The Cloud

Posted on my favorite go-to art/design source this morning was this incredibly cool creation by designer Richard Clarkson...

Clarkson has created Cloud, "an interactive light shaped like a cumulus cloud that simulates a thunderstorm both in light and sound, based on external input from either a remote control or motion sensors."

Enjoy~

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,

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~