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

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!

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Distressed Leaf Tutorial

As promised The distressed leaf tutorial is HERE!!! Hooray!  

I am a tutorial NUT! I love to watch how other creative people create!!! It inspires me and encourages me to make beautiful keepsakes.

I like to keep things short and simple, and there really isn't a whole lot to distressing leaves. The real challenge is deciding what to do once you have several dozen leaves distressed. Its like they are all dressed up and no where to go. 

I know all you DIY fanatics out there will create some marvelous things with this technique! Birds of a feather....

READY? SET? Here we go!

Materials you will need:

• Heavy card stock in various fall colors
• Leaf template or punch
• Embossing Stylus, fine tip
• Distress Ink and applicator
• Distress Ink in your favorite shades
• Embossing pad (I use and old mouse pad)
• A Craft Mat

Directions:

1. Select your desired colors of card stock and cut leaf shapes using your preferred method.

2. Emboss (draw) leaf ribs into each leaf using your stylus and embossing mat. Be careful not to puncture your leaf with the stylus. You will want to do several dozen leaves.

3. Remove embossing mat and stylus.

4. Lay your craft mat down on your work surface.

5. Place your embossed leaf on the Craft Mat and prime your ink applicator with your distress ink.

6. Work your way around the edge of each leaf in a circular motion inking the edges of each leaf.

8. Lightly rub the applicator on the center of the leaf, over the embossed ribs of your leaf to give them definition.

9. Repeat this process for all your leaves changing the color of your distress ink as necessary. DONE!!

Depending on what project you decide on, you might be distressing leaves for a while. Make this an afternoon project complete with your favorite music and a glass of wine!

The leaves you see in this tutorial went toward the creation of one of my fall wreaths, as well as some greeting card embellishments. 

An assortment of complete leaves and flowers

Distressed Fall Wreath with Flowers

2nd Distressed Fall Wreath with Flowers

I showed you mine now you show me yours! 

I would love to see your projects! If I get enough of you sharing your creativity, I will create an entire blog post of all your beautiful work!

CHEERS!!

Brandy

Artist & Owner, Elegantly Haunted

©2013 Elegantly Haunted, All Rights Reserved