling, is worth it. Worth the pain, worth the struggle and worth the wait. It is always nearby. It is always singing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.twodogssouthwestgallery.com/native-american-jewelry/Wedding-Vase-Navajo-Hummingbird/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-OfClceurJ_jHAa-dTW3HqTck47Py3dGAXGWdA-kE96G2uKor88jSqsFjXKrEoRXu1McLYZAE3D_DSkrL_FZ3oXLbdJZB-OTYP8lWwANsXHVlpnCDLMG2VxTg9YuEQb9arN1gxesEk8I/s320/hummingbird+vase.jpg" title="Wedding Vase Navajo Hummingbird" width="211" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.twodogssouthwestgallery.com/native-american-jewelry/Wedding-Vase-Navajo-Hummingbird/" target="_blank">Navajo Hand Etched and Hand Painted Hummingbird Pottery</a></b></td></tr>
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On my honeymoon, I bought a southwestern-styled vase with a handle. The round belly of the jug features an etching of a hummingbird resting on some flowers Only later did I find out that it was a wedding vase created by Cecelia Benally, a Navajo artist. Maybe the hummingbird is the perfect reminder that joy in relationships is also fleeting. Not just in marriage, but in our relationship to ourselves.There will be highs and lows, dips and dives, as I endeavor to integrate all the various parts of my self. During the process, I have to remember to look for joy in places common yet unexpected and enjoy it before it zips away.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-36531140574055955662016-02-11T20:53:00.002-08:002016-03-09T18:54:01.266-08:00Wisdom is renewed! Athena and the ShadowsIt's been quite a while but my love of goddesses cannot be ignored. Sometimes, you have to go back to basics and kindle the passion that started you on a certain path to begin with. Familiar ideas spring forth, seemingly from no where, but I think the mind has hidden depths. To reach these shadowy places, I am diving down with a simple concept. Like attracts like. If I hold up an image of humanity that inspires me, encourages me, comforts me, I will pull my own ability to do those things from myself.<br />
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A woman of strength and clarity lies buried within, like a forgotten statue, stuck in the sea floor. </h4>
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<a href="http://www.sculptorsimonmorris.com/amphitrite-simon-morris.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.sculptorsimonmorris.com/amphitrite-simon-morris.html" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jDI-McrE_VLJBeXTMuSoOTrwvKZj0Hc8mRNh6KJ0UA0fSAms91XNS4Tm-K1xamHjQudw7edN7S031sBwIthiuzt1W11fc_OCUZlJaXAoXon1OxEKEA0tLc4_E-4SilPrA2MyTJKsVsys/s320/34387_60_news_hub_multi_630x0.jpg" style="text-align: center;" title="Amphitrite, the underwater mermaid statue: Grand Cayman island, Simon Morris" width="320" /></a></h4>
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To bring her to the surface, I started with a simple technique. I drew a card. Use tarot, use oracle cards, angel cards or goddess cards. There are many websites that will let you do a virtual spread or just pick one. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, apps can put tarot decks and oracle decks at your fingertips. I used <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.indiegoes.goddess" target="_blank">Goddess Enchantment Oracle app by Indie Goes Software</a>. My first card was Athena, Goddess of Wisdom.</span><br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austrian_Parliament_Building#Pallas_Athene_Fountain" target="_blank"><img alt="The Athena Fountain (Pallas-Athene-Brunnen)" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_oDV-U07wLxyfyZAeoE3Zu2hSil1lwsw9Ci4oJni_HtcOgJwSslc2yL6eR5IQy6DvxYqS-rfwaynSAWxtnv19PvlOR2h-SutiEyvcAReyMjJPS-sHWWqx1LRsvMhwgvvlk74h1g8ikRo/s320/Athena_Pallas_austrian_Parliament.jpg" title="The Athena Fountain (Pallas-Athene-Brunnen)" width="186" /></a></div>
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Emerging fully formed from the head of Zeus, her father and king of the Olympian deities, she represents wise counsel, strategy, reason, intellect and warfare (but also peace.) She is the patroness of Athens, Greece. It is said that she and Poseidon competed for possession of the city. He brought forth a spring for the people to drink from, but since he was an ocean god, the water was salty. Athena created the first olive tree. She won Athens, making olives and olive oil a few of her sacred symbols. </div>
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The symbol of the owl most resonates with me. Athena was sometimes called <i>Athena Glaukopis</i> meaning "blue-eyed" or "gray-eyed". Originally, it may have meant "bright-eyed". In any case, the relevant link is between the big, bright eyes of the owl and Athena's wisdom. Being able to see in the dark and is an apt metaphor for being able to "see" the truth of a matter. Also, there is a species of small owl that is indigenous to the area around Athens. It can be found on ancient coinage with Athena and is sacred to her.</div>
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If anyone can help us to see beyond the shadows, it is Athena and her owl companion.</h4>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_owl" target="_blank"><img alt="Athene Noctua" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvYlNwaknle3A6GPG2lfY2gdm6s-iah625ustUlITdsvzHSDPgv90UildzlVf0pHJ0lf8IQTbIoNeZDAsdA6e4nvvVovV5v8pVPgcRK7OFi_Al74A_upH4BPoebzTcPk8N_had_nNe2Oe/s320/Athene_noctua_%2528cropped%2529.jpg" title="By Athene_noctua_(portrait).jpg: Trebol-aderivative work:Stemonitis (talk) - Athene_noctua_(portrait).jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0" width="312" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetradrachm" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnTiPhwSSqhC13F4qs3AWoH7jgwLZvfJI9tuY-3D_gR3u7Q0vzXnwaDrURt-lQPyvAbPUyTeK1G9cSkvlxwrox_z_7zCI4zsyyI6a3xeYF8X7aTWHX5BRuIy8_JjovfJcbahmbfUxCEGi/s320/Tetradrachm_Athens_480-420BC_MBA_Lyon.jpg" title="By Marie-Lan Nguyen (User:Jastrow), 2009-02-28, CC BY 2.5" width="320" /></a></div>
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Going back to my cafepress shop, I found a jumping off point from back in 2005! My Goddess of Wisdom design features an owl, though not an <i>Athene Noctua. </i>Still, the eyes are compelling, seeing deep into a problem and beyond it. It is no wonder owls are used to represent learning and knowledge. We see them every June when the graduates celebrate their hard work. We also see them in popular culture, movies and television. Wisdom can only come with time, I think. And it is more than learning facts. It is the synthesis of those facts along with a respect for the patterns of human behavior that we see again and again. Athena herself would never fight for a cause that was unjust. She is also the patroness of civilization, agriculture, handicrafts, all the things that allow us to live together in peace and prosperity. </div>
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I hope she will bring these blessings to you and put the right tools in your hands.</h4>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-54705261815606717452011-07-11T22:28:00.001-07:002011-07-11T23:07:13.040-07:00Button Fairies for Free!Some crafts are so fun, you don't want to stop at just one! Making button fairies was an instant hit with me since I have tons of buttons and a large collection of both digital and actual clipped (from magazines) clip art! The ladies on my scrapbook message board started talking about these so I just googled "button fairy" or maybe "button fairy tutorial." I'm pretty sure I worked out how to do it from looking at the pics. The wire that I used to string the buttons together was leftover from another craft so this was a NO SPENDING craft! Excellent. No trips to Michael's or Joann's, just start playing :)<br /><br />This first lady looks like more of an angel and that's okay with me. The wings are Tattered Angels Foil Chip Chipboards. The body is clip art from <a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/">The Graphics Fairy</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEExgqptMGj0oOiSHSehyphenhyphena7S86bK2ohwKlyv7nKItDNQVgaGRTadTy-J15lwgytXd8WAUl4myFf7KiuK-9BCJgXs1z1F3kntwF4kEyoF4D6usVzOki-ceYHGY2YRLe8pC7rlDG5pyYKRj/s1600/IMG_1339.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEExgqptMGj0oOiSHSehyphenhyphena7S86bK2ohwKlyv7nKItDNQVgaGRTadTy-J15lwgytXd8WAUl4myFf7KiuK-9BCJgXs1z1F3kntwF4kEyoF4D6usVzOki-ceYHGY2YRLe8pC7rlDG5pyYKRj/s320/IMG_1339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628336489989824882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjiwMbdAz9YxRdkaeD4b1YdZrMqXxTZA3IXzPwPFGztZVidx93qyut0_g4AaoAllnW3EhbuPg2v4Al0cEx4kcr19DUWR-nJkKRhqsKDaWcSAuxQyXbp1cbW4dgX7IWjnpF1b88WlBOBIC/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjiwMbdAz9YxRdkaeD4b1YdZrMqXxTZA3IXzPwPFGztZVidx93qyut0_g4AaoAllnW3EhbuPg2v4Al0cEx4kcr19DUWR-nJkKRhqsKDaWcSAuxQyXbp1cbW4dgX7IWjnpF1b88WlBOBIC/s320/IMG_1340.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628336483789417490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This lady is in a darker vein and already had her wings. I just had to decorate and give her a button body. The picture was cut from <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/tool.aspx?x=dnd/4new/tool/dragonmagazine">Dragon Magazine</a> which is now only available online. Lucky for me, my hubby had many of these stashed away from his Dungeons and Dragons days :) I love going through and cutting out pics of mythical beasts and such. The buttons are decorated with a mix of Tattered Angels Glitter Glaze in Wicked (green) and Flirty (burgundy). I'm sorry I don't know who the artist is, though.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtBOlYA6F23wkFYTSu1C69qtysZvF3gQL62g4Bot9Tp8xrXUUCk2530j0OG0EI68a0bOKmSnVPA-AAhhWkDa-kcOIz4ddeyDjMRSErY4DBr0x5-XKrOz28TpKp-sSKaUr09REVWIFMJ3K/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtBOlYA6F23wkFYTSu1C69qtysZvF3gQL62g4Bot9Tp8xrXUUCk2530j0OG0EI68a0bOKmSnVPA-AAhhWkDa-kcOIz4ddeyDjMRSErY4DBr0x5-XKrOz28TpKp-sSKaUr09REVWIFMJ3K/s320/IMG_0699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628334236624359506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSObJcaIuQ8VFY9-VcLOT2zje-YTpxe1UsS9Aqr7blxXucfIBWniEgaYvFkygqLaQ1I5FwsIfmV-aW6X3frzWAnTYs6VVDTSAO2gqbpnJlN50Xrkk67xakyshKjNiEnVHZLiccWBzDdPvq/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSObJcaIuQ8VFY9-VcLOT2zje-YTpxe1UsS9Aqr7blxXucfIBWniEgaYvFkygqLaQ1I5FwsIfmV-aW6X3frzWAnTYs6VVDTSAO2gqbpnJlN50Xrkk67xakyshKjNiEnVHZLiccWBzDdPvq/s320/IMG_0703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628334231700924898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This sensuous goddess fairy is from a comic book! The figure was a dancing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Hari">Mata Hari</a>. The artist's name is <a href="http://sabogsintido.deviantart.com/">Roy Allan Martinez</a> and the comic was written by Rich Wilkes. I loved the colors as well as her pose and used that for the inspiration for the rest of the fairy. The buttons are decorated with Tattered Angels Glitter Glam Walkin' On Sunshine and Viva Decor 3D Glitter-Gel in Gold. I think I threw some red glitter puffy paint in there, too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCGuE2dv91ydIFYONIMESE3nhNJ1YrYfcvsZAHfPQlvQFtC0S9idLiRdB7nRzQP71iVVfBtisSFVjzEwRfIISoQKprhetBWZZhyphenhyphengeKgiBtatTfUWrnmMqDUDzbZ_UVo7TW2KvRUBO736y/s1600/buttonfairy1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCGuE2dv91ydIFYONIMESE3nhNJ1YrYfcvsZAHfPQlvQFtC0S9idLiRdB7nRzQP71iVVfBtisSFVjzEwRfIISoQKprhetBWZZhyphenhyphengeKgiBtatTfUWrnmMqDUDzbZ_UVo7TW2KvRUBO736y/s320/buttonfairy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628334225543060850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last, but not least (because that would make her even more upset!) my sad, little pouty-face fairy ;) She is a photo cut from a magazine and stuck into my scrapbook long, long ago. I just liked the picture a lot. I wish I knew who the model or the photographer was! Anyway, she has some beautiful wings that I cut with my cricut and decorated with Star Dust Stickles. Her button body is also decorated with Stickles and Tattered Angels Glitter Glam in Chandelier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHX_5_Sdftme_ykxoXvc9R-TWwri9dFkDzS93ZeLWrALNZZF9rLSbCTby1Usv5-oZP86qySblreGRe2kUY8V-crsynUMSDJlx_g-IPStmXZFNr4lquZ9PbV2oqLvli0c3H1F8XT7Yifnw/s1600/button+fairy+goth3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHX_5_Sdftme_ykxoXvc9R-TWwri9dFkDzS93ZeLWrALNZZF9rLSbCTby1Usv5-oZP86qySblreGRe2kUY8V-crsynUMSDJlx_g-IPStmXZFNr4lquZ9PbV2oqLvli0c3H1F8XT7Yifnw/s320/button+fairy+goth3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628334218058966882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dTCAaHX2KldTvYocZ2yWr7EyHSpjCX8fWVOjAgIlQIndLPYhGT2lY_hkvfGjq00JErB58o9iJzM6iepSGRGTgbfFUjPWKYXal65KgWLihEDl4F4J6Afgwwr5Hfa_7qxdHif_o75moLgj/s1600/button+fairy+goth1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dTCAaHX2KldTvYocZ2yWr7EyHSpjCX8fWVOjAgIlQIndLPYhGT2lY_hkvfGjq00JErB58o9iJzM6iepSGRGTgbfFUjPWKYXal65KgWLihEDl4F4J6Afgwwr5Hfa_7qxdHif_o75moLgj/s320/button+fairy+goth1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628334214404789362" border="0" /></a><br />Try it! It's one of those things that is so fun and really hard to screw up!