Fractured Fairy Tale Chapter 3 with Relics & Artifacts and ColoriQue Ink

Cindy has just arrived at the biggest concert of the ages after undergoing an introspective transformation.  Today, Ambassador Monica Downing tells us what awaits inside!

Cindy roared into the parking lot on her bike and parked right up front. She made her way to the doors of the concert hall. 

Once inside, she began weaving through the crowd. As she made her way toward the stage, she removed her leather jacket and revealed a beautiful pair of butterfly wings. Her wings open up in all of their bad ass glory and hundreds of smaller butterflies fluttered up to the enormous chandelier that hung over the crowd. 

The light seemed to soften as it shed a beautiful and ethereal glow directly onto Cindy. The prince noticed this magical woman immediately, and for him, it was love at first sight. 

However, not so much for Cindy as she had her sights set on the lead singer of the band. The prince was suddenly in front of her, determined to get her attention. Before she knew it she and the prince were swept into the craziest mosh pit and rocking out hard to the band.

All the while, the butterflies clung to the chandelier and like magical little strobe lights, their wings began to flicker, flash, glimmer and shine with the most epic light show any concert had ever seen before.

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Flora
Relics & Artifacts® Chandelier Pendants I
Relics & Artifacts® Chandelier Pendants II
Colorique by Lisa Marie Jimenez:  Black Diamond, Snow Summit, Poppy. Pink Ice, Ruby Slipper, Honey Bee, Turquoise Mountain, Pacific Ocean, Wisteria, Avocado
Chipboard butterfly wings
Misc. Butterfly Stamps
Black and white ink
Embossing powder
Glitter
Leaves and flowers
Clear crystal beading
TONS OF FREAKING HOT GLUE

"Dreamer of Dreams" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

This piece, is one of my all time favorites. It started out with this really cool block my very sweet friend, Sherry Westfall Matthews, sent me. She actually sent me quite a few of them. They each have two circles drilled half way through the body of the block.

The head is from the Relics & Artifacts® set Facia Familiaris. Honestly, this was a huge challenge for me as I had not used any of the figure heads up to this point.  Once I covered the head with Iced Enamels and added some detail, everything else started to flow.

I decided to fill the holes with Ice Resin and some rub on quotes. This process was very time consuming due to the curing time of the Ice Resin, but it was so worth it. The block is covered in various papers front and back, then some stamping, embossing, and rub ons on the back.

She had to have butterfly wings because, well, she is a dreamer like me, and I have dreamed of flying with the butterflies.  A Dresden crown aged with the rust patina from 10 Second Studio VerDay kit and she was finished.

This piece is always where I can see it, she inspires me to keep dreaming.

For extra inspiration, "Dreamer of Dreams" can be found in the June issue of Mixed Up Magazine.

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Facia Familiaris
Ice Resin Iced Enamels in Ivory
Ice Resin Iced Enamels Chartreuse
Ice Resin Iced Enamels Turquoise
Ice Resin
VerDay Patina Paint Kit
background paper by Cemerony
Stamps by Cat Kerr
Tim Holtz Rub Ons

"Faery Door" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Monica Downing

Do you believe in faeries, in all things magical? Well if you know me at all, you know that I do.

When I go out in the evening and see the fireflies dancing on moss covered rocks, lighting up the evening sky with random magical bursts of light, my imagination goes wild.

I love being surrounded by this lush green dense forest and the inspiration it gives me to create.

I used a vintage door plate as the base for this fairy door.  When I was making it, I imagined the magical place that it must lead to. A place with faeries bouncing off colorful mushroom caps, butterflies and bees dancing on brightly colored flowers. 

With dragonflies swooping around, birds of every kind singing away, and rays of sun shining through the trees with wish faeries floating around, shedding a magical light on all of it.

I hope I’ve made you believe even just a little bit. If you truly look around there is magic everywhere.  Go outside and find some 😊

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Milagros
Relics & Artifacts® Regalis
VerDay Patina Paint System
Vintage door plate
Velveteen leaves
Miniature metal gate

"Eye of Providence" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

I’ll be completely honest, because I always am. When I first designed this bezel, I loved the design because I thought it was cool. I didn’t design it with any particular historical significance, although it seems there is quite a bit of historical information about this particular “Eye in a Triangle” design.

