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Welcome

I love answering your questions. If you ask them in the comment section, I have no way to answer you (if you haven't heard from me, that is why). If you use the "EMAIL ME" in the left column of this page, I will be able to respond to you. You can also use it if you want to be added to my newsletter. Laura

Sunday, July 1, 2018

MINIATURE CONSERVATORY - Hinged Accordion Folding Book - NEW Collage Sheets & Digital Image Set

Who doesn’t love a conservatory filled with flowers, statues, and fountains all showcased in beautiful architecture.

The core of the piece is made from the Mini Conservatory Accordion Book, which is perforated for folding.  I chose to separate the pieces for my conservatory and then hinge them back together.  This approach allows for the use of more embellishments.
I’ve created two new collage sheets (details below) Mini Conservatory & Stained Glass Collage Sheet to go along with the project.  AlphaStamps is also offering a New Conservatory Parts Collage Sheet.

I used the transparency version of the Stained Glass Collage Sheet and sandwiched the images between two accordion books to create a realistic stained glass look.  Using two books allowed me to decorate both sides, so it looks lovely from every angle.

MINI CONSERVATORY COLLAGE  SHEET
This collage sheet is filled with lots of lovely images to decorate a miniature conservatory or garden-themed project.  Many images are also found on the larger Conservatory Garden Décor Collage Sheet.  To purchase this sheet, click on the image below.
STAINED GLASS COLLAGE SHEET
This sheet contains a series of stained glass images that can be used in smaller art & miniature projects.   When the images are printed on a transparency film, it creates more of an authentic stained glass look.  To look even more authentic, add and melt embossing powder on the transparency film image.  To purchase this sheet, click on the image.
This image set contains 29 separate and unique stained glass images that can be used in smaller art & miniature projects.  They would work well with 1:12 scale projects.    When the images are printed on a transparency film, it creates more of an authentic stained glass look.  To look even more authentic, add and melt embossing powder on the transparency film image.  To purchase this sheet, click on the image below.


THE DETAILS
I started separating the pieces and sanding the edges to smooth the perforated edges (used for folding).  I used two sets of the Mini Conservatory Folding Book.
Next, I painted and papered the pieces (the same on each side) using paper from the Wandering Ivy 12x12 Paper Pad.  I then added images from the transparency film version of the NEW Stained Glass Collage Sheet to most openings. 
 
I used hinges to reconnect the conservatory pieces.

Below I’ll walk you through how I embellished each side of the same piece.

EMBELLISHMENTS
I decorated both sides of each piece.  On one side, I used a door from the Mini Conservatory Parts Collage Sheet and the sundial from the Mini Conservatory/Garden Collage Sheet.  
At the bottom, I added pieces of mini creeping vine garland.  On the other side, I used the same sundial and an image of a terrarium from the same sheet.
The piece pictured below is decorated the same on both sides.  The architecture at the bottom comes from the Mini Conservatory Collage Sheet, and the finial is from the Mini Conservatory/Garden Collage Sheet.  Sandwiched between the arches is a stained glass image from the Stained Glass Collage Sheet.
The leaves at the top are made by cutting up Green Embossed Dresden Leaves.  Each leaf has 5 points, so I used each point to guide where I cut.  Using a stencil brush, I lightly applied dark green acrylic paint to give the leaf some contrast.  It also helps to bring out the embossing on the leaf.

The leaves on the side are from the Dollhouse Laser–Cut Fern Leaves.   I first painted them brown and then, using a stencil brush, lightly applied dark green and then light green paint.
The piece pictured below is decorated the same on both sides.  The architecture at the bottom comes from the Mini Conservatory Collage Sheet.  Sandwiched between the arches is a stained glass image from the Stained Glass Collage Sheet.  The leaves are stitched ribbon that I accented with beads.
The piece pictured below is similar on both sides, except that one side is decorated with a tiny green garland and pink roses.  The statue and Greenman are from the Mini Conservatory Garden Collage sheet and another image from the Stained Glass Collage Sheet.
I used another stained glass and statue image for the piece pictured below.  On one side is an image of a birdbath, three tiles from the Mini Conservatory/Garden Collage Sheet, and a resin songbird (it's part of a set of 3).
The leaves are cut out from one of the sheets of paper in the Wandering Ivy 12x12 paper pad.  For the piece below, I’ve used another stained glass image.  The paper is an embossed brick pattern.  

I embellished the top with mini wrought iron flourishes set on the top and Architextures Iron Fence at the bottom.








I used some of the Mini Wrought Iron Flourishes to add a piece to the side and an urn image from the collage sheet.  The greenery is leaves from the Mini Fern Garland.



Wednesday, June 27, 2018

REMNANTS OF THE PAST ALTERED ALTOIDS TINS - PLUS VIDEO TUTORIAL OF SIX DIFFERENT ALTERED TINS - NEW COLLAGE SHEETS

I’ve been altering tins for a long time and I just finished a new one so I thought it would be a good opportunity to do a video tutorial that includes the new project as well as some of my older Altoids tin related projects.