<br />later,<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-63718093757051958742011-07-10T01:05:00.000-07:002011-07-10T02:16:09.654-07:00Princess BannerFinally, after promising my niece Zoe a princess banner on St. Patrick's Day (because she loved my celtic banner) I nervously presented the finished product to her on Father's Day! I think I will blame it all on wanting to get it perfect for her :)<br />So, the papers I used are an assortment I received as a RAK, sorry I can't tell you who made them. I can share some of the other details though...<br />-Flower, butterfly and accent Die-Cuts from <a href="http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/kandcompany/">K and Company</a> (Studio 112)<br />-Foil Chips Chipboard from <a href="http://mytatteredangels.com/Default.aspx">Tattered Angels</a><br />-Glitter Alpha Punch Out letters from Colorbök<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w9QxXLi1anMJRAMW48ghOE39TYflhieZuygLATiGbn-YL7wJ_zNRW7m1-OTBZSBcaTgbUWJdQ37ICXKcn3Pr7WndXNX6Jtlk24YK3zyMuOc4YoRKOd4a_0gRIUhkvAprhecWq-9HSRgC/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9w9QxXLi1anMJRAMW48ghOE39TYflhieZuygLATiGbn-YL7wJ_zNRW7m1-OTBZSBcaTgbUWJdQ37ICXKcn3Pr7WndXNX6Jtlk24YK3zyMuOc4YoRKOd4a_0gRIUhkvAprhecWq-9HSRgC/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627633344803509682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbQxh7ODmrthhUuFKnZEeci6OiBlyvmBDdqojbwc5VlUCbcilncJTy9YWlijwXZoPkmdVbKVVAdhOUt6O5-1afhHJRbLJZ1xDO5T7oBktYWvmPGOoi2vvuOOWgT4AS12R1nEpMjiSORmv/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbQxh7ODmrthhUuFKnZEeci6OiBlyvmBDdqojbwc5VlUCbcilncJTy9YWlijwXZoPkmdVbKVVAdhOUt6O5-1afhHJRbLJZ1xDO5T7oBktYWvmPGOoi2vvuOOWgT4AS12R1nEpMjiSORmv/s320/IMG_0974.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627634174778643650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciyA-CHQUj7oGJ2AcF0QCwPxpt1OA1ORBQ6nN2RGyQuhHrmHW3oV0bbdN-0Zz8ZdRA4QDTat5-sVZpRhzktUPtjcUB_5buVFmE1F9CA3C6IKxA8Aas7yHwWGQZs-eZByrSC3LLe72268s/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciyA-CHQUj7oGJ2AcF0QCwPxpt1OA1ORBQ6nN2RGyQuhHrmHW3oV0bbdN-0Zz8ZdRA4QDTat5-sVZpRhzktUPtjcUB_5buVFmE1F9CA3C6IKxA8Aas7yHwWGQZs-eZByrSC3LLe72268s/s320/IMG_0975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627633336320959010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqaIXagOWL453HBKBkEQgBtrvmmY8WxJ8GoiajbyKCRr6OfEO_-8QjRonm00ktcXlYd3pJHMalkkcCg_FPbAyWm-payCIXDsC8cRdO2gAjD0Rr996OrD8M5JhUXThrOpG4svpkplF0FWq/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqaIXagOWL453HBKBkEQgBtrvmmY8WxJ8GoiajbyKCRr6OfEO_-8QjRonm00ktcXlYd3pJHMalkkcCg_FPbAyWm-payCIXDsC8cRdO2gAjD0Rr996OrD8M5JhUXThrOpG4svpkplF0FWq/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627633320115247234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbYtaeOLxX9WNTfz2vQEnr6YsJtnUUX0goRACtp8Y-WnUrUfytB-FUDseQgsx8tB88wytjCndU0NgqdVZyVL3aiqRWyEs1rpbX8XU_-AG65VEKX0igiSECW7MSeznJzCvdtd8iIyClbZ0/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbYtaeOLxX9WNTfz2vQEnr6YsJtnUUX0goRACtp8Y-WnUrUfytB-FUDseQgsx8tB88wytjCndU0NgqdVZyVL3aiqRWyEs1rpbX8XU_-AG65VEKX0igiSECW7MSeznJzCvdtd8iIyClbZ0/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627633318246849970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dREd89Di8q9PVrDEVYkMWoCxJ6Akxa0VJU8xtjD4ZOBwNJK1LotE5lIGsiTjRUSavk1KkLpRzPJj5C2EqJPJMetJkDIqV9Gih5GSWmlXohTONzBWNZxcsg70GYL4bOPnDjyHyhk4dZwk/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dREd89Di8q9PVrDEVYkMWoCxJ6Akxa0VJU8xtjD4ZOBwNJK1LotE5lIGsiTjRUSavk1KkLpRzPJj5C2EqJPJMetJkDIqV9Gih5GSWmlXohTONzBWNZxcsg70GYL4bOPnDjyHyhk4dZwk/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627632707834665394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMltJIFKKtbLqKVK0xZqNNOoI0sWr0tXs0QvdO54X3FyFHtUinKYToCRY2Rt4vFWh_PjqCt9CbvWFZRZ7QO2GXQvkdUROLHzuVBNhyJLzGTaMrawTtu0qNMxyeGG-vh-phnRAvoUwW86FQ/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMltJIFKKtbLqKVK0xZqNNOoI0sWr0tXs0QvdO54X3FyFHtUinKYToCRY2Rt4vFWh_PjqCt9CbvWFZRZ7QO2GXQvkdUROLHzuVBNhyJLzGTaMrawTtu0qNMxyeGG-vh-phnRAvoUwW86FQ/s320/IMG_0968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627632701759026434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wudM_XnPCzQm23pLb0LBCHoogPK1_BG0gPxjLskVmS_NOPfjLAySCrDS7et0qGeNTRdsIHBs4ZWn1iHznhMqgfXKI3n17EoISvZin6K-HI-M_T4XaUL87y3Nb6upT5gCSWLoBQemVBV6/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wudM_XnPCzQm23pLb0LBCHoogPK1_BG0gPxjLskVmS_NOPfjLAySCrDS7et0qGeNTRdsIHBs4ZWn1iHznhMqgfXKI3n17EoISvZin6K-HI-M_T4XaUL87y3Nb6upT5gCSWLoBQemVBV6/s320/IMG_0967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627632700672821138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW-XGGQwJQ7gPCrvWIyA71sNT5WAda9WNSvW2GG6zMxZg3wS-pSW1GVTPkqx26O3IIfDXRMZA0SFmUEp1aOg3-D1BfshiEhHnlMsGqZHnR-_jXFNMZTvsMuHfexjbWpxOz2QTPkgcjwms/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLW-XGGQwJQ7gPCrvWIyA71sNT5WAda9WNSvW2GG6zMxZg3wS-pSW1GVTPkqx26O3IIfDXRMZA0SFmUEp1aOg3-D1BfshiEhHnlMsGqZHnR-_jXFNMZTvsMuHfexjbWpxOz2QTPkgcjwms/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627632694731609794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzc7sdQBN0A9DHAbXrFkYHPfXMEidAVjMMBFHxNMWlop0y3UhjbFxXDr9fyKxYzXR8du42TJ7my-yPsYJORSLlmGbur5Nulv02lEksJjV8WjcbDBh0zwS3EHfm3b9LUtAsxJlSyACq0kL/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzc7sdQBN0A9DHAbXrFkYHPfXMEidAVjMMBFHxNMWlop0y3UhjbFxXDr9fyKxYzXR8du42TJ7my-yPsYJORSLlmGbur5Nulv02lEksJjV8WjcbDBh0zwS3EHfm3b9LUtAsxJlSyACq0kL/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627632689578519650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqskd2V5nNbCIoenhQTThNpxtOqDiF-fw9qcaOrMAd8zjcuOQ9Q0Uvnl7z2v0vkzBkO2SaEDpfAYQW8bG-HdgRrX_nDDqgWztxHCZZuaJ9v0V769sDDIX9Oa37VWQEHAkVeFOZK4_Lyzjw/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqskd2V5nNbCIoenhQTThNpxtOqDiF-fw9qcaOrMAd8zjcuOQ9Q0Uvnl7z2v0vkzBkO2SaEDpfAYQW8bG-HdgRrX_nDDqgWztxHCZZuaJ9v0V769sDDIX9Oa37VWQEHAkVeFOZK4_Lyzjw/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627632136388054274" border="0" /></a><br />The box for the banner was created using <a href="http://www.fabulouslyartsy.com/2009/05/card-box-tutorial.html">this tutorial from Fabulously Artsy</a>. It was meant for greeting cards but it worked out well for the banner. I just folded it up and put half in one side, half in the other.<br />At the bottom of this post, I will also include the .svg files so that you can cut some of the same images with your cricut and a make a banner for your favorite princess.<br />I'm really glad I set this challenge for myself. It's not too often that I give myself permission to dive headlong into pink, fluffy girly-ness with my crafts. The style of the banner is also very different from the celtic one I made for St. Paddy's day. I wanted it to be more layered and textural. Now, looking at the pictures, I'm wondering if it needs MORE glitter, MORE lace, MORE PRINCESS! Hehehehe, maybe not. Zoe seemed to like it and recognized many of the features of classic fairytales on the pendant. A glass slipper here, a royal crest there and of course, a unicorn who will only appear to pure-hearted young maidens.<br />I don't necessarily think our culture's emphasis on princesses is a bad one. It's a matter of which princess and which version of the story gets told. A princess is not far from a queen, who is not far from a legend who is not far from a goddess.... Disney is a great way to introduce one version of a classic story but probably needs to be followed up with literature, lore, folk tales and stories of real women who actually existed and did heroic things. In some cases, it's a matter of women who did they best they could under rotten conditions! Their stories need to be heard, too.<br />Well, that's all for now :) Except that I'm also excited that my Cafepress shop sold some new designs while I was in Hawaii vacationing with family! I did a series of three designs based on palmistry (one of my first loves in the realm of the occult...) and really loved how they came out. Here's the design for the heart line. <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios/4241337">Go here</a> to see the other two for the head and life line.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpMfOdcSXq4DPr-3-DaOzYZWujo2M8YdrD7SPCqhD_TtDpQZ7VG6C6F6sDpM6cOsaKzzWsldkxYpzxTTNgM6tU_JccLTPQMAWw9Jti1rf9uBx4VSDiw9ZteUJRao5TvvxHiZ_dd9PluPm/s1600/heart+line+artistic+white.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpMfOdcSXq4DPr-3-DaOzYZWujo2M8YdrD7SPCqhD_TtDpQZ7VG6C6F6sDpM6cOsaKzzWsldkxYpzxTTNgM6tU_JccLTPQMAWw9Jti1rf9uBx4VSDiw9ZteUJRao5TvvxHiZ_dd9PluPm/s320/heart+line+artistic+white.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627647007756885586" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks for stopping by!<br />Allison<br />PS: Here are the svg files<br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/crown_%231.svg">Crown</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/unicorn%20leaping.svg">Unicorn</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/ffleurdelis.svg">Fleur de Lis</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/myheel.svg">Glass Slipper</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/Old%20Castle%20Silhouette.svg">Castle</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/pennant%20triangle%20bottom.svg">Pennant Base</a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-15100485528935935472011-05-26T22:16:00.000-07:002011-05-26T22:56:45.780-07:00Too early for Halloween? Never!There are some things that never fail to inspire me. I remember when I was very young, probably 7 or 8, I wrote a book on how to put on a play. The play featured in my theatre manual was, of course, a horror fest full of vampires and werewolves! I'll have to scan that little booklet for sheer entertainment value very soon ;) So, first, let me reveal my creation ("It's ALIVE!!!") and then I will share where I found help and tutorials from other crafty mad scientists...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/AJR%20It%27s%20the%20Hair.zip"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92JESGmiqg46LP7gsBmiMPscF7v1LOCBX4dirkXUBj_HO7BfDGIjC1g3Kr8LGcGEZjcKxn4A87pfPqVlaBL5PFOdY2MHnufvVYeEZFRBdv8hPR5THCMTP2_cqXEcy19qVMwpCeRpT1Gg1/s400/it%2527s+the+hair+preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611265215864793858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This mini-kit is free for personal use! It has 3 patterned 12x12 papers, 2 svg cut files and 2 png files of the cameos. I don't think it's finished either, there may be more add-ons later :) Please email me if there are any problems with the download (haven't offered anything in a while so I hope it works!)<br />So, one tutorial that was invaluable was by Liz Ness at<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_iImiTgMdY"> Liz Ness Studios</a>. I found it on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/10MinuteDesignTV">10MinuteDesignTV</a>, a YouTube channel that I am no where near done exploring! The medusa cameo was created from a graphic from <a href="http://www.wpclipart.com/index.html">WPClipart.com</a>. The Bride's cameo was created from a still from the 1935 movie.<br />Why the hair? Why not my usual fangs and bat wings? Well, some days, my hair is downright scary ;) I wake up in the morning and often remark that I "look like I stuck my finger in a light socket." Or, after wrestling with it, trying to get it to behave, it seems a nest of vipers is growing out of my head! If you look into the Medusa myth, by the way, you will find that the whole situation was quite unfair...! I will continue to work on this and I appreciate any feedback :)<br />later,<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-70909494345337528032011-04-28T16:31:00.000-07:002011-04-28T16:49:43.572-07:00Ocean Goddess Design Poll...Am I yearning for the beach? Summer days spent lulled by the music of the waves? The scent of coconut sun screen enticing the flies to buzz in my ear... um, wait. Okay, I'll admit, I actually enjoy beach trips that have nothing to do with bathing suits! More along the lines of shell collecting and drawing pictures in the sand. I have been known to swim in Lake Tahoe though ;) Still, the ocean has fascinated me since I was a child. Being a Pisces, I've only strengthened that tie over time, imagining that I have a special connection with the world of the sea. I know I'm not the only one who feels that way... I'm sure other woman have dreamed of receiving the gifts of an ocean goddess like Aphrodite, Yemeya, or Mary (in her aspect of Our Lady Star of the Sea).<br /><br />Here are some update designs that I'm considering adding to my store... Do any of them appeal to my fellow mermaids, undines and nereids? Feedback is welcome of course :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZAEao_OsgzS65Tdnw2wc3K4y2T67-tAkf-CMvycfyF0exssT2iMYJApbbIMzeAw7uEKh741iOnaAOcemebc4u9d_TrM6GrkBPJr0OcU3hMarlVLejSsH6Pr927HCMuzY05vQ27VTePYq/s1600/ocean+goddess+old+gold+blue+seahorse.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZAEao_OsgzS65Tdnw2wc3K4y2T67-tAkf-CMvycfyF0exssT2iMYJApbbIMzeAw7uEKh741iOnaAOcemebc4u9d_TrM6GrkBPJr0OcU3hMarlVLejSsH6Pr927HCMuzY05vQ27VTePYq/s320/ocean+goddess+old+gold+blue+seahorse.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600784829131040290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DH6etq1lKR-IRzq0gP1XOFa1Loa7WoP8hlj47IOF6hxGCtTD0UUO2Oj3W8UMh1g8Kj62INPbaj7L2nwvgzCmArvBzJgOy6ZxIBlIJduqWrIWdFBLNUZRshwP9LqKSMuZxqdl9ge9lMJk/s1600/ocean+goddess+beveled+frame+green+seahorse.