Thursday, October 14, 2010

Les Modes Parisiennes Workshop
Les Modes Parisiennes Workshop
Les Modes Parisiennes Workshop

Register Now
Date: Sunday November 7, 2010
Time: 10:30-4:30pm,
Where: Piddlestixs, 12 Morris Farm Road, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Instructor: Lisa Kettell
Price: $65, kit fee $10

How many times have you walked into an antique store, looked through family photos or visited an Ephemera Show and saw the most elegant and amazing fashion plates from the turn of the century.

Learn to create vintage assemblages using vintage Parisian fashion plates or Ballet fashion plates, materials, trims, millinery, broken jewels and more.

Learn light stitching, design and assemblage!

Learn:
-Light Stitching
-Paper layering and folding
-Collage
-Alteration of Imagery
-Design
-Assemblage
-vintage art

Pick your assemblage theme:
-Vintage Ballet and Fashion Plates
-Les Modes/Victorian

This piece of art will be a treasured heirloom that you can display anywhere you want that special magic!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Party Time Box!
Party Time Box!

“Wish on everything. Pink cars are good, especially old ones. And stars of course, first stars and shooting stars. Planes will do if they are the first light in the sky and look like stars. Wish in tunnels, holding your breath and lifting your feet off the ground. Birthday candles. Baby teeth.”

-Francesca Lia Block (American Author)

Party Time Box! 4

I have been on a crusade to re-invent: "Sweet" aka "Kawaii", to re-invent the circus girl in me, the Celebration inside. October is a magical month, for me it brings forth a new journey in my life one filled with new opportunities and works. I have found myself mixing color palettes and themes, especially loving the idea of blending orange and pink, aqua and red, metallics and chic, cupcakes and grunge.
Party Time Box! 3Party Time Box! 2
This new art piece: "Party Time Box" blends a little grunge aka spice with some sugary nice. I covered a papier mache box with printed parchment paper shreds, then topped with a sugary bunny, vintage chicks, tiny pom pom fringe, feathers, tinsel chenille, papers, glitters and more.
Party Time Box! 5

This piece is supposed to bring a smile to your day, to celebrate being you! It doesn't have to be your birthday in order to have a day of celebration, to have a slice of cake, drink a milk shake or get a present, how about creating a celebrated piece of work and dedicate to yourself.
Party Time Box! 6
Have a celebrated day!
xoxo
Lisa!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Meet Antoinette Le Peep!
Antoinette Le Peep!Antoinette Le Peep! 3
Antoinette was made using the newest doll parts in my embellishments line: Storybook Chick which can be found in my etsy store and at Piddlestixs in Lafayette, NJ!
Storybook Chick! New Doll Parts! 3Storybook Chick! New Doll Parts!
She was also made with vintage lace, trims, pearls, honeycomb, millinery, chenille, rhinestones and more.

Antoinette measures about 8 1/2 to 9 inches in height! This doll and several others will be available on Etsy and at Piddlestixs.
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Antoinette Le Peep! 8Antoinette Le Peep! 5
Come join Antoinette Le Peep as she attends the Carousel Soiree and dances til midnight. Alongside some of her friends: Frieda, Sophie, Elle, Minka and Claudette who are all getting ready for the soiree.

Sophie is Antoinette's first cousin and princess in waiting, Frieda and Elle are twins whose parents own Stwiggly Farms, Claudette is heir to the Pemberlisse Candy Fortune and Minka is her best friend and daughter of Babe Worthwood, designer of the storybook houses on Willow Row, just outside of Rosette Jardins.

The Carousel Soiree is held at Blanca Primspeep's mansion in Le Meringue, north of Rosette Jardins. Every year a carousel queen is chosen, I wonder who will be crowned this year?

Friday, October 08, 2010

A Hero Will Live on Forever!
Me and grandpa
It has been a long week filled with an empty feeling, a loss, that in the reality of life I will no longer be able to dial the phone or answer the call to talk with my grandfather, as he was called from a higher power to start the next journey in his life which is to be re-united with my Grandmother and his family above, to walk with the Angels and be mine.

My grandparents lived with me growing up, they were like having a second set of parents in the house, both doted on me and treated me like their own child, they were always there and now I know will always be. My mother, the baby of the family, has tried to find comfort this week and will continue too as each day passes. Grandpa was the man who was held the family together while family sides divided and found their own lives, he still remained everyone's rock through it all.

