Crafty Creations Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

The new Alice movie is finally out and I can't wait to see it!!  I have always been in love with anything Alice. In honor of  Through the Looking Glass, I wanted to share a  few creations I did a while back. These pieces were inspired by the magical Wonderland. For the Teacup Pin Cushion, I included a link to the tutorial so you can make one too. 

Alice in wonderland inspired pin cushion

 

Just perfect for the Mad Hatter's love of sewing and tea parties.

 From display shelves to Alice inspired plant stand

 I picked up this old display shelf at Scrap Denton for less than 10 bucks! I could see plant stand written all over it. It was so whimsical looking I knew it would make a great Alice piece.

 

 

 Thanks for stopping by. I hope you were inspired to create an Alice project of your own!

Shari

A Craving to Create

Good Morning!

Were you wondering where I have been? Well, I was on an adventure in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. My sister shattered her hip so I flew up to see her during her recovery. I  was also able to visit friends and family that I hadn't seen in years. My sister says it was a blessing in disguise. She was so right!

I went up there with NO ART SUPPLIES!!!  I told myself that I was not going to have anytime to even consider art.

One day I felt something was missing. I needed my studio. I must create something, anything!!

 I googled Art Supply Stores and found the most fantastic store right in the heart of where I was staying! Runaway Art and Craft Studio's owner and mixed media artist/ teacher Christy Wood and her staff were so helpful and friendly. This store had everything I needed and some new stuff I had not seen before in my area that I couldn't live without.(oh and no sales tax!)

Here are the altered books I created  with  supplies from Runaway. The "Grow" book started out as an altered flower book but soon grew into a journal of my trip. 

My 4 yr old grandson is now helping me create in my "inspire" book.

I am now home and so grateful to have been able to make the journey up to help my sister through her healing, and to see those I have missed so very much.  This trip was so amazing in so many ways!! I too found healing and also growth that was so unexpected.  :)


Shari

 

Christmas cookie exchange contest....and a prize for you!

Good Morning!

Yep, we all get so busy during the holidays.  I always make time for a night with the girlfriends and a good cookie exchange. Not only do I get a night full of laughter, I also get lots of tasty cookies that I can use at the upcoming family gatherings.

My favorite people at DecoArt came to the outside artists with another great challenge. A cookie exchange container made out of a small empty Pringles can . Yes a Pringles can. You will NOT believe some of these! It might just be the thing that will inspire you to try one of these for your own exchange.

The best part yet is if you go and vote and leave a comment you have a chance at winning some awesome goodies. YES!

Voting is so easy. Just follow the link and click on the heart of the one you like. I hope it's mine! :)

sneak peek of mine

http://www.decoart.com/blog/article/158/christmas_cookie_container_mystery_box_challenge


Happy Holidays!

Shari

Afraid to try chalk paint? You wont be after seeing this.

Hi!

 While having coffee at my neighbor Amber's house, I was admiring a piece in her dining room. It was a hutch that had been in the family for awhile. She said that she has always wanted to refinish it. It was love at first sight for me and look at this cute signature from her daughter on it.

 Ah ha! I had a light bulb above the head moment.

 "Why don't you refinish it with chalk paint. It would look awesome!!" I said. "I have never used chalk paint before"she said. Let's do coffee at your place next week and I will show you how.  The rest is history.

 Look what she refinished for her very first project!!

We started out cleaning the hutch with a damp cloth just to get the dust off. We then removed the knobs and the drawers.You do not need to do any other prep which was a pleasant surprise and relief to Amber.

It was a beautiful day so we decided to do the painting outside in the her driveway. The project will take a few hours but this will help everything dry even faster .

 Someone came by and wanted to buy the piece even before it was done. I cant wait to see their reaction when they come by later and see it refinished!

She had earlier decide on painting the inside back with yesteryear chalky finish paint and the rest with  rouge chalky finish paint. We did a thin coat of the yesteryear first and let it dry. When we did the second thin coat she was so surprised to find out how well it covered with so little paint!

 Here are some stages of our progress

We used fine sandpaper and minimally distressed areas. Make sure after you are done sanding you clean off .There are several choices to seal your piece. Amber decided on the matte creme wax.

 

 

after

before

It looks so good doesn't it?  Amber loves how it fits in so much better with her other decor too!

I think it is so awesome that she made the piece her potion station for Halloween. 

 

I really enjoyed helping Amber refinish her beautiful hutch. She had such a great time and couldn't believe the outcome. Amber is picking out her next  piece already.

So now you can have no fear of tackling a larger piece of furniture with chalky finish paint. Even if it is your first time!!


Shari

(Disclaimer: Although Americana Chalky finish paints and waxes were supplied by DecoArt for this project, the thoughts and responses are purely that of our own.)