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DH6etq1lKR-IRzq0gP1XOFa1Loa7WoP8hlj47IOF6hxGCtTD0UUO2Oj3W8UMh1g8Kj62INPbaj7L2nwvgzCmArvBzJgOy6ZxIBlIJduqWrIWdFBLNUZRshwP9LqKSMuZxqdl9ge9lMJk/s320/ocean+goddess+beveled+frame+green+seahorse.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600784801527006146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoi9koqfPlM0rlKvMGKPOlyvrmL2zAXRd4m2AAi8hIzuIzcFQKJkfLnVIJKeBeNV9DwYvdUCO06BTD9rcsv28Qo-XuQK0aLZFizprpjxBp41Uxd12e38fovSn2lvPwA5HA6Bz7CA1S3Tp/s1600/ocean+goddess+bronze+frame.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoi9koqfPlM0rlKvMGKPOlyvrmL2zAXRd4m2AAi8hIzuIzcFQKJkfLnVIJKeBeNV9DwYvdUCO06BTD9rcsv28Qo-XuQK0aLZFizprpjxBp41Uxd12e38fovSn2lvPwA5HA6Bz7CA1S3Tp/s320/ocean+goddess+bronze+frame.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600784814844258914" border="0" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-7838077223364478602011-03-09T20:47:00.000-08:002011-03-09T21:20:47.159-08:00My Celtic RootsMy birthday and St. Patrick's Day are both in March. Today was a very Spring-y day and I was inspired to finish my Celtic Banner. I did it in honor of my Celtic ancestors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqklHInXcG7dPo36_O_0587RD3ZCXxf3xypvMCav5OUfJ8h_67b4BesU8DniGq7GK6_K79Z0HZ5QDBlqbOmCEeJqr3fNQ_EmTFa3j9JDW3G0iQLrk0QFkHB5YMK0BMAjLtwwXiUcHL4SaR/s1600/celtic+banner1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqklHInXcG7dPo36_O_0587RD3ZCXxf3xypvMCav5OUfJ8h_67b4BesU8DniGq7GK6_K79Z0HZ5QDBlqbOmCEeJqr3fNQ_EmTFa3j9JDW3G0iQLrk0QFkHB5YMK0BMAjLtwwXiUcHL4SaR/s320/celtic+banner1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582316467033964610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZnQQ-a84iT9Dp8Of0nf6EdvRshcuqSWroNbOexOVtgSb-KQdOsZ8WzUM8jG3FxqRapY7bwL-zew2o6kBxXRjXIgk3B8zwd08DqcS45PJ8YgFwuDPRZzEOAo7xWO6-433Q_xpmPb1Mz16/s1600/celtic+banner+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZnQQ-a84iT9Dp8Of0nf6EdvRshcuqSWroNbOexOVtgSb-KQdOsZ8WzUM8jG3FxqRapY7bwL-zew2o6kBxXRjXIgk3B8zwd08DqcS45PJ8YgFwuDPRZzEOAo7xWO6-433Q_xpmPb1Mz16/s320/celtic+banner+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582316472959376530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_1vA5kTUdlfZw7ihGI7e-lChBu92u1P8JDIkyPFUhSiKRlXLmkdTzC64g43RldHBHg8sHBpowgtTyuIXuti3u6XE1s1e2k1QiW4nntfOnsTMWp2BMmcJ_q5B7XlhDS9DLZnkLyCc3wZV/s1600/celtic+banner+5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_1vA5kTUdlfZw7ihGI7e-lChBu92u1P8JDIkyPFUhSiKRlXLmkdTzC64g43RldHBHg8sHBpowgtTyuIXuti3u6XE1s1e2k1QiW4nntfOnsTMWp2BMmcJ_q5B7XlhDS9DLZnkLyCc3wZV/s320/celtic+banner+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582316507228555906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXAW9WAMh_4Fqiqlze4xfF2ZKeIxQS_xzOGrG0Pr3sWxdLXQAFaYZhF_LlSNdihY9oFOWBSsA-Jv_z_ABz5rp-MnUGdlUrvZPZflm4vbbBPfD-_JGGadYuc97jfrVBqtAN9YN-WzATM4i/s1600/celtic+banner+4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXAW9WAMh_4Fqiqlze4xfF2ZKeIxQS_xzOGrG0Pr3sWxdLXQAFaYZhF_LlSNdihY9oFOWBSsA-Jv_z_ABz5rp-MnUGdlUrvZPZflm4vbbBPfD-_JGGadYuc97jfrVBqtAN9YN-WzATM4i/s320/celtic+banner+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582316491015872834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoOrip_fhG8jHWCAcVP01x9mKT69uZaWFwbNPfktMd5BwypdM-y1O8RSdUgOBy51h1sPMQnNIK2ebAiFhgf7FJVJAwdccue3nZAuXK3bf_84aTkgfgXWw9n5678XqGVVyHE_1ORoAGDcC/s1600/celtic+banner+3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoOrip_fhG8jHWCAcVP01x9mKT69uZaWFwbNPfktMd5BwypdM-y1O8RSdUgOBy51h1sPMQnNIK2ebAiFhgf7FJVJAwdccue3nZAuXK3bf_84aTkgfgXWw9n5678XqGVVyHE_1ORoAGDcC/s320/celtic+banner+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582316477993688034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can't say that I really want to celebrate the destruction of the native Celtic beliefs as they were converted (sometimes forcibly) to Christianity... but I know that the holiday has now become a point of pride for people of Scottish, Welsh and Irish descent. Besides, I love the mythical lore of that part of the world! When I was in grade school, I had a very vivid "sighting" of a leprechaun! And who doesn't love lucky four leaf clovers, claddaghs and pots of gold? I was also inspired by legends of Avalon from England. The UK has such a rich history of magic, I wanted to honor that as well.<br />I used a variety of free svg files from the internet. Thank you to all the other artists who are sharing files too! Here are a few of the cut files I used (with Sure Cuts A Lot software) so that you can make a banner too!<br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/Autumnal%20Birdie">Autumnal Birdie</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/etruscan%20horse">Etruscan Horse</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/Hummingbird">Hummingbird</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/knot%20shamrock.svg">Celtic Knot Shamrock</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/pointed%20scallop%20rectangle.svg">Scalloped Flags</a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/Sheep.svg">Little Sheep</a><br /><br />Have a lovely spring everyone!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-55763687902629386522011-03-09T17:26:00.000-08:002011-03-09T17:33:19.738-08:00A Freebie for you!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2R6nZO-AVMB93Efu1noN4dbnhtjBzmsb83G7126CsohsZ8XOtvOQ3zsF9XvpiIyMZH60BmPg696zmZzkliVV-DvWBxR8bSQh-ATIN_unwj3VULOh5gs576ndS_sk_6s6l4vRQTduEc8g/s1600/spring.nestlings.preview.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2R6nZO-AVMB93Efu1noN4dbnhtjBzmsb83G7126CsohsZ8XOtvOQ3zsF9XvpiIyMZH60BmPg696zmZzkliVV-DvWBxR8bSQh-ATIN_unwj3VULOh5gs576ndS_sk_6s6l4vRQTduEc8g/s320/spring.nestlings.preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582257762613914338" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.craftycurios.com/files/Allison.J.Rodriguez.spring.nestlings.zip">Spring Nestlings Digital Scrapbook Mini Kit Freebie</a><br /><br />In honor of the first robins of spring here's a little kit for you! :) I've been busy playing with my new cricut machine and I'm sure I'll have some cut files to share in the near future! In the meantime, please enjoy this freebie and comment is you like it!<br />Thanks,<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-87867616934213994662010-12-08T20:02:00.000-08:002010-12-08T21:24:34.770-08:00Oh Dear...Have six months really flown by? Yep, there they go! I really should catch you all up on what I've created over the past several months... which isn't much! I guess sometimes an artist needs space to regroup, time to fill up the cup again so that it can be poured into new projects. I was an empty cup! But now I feel filled to the brim again :) I'd like to share a few<a href="http://members.cafepress.com/products/preview.aspx?s=1710324_7006330"> Victorian Angels</a> I made (you may remember I made a quartet of them<a href="http://craftycurios.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-been-so-long.html"> last year</a>). As always, my art is deeply influenced by my love of nature. The first angel has a wintery companion. She is the Reindeer Guardian. The second angel is what a white poinsettia looks like when it goes to a Christmas party ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0icJBZVmud64XvGRr1_3QhgujXRvQO_aciucm98Y7jmqsfgJa0f_zCB-i_JcYYSEDaPJvl9DmywCVWaVrAv8p1A8qO-nJONIeuxbO7n570s6ECRp_sD59hNfOimZCu-33r3Whr_N3gqCb/s1600/Reindeer+Guardian+victorian+angel.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0icJBZVmud64XvGRr1_3QhgujXRvQO_aciucm98Y7jmqsfgJa0f_zCB-i_JcYYSEDaPJvl9DmywCVWaVrAv8p1A8qO-nJONIeuxbO7n570s6ECRp_sD59hNfOimZCu-33r3Whr_N3gqCb/s320/Reindeer+Guardian+victorian+angel.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548529278348478514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3-h8f_u_gIvp4U20CsJDn_jIJno0_lJIXju7VDOp1Lr5eSbedk31ZhrYPDV3C-60b1YJwI6x5ZP8ibdfG1CzucVyNgyvCo_vTsl2dgVJ-Th2ghF_YGcqZmB_NyifLmZ373q1oTWo34Ma/s1600/snow+flower+fairy.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3-h8f_u_gIvp4U20CsJDn_jIJno0_lJIXju7VDOp1Lr5eSbedk31ZhrYPDV3C-60b1YJwI6x5ZP8ibdfG1CzucVyNgyvCo_vTsl2dgVJ-Th2ghF_YGcqZmB_NyifLmZ373q1oTWo34Ma/s320/snow+flower+fairy.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548529290292821714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Both designs are available at my cafe press shop as ceramic ornaments. I also added some stockings to my shop with angels on them! I love doing collage work like this. I used to cut up magazines but now, I cut down on the mess and use photoshop, hehe.<br /><br />Let's go back in time a little while to Halloween, shall we? Here are some poison bottles that I made:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwsCvzJthup1kS2u7UADShkIpPJ6ubeQwb9QTUXHeodxA_yxXYOmozu8DhPSNzTBIPK__3uIn29w4VVIU7qwB_8qxix8hBXBNCVyj3qQ3GngPVEejPQJK0T5axIomkzVTYAOHDjxGl-BW/s1600/poison+bottles+2010.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwsCvzJthup1kS2u7UADShkIpPJ6ubeQwb9QTUXHeodxA_yxXYOmozu8DhPSNzTBIPK__3uIn29w4VVIU7qwB_8qxix8hBXBNCVyj3qQ3GngPVEejPQJK0T5axIomkzVTYAOHDjxGl-BW/s320/poison+bottles+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548547965912100738" border="0" /></a><br />No, I don't have a messy craft table, why do you ask? eheheh :) One is for "Resurrection Lilly", a plant that will bring you back from the dead as a vampire! Really! And the other is "Poison Monk's Cowl" a plant with a deadly flower that resembles an alchemist's hood... And here is the strange cat-beast that I transformed into that night...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpznvVhg8YVIMJYZ9EEwJoMdo8yzm7WZPaTuimQ8iGU8pBj_QcY2RRzBr67D2W-S-S5v4ISPavXuLBEejqTYm7zMTKOVmdwHEYCyqE0y1QBNbraqQ_EMx7VjFLL1GGMzUqHhxtSr03Vvq_/s1600/me+halloween+2010.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpznvVhg8YVIMJYZ9EEwJoMdo8yzm7WZPaTuimQ8iGU8pBj_QcY2RRzBr67D2W-S-S5v4ISPavXuLBEejqTYm7zMTKOVmdwHEYCyqE0y1QBNbraqQ_EMx7VjFLL1GGMzUqHhxtSr03Vvq_/s320/me+halloween+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548547976554455874" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, back to merry, bright December :)<br />Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday season!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-4768055500914064402010-06-03T22:12:00.000-07:002010-06-03T22:57:35.059-07:00Dessert, daring escapes and a little bird :)Hello All!<br />I have a few projects of mine to share with you. No real theme here ;) Just trying to make the most of some of my craft supplies, odds and ends that I've been collecting. First I want to recommend a book! It may not be for everyone but I found it fascinating! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Curiosities-Assemblage-Techniques-Projects/dp/1581809727/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275629349&sr=8-2">Altered Curiosities by Jane Ann Wynn</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tlHUx8YkL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tlHUx8YkL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I found this book, brought it home, gave it a good read and created the shrine below right away!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nyyv8izzVaFLKKL7ktpZdq2TqTBc5_A5i9W2KX_Shv4DYsEm_JETsV1wA12QR7JeCwYREHSTR9FpQ2MgOyWUgEU29R9k5DfdqC3q1T6pLkDZ7FEQEF9YK8Njtd7tLMmgZLCtm3GVy69K/s1600/bird+shrine.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nyyv8izzVaFLKKL7ktpZdq2TqTBc5_A5i9W2KX_Shv4DYsEm_JETsV1wA12QR7JeCwYREHSTR9FpQ2MgOyWUgEU29R9k5DfdqC3q1T6pLkDZ7FEQEF9YK8Njtd7tLMmgZLCtm3GVy69K/s320/bird+shrine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478782611911083954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYSzMssWlzlUxdAupMrHKISsQC7eAcVJblV8U6hAqOZOJ_vSaHY0998vW_fCotHlf_LxwKJiJN_yZLPRINCF9bn0IhR2k_C3fZu9-go_SsRvmi3VQ-Sg_qDoFe42pboSrKQHZcjYT-qOm/s1600/bird+shrine+feet.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYSzMssWlzlUxdAupMrHKISsQC7eAcVJblV8U6hAqOZOJ_vSaHY0998vW_fCotHlf_LxwKJiJN_yZLPRINCF9bn0IhR2k_C3fZu9-go_SsRvmi3VQ-Sg_qDoFe42pboSrKQHZcjYT-qOm/s320/bird+shrine+feet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478782614441577554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCPO8iU54e8Sw4IZjzNZLu-kqC2bXxvLaes8BzC-B9_yGnnfRcUJRU8MNd4iAwlkjhvI8vLWAsbKcC9apkPQZD7Jy6Mz-qvLdyUXjBOLDiZdRUTkCwDt73p83oVdqauLQ1Ql0JBrO2M6W/s1600/bird+shrine+top.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCPO8iU54e8Sw4IZjzNZLu-kqC2bXxvLaes8BzC-B9_yGnnfRcUJRU8MNd4iAwlkjhvI8vLWAsbKcC9apkPQZD7Jy6Mz-qvLdyUXjBOLDiZdRUTkCwDt73p83oVdqauLQ1Ql0JBrO2M6W/s320/bird+shrine+top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478782602378173842" border="0" /></a><br />The feet of the shrine are thread spools covered with ribbon. It's hard to see but one of them says "cherish". The box is a recycled greeting card box. I originally intended to fill the shrine with... something but the bird is so sweet, I may just leave it. Who knows? Actually, the shrine is not very similar in spirit to the art in the book. This ATC is more along the same lines... a little spooky, weird and wonderful!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOfrVlYt4rFDk1rUZlXTo9AJrfkb3LIg9LYo7zN1ZEuG59-vjVEmdDeAz96S4YwEkRmtDeG1wJhK-Yu4MGFV4ZWJogqbDkby_R4NsNsclAcEdkhvtxrwUmRg5xm-CqgaERiab49lpnhv0/s1600/who+wakes+my+bones+atc.