"Versailles" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Rochelle Gaukel and CANVAS CORP BRANDS

Welcome to my project collaboration with Canvas Corp Brands. I am sharing the 4” x 6” canvas and paper book that I received from Canvas Corp. The inspiration for the book came from an antique piece I found at an antique market in Arezzo, Italy.

The beautiful blue tone of the jewel went perfectly with the other paint supplies from Canvas Corp. For the centerpiece I used the Rising Spirit III set from Relics & Artifacts for the front cover.

I have been watching the television show “Versailles” and can say that it had a lot to do with the inspiration of this piece as well. The opulence and grandeur of that time truly came out when I started putting this book together. The blue and gold theme resonates from the decor of the Versailles property. Velvet, lace, gold gilt, sparkling jewels, tapestries and ancient book pages are all the things that this book is made up of. I could imagine it sitting atop an ornate side table in one of the grandeur rooms of Versailles. Or perhaps on the night table in the kings bedroom.

The Tattered Angels glimmer glam glitter paint was all I needed to add that extra color and sparkle to the heart, wings and flame after it was painted with an acrylic gold paint. The blue of the glimmer glam paint got into all the crevices of the piece and added another dimension that worked well with all the jewels and charms on the book spine. The paint was also added to the braided trim around the book that was originally a cream color. The gold glimmer mist was added to the heart and the inside book pages for that “aged” look.

I hope you enjoyed my project collaboration with Canvas Corp Brands. Their products blend well with the Relics & Artifacts line and are so easy to use.

Don't forget about our giveaway!  Keep reading below for more details on how to be entered to win.

Here is all you need to do.  Be sure to use #RACCBmatchup so that we can track you down!

-Leave a comment here on any or all of the Match Up Posts during the month of July with Relics & Artifacts® and CCB.  You can leave one on each post for more chances to win. 

-And/or leave a comment on the CCB Facebook page.

-And/or leave a comment on any of the CCB Instagram posts where you see any of the projects from the CCB team or the RA team. 

Feel the urge to join the addiction that is Relics & Artifacts®?  Take a look in the Sandra Evertson shop and stock up.  You can also join our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook and be inspired by fellow creatives in the best creative group on the web!

Be sure to follow along by searching #RACCBmatchup too.  If you love what you see and would like to join our Facebook group, the CCB Collective, just click the link and ask to join today.  We would love to have you! 

Supply List:

Relics & Artifacts® Rising Spirit III
7gypsies Gypsy Book: Canvas 4x6
Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam Glitter Paint - Night Sky
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Gold
Acrylic Paint
Crackle Medium
Dark Wax
Bronze chain, charms, beads
Braided trim
Velvet
Lace
Vintage book pages

"Art Journal" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Milagros C Rivera

I hope you are all enjoying our month collaboration with Canvas Corp Brands.  When I received my package I did a very happy dance.  You may not know this, but I love to draw and getting a whole notebook with blank pages is like Christmas for me and with a super size too!!!  So, inspired by summer, the beach, and sunsets here's my piece!

I wanted you all to see how gorgeous the High Impact Paint, Glimmer Glaze, and Glimmer Mist work with the Relics & Artifacts.  And what's more summery than sea shells, right? The Coquille set works on mixed media projects, jewelry and even scrapbook layouts.

Milagros has prepared a Snapguide tutorial so you can create your own beach inspired journal of your own.

Don't forget we are having a giveaway at the end of the month.   Here's the information.

Here is all you need to do.  Be sure to use #RACCBmatchup so that we can track you down!

-Leave a comment here on any or all of the Match Up Posts during the month of July with Relics & Artifacts® and CCB.  You can leave one on each post for more chances to win. 

-And/or leave a comment on the CCB Facebook page.

-And/or leave a comment on any of the CCB Instagram posts where you see any of the projects from the CCB team or the RA team. 

Feel the urge to join the addiction that is Relics & Artifacts®?  Take a look in the Sandra Evertson shop and stock up.  You can also join our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook and be inspired by fellow creatives in the best creative group on the web!

Be sure to follow along by searching #RACCBmatchup too.  If you love what you see and would like to join our Facebook group, the CCB Collective, just click the link and ask to join today.  We would love to have you! 