I did some research and found some pretty cool information.

It seems most recognizable as The Eye of Providence (or the all-seeing eye of God) is a symbol showing an eye often surrounded by rays of light or glory and is usually enclosed by a triangle. It represents the eye of God watching over mankind, or divine providence. In the modern era, a notable depiction of the eye is the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the United States one dollar bill.

As a religious symbol:  The association of an eye with the concept of Divine Providence did not emerge until well into the Christian Era. In Renaissance European iconography the eye surrounded by a triangle was an explicit image of the Christian Trinity. Seventeenth-century depictions of the Eye of Providence sometimes show it surrounded by clouds or sunbursts.

Freemasonry: Eye of Providence is often associated with Freemasonry. The Eye first appeared as part of the standard iconography of the Freemasons in 1797, with the publication of Thomas Smith Webb's Freemasons Monitor.  Here, it represents the all-seeing eye of God and is a reminder that man's thoughts and deeds are always observed by God (who is referred to in Masonry as the Great Architect of the Universe). Typically, the Masonic Eye of Providence has a semi-circular glory below it. Sometimes this Masonic Eye is enclosed by a triangle.

Anyhow, I love how this piece turned out and I’ve posted the link below if you are interested in reading more about the “Eye of Providence”.

Meanwhile I’ll be wearing my newly made necklace on a very regular basis simply because I love it.

Supplies:
Relics & Artifacts Rising Spirit
Relics & Artifacts Dresden Trim - Halo (Silver)
Large hobnail triangle bezel
Ice Resin Iced Enamels – Turquoise
Ice Resin
Black Copic Marker

Information source:  “Eye of Providence”

"Metamorphosis" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

“To become a butterfly, metamorphosis is necessary. If the caterpillar never went through this process of change, it would never achieve its great destiny and become its most glorious self. We can reach our great destinies by changing what needs to be changed.” --Michelle “Chaella” Boddie

I am always looking for unique items on Ebay and in antique shops. I saw this vintage pin cushion doll at a local shop here in Arkansas. I didn’t buy her when I saw her, and when I got home I was kicking myself, as this was one of the unique items I had shopped for previously. I called the shop owner and asked her to hold it for me and went and picked it up the next day after work.

As you can see, she had been quite neglected. This did not stop me. In fact it did just the opposite. I could see her potential. I brought her home and started gently cleaning her with a baby wipe. I was absolutely PANICKED when she started going to pieces where she was previously cracked.

I knew our fearless leader, Sandra Evertson, had much experience with rebuilding and repairing vintage pieces using Apoxie Sculpt. I showed her pictures and she told me that this looked like a German-made chalk based piece, so the moisture was not good for the doll. I stopped what I was doing and grabbed myApoxie Sculpt and started repairing her.

I was nervous and excited because I had never done this type of work with the Apoxie Sculpt before. I wanted to repair her but I didn’t want her to be perfect. I wanted her to still have a vintage look.

The velveteen leaves brightened up the faded velvet fabric of the pin cushion. Yes.  I cut all of those butterflies by hand and they are double sided. I added the Relics & Artifacts flowers to fill spaces.

The beautiful Relics & Artifacts Papillon Butterfly, which I had cut in half, was perfect as her wings.

This project was definitely a journey, for myself and the vintage piece, and through this process of “Metamorphosis”, I believe she has become her most glorious self again and more.

I am so flippin' happy with how this came out and she is displayed in my home where everyone can see her.

Supply List
Relics & Artifacts® Papillon
Relics & Artifacts® Velveteen Flowers-Sweet Violets Festoon
Apoxie Sculpt
Vintage pin cushion doll
Velveteen leaves
Straight pins
Various butterfly printables
Acrylic paints

Day 7 with That's Crafty! and A Recap with RELICS & ARTIFACTS®

What an amazing week it has been here at Relics & Artifacts®.  This week, we had the opportunity to collaborate with another company and show the world just how versatile not only Relics & Artifacts® craft blanks are but how equally versatile the products offered by That's Crafty! out of the United Kingdom are.  We were able to work with MDF and acrylic pieces, stencils, stamps and really flex our creative muscles.

