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A Final Pretty Lil' Things & Small Crate Paper Giveaway

 

 

The final edition of Pretty Lil' Things is here and with it are beautiful images of the very last cards to find their way into the Pretty Lil' Things box. I'm so sad to see it go, but alas, I've to contemplate what's ahead as I've three months to give to this place prior to another year of school. This means lots of crafting ahead, which I'm very excited about. What a tremendous relief it is to finally be free of time consuming assignments and deadlines! So, I'm opting to start this adventure on the right foot, and what better way to do that then with these lovely brand new inspiration pieces from five gracious, talented paper artists/scrapbookers - have a look and if you'd be so kind, leave them a compliment or two before you leave...if you do, I'll include your name in a random drawing for a small batch of CRATE PAPER items, the same items that my contributers will be receiving in the next week or two. You've all weekend to comment too! I'll post the WINNER on Monday! Good Luck! 

 

These petite pretties were sent from Gladys Chia, an avid card maker and stamping connoisseur who's style is romantic, soft and exquisite. I instantly fell in love with her small rosette embellished hearts - they're precious, aren't they? And the jars - perfect for housing them sweet hearts! :) Thank-you Gladys! 

 

When Aida Huron, a good friend of mine, offered to send along a contribution, the anticipation I felt was undoubtedly astounding. I'd been in the presence of her layouts while at CHA and they are exasperatingly beautiful! She's even more detailed than myself and she's also a frequent user of  various paint/ink mediums too! Not surprisingly, the two pieces she sent over from Singapore comprise both familiar stylistic features - the first is a self-made shadow box filled with buttons, tulle and carefully painted embellishments. The second is a thick cardboard/canvas piece that's double layered, paper wrapped and significantly weighted. You almost forget their made of paper when holding them! Thank you again, Aida! 

 

Sandy Ang, also a savvy and passionate layered scrapbooker from Singapore, sent along these two lively, modern homespun pieces to be included in the box. What I like most about them is their edginess and frequent bursts of color - the playful sewing is an added bonus! Lot's of bits and pieces to admire here - thank-you so much, Sandy! I appreciate your sending them on a far away journey so that they'd make it to Minnesota, safe and sound, for the feature. 

 

Mary-Ann Maldonado mentioned that she'd just begun a new blog called Lump, Bump and Clump - talk about an adorable, well suited name for a paper crafting blog! She kindly shared with me this gorgeous card collage fitted with vintage notions, rustic twine and a floating two-winged butterfly pendant. The base appears to be one of Seven Gypsies fancy book covers that's been further distressed with either water-downed paints or distress ink {correct me if I'm wrong Mary}. Once again, a great deal of intricacy brought forth and lots to peek upon! Thank you, Mary-Ann! 

 As a quick reminder, share a response to be automatically included in this weekend's small giveaway of Crate Paper goods (Brand New from the Crate Paper Warehouse! Thank-You Crate Paper!!) - I'll rejoin you on Monday!  ~ CM

Pretty Lil Things :: Art, Lace & Layers

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

Pretty Lil' Things :: Two

I've returned, but this time around, I'm finally ready to debut more beautiful projects from the "All Pretty Things" box! Last week, I'd received a couple of items in the mail from a few very generous and talented craft artists. Earlier this week, I spent some time photographing their work in preparation for this week's "Pretty lil' Things" post. I thoroughly enjoyed the process too. Their creations made it extremely enjoyable for myself to stand behind the lens to capture various angles and views of details unlike my own and I love that. What I love even more though is sitting down to review the images firsthand via a monitor. I'm sure you've been there several times with your own images - on screen, and after some tweaking in photoshop or lightroom, you get to really see what encompasses a beautiful piece like that above, which is first in line to show today! The artist's name is Charlene Cundy...

I've still a soft spot for butterflies. Charlene must of known because her tag houses a quaint, delicate butterfly. It's simple elegance is so sweet. And I love how she's embellished it just slightly with three varying sized pearls. It's classic. Thank-you Char for sharing!

 

And it did fit perfectly Bonnie! Smile. Bonnie Bauer crafted a lace wrapped tag with lots of glitter, a journal card, two butterflies {one hidden} and a rose/twine combination. She tells me that her current specialty is altered items and minis and that she's just begun a new blog! Good luck on your journey Bonnie and thank-you!  

 

And now onto the last...

And finally, the very last for this week, is from Jennifer Chapin - it's a tag duo of sorts! Actually, the front is made a cutely decorated kraft paper bag and within it, is a similar style manila tag that's also embellished to the "t". There are so many aspects about this tag that I really like including it's vintage aspiring color palette {Echo Park} and zig-zag stitched edging {which is perfect!} Jen worked up such a lovely tag for this feature it's right at home in the box :) Thank-you Jen!