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOfrVlYt4rFDk1rUZlXTo9AJrfkb3LIg9LYo7zN1ZEuG59-vjVEmdDeAz96S4YwEkRmtDeG1wJhK-Yu4MGFV4ZWJogqbDkby_R4NsNsclAcEdkhvtxrwUmRg5xm-CqgaERiab49lpnhv0/s320/who+wakes+my+bones+atc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478793070188913826" border="0" /></a> See what happens when you do crafts and watch documentaries about Frankenstein at the same time??? Yep, this one is from way back during Halloween... just put the finishing touches on it this week! Crazy, I know ;)<br />My next sweet nothing was actually created during my Christmas ornament spree! I found the template on <a href="http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm">Mirkwood Designs</a>. They have oodles of templates for all kinds of paper projects. My favorite part of this design was decorating! I love the "raspberry" ric-rac! And the bit of lace on the back is just enough frosting for me ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbIXjQUxH0h3GM8iujuCqhxBD0afQjce8octSXwxZjNoI21fMJo-l7ayY42XiL43j_bmQx-XYpnzxbVoChPlOFFbvPSIISHyI-S8AxUVXtwcrEa8aALAEdDF3o7jiCRUKupkoZQea2H9r/s1600/paper+cake+1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbIXjQUxH0h3GM8iujuCqhxBD0afQjce8octSXwxZjNoI21fMJo-l7ayY42XiL43j_bmQx-XYpnzxbVoChPlOFFbvPSIISHyI-S8AxUVXtwcrEa8aALAEdDF3o7jiCRUKupkoZQea2H9r/s320/paper+cake+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478782622386544546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzl6o-XfcEAm4vOGXXk3ecO4haKzgCGk51B6FCHehll1IxlM5DUPSoxH0RLsS8cuvhKzN7_IiKWqOYMiJdsyor2iZOFp4sPVaB-bG6YzM_ttlxdgHWjYl6nv7OfeQvjax6NBQhUbTew2Z/s1600/paper+cake+3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzl6o-XfcEAm4vOGXXk3ecO4haKzgCGk51B6FCHehll1IxlM5DUPSoxH0RLsS8cuvhKzN7_IiKWqOYMiJdsyor2iZOFp4sPVaB-bG6YzM_ttlxdgHWjYl6nv7OfeQvjax6NBQhUbTew2Z/s320/paper+cake+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478782619831572962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl-w5WzewtoXpgXxiJKgjPry9Mz47ktBor47KJJWTPKz6bvHWv5ggx7nqCqyIU45GqNi0ObK24OAR23PqLwnqRRJSl377WXPA1zRouM6nDpQbujyI-9XB5MKs6mW9SBBoMkdNKftF0P10/s1600/paper+cake+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMl-w5WzewtoXpgXxiJKgjPry9Mz47ktBor47KJJWTPKz6bvHWv5ggx7nqCqyIU45GqNi0ObK24OAR23PqLwnqRRJSl377WXPA1zRouM6nDpQbujyI-9XB5MKs6mW9SBBoMkdNKftF0P10/s320/paper+cake+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478783778940815362" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finally, I am so excited about this piece! I have been contemplating a Houdini homage for a while now. It is just the right time period for me, a little steampunk, a little victorian. He's such a thrilling, mysterious figure... and handsome, too ;) Or at least he was, as you may know, he died performing a risky stunt. He was famous for being able to escape from anything but his final escape was from the land of the living...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVOl64EZqA5FPflaFYQ8R9odn-XXqDGgzIUcNmMXR7ZDl3WC_eT44zFbwcYevln-parwXjkAqTcXmfoVp2Ehnc9DiGPcK5SxJcwUNV4zLF2CY0I_tSrGoMXmUaF6Ok7nO7q813IkmLKRp/s1600/houdini+box+front.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVOl64EZqA5FPflaFYQ8R9odn-XXqDGgzIUcNmMXR7ZDl3WC_eT44zFbwcYevln-parwXjkAqTcXmfoVp2Ehnc9DiGPcK5SxJcwUNV4zLF2CY0I_tSrGoMXmUaF6Ok7nO7q813IkmLKRp/s320/houdini+box+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478783788592190450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9aHCo2FFBb5j6m0eEjBkRrd6zC_hSLEwfVnJGrwiahpmRHOsZyvtJmx9NphIPx_FdyjFmaYO9IGN7Ttt41K-C79UfFZndddWWi0KUxn0tW3FAZE509ztzVZzzc4m5wa30GBMBhJOtdOt/s1600/Houdini+box+back.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9aHCo2FFBb5j6m0eEjBkRrd6zC_hSLEwfVnJGrwiahpmRHOsZyvtJmx9NphIPx_FdyjFmaYO9IGN7Ttt41K-C79UfFZndddWWi0KUxn0tW3FAZE509ztzVZzzc4m5wa30GBMBhJOtdOt/s320/Houdini+box+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478783790928147842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr7A1VI-JSI1Z2B-z4Hk5qaOL4qCI7qSxse0hDNGFBbEt59Rz2tixBxhtJr1laKYY7pGoER5XswUahfHwjDVDLdB3h0euqa7l4WiQ2050LyNwB6kz0tnauIz4cQ2ZrelG8Gm3-xqbsuWc/s1600/houdini+side+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBr7A1VI-JSI1Z2B-z4Hk5qaOL4qCI7qSxse0hDNGFBbEt59Rz2tixBxhtJr1laKYY7pGoER5XswUahfHwjDVDLdB3h0euqa7l4WiQ2050LyNwB6kz0tnauIz4cQ2ZrelG8Gm3-xqbsuWc/s320/houdini+side+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478783801181426338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7BJFB8P8i5YzIWWCqYrfUX-UUJn5djkAFKW08z32jfuGHFMK2pi-UhJnEz8Bc8530o-smc9nIqnl6EKM4DFVWOGEKJWGfwN-JZgGhLaxhG8ni2eChI6ehoM-MneXd5QiYh7U1ImzhF1M/s1600/houdini+box+side+1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7BJFB8P8i5YzIWWCqYrfUX-UUJn5djkAFKW08z32jfuGHFMK2pi-UhJnEz8Bc8530o-smc9nIqnl6EKM4DFVWOGEKJWGfwN-JZgGhLaxhG8ni2eChI6ehoM-MneXd5QiYh7U1ImzhF1M/s320/houdini+box+side+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478783795352301154" border="0" /></a><br />I covered the band aid tin with sticky mesh, patterned paper and images from the web. The chains are from broken jewelry and the handcuffs are from a souvenir keychain! I've been saving those for SOOOOOO long! hehehe :) So glad they finally came in handy. I have to thank my craft buddy Jeri for passing on the tin and for being such a creative inspiration! I hope you all enjoy an escape soon (not Houdini's variety!). Go someplace nice and enjoy beautiful June :)<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-26660026104086729162010-03-23T18:54:00.000-07:002010-03-23T19:36:32.943-07:00Almost Ostara...At the end of my last post, I showed you all an inspiration photo from Etsy. Well, here is what I came up with!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Kym8S9Qc6f5_WMszvnmhAPYlNYL8euZ2Npd37mTbrCqbjfeKGrV26iFZNTqYZyEDEkg-rUB-b0MGtql923wIUnnhF2Ec3SyIRQWlax36UpPjx1dYBUZUjUVtc2-eIC0oXQKcW-cJnPUS/s1600-h/green+ribbon.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Kym8S9Qc6f5_WMszvnmhAPYlNYL8euZ2Npd37mTbrCqbjfeKGrV26iFZNTqYZyEDEkg-rUB-b0MGtql923wIUnnhF2Ec3SyIRQWlax36UpPjx1dYBUZUjUVtc2-eIC0oXQKcW-cJnPUS/s320/green+ribbon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452013800372122098" border="0" /></a><img src="file:///v:/Cool%20Art%20or%20Pics/%21Inspiration/Spring%20Ostara/429467462_2f36629789.jpg" alt="" /><br />As you can see, I never did make it to the thrift store for neckties but I was able to pull from my stash of ribbon for the sash. I also had fun sifting through my box of odds and ends to find the center of the medallion. I'm not actually sure what to call it! It reminds me of an award ribbon. The center is a stone from a necklace with a very worn quarter on top. I LOVE the damask pattern on the ribbon!<br /><br />Other than that, I haven't been very busy craft-wise. So, back I went to the internet looking for inspiration. Easter and Spring are not as easy for me to craft with as say, Halloween. In the past, I was very anti-pastels. Now I'm more than comfortable with pink and baby blue but I still find most Easter decor a little too cutesy for my taste. Still, I love the birds and foliage of Spring. I am always drawn to the eggs, such a wonderful symbol. While looking for a direction, I googled various permutations of the phrase "spring paper craft" and eventually discovered Carola at <a tooltip="linkalert-tip" href="http://www.carolsgarden.blogspot.com/">Boxwood Cottage</a>!<br />I was blown away by her sophisticated yet whimsical spring egg ornaments. Here are a few of my favorites! Please visit her website and take a gander at her other beautiful creations!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00eZrKWU1yfoRVpYA8ttSAjN-felKQmFuoTG_rhOY7SHip-B4yb59ebbO3uPsIFL7zJiReHAZAbqI4ODeYDE1a2oYnq0OlJDD-0C9v0-3_A7DZmDke_POehaYTdUB1TSKioM-QU_Fp0Dk/s1600-h/429467462_2f36629789.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00eZrKWU1yfoRVpYA8ttSAjN-felKQmFuoTG_rhOY7SHip-B4yb59ebbO3uPsIFL7zJiReHAZAbqI4ODeYDE1a2oYnq0OlJDD-0C9v0-3_A7DZmDke_POehaYTdUB1TSKioM-QU_Fp0Dk/s200/429467462_2f36629789.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452019526155351554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3EZjau7_aB5htck187T1G4b12P1nh5VTY3euqHY_zJGsoQG6XLsSRxYN6yDZWOIy3bUwrIijoww0tNU86Yty3j_c3IORR1eCdlrfTHzl4_-mwgO8y9Ib2YycU2Bw1c1jHrkraqK8I75u/s1600-h/433424468_47aeb3d2c8.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3EZjau7_aB5htck187T1G4b12P1nh5VTY3euqHY_zJGsoQG6XLsSRxYN6yDZWOIy3bUwrIijoww0tNU86Yty3j_c3IORR1eCdlrfTHzl4_-mwgO8y9Ib2YycU2Bw1c1jHrkraqK8I75u/s200/433424468_47aeb3d2c8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452019535850819730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G4EehkktvikLF9Ug-3m5kKOmWyYWUPJc4JxixX7LE2ARUHZ-7RvshzJmgwTkQ03rr8f0tsYde5Jg739nK-UoOt_fJanUMA4cVSmPlPc9rwW0yb66WzPeflNqAwRVBx7-AFf5z5gwj3nf/s1600-h/433424472_6fbba77f4b.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G4EehkktvikLF9Ug-3m5kKOmWyYWUPJc4JxixX7LE2ARUHZ-7RvshzJmgwTkQ03rr8f0tsYde5Jg739nK-UoOt_fJanUMA4cVSmPlPc9rwW0yb66WzPeflNqAwRVBx7-AFf5z5gwj3nf/s200/433424472_6fbba77f4b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452019542384033170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, for my serving of eggs...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7-L_eURNEhXVNdLWXv-Fv3hixId6V6VPXN0DfA0aJZjJY1Ooy0qkGCQM1xW2ul8ELg6zJVuuP2YY1RD4jAIUSO9g_IhaGwGPswcEJ1VbYbZ-VlldmQxmEQW1ll56dYhpXFftuCIvUrn1/s1600-h/spring+bird+and+flowers.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7-L_eURNEhXVNdLWXv-Fv3hixId6V6VPXN0DfA0aJZjJY1Ooy0qkGCQM1xW2ul8ELg6zJVuuP2YY1RD4jAIUSO9g_IhaGwGPswcEJ1VbYbZ-VlldmQxmEQW1ll56dYhpXFftuCIvUrn1/s320/spring+bird+and+flowers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452013787005342354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmoF0MV-U234iHHohTEeMAHtpKLzpagF-j4IBGEL_GxF1rS7nT4o3bgJv2cHRgg986Dgvynjw-Z73eWcgVUsdKlaafnHAZjcmMPf85msXlrtEnYFBuf6Nmh_EsBE4obL5tT-FxyfZK9DI/s1600-h/spring+bird+egg.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmoF0MV-U234iHHohTEeMAHtpKLzpagF-j4IBGEL_GxF1rS7nT4o3bgJv2cHRgg986Dgvynjw-Z73eWcgVUsdKlaafnHAZjcmMPf85msXlrtEnYFBuf6Nmh_EsBE4obL5tT-FxyfZK9DI/s320/spring+bird+egg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452013775210796194" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykWPc5Leua1zJ8r0hkR40jjEvI06EV7UEJi4U1tC3HUXlKBX9B-EHbCJKDW5mB6PRkLoBzlHgBXOSd7gdEy5BHQHtEUcJyDpIStzR6WVXDIgslP2sHf0p5I2ZaFjMrGk8bVu5PvzD4KlW/s1600-h/robin+egg.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykWPc5Leua1zJ8r0hkR40jjEvI06EV7UEJi4U1tC3HUXlKBX9B-EHbCJKDW5mB6PRkLoBzlHgBXOSd7gdEy5BHQHtEUcJyDpIStzR6WVXDIgslP2sHf0p5I2ZaFjMrGk8bVu5PvzD4KlW/s320/robin+egg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452013762423877554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEwwEdK3waHagxNGHXJ0JB5bcx9nn1mvzdVC4IuxCcHI46XPWTEFX0JuurkL-oMZDGXeoazoJhuv-apx8fb1_UfL-X4f2v7nL5AtsUeC1ojnxZY7kThkP-09NTgEKrTsOuD8ewSBqdnRj/s1600-h/bunny+portrait+egg.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEwwEdK3waHagxNGHXJ0JB5bcx9nn1mvzdVC4IuxCcHI46XPWTEFX0JuurkL-oMZDGXeoazoJhuv-apx8fb1_UfL-X4f2v7nL5AtsUeC1ojnxZY7kThkP-09NTgEKrTsOuD8ewSBqdnRj/s320/bunny+portrait+egg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452013754473079330" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mine aren't quite as opulent as Carola's, mostly because I don't have any Dresden foil trim. I must fix that little problem soon! But, again, this was a great way to finally use some of the scraps and do-dad's I've been saving. Here is a <a tooltip="linkalert-tip" href="http://rubberstamping.about.com/od/shapetemplates/ss/EasterEggTempla.htm">link to the template</a> that I used. All my eggs are the extra large variety ;)<br />Hope you are filled with spring hope and renewal!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-15818278157461077092010-02-05T18:07:00.000-08:002010-02-05T19:02:28.553-08:00It's been so long!And so many new things to share! I can't believe it's been months since I posted! Actually, I can because Christmas was such a wonderful time but full of busy busy busy!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCiC8fP3tjVRNm7AJ2MRcyJET7Zk1LNOtrR7ILH9z60IZfVQfr95tgVJzgOQ5F6nXuKxx0FeX8NW4-uTJsr7-KKMY25nc6C6WJrjddshdJxRp9556aCWUnJo3iuCrvjAfTeq1j2L9mFmA/s1600-h/little+ship+2.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCiC8fP3tjVRNm7AJ2MRcyJET7Zk1LNOtrR7ILH9z60IZfVQfr95tgVJzgOQ5F6nXuKxx0FeX8NW4-uTJsr7-KKMY25nc6C6WJrjddshdJxRp9556aCWUnJo3iuCrvjAfTeq1j2L9mFmA/s320/little+ship+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434947543439342194" border="0" /></a>Here is one of the many gifts I worked on. I gave a few to loved ones and a few to me! My favorite part is the paper from "A Wrinkle in Time." I also had fun trying different shades of gold and bronze on the walnut shell. I was inspired by the pic below which I found online. I wish I knew who made it! Please let me know if it was you or if you know where this was originally posted :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW54FOK5hfbL-B-tvoDNccvYjcsoUrgfChyMf3HCIw9GucZr4ZOorQIlidJI2w3qiREKZAI3p97YYSUaGGrFewIZLkWEXn1tZ2JeKylw8AQ49Fjm0Vm_4mI7A-b3CAcQPe1E2KvkNmn3Z/s1600-h/Walnut_Ships.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW54FOK5hfbL-B-tvoDNccvYjcsoUrgfChyMf3HCIw9GucZr4ZOorQIlidJI2w3qiREKZAI3p97YYSUaGGrFewIZLkWEXn1tZ2JeKylw8AQ49Fjm0Vm_4mI7A-b3CAcQPe1E2KvkNmn3Z/s320/Walnut_Ships.