Little Matchbox Ladies for Christmas

 

 

I'm an idea junkie.  And there are so many many great craft ideas out there.  I was flitting between a couple possibilities when Arlene at http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/ did a quick tutorial using a Graphic 45 small matchbox and G45 papers.  I knew it was just the thing for Mom and Sis for Christmas.  I ordered the matchboxes and G45 Staples drawer pulls from eBay.  Then the stuff just sat on my work table, making me feel guilty.  

 I watched Arlene's YouTube tutorial a number of times to get myself schooled on the basics so I wouldn't mess us.  Finally, I pulled out my acrylic paints and Lindy Stamp Gang sprays and got the boxes prepped.  Then I measured, cut, measured and cut again, inked and glued down the background papers...all G45, of course.  This measuring task was not easy for me; I don't think I got a single element cut to fit the first time; after getting all pieces for the first matchbox cut to size, I used them as a template for the 2nd box; just in case I make another one, I made a template of all the pieces so I never need to measure again! 

 I chose the Cabinet of Curiosities with a raven focal point for Sis.  I thought she would identify with that tired lady with a key in her back, like a wind up doll.  Many the day I feel like that, with unending chores (to all you Mom's out there...I DO NOT KNOW HOW YOU DO IT!).  For Mom I went with the  Boardwalk  collection.  We moved to a beach community in CA when I was 5 years old; we spent lots of days at the beach. 

On both boxes I added a clip-on earring that came from my Gramma's tangle of costume jewelry.  I think Mom and Sis will appreciate that.  Merry Christmas. 

Add a Bit of Sparkle - Done

 I could not get it together enough to make individual cards for the family members we give cash to.  I suppose even giving cash shows a lack of effort.  However my ideas diverge from those on my Christmas list.  For example; my idea of a perfect gift for my 15 year old great nephew is a cool/edgy jacket.  His idea, based on the hint he texted me, is a stuffed Pokemon figure.  Cash works.  This year I rallied to buy a box of inexpensive cards from Target.  The ol' brain started pondering how to goose them up.  My family has become accustomed to my hand made cards, after all. 

 I punched out 30 stars from glitter paper and glued 2 together so each side would be sparkly.  Set aside to dry.  Note:  my favorite glue is Crafter's Pick Ultimate.  This stuff sticks and dries clear.  Recommended by Karla Nathan and my gift to you is to pass it on.  Another tip is to store it upside down in a small glass so that the glue is ready to go for your next use.  I also spritz the twist top with a bit of water and wipe clean after each session.

I needed to make 10 cards so I made stars for half and glittered some of the stockings for the other half.  I used Glossy Accents for the glue here because it has the fine tip bottle.  That silver glitter in the background is from Lee Wards, which has been out of business for maybe 20 years!! 

Back to the stars.  I punched a tiny hole in each star, threaded through a bit of string, tied it off.  (fiddly alert)  Repeat that 15 times so that each grouping of 3 stars had graduated lengths.  I affixed them to the card by wrapping the 3 strands of string around a brad punched into the card front. 

Lastly, I stamped a Christmasy image on each envelope.  Oh, yes, those are Tim's stamps.  That red chalk ink is a nice soft color and dries immediately.  Add cash and we are good to go. 

And Again

My "output" is kinda pathetic right now.  I seem to be busy making lists, a bit of deep cleaning, the usual chores and some desperation dinners.  My spirit meter is stuck in blah.  Not much time to get up to the studio, or motivation, really.  'Cause if I want to craft...nothing takes priority except the horses.  Today I remembered to take a Vit D pill, AND we had a moment of the clouds breaking open to let some sun in.  As cold as it is, I actually put on a coat, grabbed my afternoon coffee to sit in the sun for my 10 minute dose of Vitamin D.  And, coincidence?; my mood lifted.  Still in the groove for poinsettias, I made this card for Mom.  Then I stalled before I could personalize a greeting.  After moving the card and envelope between my studio and the mail stack, wanted to do better, I just mailed the darn thing.  Back to my list making... 