We find inspiration and creativity in places we least expect it and in arenas we swore we'd never enter. 

 Day 1:  "Inspiration in Unlikely Places" by Chrissy Colón

All week long, we showcased individual works from each of the Relics & Artifacts® Ambassadors in a parade of creativity, vision, and one of a kind design, like simple everyday items which become intrinsic to our identities and personalities.

Day 2:  "Glasses With A Story" by Milagros Rivera

We can rediscover our own spirituality or possibly be inspired by another culture's beliefs systems.  With art and inspiration, there are no wall, no boundaries.

Day 3:  "Ganesha" by Monica Downing

Thoughtful affirmations struck chords within our hearts and caused us to take a step back and truly believe in the power within ourselves to just reach for the stars.

Day 4:  "The Stars" by Lynne Moncrieff

Poetry married with mixed media breathed new life into the basic substrates laid before us.  A vision and a story begin to form and our hearts are unveiled.

Day 5: "The Heart, Unveiled" by Sherry Matthews

Finally, art and the blending of items within our creative arsenal can take us on a journey through time.  We can go back to times long forgotten and rediscover the timeless treasure of inspiration.

Day 6: "Ancient Rome" by Heather Thompson

You see, what this collaboration and celebration of creativity with That's Crafty! has done, is spark a new flame and opened a new realm of possibilities within our own creative selves.  We were challenged and thus inspired to look at substrates we would not necessarily have thought to pair with Relics & Artifacts® and breathe new life into not only our creative souls, but our imaginations.  From this collaboration came pieces we had not dared to try or ideas that were merely ideas collecting dust in our proverbial rolodex of thoughts.

We hope this week has been as inspiring to all of you as it has been for us.  The ladies over at That's Crafty! were a pure joy to partner with and we were honored to work with each of them.  Please be sure to visit That's Crafty! today and see what Lynne Moncrieff has in store on this final day of our creativity celebration. 

Don't forget to visit each day's post and leave a comment to be entered in our giveaway.  A winner will be drawn Monday and will receive **3** sets of Relics & Artifacts® Matte Resin Craft Blanks of their choosing. 

Cheers!

Day 3 with That's Crafty! and "Ganesha" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

We are kicking of day 3 of our supercharged collaboration with the very dynamic team of That's Crafty!.  This entire week is devoted to showcasing how perfectly Relics & Artifacts pairs with the glorious inventory of That's Crafty!.  As with most big events, we love a little bribery to get you to party with us because we never turn down a good time!  How does a chance to win *3* sets of Relics & Artifacts® Matte Resin Craft Blanks of your choosing sound?  Absolutely sinful, right?  Keep reading to find out how to be entered!

In the meantime, we have Monica Downing's absolutely exquisite, exotic and everything exciting project here for you today. 

I am really excited to share this project with you all!  I finished this piece some time ago, and let me tell you.  It's been like pins and needles just waiting to be able to share it.  I'm telling you, absolutely excruciating!  I may have even considered just doing shots to calm my impatience and just chill.

I had actually had this idea for a long time. When I received the clear acrylic uprights from That’s Crafty!, it was the PERFECT vehicle for what I wanted to do. It was like finally scratching that pesky itch that you just couldn't reach!  Bring in Relics & Artifacts® Egg Shrine and it's like a full body massage!

Now, a little history lesson on Ganesha along with an intellectually stimulating diagram illustrating his illustrious symbolism (some deep stuff right here):

Ganesh, also spelled Ganesa or Ganesha, is the Lord of Good Fortune who grants prosperity, fortune, and success to his followers. He is considered the Lord of Beginnings, and the Remover of Obstacles, both materially and spiritually. He also places obstacles in the path of those who need to be put in check.  (He's gangster like that.)

Because he is a jack of all trades (and clearly a master of all), Ganesh is widely respected by almost all levels of society in all parts of India, regardless of any other spiritual affiliations (Once again showing just boss he is!).  His image is found everywhere, in many different forms, and he is prayed to before starting of any task.

He is considered to be a patron of the Arts, Sciences and Letters. Devotees believe that if Ganesha is worshiped, he grants success, prosperity, and promotes unity in diversity.  Sounds like a cool dude to me!