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434948034004887810" border="0" /></a><br />Most of the things I created in December were ornaments. I used the paper rosette technique to great effect, creating sets of three matching ornaments for each recipient. I wish I had taken some pics! Hehehehe! But there just wasn't time. Maybe next year, I'll be able to get pics of them on people's trees.<br />I also had some fun creating collages with Photoshop. I was inspired by Victorian style this holiday season (more than usual? ;) I found vintage Victorian ladies in lovely finery and made them into holiday fairies! At first I just posted them on <a tooltip="linkalert-tip" href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=442482">Polyvore.com</a> and Facebook but then they used their magic fairy dust on me and I was struck with inspiration! I added them to my <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios/7006330">Cafepress shop</a> as ornaments! Of course, where else would they want to be besides the Christmas tree? Please click on these and get a bigger view at Cafepress because there are so many fun little details you'd miss otherwise.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios.423201452"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNNyLtO2CHlasz4uA3QOfYJNwNeLHzr0RJjIVMYgTBKCYN0XXcopZHcUV0L4HtlbcUH6NPiP9_zALT46ewC3XidOxTtRVGZaQXF_hm5r87rwy5Q_2E0SiYJ5_zjoBwr0IPpWSd3gheRqr/s320/423201452v6_240x240_Front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434953092102765074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios.423201453"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvyIhdroUZoSfJASMuS7mpAesEKu5LJo2aaeIdYTKX9LT4vk1xMrpb8rHE0Vx8k9LvSAgBsMbpolZVdwQ_M58k3WQ1I_86F9vCvOfYJ0xXXUrWFacY5IBVkdJHfnOqjJTtZBkr9fhFIm4/s320/423201453v6_240x240_Front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434953098213501762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios.423201455"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ58RFnyaV75PU4A_dmG3T5fSo28BBzf5ASKPACwbw3atH2ZKm7lJ9nVSxYUHA0UoHfQSBgnk7pEXQQBWVMEeha5qQVrfzYEokTXpO5HuJNU5t54aK0v-5iFnYZy8OEYnbgtuYiqMu5_e/s320/423201455v2_240x240_Front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434953114758086146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios.423201454"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQpf-gawkmS8iQrolM32DgpG62mU_h6oB1MSlhPpSJK85_n65f1Vi9LQtDQ67Dahgs4PtGWEuuFq9esUICPvX0f2zZ0px88EbJmsRv6vYP9vWYhs-WZwLeZwW6ASlmDO_J4FKnfXFUsxj/s320/423201454v2_240x240_Front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434953110223833762" border="0" /></a><br />Since the end of the whirlwind Yuletide, I've been in a kind of creative slump. Not surprising considering how much I produced! I also collected lots of inspiration photos from the internet for next year. Still, I have sat down at my craft table several times throughout January and ended up organizing instead of creating. Honestly, it was starting to get on my nerves! Then, I got a new job!!! Hurray! Now, not only am I somewhat stumped, I am very tired after work, not really in a crafty mood. Just when I thought nothing would strike my fancy I found this on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy.com</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thelittleprints">The Little Prints</a>! How cute it this!?!? It is a felt brooch and that fabric on the bottom is from a NECKTIE!! I can see me at the thrift store now, snatching up colorful, printed ties!<br /><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfdgQzvGoAEydlUr46QB3KSI9DcjQKHSRpwnncc1CruceYIwJaWHP-ymncE0SvPi4x5fp-NZPqtnedAX7ZTSfyrf9IO46Z-uWjNDlmepgSRe-Q9sw9nsf99rMUdIk5rbO9WfdF-0_nO5s/s1600-h/il_430xN.116483151.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfdgQzvGoAEydlUr46QB3KSI9DcjQKHSRpwnncc1CruceYIwJaWHP-ymncE0SvPi4x5fp-NZPqtnedAX7ZTSfyrf9IO46Z-uWjNDlmepgSRe-Q9sw9nsf99rMUdIk5rbO9WfdF-0_nO5s/s320/il_430xN.116483151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434958402638664562" border="0" /></a><br />The only thing is, I can't wait to get to the thrift store... I've already started one.... hehehe! Pics to come!<br />The signs of spring are already popping up, enjoy!<br />Allison<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW54FOK5hfbL-B-tvoDNccvYjcsoUrgfChyMf3HCIw9GucZr4ZOorQIlidJI2w3qiREKZAI3p97YYSUaGGrFewIZLkWEXn1tZ2JeKylw8AQ49Fjm0Vm_4mI7A-b3CAcQPe1E2KvkNmn3Z/s1600-h/Walnut_Ships.jpg"> </a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-5727695978798029732009-11-17T17:30:00.000-08:002009-11-17T18:43:52.873-08:00Swaping art for art :)I got back on the swapbot.com bandwagon recently and participated in 2 swaps! I worked on a third today and thought I should share. Here's a little background. When I first began my love affair with photoshop and digital art, my canvas was usually about 12 by 12 inches. That is the size of a scrapbooking page and also about the size of my typical cafepress design. So,when I learned about ATC or artist trading cards... I was really kinda stumped by the smaller canvas! Only 2.5 by 3.5 inches?! How on earth was I going to work with that? Well, a challenge is usually envigorating so I tackled a few and really liked the results. Shortly before Halloween I joined an ATC swap with a Raven or Crow theme. Ooooo! Fun! But for some reason I couldn't seem to get myself to sit down and do it! Now you all now how much I love crows! I was a little confused by my own reaction. Now I think it has to do with my poor little T-rex arms...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk_p1VyDi6d3hgTbcH1o6DBAR_wPc04gZRSvcNzkF_GU-jpFGZqtuy4d5dk9AlsSrvwHP4rPq-5CASxnRzzEcp1fi0b5ajvNOXe7m2oju6pUK4GhyphenhyphenvRcqOCy-hqxxfjdlk7eS9vIbHczT/s1600/big+head+little+arms+2.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk_p1VyDi6d3hgTbcH1o6DBAR_wPc04gZRSvcNzkF_GU-jpFGZqtuy4d5dk9AlsSrvwHP4rPq-5CASxnRzzEcp1fi0b5ajvNOXe7m2oju6pUK4GhyphenhyphenvRcqOCy-hqxxfjdlk7eS9vIbHczT/s320/big+head+little+arms+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405251784739674386" border="0" /></a><br />I was not looking forward to manipulating tiny bits of paper, especially with glue on them! I have tendonitis and it sometimes thwarts my crafty urges. Anyway, I immediately felt motivated when I decided to go digital for the ATC. My inspiration came from this goth image from my youth...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEojQr4FoLbMF-8EMQZDcMYiSEny44CR_PPNYY2z-HCY24okpacPUWUF5MgT0GbArIQFO17irzljYlXlKLMYqdw0mIaWJEI2oVrhiR6ckPzBZJNT2SwOfG2QxzgrvcBATJQDwX4UZyhDMl/s1600/the-crow-brandon-lee.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEojQr4FoLbMF-8EMQZDcMYiSEny44CR_PPNYY2z-HCY24okpacPUWUF5MgT0GbArIQFO17irzljYlXlKLMYqdw0mIaWJEI2oVrhiR6ckPzBZJNT2SwOfG2QxzgrvcBATJQDwX4UZyhDMl/s320/the-crow-brandon-lee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405266249430840370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here is "Legacy of the Crow".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nN4AC3JhW-KVN6N372dXHVr9Rwb015dHOf4mau1wouod1vOM-bZvpCZ5I94H5SY4pFA4T1oSUCf2BGIYLs-aXkIH3N04Plzi19YMJdZzQlYDShL6-rXTp4WLedv3eyQ8p2u9NxJITJf6/s1600/legacy+of+the+crow+copy.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nN4AC3JhW-KVN6N372dXHVr9Rwb015dHOf4mau1wouod1vOM-bZvpCZ5I94H5SY4pFA4T1oSUCf2BGIYLs-aXkIH3N04Plzi19YMJdZzQlYDShL6-rXTp4WLedv3eyQ8p2u9NxJITJf6/s320/legacy+of+the+crow+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405266768874254386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My next ATC swap assignment touched on another great inspiration of mine, Ancient Egypt. The host of the swap promised that we would represent many of the gods and goddesses in turn. But here is the first!<br />"Horus the Great".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXsIXob_JUgDZ8yAzUGDk7VCHkc8vYjtPa_TMKCBKLGucG3C-3AoRVE87o4hQq_Exi6DAQ7zT-vq1SedqGw0aE1HBhjIwTNbXY4exbUiYwzg2uoqt4hvQ9SOjOAqM5ZXfW_FIQxWFyl3V/s1600/Horus+the+great.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXsIXob_JUgDZ8yAzUGDk7VCHkc8vYjtPa_TMKCBKLGucG3C-3AoRVE87o4hQq_Exi6DAQ7zT-vq1SedqGw0aE1HBhjIwTNbXY4exbUiYwzg2uoqt4hvQ9SOjOAqM5ZXfW_FIQxWFyl3V/s320/Horus+the+great.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405267425610789586" border="0" /></a><br />The second one is very typical of my style, a little bit busy ;) The Crow card came out as I envisioned it but I was a little startled by the simplicity of my vision. Maybe my style is in flux? You can be the judge of that when I post the PLETHORA of paper rosette ornaments I am creating for Christmas. Heheheheh!<br />Until then, thanks for reading :)<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-82441574195334581602009-11-01T14:32:00.000-08:002009-11-01T15:26:25.012-08:00Day of the Dead...Well, Halloween came and went. I meant to post on the very day but I was just too busy! I went to a carnival with my nephews and family. My costume was almost Egyptian Queen but I ended up wanting to be scary (surprise, surprise)! I dug up my fangs and went as a vampire.<a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCm0UpC0jnENkAKgxeWDUmpmmacMQpBqaKnVwyZYV0sFAbEV7iKcGFC-EC25965w9NJbEujrLmFxKQOXgxGkGCW87J38r3jMVr44ylQon6hqOYMVB2L1KF7w8sc54wPlqEQtOplr4qmI6/s1600-h/vamp+with+streamers+2009.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCm0UpC0jnENkAKgxeWDUmpmmacMQpBqaKnVwyZYV0sFAbEV7iKcGFC-EC25965w9NJbEujrLmFxKQOXgxGkGCW87J38r3jMVr44ylQon6hqOYMVB2L1KF7w8sc54wPlqEQtOplr4qmI6/s320/vamp+with+streamers+2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399267584757001874" border="0" /> </a><br />I really loved my makeup! I'll post another pic with fangs if I can get it :) Picture courtesy of my hubby at <a tooltip="linkalert-tip" href="http://www.maskphoto.com/">Mask Photo</a>.<br />Before the spirit of Halloween has totally left us for another year, I want to show you a few more crafts that I labored on this month. They came out just the way I wanted. Of course, I have to give credit to the person who inspired me, Sheila at <a tooltip="linkalert-tip" href="http://www.cheekymagpie.com/">Cheeky Magpie!</a> Here are the gorgeous crowns she created. I used her template to make one of my own.<br />Sheila's:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cheekymagpie.com/?p=1819"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEw9PehyphenhyphenXDf2oHWd8q-LOiH-e3auvBbfL62jcTD4Z4JmSqN9ooSkxQZmfe8Q25DD6uV1O-9aCrhW5B45DaKqaiuE3RShonFAZtLvgiRPr-Vf_tXaKzfrZGmypdeM1cjy4hG8Occv_Ha4-/s320/crown2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399269510870533986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cheekymagpie.com/?p=1819"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoClNRPxEq8yhYBzfEJss1JF-NHI9J3r5o50vBoGMHxBW4N7ADxW43KJ6cCSMU44FQz0-ItPRkN5SkC-StWA_Hh5NE26G2LB_T_pEttxlb3bHZzBQQHLxSjf8u0WWzhN3BnW4-gFMiIENd/s320/crown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399269513801932242" border="0" /></a><br />Mine:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_Y2omEyLuAkijngDrbT0ZslC9n1fOfKHubNEsKbNoyTYvfQVGbfrFsEw_gniH4bp1bdAh-68yRt-pWJG6OIoj3NUJsRRLqdh9zD4bnGsU231nJhdLqUMBQQzYeM8hPi9-ca-JqAGk5qp/s1600-h/halloween+crown.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_Y2omEyLuAkijngDrbT0ZslC9n1fOfKHubNEsKbNoyTYvfQVGbfrFsEw_gniH4bp1bdAh-68yRt-pWJG6OIoj3NUJsRRLqdh9zD4bnGsU231nJhdLqUMBQQzYeM8hPi9-ca-JqAGk5qp/s320/halloween+crown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399271481647772082" border="0" /></a><br />This was so much fun! I got sick with the flu in the middle of this and my next project though. They almost didn't get finished in time. The overall feel of it isn't as Halloweenie (Halloweenish? Halloweenesque?) as I wanted but I really love it. Also, the black and white paper was designed by me :) Here's a close up so you can see the bats and dragons. There's also some rib cages and skulls thrown in...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXEP1iCPHyXaYO5D176AKviMAx7PciThcdQe7SbFwleDG0j_pDmXiRwGtLl-5Ayy8XYkuPbdTpWd3AsE4YwGyGxxgVYR8AgOwH4l-aP5XnxB2doxFOEfjcDp2RNftMJoEMGbB81tvuzPC/s1600-h/halloween+crown+close+up.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXEP1iCPHyXaYO5D176AKviMAx7PciThcdQe7SbFwleDG0j_pDmXiRwGtLl-5Ayy8XYkuPbdTpWd3AsE4YwGyGxxgVYR8AgOwH4l-aP5XnxB2doxFOEfjcDp2RNftMJoEMGbB81tvuzPC/s320/halloween+crown+close+up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399272490386380994" border="0" /></a><br />I would definitely do this again, maybe with a harvest theme? Thank you Sheila! But her inspiration didn't end there...<br /><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cheekymagpie.com/?p=1756"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMe4_5tg90-_BicrD8B_LspfwtVlxUSGT3b3olvL-bOnb4tt5Gh4JDxKEBTkITaWKoRy3tFPBuMWTfA6Ob31oH20zeSdYxR4ny6rObs8LDNWwZCFXtdI3iLaeF3PgtQCC1XaoyN7DnZiNI/s320/finished+banner+cheeky+magpie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399274369355848242" border="0" /></a><br />This beautiful banner, spelling out "Beware" just blew me away. It's so lovely but Halloween at the same time! She used velvet on paper. As soon as I read her tutorial, I was all over it. Hidden deep in my closet was some extra orange fabric. I've also been using pages from a very old copy of A Wrinkle in Time to craft with. Perfect! Here's what I came up with...<br /><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRvNbBgw2oxePKqu2Fe-4328R5ZiC1GDOpdMvyNbTlmOPKwHojOcFmp4Y1JoMA2qOX1sa3GtR39hum7t33tpjgTlcO0wnVquQ60SeCqge8Q-OupBuCIm1nRGxGWQzTLGF6J8OOKEEYuSn/s1600-h/halloween+banner+3.