Xmas Decorations

I am trying to hide my head in the sand about the fact that its nearly xmas, but I'll just have to accept the fact especially now lots of sites are putting up their xmas challenges.
Here I have found this photo of quilted xmas baubles I made for a swap last xmas.  I had never entered into such a challenge before so had to do a lot of research on You Tube.  Wow the ideas abound, but I really liked the idea of these little baubles basically made from fabric scraps pinned on polystyrene balls.  You'll find full instructions here

 

Next is this gorgeous little crochet xmas stocking, which I found on another challenge site.  Instructions for these cuties are here

 

 

Lastly I came across these interesting paper baubles, made from 20 circles of paper glued together.  Learn how to make these here

 

I love making these as pre xmas gifts.  All are made from scraps which is very thrifty. 

 

I am entering my quilted baubles in the latest challenge at Lets Craft & Create where their theme this time is 'Trim the Tree'.

 

I hope you like my creations, and you too can make these following the links I have left for you.  Please leave a comment.  Thank you for visiting.

Precious Moments

Isn't it lovely when you are spoiled with lovely photos to scrap.  This photo of my niece Zana was taken in a professional photo shoot when she and her mother visited my sister in Australia in 2011.  The pose is awesome and I adore the black and white finish of the photo

 

This layout has been made following the Dusty Attic monthly sketch.  I started with random paper from my stash, a lovely big doily, lace & trim, lots of  DA chippies, and luscious flowers (handmade and prize winnings).  I've finished the page with lots of bling, black rhinestones as the chain for the bird cage, red rhinestone flourish and clear rhinestones dotted throughout.

 

The Dusty Attic chippies I have used are:

DA0720 Birds Nest #1 - gesso'd then inked

DA0476 Mini words #2 - painted, glossy accents

DA0435 Decorative flourish set - gesso'd then stickled

DA0678 Bird cage #5 - painted

 

Challenges entered with this layout are:

Dusty Attic - monthly sketch layout

Artfull Crafts - pink

Floral Fantasy winner

Yay my entries have just been chosen as September's Overall Challenge winner over at Artfullcrafts.  The theme was 'floral fantasy', so anything with flowers could be entered.  And as I love flowers .... it was a no brainer but to enter.   I was running out of time so entered 2 oldies, but favourites of mine, both with lots of handmade flowers.

 

 

This boot was made in a swap, so sadly now I don't have it any more.  I really enjoyed this challenge, which started by painting the dark grey boot with gesso before I covered it with several layers of satin, then lace fabrics.  I made the majority of the flowers, mostly the yoyo style, then added lots of pearls, pheasant feathers, ribbons, small doilies, mini roses and leaves.

I was sad to see it leave our shores, but love the shoe I got back in return.

 

This layout is a real favourite of mine, here I was trying out new ideas and I'm very happy with the result.  With such a pretty picture of 2 gorgeous girls, I had to make something special.  Here I've started with G45 paper, then used lots of lace, feathers and a Dusty Attic skeleton clock face.  I've used some of the same flowers as the boot, and added some of my crocheted ones as well. 

I particularly love all the stitching, a technique I will use again.

 

Thanks to all the crew at Artfull Crafts for my selection, and I hope to continue to contribute to your monthly challenges with more of my projects.

Faiths 'F'

Here is a swap I've done with Faith from artistic creationz.  This was a partnered swap to decorate our partners initial.  We had to decorate it in a shabby chic style, which is something I really don't do a lot of, but I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

 

I had real fun with this challenge, a great chance to get out all those pretty laces, flowers and things to make a 'girlie' project.  I started by painting the F with gesso, then I covered it with 5 different laces.  Then came the fun bit, all the trims and flowers came out.  I used a handmade lace flower I've had in my stash for a long time, then crochetted more white flowers.  The peacock feathers worked well and gave the colours a bit of a lift.  Little pink mini roses and pearls finished it off.

 

I hope Faith likes this as much as I liked making it.  Now I'm really looking forward to the 'B' she is making for me.  I will be fantastic, as she is a brilliant crafter.  I'll post a photo when I receive it.

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a happy crafty day.