The Remnants of the Past project is vintage themed and involves hinging two tins together (minus the lids), using one tin for a shadow box and the other for an accordion folded book.
On the outside of the tins, I used a paper tearing technique to frame the vintage ephemera images then accented the torn area with paper roses.
Inside on the left is the book.  The last page is attached to the tin and when folded, tieing the lace holds the book in place. 
The papers I used are from the Architecture  2  8x8 Paper Pack.
All of the images in the project are from my NEW Remnants of the Past Collage Sheets.

These two sheets are packed with vintage ephemeral all sized to work with smaller projects like altered tins and ATCs.  To purchase these sheets, click on the images below.


If you liked my Remnants of the Past #1 and #2 Collage Sheets, you will live the download set.   This set is packed with vintage ephemeral all sized to work with smaller projects like altered tins, and ATC’ although with a download set, you can adjust the size of the image to fit your project.  It contains all of the images from the Remnants of the Past #1 & #2 Collage Sheets plus 7 more for a total of 122 images.  To purchase the image set, click on the image below.


PROJECTS I’LL BE COVERING IN THE VIDEO TUTORIAL
In the video tutorial, I’ll be covering all of the projects pictured below.  Some use two tin bases, some use one, and one uses the leftover lids.  Included are a variety of themes and techniques.  Below the video are the links to the supply list for each project (carried by AlphaStamps) and links to the original project post where applicable.


VIDEO TUTORIAL






REMNANTS OF THE PAST – DETAIL SUPPLY LIST
Architecture  2  8x8 Paper Pack
Blank Altoids Tins – Used 2
Small Square Brass Hinges – Used 3
Rectangular Bronze Filigree - Small
Cream Lace from Advent Calendar Kit
½ Inch Pale Peach Paper Roses
Tiny Paper Roses – White
Stitched Leaf Ribbon – Moss Green

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

CAFE du CHAT NOIR - The Black Cat Cafe - Streets of Paris Event


The Café du Chat Noir is now open and offers the finest in dining experiences.  
After a day of shopping, stop by the café, sit down, rest your feet, and enjoy all the restaurant has to offer.  
You’ll find a sandwich board with the daily specials on the corner.
Take a peek in the window to see the fine imported cheeses, wine, and premium seafood dishes.
This restaurant is a place where black cats are always welcome.  If you look closely, one of the regulars is sitting on a barstool.
The café houses an extensive wine selection.
You can choose an umbrella-covered table outside and enjoy the beautiful weather or step inside for more elegant dining.
Enjoy a tray of cheeses, sausage, crackers, and bread with a side of grapes and cherries.
Perhaps you would enjoy spaghetti and meatballs with a baguette and red wine.   
The café offers a selection of hand-tossed salads and sandwiches for more casual dining.
If you are after sweets, try the tea tray with delectables from the Chocolatier or an ice cream sundae.
Order a designer cocktail from the resident mixologist.

THE DETAILS
I don’t think I could have packed one more thing into this project.  I have so many ideas, tips, and tricks to share with you that I’ve recorded three video tutorials.  The first video covers assembling the café and the non-food items.  The second and third cover polymer clay food and drinks.

To go along with the project, I’ve created two new collage sheets and a digital image set – details below.

 NEW COLLAGE SHEETS & DIGITAL IMAGE SET

THE BLACK CAT CAFE COLLAGE SHEET
This collage sheet includes images to decorate the inside and outside of a French café.  Included are posters, bottle labels, a menu, and a sandwich board.  To purchase this sheet, click on the image below.

This sheet contains two or more copies of miniature vintage wine, soda & liquor labels perfect for 1:12 scale miniatures.  To purchase this sheet, click on the image below.
This image set is packed with images to decorate the inside and outside of a café.  There are 56 images, including the ones found on The Black Cat Café collage sheet.   Included are:
8 French Poster/Signs
Window Glass Sign (This fits the 2 columns rectangular bay window)
French Menu Sandwich Board
19 Unique Wine & Champagne Labels
28 Unique Liquor & Beer Labels
17 Unique Soda & Other Drink Labels
7 Unique Cheese Labels
4 Sets of Different Styled Black & White Awnings
Black & White Umbrella Panels
2 Types of Napkins, 1 Placemat & Menu
To purchase this image set, click on the image below.

AWNING STYLES & SIZES - The Black Cat Cafe Digital Set includes 5 styles of awning pictured below but in black & white.


VIDEO TUTORIALS
NOTE: Since I have covered building the main structure and making sweets in other videos, in these three tutorials, I’m going to focus on putting the Cafe together and making the food.


THE BLACK CAT CAFE
In this first video tutorial, I cover architectural changes I made to customize the store, additional furnishings, lighting, bay windows, a wraparound sidewalk, signage, and new image sets.

