Saturday, August 30, 2014

Plan B

Thanks for visiting...I'm really happy you're here. I will warn you, this is a VERY long post, with many, many photos, but it was a big project. I've managed to miss the deadline at Frilly and Funkie for their "Hip to Be Square" challenge, although I really wanted to make a cube. I don't have the die to cut the ATB, and although it was permissible to make your own pattern, I'm not clear on the size.  So perhaps it's best that I missed that challenge.  There were so many great projects by the design team and entrants, alike. But I still have a half finished project.  What to do?

For my original plan, I had intended to do a sewing theme, and include a dressmaker form, some alphabet blocks (see photo way below) and maybe a spool or two on the top of my box. I went through all my vintage sewing goodies, and got lost in nostalgia.  I even found a dated Christmas list from 1965 my grandmother wrote.  It looks like I was getting a doll for Christmas that year (I was four in 1965 and don't remember that doll).  It was a great, long, thoughtful list, written in my Grandma's no-nonsense script. I've included it in this photo.



I digress...I wanted to make a functional box, to hold all (well, some) of my collection (read hoard) of old sewing related treasures. So it had to be big.  This is when I decided to make my own box and fill it with little folders to house button and snap cards, trims and bindings, needle cards and other sewing ephemera.  Craft Hoarder's Anonymous is running a challenge called "Button It Up".  I have some buttons...I can do that.

Look at those prices! That's 10 cents on the top card.

The inspiration over there is fabulous--I just have to join in the fun.  I gathered some materials related to sewing and designed and assembled my box.A mechanical engineer I am NOT. It looked just terrible, but we'll try to salvage that another time.  Now I'm in a real hurry, since I've got a few other challenges I want to join in, and I only have a few more days before "Hip to Be Square" closes.  So I purchased a paper mache' box from Hobby Lobby--the last one--it was meant to be.  I get busy putting together my little (well,-- big 6 x 6 inches) box and planning a great functional piece, thanks to the inspiration from the design team at Frillie and Funky. Well, "life is what happens to us while we are making other plans", and the deadline comes and goes while I'm caught up doing all the everyday things like work and taking care of a home and family. I'm halfway done planning and creating my folders, and now I've got this box. I'm not one to quit.

Plan B:  Come up with something that depicts a summer garden, the design team at Frilly and Funkie encourages. It can be landscaping or fruits and veggies, not just flowers.  But I've already got flowers in mind. I'll make them from old patterns.  When I was at my neighbor's estate sale 2 weeks ago, I picked up  a huge bag full of random pattern pieces, because I spied some vintage pattern envelopes in  among  the tissue. I was getting ready to throw the tissue out (what was I thinking???). Besides, I wanted to incorporate buttons, and I thought "flower centers".



I was greatly inspired by Tim Holtz in making this box- numerous Tim techniques, stamps, Distress inks, markers and stains, crackle paint, Idea-ology, and so on.

 Crackle paint stained with various Distress Inks
But my project has a little bit of a frilly side, too.  I chose the colors for the box because these are the shades I see in our late summer garden-mostly fading purple coneflowers and some  browning heat-worn zinnias and ripening green foliage. I wanted to include butterflies, because our end of summer garden here in southeast North hot Carolina is just full of butterflies, trying to soak up the last of the nectar.  There are also creepy bugs in our spent veggie garden--not particularly inspirational.


I've included some stencils and paste, too, since Lynn at The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge challenges us to see what we can do with stencils and modeling paste. You can see this used on almost all of my folders.  I think I've found a new love...I've mixed the paste with stain, I've left it plain and stained it after it dried, I've swiped it with Perfect Pearls, left it white, swiped it with Distress Inks (the tape measure on the back of "Bound Button Hole" folder and front of the "Buttons" folder), and rubbed it with metallic rubs. There's so many things you can do with stencils and paste!



 Country View Challenges  is looking for entries that focus upon the written word. I've incorporated some wise words from Tim Holtz on my box, as well as on my "Words" folder.  "Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans".  This is what I was thinking when I saw the missed deadline on my calendar, so it is a significant reminder to me. And it made me think of all these things I've picked up along the way..the buttons, the trims, the trinkets, all these great vintage items, that someone planned on using, but life happened, and now they can no longer use it.  As I was making this project, that thought came to my mind.  I've collected all these vintage goodies because I love them and  to incorporate into projects, and I'm simply putting them away in a drawer or any other hiding spot I can find (see I have include the definition of cache on the inside of my "Advance Pattern") and not enjoying them. I want them to be displayed and easily enjoyed on a daily basis. That is the goal of this project for me.


