Winter Jar Swap

A while back I announced that I was going to participate in my very first challenge and found this fun Winter Jar Swap through Glitter Tart Designs.  Today is the big day where we share what we created and received so we go...

Even with the wonderful challenge theme it was tough nailing down exactly what to create and so I allowed the project to take it's own direction. Finding that most of the winter items had been removed from my local craft store I chose to go in a "do-it-yourself" direction and made most of what I used.

What I wound up creating was a wintery scene of fairies in the woods...

First I lined the jar with a coating of "frost" throughout the inside of the glass, leaving only a small oval "viewing" area.  Then I added moss to create a hidden wooded feel which I frosted with white paint and shimmering glitter.  Using dowels, moss, paint, and glitter, I created a selection of small trees to add a sense of depth and dimension to the scene.  A small "frozen pond" cut out of glitter paper was added as a focal point in the scene.

Next I created a selection of tiny faeries which I printed and cut out, placing them in different locations throughout the scene.  Along side the "pond" I used a rusted antique key as a found object, wrapped with golden wire and a few small shimmering crystals. This provided a resting place for the faeries, along with a few natural gemstones as "rocks" to frame the pond.

On the outside I added some finishing touches, including paper "silhouettes", mesh flowers, snowflakes and vintage jeweled pieces.  While putting the final touches on everything a poem came to mind and so I included that with the completed package as well.

The second part of the swap was receiving the jar someone else made for me and that was equally as exciting.  Like any blank canvas the options are endless so I had no clue what to expect. My partner created a darling winter scene with a polar bear nestled in a glittery, wintery scene.

The touches of deep red flowers and grass blades she added were a perfect compliment to the cool green, white and silvery elements she used throughout.  I've been fond of polar bears for a long time ~ to me they're a symbol of tremendous strength yet still dependent upon our actions as caretakers of this planet.

I love that my partner included the swap title and her name, handwritten at the top. I didn't think to include this in my own creation and I think it's a great way to mark these different creative events.

This challenge was super fun and I really enjoyed reaching out of my usual comfort zone to create something whimsical and fun and the joy of receiving a  handmade gift from another creative soul.

Best,

Supplies

I spent some time searching for supplies yesterday in preparation for this fun little challenge I've joined.  I have to admit the jar was the easiest part, since I have a small collection accumulated from my favorite Caesar dressing. *yummm*

With the holidays now behind us it was a little difficult finding some of the goodies I was hoping for but I wound up locating some nice glittery paints, Spanish moss, and a sampling of scrapbooking supplies.

Of course my imagination was a million miles ahead of me; daydreaming of an icy pond scene with tiny skating figures surrounded by a snowy landscape ~ gotta love that imagination!  It's fun to plan though and even more fun to imagine how the final version will actually turn out.

I hope you're off to a creative start for the week too!

Best,

Outside

I'm not sure what it is about this year but I think the word "outside" is going to find it's way into more of what I do. It's not the great outdoors I'm thinking of but more of that area beyond this little box I spend my time in. You know, the one we always think is so "comfortable".  Stepping outside of that area seems to be something I'm more willing to do these days.  Not completely, but certainly in ways I'm not accustomed to.
Case in point... I've joined a challenge ~ yeah, me.  While I've never participated in one, I've certainly admired all those pretty little creations I see bloggers postings about and sharing ~ from ATC cards to small keepsakes; they're enchanting, lovely little treasures. Personally I think there's nothing better than "handmade" ~ there's just something about taking the time to make something for someone else that stirs the soul.

The challenge is being offered through Caroline's Glitter Tart Designs (cute title, isn't is?!) and is called the "Winter Jar Swap". Gee even that title is cute ~ invoking all sorts of snowy faerie images!  The challenge is open to anyone who wants to join-in until the 15th of January and you can find out more by clicking the challenge title above.

I'm super excited about this new territory ~ from making my own to receiving one from someone else. I haven't a clue what I'll make but I know I'll have fun. I guess there's a little part of me that wonders how many "outside" stories I'll have to reflect on at the end of the year.  Tough to tell, but for now I'm just appreciating the process of "stepping out".

Best~

Creative Every Day

A few years back I stumbled upon this delightfully artistic blog Creative Every Day. It's one of those sites I can get lost in ~ not only by exploring the wonderfully artistic postings but in trying to figure out that fabulous website design ~ just hover over those little signs on the top right and watch them dance ~ love that!

The site is run by Leah ~ an amazingly inspirational artist whose own work is filled to the brim with an unobstructed depth of passion and color. As easy as it is to be captivated by her beautiful creations and interactive postings, you would be missing half the fun if you didn't check out her annual Creative Every Day Challenge.

Each month Leah hosts a new theme where artists can participate by creating and posting within the month's challenge title. The best part is you can participate as little or as much as you like by either posting once for the monthly theme or checking-in weekly, so it fits within every schedule. Because the theme is based on a concept you can always work within your own comfort zone or be challenged to stretch out and try something new. And the best part isn't just posting about your own creations but visiting all the other creative souls who are participating as well ~ what a great way to find new creative ideas and certainly my personal fav!

So if you're interested in a little inspiration throughout the year and wish to participate you can signup here. And you can look for my own submissions as I strive to work in the monthly challenge themes into one new prefab blog theme each month throughout the year.

Enjoy~

Sponsoring - Sugar Creek Hollow Weekly Challenge

I'm super excited to announce that I'm sponsoring the Sugar Creek Hollow blog challenge this week! Not long ago my sweet customer/friend Patti contacted me about sponsoring one of their weekly challenges and how could I say no? There was a big learning curve since I'd never participated in anything like this before. I put on my thinking cap and came up with something which I hope will be fun for everyone who participates and you're all invited to join in!

There's a selection of temporary freebies (normally for sale in my shop) which include a seasonal collage sheet and a few print-your-own cards so even if you have nothing more than paper, glue, and scissors you can join in, have some fun, and even enter to win the giveaway!

Here is a sampling of what the Sugar Creek Hollow Design Team members have made for this challenge...

So stop by Sugar Creek Hollow to get all the info and free download link ~ I can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Enjoy~

IA Weekly Challenge ~ "Pink"

This week I had an opportunity to participate in the Inspiration Avenue weekly challenge. The theme was "pink" and being this shade is near and dear to my little plumrose heart I decided to venture outside my comfort zone and try something new ~ painting. Truth be told I haven't painted in over 10 years, probably due to lack of time, but I really enjoyed this challenge which certainly turned out to be just that... a challenge.

My techniques are definitely a bit rusty and only having some of my son's leftover acrylic paints from elementary school to play with was a bit limiting. I had better hopes for the heart too but remembered after the fact that lighter colors do not go over darks very well ~ strange how we forget basics like that... oh well. I now own a set of watercolor crayons in lieu of the upcoming free class I'm participating in next week which I'm really looking forward to trying out. So hopefully my future efforts will improve with time.

Inspiration Avenue weekly challenges are great fun and they're open to anyone with a blog and a creative spirit. Hope to see you there sometime and as always...

Enjoy!