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRvNbBgw2oxePKqu2Fe-4328R5ZiC1GDOpdMvyNbTlmOPKwHojOcFmp4Y1JoMA2qOX1sa3GtR39hum7t33tpjgTlcO0wnVquQ60SeCqge8Q-OupBuCIm1nRGxGWQzTLGF6J8OOKEEYuSn/s320/halloween+banner+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399275558911376034" border="0" /></a><br /><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc5u2z-QuMi5tmTRF6gsBuzFT-90H-1AHAckTPQWWopyZRVPDTTMK4CNDzG6b4jcKF_uBCQ0xaphrlNQmH1Z0PconePPpBXyAk9F3F6BeRw5-IjDJOZpMixlumjIiW5hGr3zVsuWci8fI/s1600-h/halloween+banner+2.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyc5u2z-QuMi5tmTRF6gsBuzFT-90H-1AHAckTPQWWopyZRVPDTTMK4CNDzG6b4jcKF_uBCQ0xaphrlNQmH1Z0PconePPpBXyAk9F3F6BeRw5-IjDJOZpMixlumjIiW5hGr3zVsuWci8fI/s320/halloween+banner+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399275562337207058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdrHsaG6EfAsI2Oidjf1ZPY0AO8zS-lh4rtjlQGFeX0kt4nYKzDvLBL93O5xL3Fq4omZmkEytcXmvt-MvKyv-9n3WtCMzRBgwa38BSTlxCBDFvlvqxGJSNn_KY4AYW4SbfQlcl5WellDf/s1600-h/halloween+banner+1.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdrHsaG6EfAsI2Oidjf1ZPY0AO8zS-lh4rtjlQGFeX0kt4nYKzDvLBL93O5xL3Fq4omZmkEytcXmvt-MvKyv-9n3WtCMzRBgwa38BSTlxCBDFvlvqxGJSNn_KY4AYW4SbfQlcl5WellDf/s320/halloween+banner+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399275571837196802" border="0" /></a><br />I stamped on mine instead of spelling out a message. I think next year I will work on it some more, stabilizing the holes for the ribbon and maybe backing it with some patterned paper for extra strength. I want this banner to last for years!<br />I almost forgot, I did another Cheeky Magpie craft. I had a little trouble with this one. Hoping for some guidance I left a message on Sheila's blog. She got right back to me and was very nice. Thanks! Here are her glam tombstones...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cheekymagpie.com/?p=1707"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXtip4H_pW_XCbkm82ABFckL4XauxRW8JF1vdNFLYEQGzcSEsQ7mzYayeCG43Zd_yrP-oDLawWIiQHsV5nTP14jdd8XGEtAp7beAkZRzzPaR6s4F6pYxlDRW2_cbQgB5bas9Hg8D5nH9x/s320/tomb7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399277760298248482" border="0" /></a><br />And here is the one that I was able to do. Only one (even though I want a graveyard full) because I don't have the proper cutting implements. You can bet some new items went on my Christmas wish list!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GVhdAjkZJ6tmzQ5dbyhbP8mt599Qm76hpw_KmH2y2-q_bJ5dwUp9NeGto7MvcItgihOCua_tL6wp3TMOE4NMVhbTFl195aEf6HF40FGhzfA4pLEQpj_4vS7dCGfAi945daH-ZM5p7BEg/s1600-h/tombstone+1.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GVhdAjkZJ6tmzQ5dbyhbP8mt599Qm76hpw_KmH2y2-q_bJ5dwUp9NeGto7MvcItgihOCua_tL6wp3TMOE4NMVhbTFl195aEf6HF40FGhzfA4pLEQpj_4vS7dCGfAi945daH-ZM5p7BEg/s320/tombstone+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399277772830666146" border="0" /></a><br />This was also a lot of fun to make. Her template offers five different headstone shapes so you can bet I'll be busy next year ;)<br />I hope you all will pay Cheeky Magpie a visit. I'm really excited to see what she does for Christmas!<br />Finally, we arrive at my title project. This is very special to me. In the past, I have created elaborate altars with food and flowers to honor my beloved dead. Today I just want to share their names. I made a layout with various free scrapbook kits from the internet. The ancient Egyptians believed that if you stop saying the names of the dead, they cease to exist in the afterlife. So, praying for them and talking about them is essential for them to continue. Personally, I strive to keep them alive in my heart. Our memories are all that are left of our loved ones and those are precious indeed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnuNJWHG6W_INQbUP1xwbME2-XTFwN6XR2NdTFrcWHzG3iCEtyjVzMA1eaFLXEFPOSOVzAxKYCCKmTPyus_yj9Q2dpj8_Cf_zHEtDBkPz-UAfEjwc8hxBpzDVAmTf1uNVEov6qsUzGC-h/s1600-h/dia+de+los+muertos2009.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnuNJWHG6W_INQbUP1xwbME2-XTFwN6XR2NdTFrcWHzG3iCEtyjVzMA1eaFLXEFPOSOVzAxKYCCKmTPyus_yj9Q2dpj8_Cf_zHEtDBkPz-UAfEjwc8hxBpzDVAmTf1uNVEov6qsUzGC-h/s320/dia+de+los+muertos2009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399279531481243170" border="0" /></a><br />blessings everyone,<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-74386850739995589512009-10-28T18:59:00.000-07:002009-10-28T19:46:55.869-07:00Samhain Approacheth!I don't know if "approacheth" is a word but it evokes a certain atmosphere, n'est pas? October 31st, my favorite time of year :) This change of the seasons has been celebrated by many peoples for eons. Who could miss the snap in the air, the darkening of the day, the feeling that we are leaving the sunshine far behind? For the tribes or clans of Europe, who did not have the advantages that we do now, this was a very dire time of the year; Samhain. Winter often meant death. Still, certain cultures celebrated this turning of the wheel as the New Year and used all the magick in their possession to ensure food for the winter, protection for their crops and lives stock and accurate divination of the future. Another reason to love Halloween is because it is an amalgam of traditions, rites and viewpoints. What we enjoy today is such a rich tapestry! An in depth look at Halloween and its symbols is a treasure trove of inspiration for the creative mind. Here are a few creations to get your cauldon bubbling!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaeHCPE7yRx-xtp_2h4Vqx-MBLsXJ5CMlHPdPMO6gae43KexiNcE3nGWVZxGAfbzUsPq0ehlC1GajGKSW3lK6TYlGb_qiAiKQS5IM_YnUvjz7a63E5uf4VEk-aNrhn5UG8LtkzttumyNd/s1600-h/vlad+box+2.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaeHCPE7yRx-xtp_2h4Vqx-MBLsXJ5CMlHPdPMO6gae43KexiNcE3nGWVZxGAfbzUsPq0ehlC1GajGKSW3lK6TYlGb_qiAiKQS5IM_YnUvjz7a63E5uf4VEk-aNrhn5UG8LtkzttumyNd/s320/vlad+box+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397840361452786402" border="0" /></a><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBY2U6hnNEvmwN7gBH4BNaW7j0vf0lhYo5O4V98ixhqHnv-SIt515SQA2FebWo6T4ZsbkfojwHgA61AFF8ozH0WHmiS6PpjRRGGBtjcb7KiBo6GtDB3xTPlsS1CnYeqdLvZEqoAlBsBiH/s1600-h/vlad+box+side+2.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBY2U6hnNEvmwN7gBH4BNaW7j0vf0lhYo5O4V98ixhqHnv-SIt515SQA2FebWo6T4ZsbkfojwHgA61AFF8ozH0WHmiS6PpjRRGGBtjcb7KiBo6GtDB3xTPlsS1CnYeqdLvZEqoAlBsBiH/s320/vlad+box+side+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397838786397891426" border="0" /></a><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeDQYQFJ8fdB1QwbgRttD3SD5nR2XG_dOIXaSRIBBr6RQN5TPy86bnboTL-rQPZ-5PGemtueDhQeiHg6pE5_kYoE7y-yXPsuc_wp0ltKBHdyXCZaInlDabHpTk46yYlsqBkxO24kpGgua/s1600-h/vlad+box+side.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeDQYQFJ8fdB1QwbgRttD3SD5nR2XG_dOIXaSRIBBr6RQN5TPy86bnboTL-rQPZ-5PGemtueDhQeiHg6pE5_kYoE7y-yXPsuc_wp0ltKBHdyXCZaInlDabHpTk46yYlsqBkxO24kpGgua/s320/vlad+box+side.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397838797819987666" border="0" /></a><br />Fresh off the boat from Transylvania! This trinket box holds the secrets of Vlad the Impaler, Vlad Tepesh, Vlad Dracula III, Prince of Wallachia. While the west viewed him as a maniacal, blood thirsty tyrant, he is now hailed as a hero in that region because of his defense of the kingdom against the Ottoman Turk Empire. Still, his methods were ruthless. They inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula novel and the man himself has never rightly been "put to rest" as his earthly remains are missing. Hmmm....<br />The box was covered in paper that I stamped and embellished with scrap art. The portrait of Vlad stands up against a backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains. There is a sparkling red jewel before him and a real feather in his cap. I also decorated the box with dragon seals made from bottle caps. Overall, this was a really fun project. I actually finished it last year but the old vamp retreated to his coffin for the year before I could get him to pose for a pic ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkRTbL1K3VY888-CcW4FPSPSb1xmZIWQbDbaiOo1NCgR8SJa1R11xIzz1vXdh8rgBByshlpPAaplIGq5N-Bt9gOT3-CrkmITANDAz3LmgRWXk9BBBqTQJUNV5Gc49FB6rJPF0lfiQGl9O/s1600-h/night+brides+1.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkRTbL1K3VY888-CcW4FPSPSb1xmZIWQbDbaiOo1NCgR8SJa1R11xIzz1vXdh8rgBByshlpPAaplIGq5N-Bt9gOT3-CrkmITANDAz3LmgRWXk9BBBqTQJUNV5Gc49FB6rJPF0lfiQGl9O/s320/night+brides+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397844282138280146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ00QatPVB5irO7KsSCRxNkgLje3PIkV18cCg3JlqTIka21KLm_BvV0uvkOBSsGwkcGQI87t7eA-2LJpILIUk2cnN7bMP3bv65qLlVx_qMUcjL3wctLt5XlJL89PoXo_-bpNIJaD775Zl/s1600-h/night+brides+2.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ00QatPVB5irO7KsSCRxNkgLje3PIkV18cCg3JlqTIka21KLm_BvV0uvkOBSsGwkcGQI87t7eA-2LJpILIUk2cnN7bMP3bv65qLlVx_qMUcjL3wctLt5XlJL89PoXo_-bpNIJaD775Zl/s320/night+brides+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397844290956671618" border="0" /></a><br />The vampire spookfest continues! So, in Stoker's novel, Dracula flies off to London to prey on Mina Murray (and her BFF Lucy). He wants Mina to be his forever wife despite the fact that he has 3 old ladies (literally) at home! He leaves them in charge of "entertaining" his hostage, Jonathan Harker while he goes after Mina, Jonathan's fiance. What a soap opera ;) Anyway, the vampire brides as portrayed in Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula (1992) are the epitome of the succubus! Seductive, inhuman, beautiful and ferocious! I created this little shadow box featuring the 3 brides wandering through the graveyard on a moonlit night. They are in search of their next handsome victim, perhaps to lure into yonder crypt. The box is a deep, metallic blue. It was used to hold greeting cards. I removed the plastic in the window and voila! Thank you to my good friend Jeri who passed the box on to me :) I was going to dress this up even more with some creeping moss or a skeletal tree... may have to wait until next year.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PdoRwysb0LCWFcCBGuu8VIGWvs1LImcb_mxpZcA_5mWMnFIbgOSSx2oFQKk7Y8e4CueAAsvi9ChGBWuTs2lQe-VqT_TM5ff05qXxkCUXuaysRb587KcJXYMpST9Bk93i9zknJ0xmMQaY/s1600-h/werewolf+rosette.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PdoRwysb0LCWFcCBGuu8VIGWvs1LImcb_mxpZcA_5mWMnFIbgOSSx2oFQKk7Y8e4CueAAsvi9ChGBWuTs2lQe-VqT_TM5ff05qXxkCUXuaysRb587KcJXYMpST9Bk93i9zknJ0xmMQaY/s320/werewolf+rosette.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397846539124355778" border="0" /></a><br />Remember my paper rosette obsession? I would not rest until I figured out how to make them! And once I did... oh boy. This double layer rosette features a werewolf insignia in the middle. For some reason I keep thinking of a werewolf "best in show" award... hehehe :) And to show you what I mean by obsession...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKwV8Etnn9W2ZiZFmVfhSx0dqmKOMs2sE6okU2A3sxqoWsw36hoiUyqiQ0g-fJ0UP-xLNZATv8YanDPHvu6ar6iAGwm5pzDvOblQ__sFtOVLc-FFQ2S0-IO3X7Cbz53aqPBcG3pT10lmJ/s1600-h/rosette+collection.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKwV8Etnn9W2ZiZFmVfhSx0dqmKOMs2sE6okU2A3sxqoWsw36hoiUyqiQ0g-fJ0UP-xLNZATv8YanDPHvu6ar6iAGwm5pzDvOblQ__sFtOVLc-FFQ2S0-IO3X7Cbz53aqPBcG3pT10lmJ/s320/rosette+collection.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397847332955230210" border="0" /></a><br />More later!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-12035451813079453242009-10-08T22:08:00.000-07:002009-10-08T22:24:42.244-07:00Vintage and CoffeeHello! I know I said I was working on Halloween stuff (and I am) but I wanted to show you a sign I finally finished a while back. I've mentioned before that I have a somewhat protracted creative process. I may begin something and not look at it for weeks! Sometimes the finished product (or a version of it) exists in my head, sometimes not. Everyone has a different creative style and it really helps to notice and accept your own style. In my case, it helps me to remain calm when I see a forgotten project on my table. I know I'll get to it when the right muse comes along. Also, being aware of my own style means that I can challenge myself to do things differently. So, this piece began with two definite inspirations: my love of vintage photos and my love of COFFEE (or should I say addiction...) Before Coffee... After Coffee!<br /><a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjZ0sxrFnAPQNFpNsXf399wghIFcjSDNo0Q31S8Cl7-HYUVluxzpQnEEWywUwzVG0kXU5uri9XpFYj30GZef_pxD6gOdsonstuwngpp5ziVV0QRosc4bBGqaJn1CBZbv60a3d8Md1f_Y-/s1600-h/sign+before+coffee.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjZ0sxrFnAPQNFpNsXf399wghIFcjSDNo0Q31S8Cl7-HYUVluxzpQnEEWywUwzVG0kXU5uri9XpFYj30GZef_pxD6gOdsonstuwngpp5ziVV0QRosc4bBGqaJn1CBZbv60a3d8Md1f_Y-/s320/sign+before+coffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390464359060500690" border="0" /></a> <a tooltip="linkalert-tip" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E_DYBRO6SqXB8U1Rml9bg1ncnmyS4HYtzPqLWDzquKOBHletqvfAfUisC3CgPbZsvH5AngakwbHM4-s7bK8Nf1pHCZIIFXO48kk1AgY-qSbW3yxtYQgpSNpcSuQfvmTpf-iPEzxroc1l/s1600-h/sign+after+coffee.