The "Words" folder features a vintage book page from the familiar quotes section of the dictionary as well as another stamped quote from Tim-- "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful".  This has significance to me personally, as I have perfectionist tendencies, and I am learning to embrace imperfection.



There are so many tiny details that may not be evident in the pictures, and my post would be incredibly long (er) if I pointed out and explained each one.  One I would like to mention is the fine walnut ink spray on the lid.  I used my Distress Marker Spritzer for the first time.  Pretty cool!  


Another is the folder with the buttons sewn on front and back has an accordion pleat on either side.  I did this using antiqued vellum which I stamped with Archival Ink.  The picture below shows a string hanging from the small red button on the back.  I forgot to show that this goes around the green button (front; 2nd photo) in a figure eight fashion to act as a fastener.I plan to use this to hold some of my most treasured loose buttons.

Honeycomb reverse stenciling shown above.

Can you spot the buttons covering up the areas where the two real buttons were sewn on?



 Another detail that might not be seen in the photos is that I sprayed and swiped my pattern paper flowers with Perfect Pearls sprays and treated some pattern pieces with Mod Podge before cutting to give them body (thoroughly dried first!).
That's a spool the flower is drying on to get idea of size.  This is the smallest flower.
The purplish flower started out as a hot pink burlap on clearance at Michael's yesterday.  I bought it to add to my stash never knowing it would have a place in this project. One final detail worth mentioning are the "pearl" strands.  They were painted with alcohol inks, and these and the green ribbon are to represent foliage, as I have no foliage dies.

  The eight buttons on the top and sides of the box are my absolute favorite vintage buttons from my collection and thought they needed to be given a place of honor. I could not bring myself to add my treasured vintage German sewing scissors, as I had originally planned, but instead added this ivory-like-needle-thingy as a straight line element.

Trying different configurations--the scissors didn't make the "cut".

This is not a flattering angle, but I wanted to show off my vintage spools.

I stained the flower trim (last week's yard sale find) and Tim's Idea-ology ribbon ruler with Distress stains.  I wrestled with the idea of using one of my treasured vintage yellow or antique white cloth tapes in place of it, but I like that I could get just the right look using Tim's ribbon ruler and some stain.  Thanks, Tim!


I stamped the flowers on the inside of the box with Gelatos to represent a meadow for the butterflies to frolick in.
Sorry, the lighting was terrible! Looks like a black light was on!

I think I was able to take lemons and make lemonade, and come up with something I'll be proud to display along with my big vintage sewing toys, in spite of the slow start. Thank you for wading through all this, and I hope you enjoy the many photos. There are more shots at the end of the post if you wish to see additional shots of all the folders, inside and out.  Some may be repeats of the above included in the text.


I would like to enter this into the following challenges:Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge #14 Button It Up,Frilly and Funkie A Summer Garden ChallengeCountry View Challenges Word Play,  and The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge Stencils and Pastes.

Products used other than my stash:  Distress: spritzer, distress tool, markers, stains, and inks, Perfect Pearls  and PP mists, Idea-ology ribbon, tissue wrap and paper stash, Alterations dies: Bigz, On the Edge, and Frameworks. Tim's Tiny Attacher. Stamps:  Inkadinkado, Hampton Art 7 Gypsies, Stamper's Anonymous Attic Treasures CMS 123, and Visual Artistry Seamless Energy. Stencils:  TCW, Momenta, Prima and Tim's Layering Stencils. Box: Hobby Lobby.

I used some reverse stenciling here with a honeycomb stencil.




I cut another set of butterflies from On the Edge die and used as a mask here.

I searched my paper for hours looking for this paper.  I forgot it was a 6 x 6; stored elsewhere. 

Stencils and gesso on  the butterflies.  Love this look.




These are not real buttons! But they look more like actual buttons than actual buttons do!


Textured Vellum rubbed with metallic rubs.

Tim's technique-blurred backgrounds. Such a soft look.

Love the petticoat ruffle I got from Hilda's estate sale recently.

I planned to use these blocks on my Plan A project.

One of my vintage sewing boxes--holds machine attachments. Future project!

There's one of the "buttons" covering the eyelet and thread where I sewed a button on the front.




I took a photo from each side.


Love this!


You made it!

29 comments:

  1. Wow, you went the extra mile with your box. It is just beautiful! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Thank you! I had such a fabulous time making it! The memories...

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  2. That's a pretty awesome box. I love all the details. Thanks for joining us at The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge.

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  3. Oh my! This is absolutely incredible!! Love, love, love all of the details and all of the love that went into crafting the perfect keepsake piece for these precious family treasures!! Love it. . .magnificent work!