But he needed to exist, to out live the tribulations of battle in WWII, earning a purple heart and various other medals throughout his military reign in the Army Signal Corps., coming home to meet my grandmother and start a family, together they paved the path for my family to exist and create themselves.

Although I believe he had more life in him, at least 10 more years, but God had other plans and Anthony Ciamillo answered to those plans. On Monday he was placed at rest with a formal military salute. His memory will live on in our hearts forever.

As a tribute to honor him, I will have his name added to the hall of candles at St. Josephs Shrine right near the one I had made for my Grandmother 5 years ago. Now Mom and I can visit them there all the time.

Thank you for all your support, your warm words, cards, prayers and love to Mom, My Family and Me, it has been much of a comfort to us!

Thank You and God Bless You!

xo Lisa and Momma Joan!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Recycled Halloween!
Recycled Halloween! 7
As many of you know I love love love to recycle and re-use items in a variety of way. By recycling I can give new life to things, you help the environment, and it cost virtually nothing. A book and its pages can be turned into a plethora of things from wall art to a wreath to a new book, rosettes, party hats, crowns, cones, etc.
Recycled Halloween! 3Recycled Halloween! 4
For this recycled project I used left over un-painted jack-o-lanterns treat lanterns, bird foliage pick, pumpkin picks, floral wire, floral moss, book pages for the party hat and rosettes, paints, Beacon's Tinsel glitter and Kid's Choice glue.
Recycled Halloween! 2Recycled Halloween!
I hand painted the pumpkins, then assembled the piece, the end result a fabulous Halloween hanging assemblage that you can create for friends/family, yourself or do with the kids!
Recycled Halloween! 5

Hope you enjoy!
Magic and Joy,
Lisa!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Come One, Come All To The Halloween Ball.........
Halloween Follies! 4

I'd like to introduce the newest members of the Sweet Cupcake Topper Collection:

-The Halloween Follies
-The Pumpkin Kings
-Mr.Moon

Each topper is made from either clay or vintage foam balls, extra large picks, paints and embellishments. These new toppers have brought some extra magic to my studio this season. They are a bit of prim, bit of fancy and sweet, a bit dapper and regal, perhaps magical to those who believe.
Halloween Follies! 3
Pumpkin King 3
Mr.Moon Toppers! 6

I will have these toppers available tonight in my Etsy store, and some are available now at Piddlestixs!

Hope you enjoy,
Magic and Joy,
Lisa!

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Altered Art Circus: Party Hats, Tussie Mussies, Cones!

In my book; Altered Art Circus, I have a few projects revolving around cones such as the Marie Antoinette Tussie Mussie and The Marie Antoinette Cone Doll Hat/Centerpiece. These projects revolve around a simple cones shape which can turn into a variety of projects such as a doll, tree topper, holiday tree, wreath, party hat, party cones, flower cones aka cornucopia's, pocket posies and tussie mussie's, candy favor cones, wizard hats, witch hats, princess hats, rosettes and more, all from one simple shape.

Creating cones is extremely easy, you can open up a cheap party hat and trace it for a template. Try tracing a large plate onto card stock or poster board, find the center, mark the point, and draw line from edge to the center point, cut that line, fold in and glue. Buy paper mache cornucopia cones already made at your craft store or just buy my book, and photocopy the template inside to your desired size and use that.

Over the year I have transformed my cone projects into a few things and incorporated my scrapbook papers and embellishments from my line into them. The following 2 photos are samples of some of the papers and parts! The first is the Candy Paper and the next some of the embellishments to accompany my papers.
My New Scrapbook Line! Spring 2010Carnival Doll Heads & Matching Paper!

Party Cones and Hats Examples:
Candyland Corner at Piddlestixs! 2The Party Hat Armada!The Party Hat Armada!Sweet Dreams Party Hat! 2
Princess, Pea and Tea Hat Swap!Queen of Hearts Tussie Mussie! Full View!
Carnival Soiree Hat!Sand Castle ATC Book! 10
Here is a rosette made from layers of cones:
Candyland Silhouette Rosette! 4
Vintage Paper Rosette: Blue Belle! 7
For instructions on making cone shaped projects and for the template, photo copy the template in the back of my book: Altered Art Circus, and scout out the projects in the book. Visit my flick photo gallery for tons of extra free images and inspiration!
Magic and Joy,
Lisa1

Monday, September 06, 2010

Who loves inspiration and a giveaway?
Altered Art Cirus! Front Cover
If you want to be inspired, escape to a magical circus and enter in a giveaway, then take a stroll over to Mod Podge Rocks, where Amy Anderson has written a wonderful review on my book: Altered Art Circus, shares her favorite parts of the book, showcased some new works adapted from it and is hosting a giveaway, where one lucky winner will receive:

A copy of Altered Art Circus AND a few sheets of paper and ephemera from my scrapbook line to get you started on your own magical adventure.