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E_DYBRO6SqXB8U1Rml9bg1ncnmyS4HYtzPqLWDzquKOBHletqvfAfUisC3CgPbZsvH5AngakwbHM4-s7bK8Nf1pHCZIIFXO48kk1AgY-qSbW3yxtYQgpSNpcSuQfvmTpf-iPEzxroc1l/s320/sign+after+coffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390464371156970258" border="0" /></a><br />Your results may vary but coffee makes my heart so happy! I go from plain Jane to fabulous lady in minutes! I also like the idea of this sign being a warning to the unwary, typically before the noon hour... hehehe!<br />Alrighty, as promised, there will be something with a Samhain twist very soon. Oh, what is Samhain you say? You can google it or check back soon!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-28564955129640009362009-10-01T20:59:00.000-07:002009-10-01T21:05:15.511-07:00Here it comes!The best, most creative time of MY year, and hopefully, of yours too! Yep, the answer is Autumn. I've already had some spooktacular experiences... noises in the hall seem to be something other than the house settling... birds in the trees seem to have sinister intentions. I followed a bird that was making a mournful screeching noise. I circled the tree, trying to spy it's white shape against the branches and sky. As I walked, I heard a groan and a crack. A large limb fell out of the tree and landed exactly where I had been standing!!! The birds continued to screech...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIsHtEDzfBQp-6FN3KIhN_QJ6j9zUt2jEDgTIuDvV1129rLRkNwk0CHlGn0IK7Kh_YozVtPYbXEdMArPB29APKRYLl68Zawh_YvYi8wC87zLdm-EfRGC9T5VNK_iPgj_UEx3mhOYOaMCa/s1600-h/halloween+altar+09.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIsHtEDzfBQp-6FN3KIhN_QJ6j9zUt2jEDgTIuDvV1129rLRkNwk0CHlGn0IK7Kh_YozVtPYbXEdMArPB29APKRYLl68Zawh_YvYi8wC87zLdm-EfRGC9T5VNK_iPgj_UEx3mhOYOaMCa/s320/halloween+altar+09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387848454706020066" border="0" /></a><br />Here for your viewing pleasure is my 2009 Halloween Altar with last year's Halloween Tree as the spooky centerpiece. All I can say is this... watch out for those birds...Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-59669615713383962782009-09-15T16:50:00.001-07:002009-09-15T19:27:00.666-07:00Divining Treasures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8QlkGZTxy107tZXGWXGhUZfg6T3luKZq7QxmaR8WXljg6WzXg2JqFm_yq7zQ7XRCxn5I2JMgf1TQB-p4JlTXCOwzUZWjJR-Pc67Rz6FfAuHZM8oLtxZdmycignyPjWEPd7ceD0MQxynI/s1600-h/oracle+of+Lemuria+closeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8QlkGZTxy107tZXGWXGhUZfg6T3luKZq7QxmaR8WXljg6WzXg2JqFm_yq7zQ7XRCxn5I2JMgf1TQB-p4JlTXCOwzUZWjJR-Pc67Rz6FfAuHZM8oLtxZdmycignyPjWEPd7ceD0MQxynI/s320/oracle+of+Lemuria+closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381882599945206930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEarBLD9mp9Ji4TxnWZptQA2FCKcXujxKFwvFRe25d7Bn6zCvuwush7ux8hKyZx5UBS-a6yPhGPi6wHBWUPK2g7rYbTqQ76qhDORyN6ymy4LMif2-ZRZcvfv_9FwS9P3JDCcZXqRLW6sri/s1600-h/oracle+of+Lemuria.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEarBLD9mp9Ji4TxnWZptQA2FCKcXujxKFwvFRe25d7Bn6zCvuwush7ux8hKyZx5UBS-a6yPhGPi6wHBWUPK2g7rYbTqQ76qhDORyN6ymy4LMif2-ZRZcvfv_9FwS9P3JDCcZXqRLW6sri/s320/oracle+of+Lemuria.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381846027577435570" border="0" /></a><br />I am so proud of this piece! I received the pendant as part of a swap on <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/">swap-bot.com</a>. I knew it was perfect for a pendulum right away! I went through my collection of beads to find some blues and greens to accent it. I name all my oracles after magickal places but I had a tough time naming this one... was it even of this planet? At last I remembered <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemuria_%28continent%29">Lemuria</a>. According to legend, it is a lost continent similar to Atlantis. The refugees who survived the cataclysm that destroyed the continent are said to have migrated and created the great civilizations of the world. So, here we have the Oracle of Lemuria.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-63946553316021778632009-09-12T01:30:00.000-07:002009-10-01T21:06:46.243-07:00Crafty and Green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhoALJZmPcXgD0mXP63JVbo3zf8FtYmk_LACSOF3yrMvRXRrhnxYUTYBy8Z-_sLIXZ1nmlO5sO8bKfieEWk_jgzG6gPzISyrhiAs_NZhq8nZQYWdt8YELWbhyphenhyphenm06IHDVqJT0qJ2ubV6MI/s1600-h/portal+bottle+back.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhoALJZmPcXgD0mXP63JVbo3zf8FtYmk_LACSOF3yrMvRXRrhnxYUTYBy8Z-_sLIXZ1nmlO5sO8bKfieEWk_jgzG6gPzISyrhiAs_NZhq8nZQYWdt8YELWbhyphenhyphenm06IHDVqJT0qJ2ubV6MI/s320/portal+bottle+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380698655843337666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ8jriNpbc3b9evbFRrKk5oclejjESGfmVQcul_UXcf2OwaQuF3WONYhzk_R2Xi4TL9otoaF8oYWOMiWWYEtg4kZK5yfT5bMLB96C7zG4lscMi60NZkG83IXBNtIZHGzpv2ULctB8ny0y/s1600-h/portal+bottle+front.jpg"><img tooltip="linkalert-tip" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJ8jriNpbc3b9evbFRrKk5oclejjESGfmVQcul_UXcf2OwaQuF3WONYhzk_R2Xi4TL9otoaF8oYWOMiWWYEtg4kZK5yfT5bMLB96C7zG4lscMi60NZkG83IXBNtIZHGzpv2ULctB8ny0y/s320/portal+bottle+front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380698649536295394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Everyone's talking about recycling, especially crafters! I've always been interested in reusing and reinventing when I craft, mainly as a way to save money. The added bonus is keeping stuff out of the landfills :) Today I'd like to show you some pill bottles I altered even though, technically, pill bottles can be recycled because they're plastic... anyway! They are much prettier this way! hehe :) I used scrap papers, fabric, ribbons and beads. The art on the bottles came from <a href="http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dragon">Dragon Magazine</a>, which is another great way to recycle. I love love love cutting pictures from magazines and using them in collage! Catalogs are a great source, too. Just remember, I cannot then mass produce such a work because I don't have a license to the art for that. As artists, we need to know our rights and respect the rights of our fellow artists. Okay, enough of that, heh. Have a lovely summer-turning-into-autumn everyone. And YES, I'm already cooking up Halloween ideas...!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8cp_NN9F7We219sbBdU6MD44f3P4u1CKNgRv2TW0FF00qImsZ8N9o8oKpQLVo54VbZQ_4hScBSTffry2j1R-GSgFpSGrS4YjasLT8CjnEZr9kD1DFPhhswIqW0EeyOm2ZiFEIFyko7Sw/s1600-h/blue+swirl+bottle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8cp_NN9F7We219sbBdU6MD44f3P4u1CKNgRv2TW0FF00qImsZ8N9o8oKpQLVo54VbZQ_4hScBSTffry2j1R-GSgFpSGrS4YjasLT8CjnEZr9kD1DFPhhswIqW0EeyOm2ZiFEIFyko7Sw/s320/blue+swirl+bottle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380698637568566274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mRF-vaD7esifeCtepIDoY1HRC0QSAFnQ70BDMn1Sk5HpCN7QHtTaIQxEcut0SRF7HDOyc5p5tafmTdR9eWmlfZGhjTgv9zdpMngsidlhWYpeAgrlH-r56GBu9hmlN0l_odPzkbk2jwTY/s1600-h/elf+bottle+closeup+pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mRF-vaD7esifeCtepIDoY1HRC0QSAFnQ70BDMn1Sk5HpCN7QHtTaIQxEcut0SRF7HDOyc5p5tafmTdR9eWmlfZGhjTgv9zdpMngsidlhWYpeAgrlH-r56GBu9hmlN0l_odPzkbk2jwTY/s320/elf+bottle+closeup+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380698629334011874" border="0" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-81667748259238564772009-04-17T20:26:00.000-07:002009-04-17T20:45:32.414-07:00Gorgeous Spring Nights...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr68nxfLJLn-2ym2SgyUsKB84HBYoGrwFynR7Yl9sBQw1g8V2AlnNoei_Nf9PPeTN9IfyXZphRERW-MFA0QdN5pDtt5j1nYZnGpiJ-dCFMSSgdK9x-j0qkegqYYRXELHTJsD6kWXQ42xxS/s1600-h/goddess+of+the+night+swirl.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr68nxfLJLn-2ym2SgyUsKB84HBYoGrwFynR7Yl9sBQw1g8V2AlnNoei_Nf9PPeTN9IfyXZphRERW-MFA0QdN5pDtt5j1nYZnGpiJ-dCFMSSgdK9x-j0qkegqYYRXELHTJsD6kWXQ42xxS/s320/goddess+of+the+night+swirl.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325868038674411826" border="0" /></a><br />I've been out walking my dog after dark and the nights are so wonderful! I am often inspired by the silhouettes of the trees and the gradient of the colors in the sky. One of my favorite night animals is the bat. It could be its association with vampires and magic but they are also fascinating creatures besides all the mythology. I was particularly impressed when I learned more about the lives of bat colonies. For example, some bats help each other give birth to their pups, acting as midwives! I've also read that they nurse each others babies even though they know they are not their own. On the other hand, they also carry rabies and, yes, three species of bat drink blood from animals. I think us humans have a natural aversion to night hunters like the bat. They have heightened senses that to us seem supernatural. If we can overcome this aversion, we can see that they are necessary for the environment and can be a source of awe and inspiration. Above is my design "Goddess of the Night." The art is reminiscent of a text book diagram but the swirls and purple are pure whimsy. You can find this design on maternity wear, plus size clothing, women's apparel and gifts at my cafepress shop, <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios/1424518">Crafty Curios</a>. Enjoy these magical spring nights!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-60267468068049667652009-04-06T18:01:00.001-07:002009-04-08T22:25:23.202-07:00Fairies and ToysI've been wanting to post some pics for some time! The first project is an altered jar that was inspired by so many adorable things I found online. I want to give credit where credit is due! I didn't come up with the ideas all on my own, I reached into the internet and found a huge community of fellow crafters! Here are a few of my favorite inspiration pics! Click to go to the creators' pages :) Thank you to Cedar Junction and Fireflygirl Inspirations at Etsy.com!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5194028"> <img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQM8O462Nh_IQenCp74QD2o4ZlwKw2NONMfciy_I0FV6YOfXObx0_U6gNhIGrxeU2W_dsFf5buIyHAa3a-gfs-ba5k82E9c_am6MZiJp7_GyLWy5Ew7V_4DUErUGI2eVfs5Pt2E8Fs4Oq/s320/fairy+in+a+jar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321754599774786594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7347320"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PsauARYfFN5RcK6fOA6-WSqmRT4F2hYQmxRsmK_BP-VDSlYh2VqG1NxKLaXpWCvM-jiCD8CKYoteVMhQQYFnjDwJjUDFmhYclhLMM4KsoNY0U5sw0-u8G1m6rYNf8eCSbYRHhAC0aLBM/s320/il_430xN.12344876.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321755414908884738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="clear: both;"></div><br /><br />When a little jelly jar became available in the kitchen, I went to work on my own wee fairy. I wish you could see the tiny wand I made for her. Only the end of it is visible in her right hand. Also, most artists tend to use butterfly wings for their fairies. I went a different direction and made my own. They are a little rough but I'm proud of the finished product!<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2Xmr98qW-urBXNXhbAELA4nSOQSjwzaxUIrF2OWEsK3ov-Ppo2sHxtov3jQH0GVMqdb9_9PtLKoinMy3rC7Igtdiy0Z8Rj0Hgq9Kxx5kv6UoxjEV1SGqm9c8AtEFp3PRi456wFez0IJ9/s320/jar+fairy+smaller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321751469325385778" border="0" /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk2CS2eN18sR_10jzH55H7xGVbR3gpv5o6ctwnrXJssQnmjwMcgx7opLSlDCFN1Fq8qwArfjWEKx-4cZckrkknhf_edRfq3MvySjXGu6pVXoht2zAWfGrqMGmn6IIleOvH0hFOBiFuqKr/s320/jar+fairy+zoom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321752201868959618" border="0" /> <div style="clear: both;"></div><br /><br />Here is another project that was directly influenced by the creative mind of another crafter. Don't they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? I wanted to see what this form, a child's block and vintage photos would elicit from my creative subconscious. Unfortunately I can't find where I originally got this image! If anyone knows who the artist is (or if you are the artist) please email me. I would love to credit you for the idea :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3kTFYVfpXlLF6vdN3qQYRRJcTAFT1P9L55sqDqgpmuyWwkl7owSR39kwzJBDAIHyTfl43ECxnxzIWG0rpc0YkPqr6QZXTrScvj6tfmLMcf-V_6t6aNraKwJeMBtBULW3z9xLZk_pgIJ9/s1600-h/il_430xN.29996394.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3kTFYVfpXlLF6vdN3qQYRRJcTAFT1P9L55sqDqgpmuyWwkl7owSR39kwzJBDAIHyTfl43ECxnxzIWG0rpc0YkPqr6QZXTrScvj6tfmLMcf-V_6t6aNraKwJeMBtBULW3z9xLZk_pgIJ9/s320/il_430xN.29996394.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321766150557087378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawozPTgAKdKdlh27lPPnjK73uBwYVv7diuLc6-viK74yya-YBzQwVNq9N13zSWxAVfvvknxXq2y3jLf24RmzOyFjjkn2JcRAS4GLG3xnzJlLLD6qDmdquLh0awQLrZWHBM-ukthT90lZV/s1600-h/block+girl+smaller.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawozPTgAKdKdlh27lPPnjK73uBwYVv7diuLc6-viK74yya-YBzQwVNq9N13zSWxAVfvvknxXq2y3jLf24RmzOyFjjkn2JcRAS4GLG3xnzJlLLD6qDmdquLh0awQLrZWHBM-ukthT90lZV/s320/block+girl+smaller.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321751013618384002" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;"></div><br /><br /><br />I embellished the block with ink, paper, flowers, bling and some eyelash ribbon on top. The block is vintage too! Fresh from the antique stores in Niles! The little girl is a vintage photo that is visible from both sides. She has the sweetest expression on her little face, very playful. It goes perfectly with a child's toy like a block :) Well, I enjoyed checking in and hope to do so again very soon!