Showing posts with label altered art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label altered art. Show all posts

Friday, March 20, 2009

Graceful Wings of Butterflies...

I was going through all of my image files, pulling things from here and there to incorporate in to my new label line today. I am always drawn to my Butterfly file because I just love the beauty, elegance and gracefulness of them. There are so many stunning shapes and sizes of Butterflies and I am completely addicted to altering and collaging their graceful wings.

I thought I would share this little pretty with you; I created it some time ago and thought you might like it to incorporate in to your own lovely creations.

Do you have some time to create this weekend? I hope you do - me? Yes, I plan to make some time to create with my hands this weekend. Lots of time has been spent on the computer lately and I'm looking forward to playing with lovely bits and bobbles ;o)

Have a wonderful weekend full of what makes you happiest! xxoo

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Birds of a feather...

Happy Valentines Day everyone! I hope you're all having a sweet day! ;o)

As for me? Well, I've been up since 5:30 this morning getting my daughter Stephanie off to work. She's my sweet one that would sleep for 14 hours straight if nobody woke her! Needless to say, I make it a point to get up with her so she's on time, besides I drive her there too. It's all good; as I mentioned in earlier posts, she works at Starbucks - free coffee for me - Yay!

So when I returned home, I didn't go back to bed as I found this lovely little blog party that's happening today. Well, I found it late last night, so I didn't have anything prepared! No time to create with my hands - too time consuming. But, I happily sat at my computer for the morning and created digitally. Here it is!

I know Valentines Day is traditionally about romance and the one you love, but today I decided to create about the other one's I love too - my daughters; especially since the suggested theme is 'Birds of a Feather'.

The 3 birdies represents me, Victoria and Stephanie. We truly are Birds of a Feather! Their crowns are pink for sweetness and innocence of age. My crown is a different color as age and experience has weathered it's appearance somewhat. We're sitting by our nest that represents our home; all 3 of we girls LOVE to spend time at home and never wander far for long. The rest of the page surrounds us with femininity and Victoriana; each of us are girly-girls at heart. Finally, the saying that surrounds us is:

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best." ~ Henry Van Dyke

I came across this quote when I first started blogging and surfing around. It really spoke to me because in a world where there is so much competition and so little self esteem, raising 2 daughters to be themselves and be proud of who they are, has always been my main mantra in nurturing their life journey. That quote said it so sweetly to me.

What fun I had creating this! Thank you to all who took the time to come and have a peek! I'll be visiting you as well.

Have a wonderful weekend! ;o)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Bling for my car...

Ok, it's not exactly bling I guess, but I like it just the same. I have wanted a little something to hang off my rear view mirror and haven't quite found anything that strikes my fancy. So I decided to make something myself.

I created it the same way I did the key tags (look for the key tag post for directions). I used images and snipits from my collage elements sheets - find them here and here - they're available in my Etsy Shop. I also used a filligree stamping and a yummy fleur des lis charm and swarovski dangle. Add some ribbon to hang with and voila!

I'm glad the weekend is approaching, hmmmm - what shall I create? Not quite sure, but that's part of the fun of it for me. ;o)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Altered Key Tag Project...


Here's a really simple but pretty project idea for you!

The surface of the key tag is a sample piece of laminate that I had left over from choosing counter tops for our kitchen. You can find these at building supply stores - ask a service rep in the kitchen department if they have any discontinued samples you can have. They make excellent surfaces for decoupage, collage, etc. because they're already finished and durable on the one side, and the other side is porous but smooth to accept paint, glue, ink, etc.

The images I used are from my Charmed Butterflies 1 Collage Elements sheet. Find it here.


Here are the supplies you'll need...

1 - Sample piece of laminate (with hole at one end).
1 - Large key ring
1 - Small key ring
1 - 3/16 inch eyelet and eyelet tool
2 - Small finishing beads (optional)
1 - Small craft brush to apply adhesive
Adhesive - I used ModPodge
Background paper and images to fit tag.


Directions...

- Remove any product stickers if any, from the laminate sample (key tag) and lightly sand the unfinished side.

- Trace the key tag on to background paper and cut it out along with the images you've chosen.

- Generously apply a coat of ModPodge to the unfinished side of key tag and to the back of the background paper. Put in place and smooth out air pockets with fingers. Let dry for about 20 minutes.

- Trim away any edges that might be extending past the key tag and poke out the hole from the image side.

- Apply a coat of ModPodge to the back of the images and put in place. Again, smooth out air pockets with fingers. Let dry for about 20 minutes.

- Apply 2 to 3 finishing coats of ModPodge to key tag in all directions - left to right, right to left, etc.; this ensures complete coverage - don't forget the sides to keep paper from lifting. Don't worry if you get glue on the other side of key tag, it can be gently scraped off when dry. Be sure to allow proper dry time in between coats. Let dry over night after final coat.

- Attach the eyelet in the hole of the key tag.

- The small key ring attaches to the eyelet and the large key ring attaches to the smaller one for your keys. Sometimes when attaching the smaller key ring to the eyelet on the key tag, the ring separates a bit. I actually like it when that happens as I then add a small bead at the ends with super glue as a decorative, finishing touch.


There you go - easy-peasy! ;o) If you decide to make one, send me a picture - I'd love to see your key tag!

Happy Creating!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

I Love to alter Butterflies...

They are one of my favorite things to collage! I put together a collage sheet of 'Charmed Butterflies' for my Etsy shop today. I wanted to share a couple of them with you! Save them to your computer and use them as you wish... but they are not for resale; however, you may incorporate them into your own hand crafted items to sell.

Hope you and your 'altered fairies' like your new wings! ;o)


Sunday, January 4, 2009

New Beginnings and All Things Pretty


Each new year brings fresh beginnings and thoughtful intentions - What a perfect time to start a new journey!

I am completely new to blogging, so this is one of my new paths to wonder on this year.

If you've read my profile, you know why I chose to call my blog Harmony Quest. This is a forum where I'd love to meet people with similar interests and perhaps help one another in our quest to create art.

'Art' for me represents a vast range of mediums; Altered, Collage, Assemblage, Mixed Media, Photography, Sewing and Needlecrafts, Jewelry Designing, etc., etc. The list is endless, really.

My passion is for 'All Things Pretty'. What does that mean? lol Well, for me it is:

Victorian
Shabby Chic
Paris Chic
Cottage Style
Whimsical
Celestial

I could go on... ;o) Do you like these things too? How about:

Roses and anything Floral
Sparkly, Glittery things
The yummy color Pink
Vintage photos, buttons, jewelry, lace - sigh

Ok, you guessed it. I'm a true girly girl at heart! ;o)

I have a shop on Etsy - I absolutely LOVE Etsy. If you've never been, you must check it out. There are soooo many wonderfully talented people there... There you can sell your own hand made creations, vintage items 20+ years old, or supplies to make crafts. I love to shop there too.

So in the spirit of sharing and new beginnings, I offer you a 2009 Calendar that I created. Save it to your computer and print it out for you to enjoy! As with all images that I or others will post here, please be kind and respect the 'Angel Policy' - that is to only use the image for yourself, not for re-sale purposes.

I will check this blog often, daily if I can. I would love to hear from you, so please do leave your comments and come back again soon!

Many blessings and best wishes to you for 2009!