Sunday, June 29, 2014

100 Happy Days, Day 1

100 Happy Days, Day 1

Good Day Everyone!

I have started a new challenge for myself called 100 Happy Days. Welcome to my 100 Happy Days, Day 1.

The goal of this project is to generate happiness in your life by publically noting something that makes you happy each day for 100 days. You can learn more about this project here at 100HappyDays

I think this is a great project for anyone who’s looking to brighten their outlook on life and redirect thought patterns to look at the more positive side of any situation.

Today, is my first day of this challenge, and I think I am off to a great start. In these next 100 days I am certain I will be getting a little personal, but that is the point. I want you to see that I am a human being. I am not a factory in China, I live here in the US with my family, and I personally make everything I sell. I want you to see that I struggle with the same things that may also be a struggle for you in your life. My main goal is to encourage you to also seek happiness for you and you alone. If my journey can give you some benefit or inspiration then I have done my job.

So here I go… today is day 1 and I am happy today because of our garden. My daughter has taken it upon herself to create our annual garden filled with herbs and veggies galore. We have a variety of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, purple carrots (YES! I can’t wait for these!), eggplant, mint, basil, etc. It is lush and I am so eager to harvest its bounty.

Here are some photos of our little garden.

Our first tomatoes 
Some of our Herbs

#100HappyDays

CHEERS!
Brandy Boswell
Artist & Owner
Elegantly Haunted

Monday, June 9, 2014

Miniature Fairy Furniture Tutorial

Get your fairy garden ready! The Fairies are moving in!

Check out this tutorial on how to make these adorable chairs and table.




This project is simple and will only take you about 30-60 minutes to complete!
Check it out!


ENJOY!
-Elegantly Haunted

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Father's Day Card Tutorial


Nothing says "I love and appreciate you" more than a handmade item.

Give Dad a card made by you this year to celebrate his special day!

Father's Day is June 15, 2014




Enjoy!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

New Tutorials... As Promised!

Learn to make a stunning wine glass using acrylic gems or “bling”. 


This is a simple project that will take you 30 to 60 minutes to complete. This video takes you through all the steps!



Here is what you will need:
  • A clean wine glass
  • Water proof adhesive (i.e. “Goop” or “Quick Grip”)
  • Acrylic gems (various sizes and colors)
  • Craft tweezers
  • Blank paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Masking tape


Use your imagination and come up with your own design. I found that this simpler the design the better the result. Enjoy!

CHEERS!!

Find tutorials, recipes, and more on Confessions of Crafty Witches

***Project notes: This project is for decorative and/or novelty use. The adhesive is water proof but not dishwasher safe. I have found that the adhesive barely stand up to hand washing. So carefully wash your glass after use.***



Saturday, May 24, 2014

Coming SOON!!



I am working to create new pieces from greeting cards, mixed media art, fascinators, and fairy houses. 

Just about all of my supplies have been delivered and it is almost time to get to work!

OH YEAH!! One more thing. I will be publishing new videos of how many of my pieces come together. If that is not enough I am also working on several tutorial style videos. Lets get creative together and make beautiful things!!

I always welcome suggestions so please leave your creative thoughts below!



Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Sink? OR Swim? North of a Long Blogging Hiatus

It has been some time since last Blog Post.

I'll be honest, I have been wrapped up in learning new artistic mediums, techniques, and styles... and well... LIFE!! 

Time simply got away from me.

In my time away, I have also directed a great deal of attention toward my Social Media Marketing, networking, my website, and Etsy shop. It is easy to become overwhelmed in all the daily responsibilities of managing multiple platforms. I quickly have learned that I am only one person and I can only do so much! This does not stop me from trying to do it all. 

The good news is that I'm doing all of my marketing, research, development, and running my business with as little cost as possible. I have learned so much. Some days I feel my brain will overflow with all the tech and info I aquire. 

Being a Small Creative Business Owner and Operator is not easy. Many days feel daunting and others seem downright impossible. The great thing is that it’s all up to me! The process of growing my own Handmade Business is only as tough as I make it. Hope and the shining light of progress both come in unexpected packages!

