Just Arrived From Germany ~ New Scraps for 2012!

At the beginning of year a select number of new scraps designs are released and added to the already-voluminous range of beautiful vintage images.  This year's designs feature a beautiful set of Jesus and Mary, flowers, veggies, Christmas themes like Santa and snow angels, guardian angels and more.  Offered in traditional sheet form as well as the popular large, thick single scraps, these scraps are 100% made in Germany. Please click HERE to see all styles. 

I Love This Pin Cushion!

This is quite possibly the most adorable pin cushion ever.  

He was carefully needle felted by Judy Johnson of Bay Colony Designs.

New to the Shop: Czech Glass Buttons

We've added a whole host of Czech glass buttons to our Etsy shop this week.  From clear glass with silver accents to colored milk glass with a hobnail design to pretty multi-colored florals to dramatic blues and blacks, if they caught our eye, we couldn't resist.  Here are a few of my favorites:

We have twenty-four styles all together, all of which you can see HERE.  Not just for clothing and costumes, these buttons are stunning when worked into jewelry design, mixed media projects and more.  We thought you'd get a kick out of seeing how they're made, too:

A Blown Glass Heart Valentine

This year delight your Valentine with a beautiful handmade heart ornament.  Made with a blown glass heart from Germany, Dresden foils, paper scraps, and pretty fabric trims.

 

Here are links to the very supplies we used:
Gold Dresden Border, Silver Dresden Border, Blue Shell Border
Dresden Halos
Floral Scraps, Angel Scraps
Blown Glass Heart
Rosebud Trims, Metallic Trims

Step 1: Start by gently removing the cap from your heart ornament.

Step 2: Next wrap a Dresden border around the side of the heart.

Step 3: Gently glue a fabric trim on top of the Dresden border.  You may have to hold the trim in place while the glue sets up so it conforms to the contours of the heart.

Step 4: When all has dried, gently replace the cap.

 Step 5: Next pair your angel scrap with a floral scrap and a halo.  We used the pairings below.

Step 6: Glue the angel scrap to the halo.  You may wish to reinforce behind the angel's head with a light cardstock so the halo's embossing isn't visible.

Step 7: Glue the angel and halo to the ornament and, once dry, glue the flower scrap in place, layering it slightly over the bottom of the angel's wings.

Step 8: Allow to dry.

A few things to keep in mind:
We like a clear-drying liquid craft glue for applying scraps and trims.

The angel design can be repeated on the back of the heart as well.  Or you can apply a petty Dresden foil heart.

Layering is what takes these from ordinary to extraordinary -- metallic trims, Dresden foil trims, fabric trims and scraps -- the art is in the overlay!

Myrtle Studio's Sweet Nutcracker Suite

We're absolutely taken with the work of Leslie of Myrtle's Studio! Her use of trims, textures, colors and whimsy never ceases to amaze and delight us.  When she shared photos of a custom nutcracker order she'd just created, we asked her if we could share them here with you all as well.

If you've got a special occasion and need something extra special to make the day all the more memorable, consider engaging the artistic talents of Leslie.  From ribbon cornucopias to luxe gift tags to rich ribbon wreaths, Myrtle's Studio has something to delight everyone.

Specialty Christmas Cards for Sending and Decorating

Things We Love: kitschavan

It's always a delight to see what people make with the craft supplies we sell.  In this case, kitschavan, in England, has taken simple bottle brush trees and turned them into individual works of art that are a feast for the eyes and sure to delight Christmas lovers everywhere.  She's been bold but discerning in her color choices and layered the trees with tinsel cording and glass balls and then anchored them in great figural ceramic bases that lend themselves perfectly to her trees.  Even Santa and Mrs.Claus would approve!

Do stop by her shop and take a look at her artful creations here: kitschavan

Still Time for Advent Calendars!

Things We Love: Meaicp

We love the way that meacip combines vintage millinery elements, glass and tinsel ornaments and picks, and adorable spun cotton characters to create the most festive Christmas, holiday and special occasion corsages.  They are truly a burst of cheerfulness!

She has more than just heirloom quality corsages in her Etsy shop, even awesome retro fabrics!
Be sure to stop by her shop, as you're sure to find something for yourself or someone special. 

New Styles of Old Fashioned Favorites -- New Blown Glass Beads, Dresden Foils & Christmas Scraps

Happy Halloween!

TocameMika: Absolutely fascinating!

It's no secret -- we love seeing our supplies in use.  So imagine our delight and amazement to see this gorgeous fascinator created by Mika of Madrid, Spain.  Dramatic, elegant, and with the most beautiful greens and reds together, this piece took our breath away!

Specializing in fascinators and headbands, you'll find a wide range of colors and shapes in Mika's Etsy shop TocameMika.  Thank you Mika, we love your work!

Caturday #1

Thomas, our favorite guest, enjoys the sunshine on one of his daily visits.

A Quote by Any Other Name

This was too cool not to post.  I find myself saying many of these on a daily basis.  Thanks to Gerard for posting this first.

New Scraps from England