Here we are again. It feels like such a long time since I last posted on this subject, but at last, I've more Pretty Lil' Things to share with you. Believe it or not, the box is almost full - minus a spot or two. I'm going to leave some wriggle room in for myself I think from this point forward. You never really know when I might sit down to scrapbook a tag or something else of a similar size that'll eventually require a home - that being the box. With that stated, I'd like to kindly thank all of you whom contributed - I'll cherish and shelter your handmade creations the many years ahead and eventually, some time in the very near future, I'm going to photograph the box with all it's contents! I've also small stashes of Crate Paper products to ship to you, so be on the lookout for them beginning mid-May. If you're an international contributer, there's still to be an investigation concerning shipping as I'm not fully aware of the costs yet. I've done a substantial amount of international shipments in the past, so I'm going to find out what's the most practical plan is here. I'll keep you posted! In the mean time, thank-you once again - here's today's Pretty Lil' Things....
I'm always astounded by the idea that with today's technology, we have the ability to ship things around the globe within just a few week's time. Sue Tonga, from the far away island, Australia, contributed this beautiful decorative pocket to the box. It's actually quite substantial with varied layers of vellum, patterned papers, cardstock, borders and intricate stitching. The front displays two different transparency butterflies that overlap one another {the small on top the large} and on it's center, lays a petite, vintage rhinestone setting. Accommodating the butterfly is a message concerning one of art's great purposes - rehabilitating the soul. Oh, how I can relate to this on so many levels!! I bet you can too. Thank-you Sue!
I'm sensing a common theme amongst all the contributions - detailing. There's been an abundance of it, including this Crate accommodated tag from Shazi Gilliam. This is one of those tags that just has to be seen and held in person to really get a true sense of it's overall dimensional feel and appearance. It's perceptible-tactile likeness makes it almost impossible to part from. It's truly endearing. Thank-you Shazi! The tag is absolutely gorgeous!
And now the very last, Kim Stewart brings forth lovely lace florals that I'm guessing is trimmed via her die-cut machine, though I can't be certain - hopefully she'll chime in! I'm a prolific fan of fine-line illustrations that lend a sort of airy look to one's design. Backed with patterned papers or tucked beneath small openings, they give detail all on their own! Thinking in terms of contrast, fine-line anything when housed next to heavier, larger elements, assists in developing a type of contrast that is highly intriguing. I'm drawn to the pair! Thank-you Kim!!
This does not officially end Pretty Lil' Things, as there are still a couple of projects well on their way! I'll present those as they arrive and of course, they'll also be a few from my desk. I've already an idea or two..one from a Caribou Coffee visit today! Go figure! You never know when you're going to run into inspiration while out there living your life! I usually try my best to pay attention when out and about so as to not miss what might possibly be, a perfect excuse to create! All it takes is a single idea..right? ~CM