THE BLACK CAT CAFÉ POLYMER CLAY FOOD – 1 of 2
In the second video tutorial, I cover making bread, cheese & sausage out of polymer clay.

THE BLACK CAT CAFÉ POLYMER CLAY FOOD – 2 of 2
In the third video tutorial, I cover how to make spaghetti, salad, ham sandwiches, ice cream sundae, olives, cocktail onions, grapes, cherries, & drinks out of polymer clay and Glossy Accents & Alcohol Ink.

RELATED VIDEO TUTORIALS

FREE STAINED GLASS IMAGE
Feel free to download the stained glass image to use in your projects.


DETAIL SUPPLY LIST
COLLAGE SHEETS & PAPER
Architecture Trims Download - Digital Image Set – Trims
Barger Shoppe Razor Scrapbook Paper - Ceiling
Mottled Cream Heavy Paper
Chesterville Chester Scrapbook Paper
ARCHITECTURE
Rectangular Bay Window – 2 Columns
Rectangular Bronze Filigree – Medium – Window Shelves
Baroque 3 – Medallion & Filigree Silicone Mold – Window Accents
¼ Inch Square Wooden Dowels – Ceiling Supports & Glass Rack
Chipboard Wrought Iron Flourishes Set - Sign
Large Gold Filigree Bead Cap – Window lighting
Folding Screen Fretwork Insert - Door
Miniature Antique Brass Door Pulls - Door
Pair of Fancy Mini Hinges w Pins - Door
Symmetrical Bronze Flourish – L-bracket for glasses shelves
Tim Holtz Adhesive Mirrored Sheets – Option for mirrored bar
TRELLIS
Variegated Green Vines
½ Inch Tall Wooden Flower Pots
Small Bright Pink Mulberry Blossoms
Small Pale Pink Mulberry Blossoms
Mini Fern Garland
Stained Glass Border – Trellis
FURNISHINGS
Wrought Iron Patio Table
Set of Stools – 1 Inch Scale
5 Inch French Doilies – Used on tables
Embossed Brass Trim – Ball & Leaf – Bar
Glass Microscope Slides – Wine rack & Shelves for glasses
Small Metal Box Feet – Wine Rack
Dazzles Gold Thin Lines Stickers – Wine Cabinet & Bay Window
Basswood Strips – 3/16 Inches Wide – Glass Rack
38mm Long Bronze Filigree – L-Brackets for Liquor Shelves
Rectangular Bronze Filigree – Large – Liquor Shelves
Plastic Serving Tray – Cheese platter
Round White Serving Dish – Used for Spaghetti
Mini Silverware – Set of 12 – Used for serving plates
BOTTLES
1:12 Champagne Bottle
1:12 Green Wine Bottle
Amber Resin Potions Bottle
Clear Resin Quart Bottle
Half Scale Red Wine Bottle
Mini Clear Resin Whiskey Bottle
Miniature Clear Wine Bottle
Large Clear Resin Potions Bottle
Miniature Gin Bottle
Miniature Tequila Bottle
Miniature Wine Bottles
Resin Olive Oil Bottle
Mini Glassware – Set of 17
1:12 Resin Brandy Bottle – Brown
1:12 Resin Brady Bottle - Red
DISHES
Miniature Silverware – Set of 20
Mini Silverware – Set of 12
Silverware with Red Handles – Set of 12
Mini Wine Glasses – Set of 2
Kitchen Glassware Set – 16 Pieces
Mixed Mini Glassware Set – 13 Pieces
Clear Mini Beer Mugs
Gold 3-Tier Cupcake Stand
Pewter Dollhouse Dishes – Used as chargers
Orange Color Mini Teapot Charm – Painted silver & red
White Plastic Salad Plates
White Plastic Dinner Plates
Set of 12 Bowls & Plates - White
Flat Miniature Bread Basket – Similar to what I used but prettier
FOOD & DRINK
Silicone Mold Rectangular Braid Bread Loaf
Silicone Mold – Set of Croissants
Silicone Mold – Large French Bread Loaf
Silicone Mold - Round Bread Loaf
Mini Silicone Mold – Large Bread Loaf
Mini Egg Custard or Flan
Mini Soda Pop Bottles in Create
Tiny Resin Cookie Cabochons – Used as crackers on the cheese tray
Miniature Ice Cubes – Used in the glass of soda
Mini Silicone Mold – Biscuits & Bread
Polymer Clay Lime Cane
Polymer Clay Lemon Cane
Polymer Clay Orange Cane
Flat Round Wooden Beads – Glued 2 together, wrapped in tissue paper with a label for cheese wheels
Twinklets Diamond Dust – Cocktail glass rim
Mini Aluminum Beer Cans
MISCELLANEOUS
3 Miniature Vases – On tables
Mini Rose Buds – Red - Vases
Tiny Paper Roses - Vases
Mini Fern Garland – Flower arrangement & lettuce on the sandwich
Ceramic Black Cat Bead
Ceramic Lying Black Cat Bead