The more you know, right?  We all have learned something new today!  Thank you so much for embarking on this lesson in history, culture, and spirituality.  What an amazing project and lesson.  Who knew what a remarkable place in such a deity held in Eastern society? 

Now for the giveaway!  If you've been following along each day, that's great!  You are well on your way to being entered into the giveaway.  All you need to do is be sure to visit the Muse each day this week and leave some love.  It's that easy, and we like easy!  Also be sure to hit up the That's Crafty! blog because they have a li'l something' somethin' up their sleeves too! 

Today, Alison Hall inspires us on the That's Crafty! blog.

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® "Egg Shrine"
That’s Crafty! Clear Acrylic Upright-mixed pack of 3
That’s Crafty! Dinky Stencil – Fleur
Ice Resin Iced Enamels – Ivory
DecoArt Acrylic Paint
Ganesha Printable
Gold Leafing
Gold pen
Large Metal Filigree Embellishment.
Large pink flower

Information Source:
"The Hindu God Ganesh: Who Is This Elephant Headed Deity Anyway?" Retrieved from http://www.kashgar.com.au/articles/ganesh.

"Sweet Child of Mine" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

When I was thinking about this piece, I kept thinking how outside of the box it was going to be for me, how I really wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone.  I challenged myself not to use color, which is a big deal for me. I have never done well with muted colors or white space. I just always want to fill up the space or splash some color on it in some way.

I can tell you that I am inspired by many, many artists, but when I see Lynne Moncrieff’s work, I am always in awe of how her pieces are just so beautifully put together. I envy her and other artists who are able to create with that palette.  Those who create these beautiful, romantic, time-worn, layered, vintage inspired pieces with subtle hints of color, just blow my mind.

THAT was my goal, time-worn, layered, vintage, soft, romantic. (Who MOI??)  I must say, this came together much easier than I thought it would.

As I started gathering my supplies, which are few, I started seeing the end result in my art brain and it just all happened. Before I knew it, I was done and honestly, I was so happy with how this piece came out and how easily it seemed to flow from my art brain to my finger tips to the final piece.  Now I want to create more of this type of work.

The really funny thing is, this piece goes perfectly in my family room. I have an industrial, shabby chic motif throughout most of my home. My studio decor and my home are like two completely different people live here. It’s like when I walk into my studio all of the color and brightness of it get my art juices flowing, and when I am in my family room, or bedroom, I am relaxed and unplugged, so I guess it’s a good balance.

Anyhow, go make something you may not think you are comfortable with. Go make something and push yourself outside of your “zone”. I have a feeling you will love the end result.

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® "Figureheads"
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels "Diamond"
Ice Resin Iced Enamels "Ivory"
Wooden box                                                                
Wooden lamp finial
Tissue paper
Vintage tart tin
Vintage Ribbon
Vintage crochet doily

"INSPIRE" and a *GIVEAWAY!* with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing

Seeing the projects our Tribe members post in the Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook is always so much fun.  I love seeing all the different ways everyone creates with these craft blanks.  As Relics & Artifacts® Ambassadors, we like to create projects for these challenges to cheer you on and inspire you.  I have been so busy the last few weeks, that I wasn’t able to participate and make something for the #RAShadesofRed Challenge we just wrapped up.

After seeing all the submissions for the challenge, even though it has ended now, I was so inspired that I had to make something.  This piece, “Inspiration”, is dedicated to our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe.  You are all an inspiration to me.  I love seeing what you create. I learn and grow from watching you make.

Leave me a comment here on this post, and tell me where you find your inspiration. I will be drawing one winner from the comments below to receive my "Inspiration" piece as a thank you gift.  Keep creating and inspiring. Keep growing and pushing your boundaries. We love what you do!!

If you are not already a member of the Relics & Artifacts® Tribe, we would love to have you join us. It is a friendly, positive, and very supportive group with endless inspiration.

SUPPLY LIST:
Relics & Artifacts® "Rising Spirit II"
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim Gold Angel Wings
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels "Peridot"
Verday 2 oz Paint Kit
Wood plank
DecoArt Acrylic Paints (reds and pinks)
Epoxy sticker
Metal Crown
White Signo Pen
Black Micro pen
Liquid gold pen