Frock on the wall...

 Hello Crafters...

Just last week, I happened to be cleaning my daughter's cupboard and I hit upon her baby frocks which she had outgrown and along with it, the little clothes hangers! OMG, so many of them, tucked inside and I was just wondering what to do with them....

How can this be re used...and I came up with this. Due credit to the l'le frocks too for being the partner in crime and inspiring me to do this....

I gave the hanger a makeover and decided to make it a display holder for a frock shaped photo card! And yes, the frock is cut out of an empty cereal carton!

Little baby frocks are soooo cute and I had the thrill and pleasure of sewing this one up ! I chose a lovely shade of lavender and blue for this frock and kept the embellishing minimum so the colors show.

The cute yoke is a CL doily die cut, (DL101)which has been inked with milled lavender and seedless preserves and I have used a CL daisy(B310) to make this cute little flower as the button, again inked with broken china. Looks like a lovely lace cut...

A lovely blue printed Washi tape highlights the middle and the base of the frock with some lavender pearls that adds to the delicate beauty! A cute blue bow highlights the front.

The image is a photocopy from my daughter's baby book! Isn't that cute? I just adhered it to an ornate oval die cut and made it the focal point in the frock. This also acts a photo mat and have embellished it with CL sunflower(DL121) and daisy die, all inked again in broken china and seedless preserves.The sentiment is from the net and just says it all!

The hem line is the MS lace punch and have inked it too. The stitch lines give the frock a lovely feel and I actually got the experience of sewing a frock!

The frock is attached only at the shoulders and so easily slips into the hanger. The inside flap is simple with some stamping all around, a photo mat open on one side with some journaling tags peeping out! The embellies on this page is only buttons.

The hanger has been spray painted in lavender and have tied a simple bow with pink net cloth and a lovely CL flower adds to the beauty.

I know a frock card is not new, but I have tried to alter this as a photo display and along with the hanger, this actually makes a lovely decor item for the kids room. I am planning to gift this to a friend who had a baby girl and shall await her feedback! My little one actually thought it was a new frock for her!

Do let me know your feedback on this altered frock and hanger as a deco piece...am sure you can make one too! This is a lovely way to display your children's early childhood memories...planning to make a boy version of this for my son too!

Now I am glad, I cleaned up my daughter’s room and am NOT throwing those hangers! How about you????

Thanks so much for stopping by and putting up with my detailed post!!!

Am linking this to....
http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.in/2014/03/cheery-lynn-designs-challenge-125.html
http://itsybitsyindia.blogspot.in/2014/03/the-itsybitsy-precious-baby-challene.html
http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.in/2014/03/ltscb-26-buttons-bows.html
http://open-mindedcraftingfun.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-6-use-some-buttons.html
http://alteredeclectics.blogspot.in/2014/03/march-already.html

Until then,

Happy Crafting and Re cycling...

"Jugalbandhi "...Art Fusion!

Hello Crafters,


Trash to Treasure, again today with another up cycled item! This time it's a stone ware water jug which served me many a dinner and retired "hurt"a few years ago with lots of scratches and some chipped edges!
 
Am sure you are also wondering about the title...The term Jugalbandi is popularly used in Indian Classical Music to mean a fusion or a beautiful mix and in this project I have mixed decoupage style art with paper crafting! You will see soon...


Firstly, I sealed all the cracks with a locally available sealant and gave the jug 2 coats of gesso.
 
 The picture is a classic of "RAJA RAVI VARMA PAINTINGS" and here is a link about the great Indian Artist.
http://webneel.com/25-best-oil-paintings-raja-ravi-varma-18th-century-indian-traditional-paintings
This is a humble tribute to the legend.


I was lucky that the picture from the vintage calendar was just the perfect size for this project and so I adhered it to the body of the jug using modge  podge. I re did the background with acrylic colors and then gave another coat of modge podge. The rest of the jug, I gave another coat of gesso and once that dried, I sponged in Vintage photo, distress inks.
Coming back to the picture, I was just in awe of this beautiful lady and went ahead and enhanced her jewellery using Tanjore stones(semi -precious stones). I then sealed the entire jug and gave it 2 coats of varnish bcos I intend using this as a planter in my living room!
 
