Silent Night Mixed Media Art

I've been working on Christmas tree mixed media art (collage), and I decided "Silent Night" is what I wish for my friends on the East Coast. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.  

 

I will be at the "Big One" starting Friday, so stop in  for a visit. 

 

Prayerfully,

Ele 

Linking to:

freeprettythingsforyou, somedaycrafts

sewmuchado, 

Vintage Dishtowel Pillow

When the snow starts swirling around outside, my sewing matching starts calling, "come play with me!" So play, I did. I had a stack of vintage dishtowels with lovely stripes down the side, (remember in a past post my son bought them and was going to use them for oil rags in the shop. NO!).

While the snow whirled, so did my sewing machine. Two wonderful towels became a pillow.

The vintage dishtowels had loops on the ends, so I used a burlap ribbon and tied them together.

Two blue and yellow striped vintage dish towels have been recycled, upcycled, and remade into a comfy pillow.

Have a blessed week,
Ele

Greek Paper Challenge

October's Heavenly Bits Art Challenge features a mixed media collage kit from Pink Dreamer, (Greece). Totally consumed by ephemera: Greek dictionary; encyclopedia; and magazine papers she sent me, I dove right in.

Greek words, not a clue what it says.....a little mystery, and lettering that is quite beautiful.

 

Seriously, how gorgeous would this be tussie mussie filled with goodies?

 

A little unexpected is the red lettering, and the pale yellow crepe paper.

 

 A Big "Thank You" to Pink Dreamer for sending us a fun package of art supplies for our October creations.Visit the link below (or her cute artwork) to visit her etsy shop.

  Please visit Pink Dreamer for Mixed Media Art and Supplies 

 

 

The Heavenly Bits (art supplies) also included a few items from me. The items I made are easy peasy, Do It Yourself 101, but still would be cute for a child's birthday party. Just buy a couple of paper punches at the craft store, and you're set!

 

 

 

       cake/cupcake topper, and treat cups

 

Please visit these beautiful artists, (click on picture). They were part of my Heavenly Bits Art Challenge and received supplies from Pink Dreamer. They will be posting their creations through the weekend.  

 

Deb

KellyKai

 

Have a blog, and like to receive free art supplies?Interested in creating? Send me an e-mail

elee(at)srt.com

 

 

Blessings,

Ele

 

Artist Call

Drum roll please....TaDa!

These artists were selected to participate in the Heavenly Bits October Challenge. Their actual creations will be featured on Sat. my blog, Oct. 20th. 



Deb

KellyKai

 

 

Our guest supplier for October is Pink Dreamer. She sent us a package of mixed media supplies that were similar  to these:

 

I also mailed each artist a package of supplies:

 

If you are interested in creating for the Nov. artist challenge, at no cost to you, send me an e-mail by using the contact form above, (elee(at)srt.com).

 

Come visit tomorrow for the reveal!

Ele

Chevron

Crisp, clean, and fresh are the perfect words to describe Chevron. Lately, it seems that Chevron is zig-zagging everywhere.  Used as a great decorating tool for my 20-30 year old nieces, am I too old for this? Does there seem to be an age limit for this colorful, easy to use, but a little daring zig-zag?  Did grandma have a Chevron pillow to go along with her sunbonnet girl quilt? Let's explore.

 

 

fabrics by Riley Block 

The Darling Stewardess opened her ever so cute doors to a couple of chevron walls.  If you missed my post on this shop go here. Young and old were awestruck not only by the shop, but the vibrant zigzag. Not too much, not too little, but juuuust right.

 

 

Lets take a closer look.

 

This wall was prepped by taping, measuring, and painting; taping, measuring, and painting; taping, measuring, and painting; taping, measuring, and painting; etc. Not for the faint of heart, or for the "hurry up"do it yourselfer, but the outcome is amazing.

 

How does a mustard chevron wall translate into a home. I'd say, nicely. Don't you agree? I could actually see this in my grandma's kitchen. It would have gone well with the white cupboards, and grandma was never stuck in a neutral zone. Her kitchen was bright yellow!

The Yellow Peony

 

I, however can get stuck in neutral, so these chevron desk areas would be perfect for me, (and my 50 year old brain).  

 

 

         photo credit: DIYstencils                                    photo credit: becauseiliketodecorate

 

The above left picture was painted using DIY stencils from Etsy. If you are creating zigzags using stencils, it is recommended that you use spray adhesive for clean paint lines.  

 

Chevron is not just for walls. Table runners and pillows from Simply Divine by Joanne on Etsy, could be used in anyone's home. I could easily have that pillow in my sunroom. 

 

 

 

I conclude that chevrons crisp, clean, fresh style is for everyone. It seems to be zig-zagging it's way into everyone's heart, even mine.

