An Erie Tale Altered Box

The Halloween collections that Graphic 45 creates seem to always be some of my favorite papers.  The new Erie Tale paper line is no exception.  

For this project I intended to create something that did not look typical Halloween, so I chose papers that were generic enough for gift giving year round. I did end up throwing in a few pumpkins and toadstools, to add to the mystical theme.  

On the top I used a few of my precious metal staple flowers that I embossed in a spiral pattern.  To add to the eclectic look I added a few vintage buttons and some warm toned flowers.

To close this recycled box I made pegs from Tim Holtz hitching posts, so I could weave ribbons through it like a corset.  I really like how that turned out.  The box I used was actually an old gift box from Sephora.

To edge out the box (and cover up some mistakes,) I used a bit of the geometric tape from Graphic 45.  You all know how much I love to use tapes!

This floral design is just to die for.  I think I need to make a book out of this too!

Since I could not just leave my little box empty, I fashioned this paperclay heart to stick inside of it.  In a way, I was inspired by the Snow White tale...

The heart has a Shabby Chic Keyhole glued on with a tiny scrap of Steampunk Spells behind it.  To get texture on my heart, I simply used a rubber stamp.

The Spanish moss made for a perfect little nest for my fun heart.

Cheers,

Rhea

Botanical Tea Box

This project has been waiting in the wings for ages!  I made it some time ago for Graphic 45 and I am excited to finally show it off.  They also posted it in their introduction of me they posted last week.  I was so humbled and touched by what the Graphic 45ers had to say about my work. Too all of you who took the time to comment, thank you!!!

Supply List:

Botanical Tea 12x12

Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Keyholes

May Arts Ribbon

Tim Holtz Foundation Feet and Curio Knob

Vintaj Patinas

Silver and Patina Gilders Paste

Sandpaper

Kraft Recipe Box

White Gesso

Xyron Glue Stick for Corners

I have had the box on hand and primed from a previous creative funk.   Sometimes I find it helpful to prime or prep pieces to work on later when I am in a creative lull (like I am right now....)

I love all the texture and movement that the ribbons provide.

In this image above you can see how lovely a little bit of patina gilders paste looks on the new Shabby Chic Keyholes.  I adore this finish!

The colors in this line are perfect for spring and summer projects.  They also have lots of classic prints such as polka dots.

On the feet I used Vintaj patinas to change the color to go with my palate.  Altering metal is so much fun and so super easy!

I hope you enjoyed today's post!  

Cheers, 

Rhea

Steampunk Skeleton Theatre

This is my latest project for Alpha Stamps. We were provided some of these fun boxes to create a theatre. I knew I had to take this in a steampunk direction and the skeletons for some reason soon followed.  To be totally honest, my creative mojo has been in a bit of a funk, so I decided to embrace the darker side.

To see all the fun goodies I got to play with from Alpha Stamps you can go here.  One way I added layers here was with the use of transparencies.  I used the Round Things Collage Sheet, which was printed on transparency, and then just ran the images through my Create a sticker machine.  This is a great technique for collaging.

I also thought the use of decorative tape to cover the piece was clever.  I can be a bit of a lazy crafter at times, so using tape on odd shapes makes for super quick creative coverage.  If it is too bold for your piece you can always add a color wash, glaze or shabby coat of paint over it!

Here's to finding my summer mojo folks!

Cheers, 

Rhea

By the Sea Beach House

Today I have a sweet little beach house made for Xyron,  With the use of my handy 5" Creative Station and my 1.5" Sticker Maker I was able to put this together in no time.

To start I edged the little house shape with tissue tape.  I love how it is a perfect fit!

I added a few layers of By the Sea paper from Graphic 45.  To add a bit of personal meaning, I wrote in a few of my dreams in between the layers of paper.  Giving special meaning to projects makes my inner artist smile.

For each layer of paper I used my Xyron sticker makers.  I love how the adhesive covers all the way to the edges and has no dry time!

Finally I finished off my fun house with some brass charms and bits from my stash.  Looking forward to a fun summer by the water, can you tell!?!

Cheers,

Rhea