for your viewing pleasure!

I Know Y'all Will Understand .....

I may just have let out a little shriek when the mail arrived today ........ It is AWESOME !!!!
Can't wait to have a play around with it tomorrow :-)

Primitive zombies!

Now that everyone has been emailed about their partner, I thought I'd touch base on what a PRIMITIVE zombie is.  Here is a link on How to make a primitive doll, then you can go wild turning it into a zombie!

Typically, a primitive doll is made from muslin or some other fabric that has been distressed by immersing in tea or coffee.  Then it is painted.  Some artists use vanilla or coffee or cinnamon to impart a little fragrance but that is optional.  (Remember that since it is NOT a secret swap, you can feel free to ask your partner all types of questions to help you create the perfect package for her! Check with her if you do a fragrance, I forgot to ask that question on the registration form.)

After the body is dry, you can do whatever you want, paint, sew, pin, etc. to give it the zombie look.

If you are having difficulty with the theme, google primitive zombie dolls for inspiration.

Here are a few examples, this top one is from Junker Jane, a doll artist.  I would consider this guy on the "creepy but cute" side.  



There is a seller online called The Morbid Dollhouse (thanks for the nightmares, Kerry!)  Let me tell you, if you like creepy, check her out!  Here is just ONE of her's.  Check her website out.  Amazing.



These below are what I consider cute creepy...OH MY GOSH, how cute are they????



the ones on the swap badge are primitive but cute, thank you Kerry!



a couple more cute n creepy types....



I hope these photos and the links above can help you out!  Feel free to give your doll a name and bio.  You could include a card telling the person receiving the doll his or her "life story..."
Most importantly, just have fun and make a doll hard to part with....maybe make yourself one along the way too!

Remember to pack things up nice and tidy.  If mailing chocolate, check the heat index or place in a ziplock baggie for the trip!

September's craft along theme!

Each time school goes back into session, this rhyme pops into my head:

"Back to school and the Golden Rule...."

So, with that in mind, I think it would be fun to have a GOLDEN theme, afterall, FALL is just around the corner down here in Louisiana!  It is probably in full swing up north.

How easy is it to make something GOLDEN and post it here before the end of the month?   COME ONE!  I know you can do it!  I was the one and only last month (sniff, sniff)

 Whoever does a post will be put into a drawing for a prize!

My head is swimming with lots of golden things already....wreaths, painted pine cones, swags, PUMPKINS, garlands, vases......the ideas are endless!  

Just in time for fall and the holidays!




Good luck and have fun!!!!

August's challenge met, altered cigar boxes!

I had fun with this month's theme and altered a couple cigar boxes.  First, I made a zombie purse and a cute tassel to jazz it up:

I even lined the interior, like a proper purse:

Then I got into decoupage...haven't done that in YEARS!
I made a couple things for school, we have a superhero theme this year:


I found a giant paperboard "P" at Wally World and covered it with comics.   
It hangs outside my door.  Most of my students cannot pronounce my last name so they all call me Mrs. "P."  

I also covered a cigar box to hold junk that is on my desk...I forgot how much FUN it is to decoupage something.  Easy to go crazy and start covering everything!

Zombie doll swap! Registration CLOSED

The votes are in and the PRIMITIVE theme won!  Here is a link to some ideas...

What we are swapping:

*1 HANDMADE prim zombie doll based on your partner's profile.  As always, the doll must be at least 8 inches in length and completely handmade. 

*3  tuck ins.  These tuck ins should be chosen from your partner's profile.  They can be newly purchased, thrifted, re-gifted or handmade.  Use good judgement.

The package needs to be worth/valued at $25.00 before shipping.  As always, my swaps are meant to challenge your creativity, not bust your budget. If you can handcraft everything, I encourage it!  

Shipping has gotten outrageously expensive so this is a USA only swap.  

The join by date is August 29th.  That gives you two weeks to invite some of your artsy pals to join in this year.  If registration stalls, I reserve the right to close registration and start the swap early.

I will email your partner info during the week following registration.  I will send out a confirmation email so please reply to it.

Ship date is September 26th.  This gives it time to arrive for Halloween display!  

Please wrap your items up nicely and ship on time.  If you are going to be late, contact me so I know what is going on.  
Please use priority mail so you can track your packages.  If your package is lost or stolen, it is your responsibility to send a replacement package.  It is only fair to do so. 

I'll email all participants before the swap for confirmation.  Please reply and confirm to that email.  
 *If you have never swapped with us before, you must have a referral to join us.  If you don't know anyone who can refer you but still want to join, there is a one time fee of $10.00 to join our group.   (This will cover a portion of my expenses if I have to cover  for you.)  I have just started doing this after having 3 people flake in one swap.

To register:

Leave a comment here!
Add the swap badge to your blog or page if you have one.

I will send a confirmation email, please reply to it!

August's theme: Altered Art

Before I get started, the winner of JULY'S  drawing is CHRIS!  I'll be send you a little goodie in the mail, thanks for playing along this month!!!

This is the perfect month to STAY INSIDE and create ALTERED ART!

Look at this idea....an old watercolor tin!

here are some other things I found on google...

It is so hot right now that all I want to do is stay inside and create.  I have to admit that little Osa is keeping my crafting ideas on hold though...she is quite the busy body!

This month I thought it would be fun to make something out of ANYTHING you can get your hands on!  

I love altered art....you can find tons of ideas online or just use your imagination!

Books, bottles, notepads, gift tags, gift bags, spools, boxes......the list is endless.  Don't forget to post your finished work of art here by the end of the month!  I'll do a drawing and send the winner a goodie!

See you on the other side!