 This concludes "Pretty lil" Things" for today my friends! Happy St.Patrick's Day to you! Time to craft the day away at my desk and maybe finish up some last minute work related projects...we'll see. 

 

Pretty Lil' Box Begins...

The box is beginning to fill. I slipped the first two lovely samples inside it this afternoon. While contemplating the direction of the "Pretty lil' Box" idea, I made the decision that I'm not going to rush, nor focus on it solely. It'll always be a work-in-progress and shall be available to me anytime I want to throw something "pretty" in it. I figure what's the rush..this project doesn't require a deadline. So, from this point forward, you'll be seeing hints of the "pretty lil' box" on here 'til I feel it's as full as can be. And if interested, I welcome you to contribute..all that's required is something simple and small - be it a series of buttons on an old card or a small thank-you note, I'd be honored to share it here and to then make it entirely at home in the box. Still seeking additions {No Deadlines} - simply tuck it in an envelop and seal it with a forty-four cent stamp :) Email me for more info at retrospection30@gmail.com.

 

I'm desperately craving the warmth of Spring. I feel myself leaning more towards warmer, softer colors and after my shortly lived visit to CHA, I've been anxiously anticipating all the new releases because they reflect the sort of colors I want to work with right now. This tag is the first addition to the box. I crafted it this morning after a quick run to my local scrapbook store. It entails sweet butterflies from Making Memories Dilly Dally collection. I've coordinated a quick, small step-by-step photo set-up for the construction of the tag - follow along! 

Dear Lizzy's Enchanted is "Classic Spring". One of my favorite items from the collection is the "Just Write" journaling cards. I took a card from the set and adhered it to a large manilla tag. 

 

I then layered it with a pre-trimmed piece of Perfect patterned paper {Pebbles}. 

 

I followed it up with a double layered {transparency/paper} butterfly that is stapled in place with a mini staple {Ranger}.

I've been succumb by the vintage bug and have taken to incorporating antique notions into my work. I find it almost impossible to not meddle in the unique nature of used, well-worn notions. They've lived a long life and have quite a story to tell when out in the open for the whole world to see. 

This last step is simple. Punch a small flower {Martha Stewart} from an old book page and embellish it with a plastic rose cabochon. Add the pretty duo to the center of your butterfly.

 

This next "Pretty Box" item feels entirely different to me than the last. What's truly special about the box is that there are no hard and fast rules about the kinds of things that are allowed inside it. If it's handcrafted and artistic..it'll find a home.

 

Pink it is. Yes, it's the hue of the season and I'm totally on board with it!! House Beautiful devoted their most current issue to the color and without thinking more than a second, I picked it up for the purchasing. Inside is this awe inspiring photo collage that is ideal for trimming apart and creating with. I trimmed the blue/green pillow image 'cause it was the first thing that caught my eye. It became the basis for the second tag.

Another something I should probably mention before I forget is that another reason for my wanting to do an inspiration box is because I've always desired a quick, convenient source for color inspiration. After the box is filled to the brim with tags (the goal!), buttons and other such stuff, it'll be a tremendous resource of color wealth! Imagine flipping through the numerous petite items...it'll be a feast for the eyes!

 I showed the MME stickers before {Lovely} that I bought nearly every single one of last week - they're a Stella & Rose side embellishment. I like these sorts of stickers because they go with everything! You simply can't go wrong no matter what you do with them! 

There's a small surprise behind the ribbon, but I'll not be showing you  it because essentially, it encompasses a torn hole that is now completely useless for the housing of beautiful ribbon. I attempted to squeeze inside of the hole a medium width ribbon and of course, as if I should of known, the hole tore almost immediately upon I pulled on the ribbon. The solution - staple a folded piece of ribbon on top of it and forget the mistake! Life happens!

 

Gonna keep filling it...so much space! I'm crazy about it...again, I'd love it if you helped me fill the "Pretty lil' Box" - no rules, really. Again, send me an email if interested....hope to hear from you.

 

I went on a mini shopping spree today. Ran into Pink Paislee's Daily Junque collection and also, Canvas Corp's first ever pattern paper release - the bold, chocolate brown polka-dot paper is one of theirs and so is the pink polka-dot paper. I also opted for a few misc. everyday supply items including two neutral color paint dabbers {for painting edges of my papers and embellishments} and a white pigment ink pad. My white ink pad dried up a long time ago. Laugh. Lastly, KI Memories Puffies were irresistably cute, so I took home a couple of packs of those as well.  Don't you just love it when all the new stuff comes out?! I'm like a kid in a candy store..can't get enough.

I hope you are all experiencing  a relaxing, joy worthy week and then some...I'm off to work on some Crate stuff! And just incase you're wondering, Crate's newest collections are to be shipping any day now! Watch for them at your favorite online shops and frequently visited local scrapbook stores!