Yes, there is a small plastic container inside with water which holds this lovely foliage!
Now that the jug was ready for handling, I went around finishing the embellishments.
 A few flowers and a closer look at them...can you spot the wooden clothespin???
 
Yes, the wooden peg is all dressed up as a beautiful butterfly adding the much needed color and life to this scenic beauty! I the butterfly is made with die cuts from TH Tattered florals, CL daisy die and cutie and some washi tape to cover the peg ! How do you like it?
I have decorated the corner with some metal charms, remains from a broken pendant and some coconut shell buttons which fits perfectly in this vintage theme.
the vintage lace trim with tiny beads hanging is also a gift from a friend and have used it to frame the lady and also a casually twisted it around the handle!
 
The entire jug has been randomly stamped with  music notes and a couple of die cuts also denoting the "Jugalbandhi".
 
I am really happy with the outcome of this project, but am not sure about the picture quality as my camera is not functioning. I have taken this from my phone and apologize for the poor quality.
Thank you so much for stopping by and would love to hear what you have to say about this fusion.
Am linking this to.....
http://beyondgrey.blogspot.in/2014/03/bgc48-vintageshabby-and-dinnerware.html
http://lessology.blogspot.in/2014/03/lessology-challenge-34-laundry-day.html
http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-metal-or-faux-metal.html
http://tuesdaytaggers.blogspot.in/2014/03/music-is-our-new-theme-at-try-it-on.html
http://open-mindedcraftingfun.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-6-use-some-buttons.html


Until then,
happy Crafting and re cycling.
cheers.

Mixed media Garden inside a...PiZZa !!!!

Hello Crafters...
Am sure you are wondering what my title is all about...what do you think is the relevance to a Pizza and mixed media layout????


Firstly, since I din't have a canvas...I converted a Pizza box into my canvas! It's a nice 10X 10 box and the side panels gave me more space to work around.  After 2 coats of gesso, it was as good as a stretched canvas to start my LO!
 And just like the different layers and ingredients in a pizza my mixed media LO took shape with a lot of textures, colors and other elements !! Have a look...
 
There is a pictorial of the different stages and for the textures I have used a looooots of stuff from my stash. This was such a nice way of using scraps....


Stencils, texture paste, buttons, die cuts, chicken mesh, corrugated cardboard, lace, fabric tape, washi tape, and last but not the least, a plaited jute rope for the frame...gives the box...oops! the canvas, the different textures!
I have used photo inks, water and the mini mister to create the vibrant colors for the back ground and after misting I have water washed a few places again with gesso. Once I was satisfied with the coloring, I randomly stamped some music notes and butterflies.
 
Spring, being the theme...my garden has a loot of handmade blooms to show off...again in a riot of colors. I have used Tim Holtz, Joy crafts and Cheery Lynn flower dies and they have been colored with distress inks.
These blooms just brought instant life to garden and a few butterflies hovering around, makes it so real! the butterflies are stamped and colored with distress inks and laced with glitter.
 
The plaited rope frame, actually looks like a pond without a photograph...making the garden scene even more aesthetic.
 


Lastly, the sentiment...I just love this one from Inkadinkado...and is so apt for the springy, colorful theme! I have torn the sentiment and inked the edges just to give a rustic look and fits well into the otherwise colorful layout.
So, what do you think of my garden in a Pizza Box????
A new lease of life again to another box...otherwise useless nut now its a PIECE OF ART !!!
I can either hang it as a canvas or chose to have it as a box to keep my mini albums...isn't that a full meal now?
 


So, when are YOU having your next Pizza???
Thank you so much for stopping by and do take time to relax in my garden and leave a note too.
Am linking this to....
http://beyondgrey.blogspot.in/2014/03/bgc47-torn-flower-full.html
http://colorconceptionschallenges.blogspot.in/2014/02/glam-with-glitter-challenge.html
http://blog.kraftzone.in/2014/03/3-celebrate-spring-with-mixed-media.html
http://lulupu.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-27-lulupu-2nd-birthday-special.html
(pizza box, Up cycling, texture paste, chicken mesh, CC, PP, pond, plaited rope, pink, pastels, lace,LO,peach,)
http://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.in/2014/02/favourite-3d-texture-and-why.html


Until then,
Happy Crafting and Re Cycling,
Cheers.