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-91787438739873533162009-02-03T16:06:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:29:05.029-08:00A New Year!Hopefully this will be a year of more frequent posting! But I don't make resolutions so, we'll just have to hope for the best ;) Today the weather is gorgeous and that really gets my creative mind whirling. I want to do a few things in the near future: highlight a design from <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/craftycurios">Crafty Curios</a> and show you some idea for future artwork. Also, I may post another collage from <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore</a>. I've been hugely inspired by their theme wedding collage groups! Okay, buckle up, here we go!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB9g8ocOWV3yrFThwgKuWp81bFe7F5_Ip7pJLfHw7gT_i_z_iXQLRhtr3iO7utXofkJRoXhVnHmTP1tzZYdtXwCZawuToBPOvlGYbDU2qdCcQ2GkeejEgxKUqMKv8c4o_-eOSC6OERCDe/s1600-h/shape+shifter.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB9g8ocOWV3yrFThwgKuWp81bFe7F5_Ip7pJLfHw7gT_i_z_iXQLRhtr3iO7utXofkJRoXhVnHmTP1tzZYdtXwCZawuToBPOvlGYbDU2qdCcQ2GkeejEgxKUqMKv8c4o_-eOSC6OERCDe/s320/shape+shifter.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298728412985607714" border="0" /></a><br />This design was inspired by the idea that, throughout our lives, we go through many changes. This life journey has often been symbolized by the butterfly whose own metamorphosis is dramatic and, in the end, has beautiful results. We all hope that our own changes will leave us in such a graceful state, blessed with wings to fly above our troubles, lovely on the inside and the outside. The problem may be that changes are often beyond our control. We feel buffeted by winds that our new wings may not be strong enough to handle. Throughout history, cultures have had the idea that certain people can change shape at will (or when the moon is full ;) Is this an attempt to meet the challenges of life head on? Transforming into a shape that might be stronger or wiser or more flexible? We all need to adapt. If the form we are currently in does not meet the needs of our life, it is said that it is much easier to change ourselves than the circumstances. I also like the idea of shifting shape, as in, temporarily taking on whatever shape is needed. We can use masks or personas to get us through, without being false because ultimately, they are all different sides of ourselves. I find this design very appropriate for young people. They are in a constant state of flux on so many levels. Also, the idea of a pregnant woman being a shape shifter is exciting to me! She is working magick by transforming herself and the child inside her. I hope to experience this magick for myself one day.<br /><br />That's it for now :) I hope you are happily cutting Valentine's hearts for those you love!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-88633417357192352662008-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:002008-12-30T15:51:38.732-08:00Quirky Collage!I've been having a lot of fun creating digitally since my craft desk is a mess! Still recovering from my Christmas crafts, lots of glitter everywhere! So here's a few collages I made with <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/home?id=442482">Polyvore</a>. It's so much fun! I find that my favorite part is gathering images to use. It reminds me of the days when I used to play Sims and spent hours looking for new home decor and fashions for my sims ;) Well, hope you all have a wonderful New Year's Eve!<br />Allison<br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/vamp_moderne/set?.mid=embed&id=4275400"><img src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm1KSkszV0tpM1JHdTdrZ1FXU3BpbGcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Vamp Moderne" width="400" border="0" height="400" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/vamp_moderne/set?.mid=embed&id=4275400">Vamp Moderne</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed&id=442482">ajr51594</a><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gothic_bride/set?.mid=embed&id=4479206"><img src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFjdLLVNXcXVyM1JHVm5PX2FsZHVaV0EAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Gothic Bride" width="400" border="0" height="400" /></a><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gothic_bride/set?.mid=embed&id=4479206">Gothic Bride</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=embed&id=442482">ajr51594</a></small><br /></small>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-61823008902337731972008-12-18T22:36:00.000-08:002008-12-18T23:11:54.707-08:00Trimming the TreeOh dear! I haven't posted in almost a month! Well, the holidays can be like that, right? Wonderfully hectic :) I have committed myself to making a few gifts, not all, I don't think I'm a crafty pro yet! I decided to make ornaments for a circle of girl friends who are all very crafty. Originally I knew I wanted to make things with paper rosettes but I had no idea what they were called or how to make them. That is, until I found two extremely helpful tutorials...<br /><a href="http://schwooo.blogspot.com/2008/10/paper-rosette-tutorial.html">This one</a> required multiple squares of paper that you fold and glue together.<br /><a href="http://jeanneszewczyk.blogspot.com/2007/08/tutorial-pleated-paper-rosettes.html">The second one</a> used long strips of paper that you pleat with a fan fold. My poor little hands almost gave out on me with this technique! I would recommend the squared method in the first tutorial to anyone that has tendinitis or arthritis. It's a little bit easier on the hands. So! Here are the results...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknXpiBiZdvMQxYkYxRw9efPcTkFTshWTjsYYmiHuBA6dNz3zAmeu-sdZLeu1uXljjVgjv8id5uT95QB9dhr804TaMIzxYdUoZGDSbA-OFemCdl-dei6okP47i0R-ZH4IZNaVlnExJgPg2/s1600-h/pink+slipper+ornament.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknXpiBiZdvMQxYkYxRw9efPcTkFTshWTjsYYmiHuBA6dNz3zAmeu-sdZLeu1uXljjVgjv8id5uT95QB9dhr804TaMIzxYdUoZGDSbA-OFemCdl-dei6okP47i0R-ZH4IZNaVlnExJgPg2/s320/pink+slipper+ornament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281388700333999106" border="0" /></a>This is the Pink Slipper ornament. This poor baby sat unfinished on my desk for weeks before I finally was able to put the rosette on top. From there it only took about 15 minutes to finish! My hubby was stunned and suggested I make another one and "take some time with it" if I wanted to give it as a gift. I guess that's part of my creative process. While it sat on my desk, I was busy "finishing" it in my mind. I knew exactly what I wanted to do... just needed that rosette! I wish you could see the sparkle all over. I did buy myself some silver Krylon glitter spray and this little shoe got a generous dose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSGWUAU7x3q_UaiDBuIYCgA69P6YIMU8LuKJD-QFcX0f-DJxQiLE9SQU4pPyTzLjMG9Ph2UZCpMGUugarCfiEX5efEStqGAtYJbeR0erzQ5keEUNgwA3KU9ASwXj9GyqPYQa4YDpe1Xmc/s1600-h/tis+the+season+deer+ornament.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSGWUAU7x3q_UaiDBuIYCgA69P6YIMU8LuKJD-QFcX0f-DJxQiLE9SQU4pPyTzLjMG9Ph2UZCpMGUugarCfiEX5efEStqGAtYJbeR0erzQ5keEUNgwA3KU9ASwXj9GyqPYQa4YDpe1Xmc/s320/tis+the+season+deer+ornament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281389553958885602" border="0" /></a>Tis the Season Dear! Or should I say, Deer? I really love this ornament. It has a large rosette, silky green ribbon, tons of glass glitter and a cute baby deer. A lot of this paper came from a scrap swap I did at <a href="http://www.swap-bot.com/">Swap-bot.com</a>. The deer is a sweet bit of clip art from the internet. I bought the glitter at <a href="http://www.americanharvestinc.com/site/">American Harvest</a> in Pleasanton. Their shop is a true winter wonderland right now! I am not ashamed to say that I was influenced and inspired by the gorgeous art they have in their store.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs3EgKWZhRjStLdQ1vlpDcwRB80GBa2BG0zGU8sNay3fcehRDGXXEvi2-35UIUz6rHv1nV8q7d-1z7vRGOgKlOIv1Ob5tuG0lWoaeyLm61pn2HWQ55J38uCE15uDQlbQeYA8aVUU5ALwX/s1600-h/ice+skate+ornament.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs3EgKWZhRjStLdQ1vlpDcwRB80GBa2BG0zGU8sNay3fcehRDGXXEvi2-35UIUz6rHv1nV8q7d-1z7vRGOgKlOIv1Ob5tuG0lWoaeyLm61pn2HWQ55J38uCE15uDQlbQeYA8aVUU5ALwX/s320/ice+skate+ornament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281390776704714658" border="0" /></a>So, I whipped up ornments #1 and #2 at lightning speed. But what to do about #3? I have 3 crafty friends and I wanted them each to have something unique and special. After perusing Etsy.com to see what the folks there were making, I decided to go with an ice skate design. I found this adorable template on <a href="http://www.papercraftinspirationsmagazine.co.uk/page/papercraft?entry=download_your_christmas_card_templates">Paper Craft Inspirations</a> website. I liked the curliness of the blade and the high, slim ankle of the boot. I used lavender paper and a whole lot more glass glitter. The "laces" are threaded through white eyelets and the hanger is just silver wire adorned with beads. I intended to make two but, sheesh, one was hard enough! Maybe next year I'll make two for myself :) I especially love the snowflake button. My Mother-in-law bought me a Dress It Up set called Dashing Through the Snow. Boy, does she know how to make me smile!<br /><br /><br /><br />Right now, all three are on my tree. I want to let each of my friends pick which one they want. I'm very interested to see who will pick what!<br />My other crafty plans include gifts for my mom... I'll probably post those after xmas so as not to spoil the surprise.<br />I also have another bottle snowperson to show you! I'll take some pics and hopefully return before the New Year ;)<br />blessings,<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2122123431690457160.post-79764136846139767422008-11-21T17:06:00.000-08:002008-11-21T17:42:49.475-08:00Happy CraftingI had the wonderful pleasure on Sunday to participate in a craft class with Cathy Lyn Harrison from <a href="http://www.teach-me-art.com/">Teach Me Art School and Studio</a>. We met at her home in Historic Niles and tried out a project from <a href="http://www.quiltingarts.com/cpsmag/cpshome.html">Cloth Paper Scissors</a> November/December issue. These Sparkling Snowmen have bottles for bodies and each bottle is filled with treasures: beads, crystals, pearls, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hB992CpnlRpnFn1q77j8yijQ45ylYN74wtF52FULGV64yjdFUk9Oot1EbF9wABHaTpwCWV5YqkwXgGas4M5OuzKNVdu5tnpg3n1zG5BKhGUi5YWxY6YTpr6PfqcJgttQAkiG02_4L7S1/s1600-h/cps21cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hB992CpnlRpnFn1q77j8yijQ45ylYN74wtF52FULGV64yjdFUk9Oot1EbF9wABHaTpwCWV5YqkwXgGas4M5OuzKNVdu5tnpg3n1zG5BKhGUi5YWxY6YTpr6PfqcJgttQAkiG02_4L7S1/s320/cps21cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271283728139828738" border="0" /></a><br />Here are my Snow Ladies! They are obviously female because of my unrestrained use of froo-froo and their cute little pillbox hats :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3kVGh7jwZw4gyHo5mFNkWBUq0-K5pP1XLTNZaus_E8VyH0ed38B65_UaYMcfyttI5hhdvZwmBVnnwxqWQ01oifPZOF2o9Z1leKa8Lw-jgAePdwtot6Vo2WTi5vT_6ohy8KAWKetDdpnQ/s1600-h/snowlady+bottles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3kVGh7jwZw4gyHo5mFNkWBUq0-K5pP1XLTNZaus_E8VyH0ed38B65_UaYMcfyttI5hhdvZwmBVnnwxqWQ01oifPZOF2o9Z1leKa8Lw-jgAePdwtot6Vo2WTi5vT_6ohy8KAWKetDdpnQ/s320/snowlady+bottles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271285168168415042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have one more bottle that Cathy was kind enough to give me, as well as a handmade snowman head, so I'm not finished yet! The trick is finding enough do-dads to fill the bottle. During this project I was able to try some new products. I used a lot of gel medium to decorate with, especially when we covered the heads with chunky glitter. The whole thing is sprayed with aerosol glitter from Krylon. I really want some of my own! <br /><br />I am ashamed to say that my pictures have been languishing on my computer, unused and unseen. Last night I made a small step in the right direction by finishing a digiscrap layout. I used freebie kits from <a href="http://ndisb.blogspot.com/">Theresa Hernandez</a>, <a href="http://www.peppermintcreative.com/index.php?main_page=home">Peppermint Creative</a>, <a href="http://danipeuss.blogspot.com/">Daniela Peuss</a>, and <a href="http://scrapinfusions.blogspot.com/">Connie Prince</a>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhgV5ukNBtFWU8IScLiQmPfWu6nUIJtUd3wP6UJ0DzBEdIl5qL43fEX87QKMOaa-ZQOK30ZjTGPRE-UbFhxHVA1YF4WoSDs-uQ9Ig_7Uf4ik3LOlMxlp1FXBHaObYC8KQT9RKu-pXeTx2/s1600-h/bailey+harvest+festival.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhgV5ukNBtFWU8IScLiQmPfWu6nUIJtUd3wP6UJ0DzBEdIl5qL43fEX87QKMOaa-ZQOK30ZjTGPRE-UbFhxHVA1YF4WoSDs-uQ9Ig_7Uf4ik3LOlMxlp1FXBHaObYC8KQT9RKu-pXeTx2/s320/bailey+harvest+festival.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271290630024528642" /></a><br />Hopefully, I'll be posting some more layouts in the future :) Have a nice weekend everyone!<br />AllisonAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07864436338682459100noreply@blogger.com0