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Coquille
Relics & Artifacts® Regalis
7Gypsies Architextures Journal
Canvas Corp burlap
7Gypsies Architextures stickers
Tattered Angels High Impact Paint
Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

"Better Days" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Chrissy Colon and CANVAS CORPS BRANDS

Have you ever had a project that started out as this incredibly inspired idea and as you worked on it, it completely fell apart?  I'm not talking about a slight shift in direction.  I'm talking it COMPLETELY and UTTERLY spiraled out of the sky and crashed into a flaming ball of wreckage? 

I have had more than my fair share of disasters and most of the time, they end up in the trash.  This project was on such fireball or a crashed idea but unlike my craft fails before, I could not throw this one away because I only had one Artboard to work with!

The Artboard substrate and the Papillon butterfly were painted and repainted a whopping three times before I finally found an idea that seemed to work!  A happy benefit of the multiple mulligans was I ended up with pieces that had some marvelous texture.

The result of my frustration and repeated do-overs was a piece that I ended up liking after all was said and done.  What was the lesson learned?  Maybe I should start to hold on to craft fails as they may have some locked away potential!

Don't forget we have a giveaway at the end of the month!

Here is all you need to do.  Be sure to use #RACCBmatchup so that we can track you down!

-Leave a comment here on any or all of the Match Up Posts during the month of July with Relics & Artifacts® and CCB.  You can leave one on each post for more chances to win. 

-And/or leave a comment on the CCB Facebook page.

-And/or leave a comment on any of the CCB Instagram posts where you see any of the projects from the CCB team or the RA team. 

Feel the urge to join the addiction that is Relics & Artifacts®?  Take a look in the Sandra Evertson shop and stock up.  You can also join our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook and be inspired by fellow creatives in the best creative group on the web!

Be sure to follow along by searching #RACCBmatchup too.  If you love what you see and would like to join our Facebook group, the CCB Collective, just click the link and ask to join today.  We would love to have you! 

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Papillon
Relics & Artifacts® Milagros
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Wrought Iron
7Gypsies Artboard (6x6)
7Gypsies Parchment Rub-on "Grow"
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist "Fully Purple"
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist "Coffee Shop"

"Coat of Arms" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Heather Thompson and CANVAS CORP BRANDS

Welcome to my portion of the collaboration with Canvas Corp Brands. Today, I am going to share a little book cover that I received from Canvas Corp. I used the shield from the Mythos collection from Relics & Artifacts®. I wanted something resembling an old coat of arms. With our recent trip over seas and to see so much history, this little book cover is going to make a cute little album for one of our many excursions we had. 

So a little about “Coat of Arms”, I am not an expert by any means, but I can condense the general concept behind them. Coat of Arms were  traditionally made to represent an individual or a family.  Primarily the shield is the focal point but the entire coat of arms tells a story of who bears the coat and what heraldic achievements they had. Each element of the Coat of Arms has a significant meaning to the individual. As our one tour guide stated, “The more powerful you are the bigger the coat.” 

I was very surprised to learn some of the history behind them and just as surprised to find out there is actually a governing body to help determine who is granted a coat of arms based on their achievements, family's pedigree, and genealogy. 

So my project is a small resemblance of some of the history we got to experience while on our many adventures in England. When I thumb through the 3200 pictures and find just the right ones, I will bind the covers into a mini album. I made a little video for you all with the creative process and products in this collaboration with CCB.

Don’t  forget to stop by the CCB blog for other great projects all month long as there is a giveaway to be had by each company at the end of the month!

Here is all you need to do.  Be sure to use #RACCBmatchup so that we can track you down!

-Leave a comment here on any or all of the Match Up Posts during the month of July with Relics & Artifacts® and CCB.  You can leave one on each post for more chances to win. 

-And/or leave a comment on the CCB Facebook page.

-And/or leave a comment on any of the CCB Instagram posts where you see any of the projects from the CCB team or the RA team. 

Feel the urge to join the addiction that is Relics & Artifacts®?  Take a look in the Sandra Evertson shop and stock up.  You can also join our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook and be inspired by fellow creatives in the best creative group on the web!

Be sure to follow along by searching #RACCBmatchup too.  If you love what you see and would like to join our Facebook group, the CCB Collective, just click the link and ask to join today.  We would love to have you! 

