Altered journals

 Here are some Halloween goodies that I have made. After I made my own spell book, I decided to make some smaller versions. I originally created these to place in my etsy shop, but every time I made one, someone wanted to buy it. I have made several versions of these books and each had sold as soon as I got it done! Can't complain, that's why I made them. These are just a few versions I created. Although they look like "spell books" they are actually blank journals, so, the owner can draw, write whatever.

Altered jean jacket

 I had this old classic jean jacket hanging in my closet. It was OK, but I decided to chic it up a bit. I found this gorgeous tulle embroidered lace  (from my favorite sewing boutique, Flights of Fancy)and I had some other beaded trims that I hand sewed onto this jacket. It give it a one of a kind look, which it really is. I am set for fall!

Halloween is just around the corner!

Well, it's that time of year again, and I am starting to collect and make Halloween "eye" candy. Stay tuned, and keep checking back. Trick or Treat!

Mixed media collage

 A 9x12 mixed media piece I made from a similar piece I was inspired from on a website I frequent. I have made this dress form in a smaller size to fit on a tag, but just got those great Melissa Frances shabby chic hangers that just begged for something to hang from it. Dress is cut out of patterned card stock with vintage inspired trims, netting, and lace to embellish the skirt. The background is a painted canvas board in complimentary acrylic colors and over painted with  holographic crystal gel. Lace trim frames this piece. It can be hung from the hanger which extends over the top of the board to serve for that purpose.

Wire wrapped Tree of Life with moon and leaves

I was on pintrest the other day (yes again) and I found a pendant that was very similar to these. I had to know more about them. So, I did some research on you-tube for a tutorial and these are some fruits of my labor.  The moons are mother of pearl discs and the leaves are Tourmaline beads. What do you think? 

more tag art fun

 Just another post of some of the wonderful tag art out there, and my interpretation of what I have been seeing.  Enjoy

Shabby chic tags

I've been on pintrest again. (actually spend alot of time there, and I was inspired by some tag art I found there. I was intrigued by  how this artist did her layered background, and I found it very fun to do.  The tags done with the flowers are my interpretation of her tutorial which can be found here: paulienvandenbosch.blogspot.com  Look for the April 1 2011 posting.    The dress tag was inspired by another artist, it was actually a altered canvas which I scaled down to fit on a tag.  I made the little wire hanger (for those who are interested, there are you-tube tutorials for the hanger), then overlay some lace and added vintage embellishments.  Hope you enjoy making these for yourself as much as I did!

 

 

 

 

Spring Beauties

Yes, more flower pins. These are somewhat different from what I have been doing. I used a light cotton broadcloth that was light but had some body.  As these flowers are made of cotton, the edges will fray over a time giving this flower a shabby chic appeal.  The coordinating cascading rayon/silk ribbon gently flows from the bottom as a accent.  I see these pin/broaches on a more casual style. Wear them in your hair, on a denim jacket or any boho chic style outfit.  This is another tutorial from pintrest, if interested you may find the tutorial here: sew4home.com. (look under March 19, 2012):

Silk Flower pin

 I tried this flower in 100% silk, as did the author of  the tutorial I got this from.  She was correct in that it was a bit more tedious to singe the edges as it was more flammable. I did set a couple of petals ablaze, but not too bad.(good to have a bowl of water handy, just in case) Another thing about making silk petals is that they don't curl like the synthetic fabrics do, so you have to make small "pinch tucks" in each petal to give it some shape.  Then give it a slight bunch in the whole flower after you got it all together, and sew a pucker through all layers to draw it up and in.  The center I used a long strip about 1 inch wide and ran a gathering stitch down one side, gathered and "rolled" it onto itself and stitched each layer down to secure. (I used hot glue to adhere to middle of flower petals.  Add some velvet leaves and  and a pin backing and you have a really nice flower pin. (For more detailed tutorial see last post below, I have listed the url of this tutorial and another using bought silk flowers that you can re-make) Thanks for looking

Flower pin

I saw this again from pintrest and like it so much that I gave it a whirl. It is made somewhat like what I have been doing, but using a different fabric. The orginal was a knock off of a silk flower pin costing a bunch, so the author used a 100% polyester shiny fabric and singed the edges to keep from fraying then she used a strip of material and gathered it like the "ribbon flowers" I have been making. Basically, this flower pin is a combination of two flowers I have been making. Here is the address of the tutorial if you are interested http://craftysisters-nc.blogspot.com/2012/02/yellow-flower.html.
Or try this tutorial http://www.thebridescafe.com/?catID=54&diy

Paper roses

I found this on pintrest, and since I'm into making flowers lately, I thought I'd try to make this one! One thing I learned is: don't use old paper, it is too fragile.
I wanted to make a truly vintage paper flower so I used a book that was printed in 1908, I am surprised that I got it to go together at all because the paper kept tearing. But I managed it somehow. After I got it done, I sprayed it with a coat of clear acrylic gloss spray to help give it some strength. Next time, (and yes, there will be more) I'll use a more recent book pages. (I even have a french journal page I might have to copy and age...ooo that sounds lovely!) You can search for the tutorial on my pintrest board under "inspiration", but you will have to do some sleuthing,, the one thing I don't like about pintrest is that when you keep repining you loose the original track back to that pin. So when you find this on my pintrest board, use the website at the bottom, (100layercake.com) and it will take you to the tutorial.Thanks for looking
_http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2011/07/22/diy-storybook-paper-roses/

Flowers, Flowers, everywhere!

Can't seem to get enough of making these fabric/ribbon flowers. Some will become pins/broaches, others I'll just stash until I have a need for them. In the mean time, I'll make more!

more Feather/organza flower pins

These are just too fun to make, so many ways to create these fluffy accessories to add to your wardrobe/hair/purse, etc.

Altered photo frame

I altered a children's board book and made it into a photo frame for a friends daughter. I have made several of these for baby gifts. I chose the theme "Boys life" and used embellishments from the elements from the poem that I wrote. I left the frame page unattached so they may choose a photo to add. I have double sided foam tape on the back of the frame so it will seal together when the photo is in place. The front and back cover has handmade paper that was decoupaged and distressed with Ranger color wash.

organza/lace flower pins

These are vintage flower pins I made using organza/lace/netting and even some feathers. My friend, Linda, (momentsinaneye.blogspot.com) told me how to make these. I, of course, had to put my own spin to them. Some of these were added into some friends Christmas gifts as a bonus. Just wanted to share. Hope you have a blessed 2012.

Freshwater pearl station necklace and bracelet

Christmas is around the corner, and I have been busy trying to finish up some little gifts. This freshwater pearl station necklace with coordinating bracelet will be one. I bought these pearls earlier this year and couldn't decide how I wanted to string them. I finally decided to make this design that is a modern, updated pearl necklace verses the classic strand of pearls. Merry Christmas.

Keepsake boxes update

Hello fellow bloggers;

I have had several people ask me "how did I make these boxes?"  Well to be honest, I did not make them per sea, I did however, have these blank chipboard boxes that I purchased a few years back that I painted and embellished to match each book. 
Happy creating,
Debbie:)

Vintage Santa domino book and keepsake box

I must say that I was totally inspired by Laura Carson's little domino books that I wanted to make some for gifts this Christmas. If these look like something you would love to try, please stop by Artfully Musing. Laura not only has wonderful eye candy, but you will find the tutorial for these little books as well as other great stuff. (see her blog button to the right)

Winter Domino book and keepsake box