 

Have a blessed Wednesday, and remember to be fabulous and classy (Coco Channel).
Ele

Linking to:

freeprettythingsforyou, somedaycrafts

sewmuchado, wearethatfamily 

Halloween Tussie Mussie

 

So what is a tussie mussie holder called when it's not used to hold a tussie mussie, (a cone shaped bouquet of flowers)? Hmm, not sure, but during Halloween it can be a sweet container used to hold candy.   

Ive been making a few more Halloween decorations lately. Crepe paper, pom pom fringe, and beautiful black and white flocked paper; some of my favorite supplies.   

 

 

A little raven clip art to go along with the fllocked black and white paper.

Filled with black and orange wrapped peanut butter candy, this make a sweet treat for a friend.

 

I will be at the Darling Stewardess Shop on Saturday, so if you're around, come and visit!

 

Happy Halloween in one week!

linking up to etsy cottage style

making the world cuter 

Craft O Manic Monday

Inspire me Monday

 

Have a great Day,

Ele

Darling Stewardess Shop

My niece and her husband recently opened the cutest little vintage shop in town. It is appropriately named, Darling Stewardess.  My niece's husband is the handsome pilot, and my niece is the Darling behind the Darling Stewardess. 

So many cute treasures, but first I feel the need to practice saying, "darling". Envision yourself as a "richy rich mommy dearest" lady. Add red lipstick, false eyelashes, raise your brows as high up as they can go, and wrap your hair in a turban scarf that is embellished with one great rhinestone brooch. Ready?  Lets say, "Daaaaahling Stewardess!"

O.K., that was a little scary and the Darling Stewardess is not scary. It's adorably, drool worthy cute. Let's scrap the daaaaahing idea and say in a sweet voice (preferably as you walk in the store), "omygosh, this is darling!"

The store is filled with vintage wares, retro kitchen items, and anything junkalicious. This is not the normal antique store. Darling stewardess and her handsome pilot have an eye for what people want. It's young, stylish, and chic. The best thing about it is they restock every week! Each Saturday new items are added.

 

This Saturday (Oct. 20th) the shop is open from 10:00-2:00. Located at 1809 South Broadway (lower level). For more information, look for Darling Stewardess on facebook.

 

Guess it's time to take off my brooch encrusted head turban, but I'm keeping on the red lipstick. So there!

Have a Blessed Weekend!
Ele

Silhouette (2)

Silhouettes, such a lovely decor topic, that I just couldn't stop at one post. Yes, silhouettes have been around for centuries, and they can have a vintage classical feel, sometimes stuffy, but this next picture shows silhouettes with a modern, colorful twist. 

 

 

Black, white, and blue with splashes of vivid pink, orange, and one unexpected pop of red. Oh. how I love this. I can't tell for sure, but I imagine the black chaise in black velvet for luxurious texture.

 

Silhouettes can made by you for a personal touch, or can be purchased ready to stick, or hang on the wall.

Some basic instructions for making your own silhouette:

*Position child, cat, dog, etc. in profile position, in front of a white wall, (the finished silhouette will face in the opposite direction),
*Take photos , but make sure you are at the same eye level as your subject. You don't want it to look as if you are looking down or up at animal or child. Take several photos.
*Load camera photos to computer and print out an 8x10, or smaller size. You can enlarge photos on a copy machine if you want. Remember graininess of the picture does not matter. The actual picture will not be seen. 
*Use a LIGHT layer of spray glue and attach the back side of the actual picture to a heavy black card stock.
*With a sharp scissors, (smaller the better). Cut along the outline of the picture. Sometimes it helps to draw with a narrow Sharpee marker. Extend any eyelashes, or wisps of hair to add interest. 
*Turn picture over so the black card stock side is face up and check your cutting skills.
*Glue finished silhouette to a white (or even colored), background. Use a light layer of paper glue, or spray glue. 
*Frame, and if you are putting up more than two pictures add a little visual interest with dfferent frames, or frame widths. 

 

If you don't want to make your own silhouette, many styles are available from etsy. 

Remember stickers can easily be framed!

 

above pictures taken from

http://www.redcandy.co.uk

http://www.countryliving.com

http://www.decorartsnow.com

http://www.paperclips&playpens.com

 

 

Have a blessed end of the week,

Ele

 

Silhouettes

Just what is it that drives people to collect and decorate with silhouettes? Is it a hint of vintage fashion (my daughter), a little history, the mystery of a person, the beauty and purity of a black image against a white background (me), or caputuring the profile of someone dear to your heart.

 



Now, if you've never thought about creating and /or decorating with silhouettes just look at this picture from vastharrison.wordpress.com . Seriously, don't forget to breathe.

Why does this wall work? Oh, let me count the ways.

1. Three different main colors: In addition to the black and white the wall is painted a gorgeous blue.  Because silhouettes are 2 dimensional, this gives the wall a three dimensional look. 

2. Additional interest with an array neutral colors: The frames and matte boards are a mix of beige, white, black, green (yes dark green is neutral in this display), and gold (huge shout out for the gold!).