Supply List:

Relics & Artifacts® Mythos
7Gypsies Book Cover Gypsy
Tattered Angels High Impact Paint Kraft
Tattered Angels High Impact Paint White
Tattered Angels High Impact Paint Black
Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam Golden Goddess
Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam Espresso Bean
Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam Berrylicious
Tattered Angels Chalkboard Mist Ruby Slipper
Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze Mercury Glass

"Old Soul" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Monica Downing and CANVAS CORP BRANDS

Today, we have our first Ambassador project for our match up with Canvas Corps Brands! 

Monica ushers in this collaboration in true Relics & Artifacts® style with this jaw dropper!  Let's hear the inspiration and story straight from her!

This piece was created for our Collaboration with Canvas Corp Brands.  When I received my package I knew what I wanted to do.  Creating this piece, I was imagining reading the story inside the pages of this old vintage book.

The story of a sailor turned pirate. A pirate who fell in love with a beautiful mermaid.  The mermaid followed his travels all across the ocean’s of the world. One adventure after another they fell deeper in love.

As he aged over the years, she remained young and beautiful and magical, as did their love.  The pirate and the mermaid spent the last of the pirate's days together, away from the rest of the world.

The pirate saved the mermaid’s tears in an old glass vial to be buried with him as a way to keep her forever love.

Monica has also put together a Snapguide tutorial so that you may recreate your own inspired story of love.

Don't forget that there's a giveaway at the end of this month!

Here is all you need to do.  Be sure to use #RACCBmatchup so that we can track you down!

-Leave a comment here on any or all of the Match Up Posts during the month of July with Relics & Artifacts® and CCB.  You can leave one on each post for more chances to win. 

-And/or leave a comment on the CCB Facebook page.

-And/or leave a comment on any of the CCB Instagram posts where you see any of the projects from the CCB team or the RA team. 

Feel the urge to join the addiction that is Relics & Artifacts®?  Take a look in the Sandra Evertson shop and stock up.  You can also join our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook and be inspired by fellow creatives in the best creative group on the web!

Be sure to follow along by searching #RACCBmatchup too.  If you love what you see and would like to join our Facebook group, the CCB Collective, just click the link and ask to join today.  We would love to have you! 

Supply List:

Relics & Artifacts® Ancient Soul
Relics & Artifacts® Spirit Treasures
Canvas Corp 5x7 Stretched Natural Canvas
Canvas Corp Burlap Sheet
7Gypsies Architextres 12x12 Paper -Floral Guide
7Gypsies Architextures 12x12 Paper – Old Window
Tattered Angels Chalkboard Paint – Seven Seas
Tattered Angels Plain Jane Simply Sheer Gold Rim
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist – Autumn Nights
Ice Resin Iced Enamels- Gold Glitz
Ice Resin Iced Enamels – Raspberry
Ice Resin Iced Enamels – Ivory
Ten Seconds Studio Verday Paint
Heavy Modeling Paste
Crackle Paste
Vintage Tin
Vintage Crochet Doily
Vintage Book Paper
Copper Sheet
Chain
Glass Bottle
Metal Ribbon

It's A Match-Up with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® and Canvas Corp Brands!

We are excited to bring you a match-up with our new partner in creativity, Canvas Corp Brands.  For the entire month of July, we will be showcasing how well Relics & Artifacts® pair with the different substrates, mediums, and embellishments Canvas Corp Brands brings to the creative industry.

With products from iconic brands like 7Gypsies...

...and Tattered Angels...

...what is there not to be excited about? 

We will be sharing projects the entire month of July.  Learn new techniques, see how new products are used and be inspired with great ideas from the Relics & Artifacts® Ambassadors and the Canvas Corp Brands Crew.  Of course, there's something in it for you too! 

Here is all you need to do.  Be sure to use #RACCBmatchup so that we can track you down!

-Leave a comment here on any or all of the Match Up Posts during the month of July with Relics & Artifacts® and CCB.  You can leave one on each post for more chances to win. 

-And/or leave a comment on the CCB Facebook page.

-And/or leave a comment on any of the CCB Instagram posts where you see any of the projects from the CCB team or the RA team. 

Feel the urge to join the addiction that is Relics & Artifacts®?  Take a look in the Sandra Evertson shop and stock up.  You can also join our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe on Facebook and be inspired by fellow creatives in the best creative group on the web!

