Welcome to my crazy cozy creative closet! I once read that Mary Englebreit began her creative life in a closet, so I feel in quite good company. In my tiny cottage there is little space and every spot must serve sometimes a triple purpose. Things must look somewhat nice and orderly and pretty too. I sit here surrounded by everything I might need within reach. I admire those of you with wide open spaces to create, but have learned to stay well organized in my bat cave and content...but I yearn to do five projects all at once and not have to store my projects in well marked drawers. But drawers make my work portable and I can go outside with my work on a wonderful day and have everything I need in my drawer...so as Mary would say, "Where ever you are...be happy!"
Supplies are kept hidden from view in pretty containers of all kind on shelves my dear husband built on one side of the wall. Miss Hunny Bunny keeps reminding me of what is inside each box since I tend to forget...she is a faithful helper and insists that white cat fur is a wonderful embellishment for my ATC's!
Yes, I admit it...I am becoming addicted to altering matchboxes. I love miniature anything and this is so much fun. The theme this month was International travel. I used shrink plastic that turned out so perfectly size wise for the front of my little carry on suitcase. The tag also...it shows all the ciities on the trip
The little stickers are international hotel destinations cut to nestle perfectly inside the case...
My partner is Gail heydiggity and I hope she likes what I made for her...join us here each month for a new theme!!!!
I made these adorable art works for my friend Linda's dollhouse...we love Thomas Kinkade and recycled these images from the sides of his puzzel boxes.
Cats and roses...perfect combos
My friend Sandra gave me these sweet little one inch glass tiles...so what do you do with them? STAMP on them!! I used purple Stazon and sealed with gitter nail polish...earth magnet on the back and they make perfect note holders for the cold box!
The ATC's from the swap...each unique and wonderful!
alcohol inks on cuttlebugged plumbers tape...vintage postage stamp recycled from mail art envelopes
I know I am going to enjoy really enjoy swapping with this fun new Yahoo ATC group I have joined. I like that there are monthly themes to select from. For my first month I picked out 4 swaps. Female, Gardens, Weddings and Postcards...
I hope my nice partner Jeanie like the matchbox I made for her and all the ATC's and the rest of the fun stuff I added to the treasure chest. This was a very fun swap hosted by VINTAGE DRAGONFLY...I think matchbox altering might become a bit addictive...
This beautiful ATC came to me from my partner TERRI in our January swap...it is stunning to say the least!!!
I love the delicate textures and shades of white mixed with frosty blue!
This is mine that I sent to her...a snow covered blossom...
Oh Anna Bella…how wonderful to come home from an ocean holiday and find your stunning ATC confection in my box! I must say I am quite overwhelmed by how perfectly you have captured my love of the old world in your beautiful angel design. The old font German book page made me cry…because you see…I am German. The card holder is so pretty and I have turned it into a magnet and placed it on the ice box. The tag has such a pretty vintage feel to it. Your gift has enriched my holiday and will be a part of each Christmas from now on. I decorate with my treasured paper art for each season, so I thank you for this magical addition.
The little clear angel ATC ornament is the one I sent to you Anna in this swap…
Wishing you the most blessed of season and best in 2011…until we are partners once again…inky hugs from the cozy cottage stamper Karla
My assigned day was seven....so I designed this swan out of a white flocked rose leaf. The wire was used to string the beads to be the head. I love how this turned out and the fact that it came from my own foggy brain...
Wendy made this wonderful paper box in these incredible vintage colors to hold the little folder tied with a red silk ribbon and beaded bell tag. I love the red glittery snowflake. This is the icing on the Christmas cake for me!!! thank you dear Wendy...
Here are all 12 days...I leaned so much like they are not really 'calling birds' but Colly or collie birds as they were known in merry ol England.
Merry CHRISTMAS everyone!!