Many of the projects from the book are made using various Plaid products, especially mod podge or as I spelled Modge Podge in parts of the book, lol, my lingo, hey I'm from NJ, lol.

There are easy to create projects from the book, an image gallery in the back for you to photo copy and use in your works. I remind you this book is for the fun at heart person, someone looking to escape to their own artful world and meet some friends along the away. if you are the experienced artist, this is a fun book to help you get inspired and learn some new techniques.

My fave projects from the book are:
-The Circus Carts
I began re-creating the circus carts using my handmade dolls and storybook characters in place of images. This is the box I did the demo of at CHA:
Oliver's Wizard Carnival Cart! 4
-The Carnival Toys
-Frame Book
-Fairy Bulb Wands and Jars
Here is another version of the bulb wand:
Candy Tinkersby! Pixie Orb!2
-The Traveling Bumbelina's
Here is another version of the Traveling Bumbelina's Project which uses poker chips as the base. In this project I turned the poker chips into small chairs. I'll post the project instructions on how to create the poker chip chairs this week. Also in this photo is another version of the jar fairies, which I used a wine glass instead of a glass jar.
Polly The Pixie Wizard and Chairs! 4
-The Cone Doll Hats/Tussie Mussies/Centerpieces
I have begun creating Candy Cones adapted from the Tussie Mussie Project from my book. Inside you will find a template for these, which you can en-largen or shrink to make various sized cones. Turn into candy cones, flower cones, party cones or hats. Perfect for favors at a party or event, create mini ones for a garland or use in a wreath.
Candy Cones! 2

At CHA this past year I did a demo on the circus carts using new techniques such as my model magic dolls/characters, and vintage trimmings. I've re-created new atcs, books and wands using the original projects from it.

To enter the giveaway visit: Mod Podge Rocks
http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/2010/09/altered-art-circus-book-review-and.html


This week in celebration of the giveaway I will be dedicating my blog to project how-to's and new adapted projects from my book, stay tuned!
xoxo
Lisa!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Building Your Own Jewelry Display!
The Party Girls Necklace Set
So now you are thinking, I spend all this time and money on making jewelry, now ask yourself how would you describe your jewelry and what style is it? Are you making a line of similar items to market or all different?

This season I am more involved with my Cupcake Chic Line and Kawaii aka Cuteness/Sweet. I started incorporating my doll parts and accessories into my jewelry and party decor, the result is the new Party Girls Line of jewelry and accessories from necklaces, bracelets to party hats, crowns, banners and prints.
Party Girls Hat Topper! 5
Now if I had to spend a ton of money on jewelry display's that would take away from the important items such as the supplies used to make my items, so I discovered a way to make my own displays and backdrops on a budget. The result easy necklace holders, racks and canvas backdrops.
The Tin Doll Rosettes! 2
Here are the schematics of the Jewelry Display:

Materials:


-Drill (I used Black and Decker)
-5/64 Drill bit
-Hammer
-5/64 sized nails
-3 foot 7/16 wood dowel (cut in half)(use larger dowel for heavier jewelry)
-Medium 5 by 5 inch wood plaque (Lara's Crafts)
-Large 8 by 11 inch oval wood plaque (Plaid)
-2 packages of Cup hooks (Lara's Crafts)
-Multi-purpose screwdriver
-Latex paint of choice
-Paint brush

Directions:

1. Drill a hole in the center of your large plaque and the medium plaque. Use a ruler and pencil to measure the halfway point of your plaque, if you are uncomfortable eye balling the center.

2. Next drill 8 holes into the sides of the medium plaque. To do this draw an even "X" shape on the top of the medium plaque, then draw a line through each open space of the "X" until you are left with 8 lines resembling a child's snowflake line drawing! Then drill the holes into each on of the 8 points on the sides of the plaque.

3. Now paint your wood pieces, let dry. Apply second coat if needed.

4. Using one cup hook at a time, twist each one into the 8 pre-drilled holes of the medium plaque, pre-drilling these holes is what makes it easier to twist the hooks in.

5. Match up the dowel to the large plaque base's hole, insert a nail into the hole and hammer into the end of the dowel, repeat this step for the medium plaque base's hole.