"Up-Cycling"...a new lease of life!

Hello Crafters...
If you are wondering what the post is all about...it's something that I strongly believe and have been indulging in last 1year!!!! Now don't get me wrong...since I started crafting about a year ago, I was drawn towards altered projects and using a lot re cycled items and up cycling the otherwise "trash" or "scrap" lying around is what kindles my inspiration and satisfies me creatively too!
Well, todays project is a story about a thermal flask bottle carton...yes, this would have otherwise ended up in the trash can but a good friend of mine thought of saving its life by handing it over to me!
 And this is what I did to it....isn't this a cute baby! A second lease of life to the unassuming cardboard box!!!
This is a picture heavy post so, sit back and enjoy the ride! Firstly, what was a vertical box, I made the box open horizontally and gave it 2 coats of gesso.
 
 Once that was done, I decided to work with pastels this time...my friend apparently likes pastels so and with due respect to the lady who believed in my talent, I decided to make a lovely bangle box for her. I chose coordinating papers from the Recollections pack and covered the box with various PP...dots, florals and small flowers. I cut an opening on the top lid and stuck a transparent sheet(from packaging) just so there is view to the inside of the box.
The flowers are all handmade using Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die and all inked and laced with glitter. Some of them have their petal heat embossed in silver, and some have glittery silver pollens too!
 

 
The sentiment is from Inkadinkado and so apt for the woman of today and especially to my dear friend who I plan to give this on Woman's day. a nice flourish with glitter adds to the glam and beauty of the top lid and gives life to the sentiment too!
 
Talking about the lid flap, have a closer look...does it look like some designer lace out there????
 
 Well, NO...it's just a strip of white handmade paper ,torn at the edges to form a pattern and then heat embossed a lovely design on it with silver embossing powder, inked it in green and finally laced the edges with silver glitter! It also flaunts a row of pretty pastel green pearls on the top. Phew...that was a lot of work, but it looks really pretty and gives a lovely texture and dimension to flap...which is going to be used quite often. Beneath the flap I have adhered Velcro fasteners.
I have kept the body of the box pretty simple with some handmade rose buds and a fabric bow made from green checkered cloth, again torn at the edges just for that shabby chic look.
 
The box when opened has a empty tissue roll used as the rod for hanging the bangles. It just fits snuggly into the box...a perfect pair! Both the box and the roll have been given their 2nd lease of life and am sure will enjoy their 2nd innings as a jewellery box, hopefully much happier this time.
 
 

Now isn't that exciting...I mean  to work with discarded scraps. Think about it...if we as crafters  start using discarded wastes like empty cartons, boxes, bottles, tissue rolls, bottle caps and others...I am sure we can make a visible impact on "land filling" and contribute to a healthier environment.

With that note, I would like to "Toast" to the idea of up cycling and urge all you lovely crafters out there to think twice before you chuck that waste!
"Scraps are precious...Don't throw them away"...join me in this.
Thank you so much for stopping by and being patient with my picture and message heavy post.
Am linking this to..
http://beyondgrey.blogspot.in/2014/03/bgc47-torn-flower-full.html


http://colorconceptionschallenges.blogspot.in/2014/02/glam-with-glitter-challenge.html
http://lulupu.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-27-lulupu-2nd-birthday-special.html
(Up cycling,lavender, pastel green, purple, transparent sheet, pollens, curled and torn, pearls,checkered cloth, polka dots, tissue roll, cardboard box,)
http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-105-recipe.html
http://open-mindedcraftingfun.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-5-use-something-green.html


Until then,
Happy Crafting and Re cycling.
Cheers.

altered calender...CAS Style!