Be sure to follow along by searching #RACCBmatchup too.  If you love what you see and would like to join our Facebook group, the CCB Collective, just click the link and ask to join today.  We would love to have you! 
 

"From the Tribe" Featuring RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Guest Ambassador Lexi Grenzer

We have a special Guest Ambassador who has been a regular in our Tribe and a follower of Relics & Artifacts® for quite some time.  Her works have been inspiring, innovative, and simply beautiful.  Lexi Grenzer is our Guest Ambassador and she has a jaw-dropping project for us. But first, let's get to know Lexi a little bit better!

Lexi is a mixed media artist, licensed designer, watercolorist, doll maker and all around craft enthusiast. She is a wife, mother of two, and a huge animal advocate.

An Ostensorium is a vessel used in many Catholic churches to hold the Eucharistic host or in other cases, to display relics of saints. Historically, these vessels have been made of brilliant metals or glass and they are known for being quite exquisite.

Vintage saints, scapular, rosaries and assorted Catholic pieces have been a long time favorite of mine. I have found that many of my favorite old religious pieces are made of wood, have gold accents, and are chipped with age and time. I wanted to create a piece that I could display in my home that fit this same old wood and chipped gold feeling.

I'm also a very practical person, so most things in my home typically have multiple uses. So, when I envisioned how I might make an Ostensorium, I thought, "Why not use it to display some of my favorite jewelry pieces, especially ones with a religious undertone?" I selected one of Sandra's fabulous digital images to decoupage to the inside, further embellishing and and adding to the vintage look. Matrona Paduana was the image I selected and I did so because the woman had such a serene expression, one that reminded me of the Virgin Mary.

Once I completed the Ostensorium, I was ever so pleased to place my trinkets and bobbles in and on it. It meshed beautifully with my collections and memorabilia. My inspiration was one with a religious undertone, but it's important to note that I admire much about many faiths. In creating your piece, you might decide painting with a vibrant turquoise, allowing the paint to crackle and decoupaging a sweet bird inside.  This might be more your cup of tea. However you create your piece, know that you'll display and embellish it to match your fabulous self! Hope you enjoy my little tutorial!

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Ostensorium
Relics & Artifacts® Digital Relic "Matrona Paduana"

"Truth" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Sherry Matthews

Ever ran across a line in a poem or heard a verse in song and thought to yourself, "Wow! That is the truth!"  Has that truth ever really resonated with you? Well here are a couple of truths, as I see them and may they resonate with you as well.

1- YOU ARE THE AUTHOR OF YOUR OWN STORY.  I find this to be so empowering!  You get to write your next chapter. You can pencil it in, mark it with ink.  You have full editorial control.  That means YOUR story is all up to YOU! You are your own HERO if you choose to be!

2- BE MINDFUL OF WHAT'S WRITTEN IN YOUR LIFE'S LEDGER.  What is written in your story says a lot about who you are.  Be present. Be accountable. I mean, let's face it.  We ALL make mistakes both big and small.  The trick is to accept them, own up to them, LEARN from them, and sometimes, even embrace them!

3- MAKE YOURS A LOVE STORY!  Perhaps not in the traditional sense.  It's not just about WHO you love.  There is also WHAT you love, HOW you love, the love you GIVE and the love you RECEIVE. And let's not forget learning to love YOURSELF.  Fill your pages with love!

Hope you find these to be as true and inspiring as I did.

With all that life may offer
one truth never wanes-

What is held in your hands
may be fleeting.

What is held in your heart,
remains.  ~S. W. Matthews

Materials:
Relics & Artifacts® Rising Spirit V w/ wood support
Relics & Artifacts® Ancient Heart
Relics & Artifacts® Archival Case wooden tray I
MUSE Art Stamps® Scapular
MUSE Art Stamps® Infinitum
MUSE Art Stamps® Sacre Couer
MUSE Art Stamps® Oculus
MUSE Art Stamps® Mandala
MUSE Art Stamps® Sol
MUSE Art Stamps® Flores
MUSE Art Stamps® Fiesta Crown
ICE Resin
VerDay paint set
vintage ledger paper,
lace trim,
doily
American Gel Stain-oak
Archival Ink Pad- coffee
Gauze

"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

Sandra Evertson is Coming to WANDERLUST 2017!