6. Add a party hat, crown, jewelry bits, rhinestones or ribbon to your display, now its ready to hold your new jeweled works.

Party Girls Hat Topper and Display!


Tips/Tricks:
-Use a heavier dowel for larger jewelry.
-Try creating a double display using 2 dowels and a larger bottom and top base.
-Add a finial, broken jewelry, bows, figurines and more to your display

Magic and Joy,
Lisa!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Magic of Digital Art!

I adore Amy Knutkowski's digital artwork they are filled with so much magic, I can't seem to pick a favorite.

As many of you know I offer a variety of collage cds for artists to use in their works, along with giving free images on my flickr site ranging from Marie Antoinette to the Circus, Victorian, Fashion Plates and Storybook Covers, plus many more.

One image I offer for free:
After The Ball, Sugary Sweet! Which is called: After The Ball, Sugary Sweet.

Now This is what Amy did with it, adding the image to her digital design:

Amy calls this piece: Afternoon Tea!

So magical, to see more of Amy's work visit:
www.wallflowerimages.blogspot.com

or her flickr gallery at:
http://www.flickr.com/people/amyknutkowski/

For my free images visit my flickr page and either add me as a contact to download them or sign up for a free flickr account, add me as a friend and you'll be able to download:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonfaires16

Monday, August 23, 2010

Art at the Speed of Life!


Art at the Speed of Life is a new book created by the amazing Miss Pam Carriker, being published by Interweave Press. I am honored to be one of the contributing artists in this book, alongside other artist talents such as Julie Bergmann, Paulette Insall, Nancy Lefko, and Brandi Butcher-Isley, to name a few.

Pam's creative energy can inspire us all, as will this whole book I am sure! Below is the Product Description from Amazon:

Product Description
Need high-energy inspiration when your life gets crazy and your art keeps getting pushed to the back burner? Offering terrific mixed-media art projects, as well as tips for getting organized and inspired, Art at the Speed of Life is a treasure chest of ideas for the artist whose creative goals sometimes get stymied by the frantic pace of modern life. Author and mixed-media artist Pam Carriker proves that art and life can coexist peacefully, productively, and happily. Making things every day can be a joyful reality instead of just wishful thinking.

Each chapter in Art at the Speed of Life includes both essays and project ideas from a variety of contributors, including Paulette Insall, Nancy Lefko, and Brandi Butcher-Isley. The projects are inspiring, yet easy to complete on a tight schedule, and include techniques such as assemblage, image transfer, and collage. A bonus seven-day journal project helps you track your work as you go. With a unique combination of time management tips and advice, inspiring essays, and projects designed to fit into busy schedules, Art at the Speed of Life will help you live your dream of making art every day.

About the Author
Pam Carriker has created art with a variety of media over more than 20 years. She has served on several design teams, and has been featured in magazines including Cloth Paper Scissors, Somerset Studios, The Stamper's Sampler, Art Journaling, and Somerset Apprentice. She currently teaches a successful online workshop series through Creative Workshops, and Motivation and Inspiration for Making Mixed-Media Art Every Day.


You can currently pre-order this amazing book on Amazon!
Amazon Link: Art at the Speed of LifeRelease date February 22, 2011

http://pamcarriker.com/

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The New Girls on the Party Block!
The Party Girls! 2
Its official I am now addicted to birthday and sugary sweet style right now! Loving vintage party hats and decorations, cake toppers, cupcake picks, party dolls and more.
All the sugary sweetness or what I have labeled: Cupcake Chic, has taken over my whole design the past 2 years and more so now. I'm creating in pastel shades with mixes of chic dark and cream.
The Party Girls!Candy Party Girls! 4
My newest addition to the doll parts and embellishments line are:
The Party Girls and Candy Party Girls! These new parts can really go in different directions. I'm currently working on several examples using these pieces such as charms, jewelry components, scrapbooking, cupcake toppers and banner components. I love the pendant I'm making using the Betsy Partypuff style, vintage rhinestones, crystals, pink beads and more.
Betsy Partypuff
Lilly Partypuff!
These pieces are also getting transformed into cupcake toppers and as the toppers in a birthday rosette banner. I'll share pics of these when complete this week.

You can currently purchase these on my etsy store, at Piddlestixs and soon in my web store.

My Etsy Store:
www.moonfaires.etsy.com


Piddlestixs:
12 Morris Farm Road, Lafayette, NJ 07848
Party Girls! 3
Candy Party Girls! 2