Hello people....
CAS cards or layouts!!!...I am totally challenged to handle this style, but who wants to give up! Yes, I have tried my hand at doing an altered table top calendar in this style with a vintage photo...of me, when I was 4yrs old!


I must admit...it took me a couple of hours and a headache to visualize and execute this mini layout! With due respect to all you crafters who handle this with ease, I really would like you all give this project a closer look and highlight the good and the bad. Yes, I am learning and need to know...


I always got the feeling that I am missing something out...minimum embellishments is just not "me" and I had a tough time stopping it here!


I did enjoy layering the photo mat...also attempeted stitching the photo to piece of rugged canvas. The stitches have come out pretty well and the green PP beneath is torn and crumpled to give little more dimension. The base PP, the yellow CC, photo and the canvas edges are all distressed using scissors.
 
I just thought I'll remind myself to "smile" in this pic! The quote clipped to the clothes pin is from Inkadinkado and just right for this LO. The coconut shell buttons add life to clothespin which has a coat of gesso.
 
the flowers are made using CL daisy die and have used mini bricks stencil and yellow acrylic paint to give some texture.
 
And that's it...pretty simple eh? Did I miss anything here...You tell me.
Am linking this to..
http://citycrafter.blogspot.in/2014/03/city-crafter-challenge-blog-week-201.html
http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.in/2014/03/3-5-or-7.html
(7 layers, 5 colors, black,white,brown,yellow and green. 3flowers, 5 buttons)
http://lessology.blogspot.in/2014/03/lessology-challenge-34-laundry-day.html
http://ppsuae.blogspot.in/2014/03/march-challenge-clean-and-simple.html
http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-196-sketch-challenge.html


Until then,
Happy Crafting and Re cycling.
Hugs.

Shabby is "chic"...altered CD

Hello Crafters,
I complete my 50th post with this project and would love to dedicate this to"Womanhood"...and so I made this feminine, shabby chic altered CD hanging.
 
This is keeping in mind the cool,casual, confident woman in mind...and the project draws inspiration from the tattered, torn denims, lacy blouses, the soft pastel pinks and the bold black!

I have used an unused CD as the base and the 1st layer is a white Cheery Lynn doily and then comes the torn denim colored PP from Stack8.It is curled and torn in places to reveal the doily beneath!
The focal point here is the floral spray and the flowers are using cloth(fabric)...

 
The Black roses are rolled roses using the common black ribbon which in our good old school days was part of the uniform!

 
The pink roses are mini roses using TH tattered florals die and inked the edges in pink. I made the floral spray using wire and some pearls and crystal beads from my stash. the feathers are using CL die and are inked in blue and pink.
To the left is a cute altered clothes pin again with a rose and a torn denim bow! I so love this cute thing which holds on to the perfect sentiment " A great friend hugs your heart"...using Whimsy stamps.
 
The base is embellished with  2 layers of CL doilies, pleated to form a fan! The base has 2 white doilies pleated and on top of it is again 2 pink printed doilies.
 
The white doily frill is heavily inked with faded jeans distress inks and the pink frill with black soot.
A beaded loop made with pearls and black baubles adds to the aesthetics  and this "shabby chic" CD is ready to be hung anywhere!


Wishing all you ladies a "Happy woman"s Day" . At first glance, this wall hanging reminds me of a confident ,young lady in jeans and a frilly blouse!...Can you see that too...please do let me know what you feel.
Thanks soooo much for stopping by.
Am linking this to...
http://beyondgrey.blogspot.in/2014/03/bgc47-torn-flower-full.html
http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.in/2014/03/cheery-lynn-designs-challenge-122.html
http://itsybitsyindia.blogspot.in/2014/02/the-itsybitsy-say-it-with-roses.html
http://lessology.blogspot.in/2014/03/lessology-challenge-34-laundry-day.html
http://lulupu.blogspot.in/2014/03/challenge-27-lulupu-2nd-birthday-special.html
(CD,PP,layers, lace, torn jeans, tattered, pink, clothes pin, pearls, Up cycling, printed Doily, loop,pleats,curled)




Until then,
Happy Crafting and Recycling.