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  4. P.S. Thanks for sharing your talent (and buttons) with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. It was my pleasure to join the challenge--there is so much inspiration here. Thank you for your sweet comment. I am happy to be able to finally give those treasures a well deserved home thanks to the inspiration I got at CHA, from both the design team and the entrants.

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  5. I love ATB...they always make me smile to see how everyone creates something different with them and yours is stunning. Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog.

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    1. Thank you for commenting on my box. I wasn't sure if this did fit the definition of ATB, but I'm sure not going to trade this one!

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  6. I am just sitting here with my mouth hanging open. This is by far one of the most delightful projects I've ever seen....and I've seen a lot. It is so delightfully vintage, lovingly wrought, tells a story, invokes a mood of sweet nostalgia....I could go on and on and on. Your attention to detail is praiseworthy...and astounding. The little folders on the inside are charming. The tissue paper flowers are gorgeous. The display on the top of the box is perfection. You have created an heirloom here, and I commend you! Thank you for sharing it with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge #14: Button it Up!

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    1. Oh, my gosh! If I never win another challenge or craft another project, I am fulfilled! Your comment touches me deeply...now I'm, for once, speechless! I am SO grateful for this challenge as it made me realize I AM hoarding and not really enjoying these treasures. This box begs to be picked up and leafed through every time I pick it up. My grandmothers things are in there, along with all the other people's (I imagine) grandmother's treasures, and they are so well loved and cared for now. Thanks, again, for making my year! Sara Emily

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  7. This is incredible...I keep going back to look at all the details! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Thank you for visiting my blog and taking your time to leave such a lovely comment. You are welcome to visit anytime!

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  8. So much work went into this, I love it! and you took photos of it all! I love that you did so many different things with the modeling paste, it really is versatile, isn't it?! Thanks for playing along in the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge!

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    1. Thank you, Lynn, for stopping by and leaving your comment. Wow! Yes, the paste is so versatile, and if it weren't for your challenge, it would probably still be sitting unopened on my shelf! So, thank you!!!! for the inspiration.

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  9. this is really amazing. i can tell you put a lot of time into the project, but it turned out beautifully. Thank you so much for playing with the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge!
    -Rachel
    rwkrafts.com

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    1. Rachel, thank you! Yes, I was in the closet for a solid week, if I wasn't working or doing only the basics for my family. But time well spent...by having this out on display, it encourages me to leaf through it and really appreciate my family's (and others) vintage sewing treasures (including that one note I have in my Grandma's writing). I consider it an album of chunky things. I think I may see what my sisters are collecting and make one for them, as well.

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  10. Vintage awesomeness! So very pretty!

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  11. Long post indeed but well worth it. Your project is absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous :)

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    1. You are so sweet! Thank you for giving me such positive feedback.

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  12. My jaw is on the floor. I am simply agog. I keep looking and looking at this project! I adore the buttons and the sewing items, and the flowers, and the colors. And the INSIDE of the thing! You just really did it up, my girl! I am loving making boxes myself, and have made a few 4x4x4 inches...but...this one...it makes me just want to toss mine out and try again! It is FANTASTIC! Thanks for playing along this week at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Wow, Gloria! You have really made my day! All of the things you said about my project are so sweet and really make me feel good! Don't going throwing those boxes out! But do keep doing what you do, because your work is fabulous!!!

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  13. I am SO pleased you persevered Sara as it would have been a travesty not to link this up to our challenges. I love how you've added all the floral elements and created a stunning vintage style box. Thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie. Jenny x

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment.I just cannot remember having more fun on a project! I was so happy I could join in. I want to tell you how much I love your ATC's you did for A Vintage Journey--absolutely gorgeous!

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  14. I honestly don't get around to the blogs that much after I enter... limited amount of time on the clock and on the internet time... but this is something that I wish I had seen earlier... it is magnificently created Sara, and the individual pockets are wonderful.... the whole project is perfectly created... I love it... PERFECT.... Love, Light and Peace...Bonnie

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  15. Thank you, Bonnie! This is a compliment in the highest form, as I consider you to be such a wonderful, thoughtful artist. I so enjoyed your button entry. You are truly an inspiration! Congratulations on being a "favorite" at CHA!

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  16. Sara,
    Your vintage box is stunning and I love your handmade floral embellishments! It was a pleasure following along with your process and all the delightful details you've included. thank you so much for joining us at the Frilly and Funkie!!
    Hugs,
    Nancy

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  17. Thank you, Nancy. Your sweet comment is much appreciated and I'm glad you liked my flowers and appreciated the details. It was so much fun making this, and I'm glad I made the deadline this time:)!!

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Thank you for leaving your comments...they mean so much to me.