If all the frames matched it would be boring, boring, BORING. Did I say boring? The only time you want to match a wall of frames is if you are putting the pictures on a patterened wallpaper/paint technique and the wall would be too busy. 

3. Textural interest: All the frames are not shiny and smooth. This is a good thing, as Martha Steward would say. The gold frames add a swirly, chunky, ornate feel. 

4. A splash of something unexpected:  Did you notice..............
the yellow frame on the wall? This could have also been achieved with a little pop of color such as a pillow, on the bed, but this frame is pure genius. Kind of jealous it's not my design! 

5. Flow: The use of flow in this collection is superlative.  Look with those wonderful eyes of yours how they naturally move from the wall to the bed.

Now, don't be intimidated and think you have to think about all five of these points to hang up a wall with silhouette pictures. This could cause brain overload!

Here is a simple version created by my girl. Three thrift store fashion silhouettes angled on her wall. Unable to paint the walls, the look is a little two dimensional, but the roses (even though they are not on the wall) become part of the display and add a little color, texture, and dimension. The flow is created by hanging the pictures at an angle.  

 

Here are a couple of other walls decorated with silhouettes from sodarling.blogspot.com, and jamdogsgirl.blogspot.com.

 

Do you want to test yourself and play the 5 point game above?

 

Fireplace wall: 1) three colors are black, white, and blue. 2) additional neutrals with gold, white, creams, and patterns in blue 3) texture in chunky gold frame, wide and thin sleek frames, and the ornateness of the large blue frame. 4) unexpected is the purple hydrangea that is on the mantle (remember what is close by can also be considered part of the grouping). 5) the flow in this grouping is containted (surprise!). Everything is framed inside of the large blue frame.

 

Beige Hallway: 1) three colors  black , white, and coffee beige. 2) additional neutrals with gold, and various shades of cream used inside the frames. 3) texture in frames, sleek and chunky. 4) the unexpected is the colorful quilt hanging on the chair because it's close enough to be "part" of the wall display. 5) the flow goes from the floor to the ceiling!



 

When gathering a collection of silhouettes to hang on your wall there are several options such as: aquiring old,  creating new with online clip art, drawing actual people (like your kids), or buying silhouette stickers. Later this week I will provide you with some good links and techniques.

 

Until then, make it fabulous and classy.

Blessings, Ele 

 

Coco Channel, "A girl should be fabulous and classy."

Recipe Book

Even Dick and Jane had to eat!

Early reader pages were altered, upcycled, recycled, (whatever lingo you choose) into recipe card books.

 

This is my favorite, with Dick trying to feed the duck some type of food, and Spot and kitten watching patiently. Trying to convince the duck to eat, I plastered a big "Yum" on the front of this recipe book.

Inside are individual recipe cards. Ready to be filled. Maybe little duck would like your cooking better?

Dick and Jane:)
Blessings,
Ele

Makover Chalkboard Style

It's one of those days. You know, the kind of day where you open the fridge, see the day old pizza, and are ecstatically thankful there are two pieces left. I am thankful for a lot of things today, and it was all inspired by the people who visited me at the Crafter's Barn yesterday. You know who you are (wink). I love seeing faithful customers, and oh, how you make me feel  loved.

Sometimes, I feel a little like a mother duck. I'm amazed that (you) are following me, and just when I think I'll look back and everyone will have gone to the pond on the other side, you are there!  You are wonderful people with beautiful souls. You amaze me, and are my inspiration.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Which brings me to a very simple project: Chalkboard Style. Need something large to hang on a focal wall? Live in a rental and don't want to put a lot of holes in the wall? Don't want to spend a lot of money, or just want something really cute? Add a chalkboard. 

Here's what I did:
*went to the second hand store and found a hard cardboard 
  picture of a landscape without glass, but with a great detailed
  frame
*bought a can of spray chalkboard paint
*put a piece of painters plastic down outside
*put the picture on plastic and spray painted the daylight out of that
  picture (get it......turned it black, lol).
*Yes, I also painted the frame, but if the frame is a great color, or
  you want to spray paint the frame another color, you sure can. 
  Simply tape it off with painters tape, and cover with newspaper. 
*after the front is dry, flip over to the back and touch up the edges
 
Hint: It doesn't matter if there is a little texture or bumpiness on the picture/painting. The chalkboard paint will cover, and writing on it will work just fine!  Also, chalkboard spray paint works better for smaller areas, no brush marks.

Hanging up in my daughter's kitchen, chalkboard style!

I photoshopped the inside of the chalkboard, so I could write what I wanted, so the chalkboard looks grainier then it really is, but you get the idea.

Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week, and have many things to

 about!

 

Look for your blessings. They are there.

Thanks again, Ele

PS: My husband just walked in with crab from the grocery store (which I love, and he cooks!)......and I was being thankful for pizza. Who'd a thought? Candlelight and crab.................