Friday 30 November 2018

Advent Crafting

Hello and Welcome to Magpieheaven! I haven't created a blog about what I've been up to for some time. Today, though, I wanted to just share with you a collection of tree decorations I've created - not for a design team project or an article, but for the sheer joy of it! Not that creating for design teams and articles doesn't bring me joy - I love it; but sometimes it is nice to make something with whatever takes your fancy.



I just lost myself in creating each of these little houses to place in individual domes - a tiny, snowy world frozen in time.



Photographing the domes is tricky due to the shine. Can you see the tiny blue bird on the roof in this one? I've been eager to use these for so long, as they were gifted to me by my lovely American friend, Clintine. He sings to the princess locked in a winter world of the freedom of spring, just waiting to unlock the ice-bound land.



Clintine also gave me the paper I used to cover the little house on your right: I love that bird. The wood circles under the domes are also gifts from her!



I had so much fun using my own MDF houses, but you can find kits that will fit inside these domes from companies like Calico Craft Parts. MDF craft parts; Chiyogami paper and flakes along with Distress Glitter and my own little faces blend to tell winter stories. Some feathers from my stash found their way onto the project too.



Never throw away scraps of paper - they come in so useful on these miniature MDF houses.



A scrap of stenciling, a piece of an antique map and a wisp of a tree and a miniature world is ready to hang on the tree. No end of stories could be woven around these little domes and winter is the time for sitting around a roaring fire telling stories. The last dome dome I'm going to show you, though, has a true story behind it.



This little Jack Russel is my friend, Patsy's dog, Poppy. Patsy has been such a good friend who I've known nearly all my life. Recently Poppy became very ill and her infection left her with high blood pressure and completely blind. This amazing little dog has coped brilliantly with her disability and now enjoys her favourite things - a country walk (smells are more fascinating than ever); affection and a tasty meal with almost as much delight and enthusiasm as before.


By merging this sketch of Poppy that I created with the body from a cabinet card, I made a special version of Poppy in Winter - realized in shrink plastic - to give my friend who has nursed and cared for her beloved pet with so much love this year. It was great to be able to put the ideas and skills I'd learned in a shrink plastic class with Stephanie Rubiano to use in creating an individual gift for a special friend.

Thank you so much for popping by today and reading my blog. These 9cm cloches to hang on the tree are such fun and offer so many possibilities to create tree ornaments that you can put your own worlds into. I would recommend having a go at creating some yourself if you have a moment at this busy season! A Happy Festive Season to you!

10 comments:

  1. Julie how wonderful that you made some time to create for yourself, it’s a blessing indeed and these tiny domes with their fascinating fillings are really incredible. I love that you created one for your friend, the beloved caregiver, that one is very special. I always enjoy your beautiful art and seeing this this morning is a bright spot in my day. Thank you!

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  2. Thank you Ann for stopping by and for your lovely comment. That has made my day too!

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  3. Dear Julie, such a loving gift to your friend, she will love it forever. a brave little dog, to fight on, and still enjoy life with its Mom.
    I love your tiny domes, and the sweetness inside them, always filled with your amazing sense for creating adventures, dear friend. Xx

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    1. You're right Dorthe, Poppy has been really brave and it's lovely to see how she still has a good quality of life. Thank you so much for stopping by and for leaving such a sweet comment xx

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  4. What a delightful domes Julie!! These are so beautiful and contains lovely stories. I love love them. xxx

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  5. Thank you so much for dropping by and leaving such a lovely comment, Etsuko. xx

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  6. your decorations are gorgeous, and what fun to be able to craft just for the fun of it - which is why we all started!!

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    1. Thanks, Helen - so true! It can be easy sometimes to lose sight of why we all started to create and craft. xx

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  7. Julie Ann! How wonderful to take time to create for yourself! It is always such a shame when life gets so busy that we neglect our own playtime! ")
    These tiny domes are marvelous and how special to have used those bits and bobs as well as special items from friends far away!
    And how very sweet of you to create such a delightful and amazing dome with Poppy in it! I am sure if he could still see he too would be delighted!
    Sending much love and hugs,Jackie xx

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Jackie and for leaving such a lovely comment. I hope you have a creative and happy week. xx

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