Things got far more difficult when Carpal Tunnel set in. I’m right handed and I am now having issues with holding paint brushes and painting fine lines for extended periods of time. There are many things I can no longer do that are part of my core business. But like I said… progress comes in unexpected packages.

When you are faced with adversity you have two choices - Sink or Swim... I choose to swim. As a creative person I know, as long as I have the will, there is a way!

I refuse to give in to what is perceived as a limitation or disability. I have been advised that surgery may not help me, so I am seeking alternative therapies and methods of dealing with my wrist issue. Some days are better than others...

I have a vibrant mind and a deep need to create. So I will do what (I think) any determined-creative woman would do... Punt and go with my other creative skills. 

There are plenty of mediums out there that will serve both my customer's needs and my own. Not to forget, I have been asked to host classes to share my small business/marketing knowledge as well as my knowledge in other areas like seasonal family cooking. 

Without further ado, here is a sneak peek at what I'm now creating… 

 
Handmade Paper Rose Fascinators for your hair
Handmade paper made into roses on a headband. Simply GORGEOUS to wear!
Stemmed handmade paper Vintage style rose (I'm excitedly working on bouquets for gifts and weddings in many varieties.)

Yes, I have been exploring the paper medium for some time now and I am in love with it. There are so many possibilities and ways to create using mixed media. I am creating using paper, paint, wire, canvas, and much more!

I will offer some of my hand painted glass for a little while longer, but I expect I will dissolve most of the glass items by the end of the year.  Yes, I will be keeping the Faerie Houses. These little guys are simply too adorable to give up!

 
Faerie House Candle Holder

I know this is a good direction to move toward. I am also planning to Vlog the preparation of how I create many of my items so you can see them come together. If you are like me watching handmade items come together is completely intriguing!

I will create items you can wear, place in your home, give as gifts, and appreciate for a long time to come. I don't mean to hold you in anticipation, but these things take time... If I am quiet for a while, be assured I am creating & learning!!!

If you don't already, please follow me on your favorite social media site. Also leave your comments below. Let me know what you would like to see moving forward!

Also check out my website and Etsy shop to get your limited edition glass items... while you still can!

CHEERS!
Brandy

Find me here!




Sunday, November 3, 2013

A Harvest Lunch Under the Changing Leaves


Autumn is my favorite time of year next to spring. I love the changing leaves and the fresh flavors, from food, to brews, and of course wine. Although, I feel like I can do without summer, the bounty that comes from the heat and sun is very much desirable.

Today, I must have been eager to hang out under our maple tree. I decided to have a little outdoor lunch under its changing leaves. This tree is the perfect sitting spot to entertain and relax. We hang lanterns and other decorations from its bows creating a generously tranquil atmosphere.

It always amazes me how we can create this quiet spot when we live in a city-like home. We have neighbors on either side of us as we share property lines and a very busy main street one block over. So being able to create a soothing spot with plenty of plants and trees is important to me.


I tossed together some items we had (in our fridge and the garden) to make this delicious homemade pizza. I made a large batch of pizza dough a few days ago and this was the perfect opportunity to use the remaining dough. I roasted pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes from our garden to create a divine spread.  

This roasted peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli pizza is topped with a mix of goat and cheddar cheese. If you have never tried it I high recommend it. You will be pleasantly surprised.


The harvest of peppers and tomatoes came from yesterday’s garden activities. My daughter’s favorite chore is to pick the ripe fruits and vegetables form our raised garden beds. She brought in so many items I knew we should use them right away. So I roasted them in a very hot oven for a few minutes. What we don’t use today will be placed in the freezer for later.

This is a perfect way to treat friends to a fall themed lunch. Open a bottle of your favorite wine and share a fabulous harvest pizza in your favorite natural spot!


I hope you enjoy autumn before it goes.
 There are many wonderful flavors to sample and outdoor spots to rest