Mystery Project

I thought it would be fun to do a mystery project for a change.

I will show you some steps next time I blog.

Meantime to start, gather supplies.

Easy and something you will have on hand.

Cut card stock, 4 different patterns if possible. As follows.

5 1/2 x 3 1/2"

5 1/2 x 4 1/2"

5 1/2" x 5 1/2"

5 1/2 x 6 1/2"

On the above 4 cards, fold the left edge forward 1/2" and press with bone folder.

Right side is facing you. Do this on the 5 1/2" edge.

On the other 5 1/2" side, trim it someway to look pretty. Use fancy scissors, zigzag by machine or add a thin trim or lace.

another 5 1/2 x 3 1/2"

On this piece of leftover card, fold it off center, about 1" with wrong sides facing. Narrow side is the front.

Finish the edge of the 1" fold similar to above.

You will also need old photos or other pics. such as flowers, birds, etc. That are no taller than 5".

Piece of ribbon or string. About half a yard. Elmers glue.

Other elements such as rub ons, paper flowers, you will see what you need later.

Hope you are trying to guess.

It turns out pretty cute!

Here are some pictures from me you can use if you like.

I did a little charcoal self portrait last night

Trying to capture something here. Not sure what.
My eyes are my most unusual feature I am told. So I gave them some more pizazz.
They are really pale green/hazel.
Next will have to try color.

stitching on purses

Two of my fave. images at present.
Marie Antoinette and Gypsys.
I flit around with different ideas constantly but these are fairly recurring just now.
I do believe I lived in Marie's era, always been intrigued with the women, royalty and their adornments.
As for Gypsies, they are in my blood too.
The music is so catching and all the beads and things inspire me and feed my eclectic nature.

cards for gifts

I like to make cards from projects. Here are 4 from handmade boxes.

got to jazz up some tins.

I painted and collaged some tins this weekend.

The Altoid tin started off with a black and white photo of a vintage siren. I cut most of her background off and made her into a Pacific Maiden.

The round tin was old and battered so I gave it a French style makeover. Now I feel better.

I used Watercolor crayons and white gesso to do the coloring. Gives a painterly look.

1930s rose for Mum

This is a rose from the 30s that I updated to make into a gift for a Mother.
You need 2 x 5" pieces of velvet and a bunch of stamens. A velvet leaf is nice or you could use ribbon or lace.
I kept it simple.
Sew around the scallop shape with right sides together. Leave a small opening to turn it.
Turn and iron flat, sew separation marks between the petals and cut a hole in the middle to push the stamen through.
I added a bit of glue to the stamen base. Glue the opening closed.
Add a velvet leaf if you like.
Push the 30s flower into a vintage glass bottle filled with pearls for Mother.
This is a pretty presentation for anyone, a Grad. maybe.
Enjoy!

The other Queen of Waikiki

The stunning Moorish Royal Hawaiian Hotel has just been repainted and the rooms refurbished.
I had a lovely visit to see her recently.
Got to love the pink against the blue Pacific.

Waikiki , doing a little hikoi.

A bit tinny

Two funky brooches I made trying out different ideas.

The images are adhered to light tin.

I glued the pictures to the tin, cut them out and gave them a coat of varnish.

I was quite happy with the look and other than a bit of time involved they were pretty easy.

Marie art paper, gift.

You may like to print this and use it.

Made just for you.

See what you can do and let me know.

Aloha

Marie is adorned

Some fast and fun Marie accessories.
Three brooches and a cuff.

painted cuffs

Made the cuff with the leftover painted and crackled fabric from the painters pouch below.

I added some stamping and a few 'gems' to decorate.
It has a button and buttonhole closure.

My paintbrush case

I painted the fabric for my painting and sketching zip pouch.
Found some batik to line it with and to decorate it.
My easy way to line it.
Lay the painted piece onto a bigger lining fabric. wrong sides together. Fold lining onto front all way around and zigzag edges.
Add a zipper to the top and there I have an artsy painterly pouch for my brushes and even some tubes of watercolor.
Background painted fabric is muslin painted with 'Joint compound' which crackles it. Then acrylic paints were brushed and splattered on.

My embroidery scissors stand

Spools come in handy I find all sorts of ways to use them.
Rose is on my cupboard, just looked nice.

My friend Cara chose me once again

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=52811

If you can go see this collection of pretty mocha items for sale.

Nice to see Spring can be oatmeal and latte too.

More for Louise

Whispering Poppies is having a week of Vignettes.
I have some more to offer, hope to hear from viewers who enjoy them.
I had fun putting together the photos.

Vignettes

Pictures around my studio.
it is quite rustic and eclectic.
I enjoy it and hope you like the sampling here.