Poinsettias

My crafting mojo has the holiday blues.  I actually sat in my studio and just swiveled in my chair for a while...no inspiration at all.  Yet, I wanted to make a card for Ellen; I wanted to use lots of color; and I decided a couple days ago that I just MUST HAVE POINSETTIAS.  No time to order Tim's die, no faux blossoms at Pier One, none in Mom's stash...what to do?  Make the darn things myself.  I dry embossed some red paper for a little texture, using Tim's damask embossing folder.  Then just free handed the flower petals and leaves.  I used the detritus from a paper hole punch for the center thingys with a few dots of red Stickles.  The 3-fold card idea I got here http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/2012/12/december-cards-more-projects.html.  I thought it was perfect for my poinsettia obsession.  And that's all I've got.  Whew, blues, indeed. 

ALTERing

I am in process of altering some G45 small matchboxes for Christmas gifts.  The hard part is cutting all of the pieces to cover the box; then inking them; then gluing them.  After that, the fun starts with the froo-frooing of the box.  I took a break from that to alter a couple of ATC's I recently made.  I pressed one into service for a greeting card, and the other as part of a tag for my 2012 weekly tag journal.  I also plan to alter two greeting cards that were given to me,.  Those are in the middle of this pic.  The vintage rose/sailboat image is so romantic and gorgeous.  The cat tucked into a fur muff is just too adorable, if you love cats.  I'm squeezing in some housecleaning chores between crafting sessions.  Ugh.  I'd rather be altering. 

Short Cut to Merry

 I'm not putting up my Christmas tree this year due to my kittens; they would be in the tree top in a nano-second.  I love my kittens, so this doesn't feel like a sacrifice.  However, it does NOT look like Christmas around here. I have taken a risk and hung wee glass balls on my table top tinsel tree.  There is a can of compressed air lurking behind should a kitten even eyeball the tree.   I added a string of battery operated lights on this tree, so it does add a bit of festivity to the kitchen. 

 On my kitchen table I grouped some of my old glassware, tucking in vintage glass balls.  So far the cats have no interest in this, I guess because nothing moves. 

I also filled up my 3 glass hurricane jars that sit on the shelf over the TV in our family room.  Most of these ornaments are old, too.  Oh, that ornament tree?  That was a purchase last year from Mrs. Bingle, who sells on eBay.  It is a wonderful piece, as are all of her trees.  So, that's it.  No wreath.  No poinsettia. Even my baking is a short cut.  With all the great recipes for holiday baking out there? HA!  Today I used 1/2 of a spice cake mix to make a 1 layer cake, with some cream cheese/apricot jam glaze. It is too homely to show to you, my friends.  For me, this year, it's all about a very quick short cut to Merry.  

Catalog Trippin'

 

The catalogs are comin' fast and furious.  Each morning I sit down with my coffee and browse through the new ones that interest me.  MacKenzie-Childs is always a pleasure to look through, and dream about someday decorating a room with their furniture and object.  Or I could decorate my barn. 

 At Christmas they pull out all the stops and create magnificent holiday decor.  With magnificent prices to match.  I am always stopped in my tracks by the prices.  The stuff is fab, but it's almost all imported and, I'm sorry, but you know that equates to cheap labor. 

 Aren't these frosty mansions gorgeous?  What a centerpiece one would make.

 Next I open the Williams-Sonoma catalog.  Oh, my.  Their products are always high quality and beautiful.  When I lived in CA there was both a Williams-Sonoma AND a MacKenzie-Childs store at the mall adjacent to Stanford University.  I would go to that mall, an hour from my home, at least once a year to window shop.  I do miss it. 

 Williams-Sonoma has such a style to their catalogs.  They make cookware look sexy.  They also sell all sorts of baked goods and treats.  These tarts captured my attention. 

 As did this tower of chocolate.  I actually think for a few minutes that purchasing the food is a good idea...I mean it looks so delicious.  Then I look at the prices, plus the overnight shipping, and add this catalog to the recycle bin. 

Ah, Restoration Hardware.  I think it and Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn are somehow related because they all have such a flair for design and marketing.  This resin antler wreath took my breath.  But, no, it won't be on my Christmas list either.  I can't help but be reminded everyday of people who are struggling to buy food, utilities, and a roof.  People close to me.  That keeps it real.