How about this delectable sneak peek of Sandra's upcoming Wanderlust 2017 class?  

Wanderlust is an online mixed media workshop experience featuring 26 amazing tutors and 50 inspirational video classes over the course of a year. The fantastic line up includes Alena Hennessy, Mindy Lacefield and Dyan Reaveley to name only a few, and of course, Sandra Evertson!  Sandra's lesson for this epic adventure in mixed media goes live July 7 and we would be thrilled if you would join her on a journey of inspiring creativity.

It's not too late to sign up and you will have access to all previous videos and lessons as well!  Did we mention that you can also download the videos and keep them as a part of your digital artsylibrary forever?  Learn more and stay connected with Everything Art via the links below!

http://www.everything-art.com

https://www.facebook.com/EverythingArtLtd/

info@everything-art.com 

Introducing RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Rochelle Gaukel

We here at Relics & Artifacts® just could not contain our enthusiasm after seeing the work done by Rochelle Gaukel.  After seeing her Santos doll, her work with meerschaum, as well as with other mediums, it was obvious that we needed to ask her to join our family.  And she said YES!

Let's get to know Rochelle a wee bit more.

What fills my time?
When I'm not creating I am usually found either outside in the garden or at my part time job at Home Depot.

Favorite materials to use:
My favorite materials to use are etched metals, clay and solder.

Inspiration for art and how do I stay inspired:
Inspiration for my art usually comes from an old vintage photo, vintage papers, bits and bobs from the past, an old piece of jewelry, religious images and relics. I stay inspired by always trying to get into my studio at least once a week. When I am preparing for a show, you will find me in there more often!

If I could meet with anyone it would be:
Michaelangelo. I love all of his art and style.

Favorite quote:
Be True To Yourself

We are thrilled to welcome Rochelle on our awesome journey and hope you find her work equally inspiring.  If you would like to connect with Rochelle you can find her on her website, Whatever Lola Wants Lola Gets, on Facebook at Whatever Lola Wants Jewelry or her personal page.  You can check out her Instagram (Rochelle Gaukel or WhateverLolaWantsJewelry) Tumblr (RochelletheJewelryArtist), and Pinterest.
 

"Nature and Art" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Heather Thompson

As many of you know I not only create art inside, but I also create art outside. I have been gardening for as long as I have been working. I use art both inside and out as a release from the stress of work. So whether it is in the gardens or in the studio, it relaxes me. It frees me. 

So for me to be able to make something I can enjoy for my gardens is a bonus. To sit in one of the many places in my gardens and enjoy the true art of nature and to see a beautiful piece of art that shimmers and shines in the patches of sunlight breaking through the leaves is a reward in itself.

Nature and Art, they go their separate ways
It seems; yet all at once they find each other.
Even I no longer am a foe to either;
Both equally attract me nowadays.

Some honest toil's required; then, phase by phase,
When diligence and wit have worked together
To tie us fast to Art with their good tether,
Nature again may set our hearts ablaze.

All culture is like this; the unfettered mind,
The boundless spirit's mere imagination,
For pure perfection's heights will strive in vain.
To achieve great things, we must be self-confined:

Mastery is revealed in limitation
And law alone can set us free again.

-Selected Poetry of Johann Wolfgang van Goethe,  'Natur und Kunst' (2005: 124-125)

I wanted to make something functional but yet stunning, a piece special for my gardens.  Enjoy the process of this piece. 

But with all artists, there is the idea, implementation of the idea, following through, altering the idea, and then through many other steps, set backs, and "AHA!" moments, there is the completion of the idea.  It is then time to capture the completed idea so others can envision in their own eyes the true beauty and elegance of a piece. 

Of course, with any creative process, getting the picture to capture its true essence is sometimes just as long, complicated, and tedious as the project itself. The things we will not do to try and get the perfect picture are few and far between.  The balance between the perfect project and the perfect photo is sometimes literal!

Supplies:

Relics & Artifacts® Crosse Icons
Relics & Artifacts® Chandelier Pendants I
Relics & Artifacts® Chandelier Pendants II
Relics & Artifacts® Chandelier Pendants III
Relics & Artifacts® Facia Familiaris
Relics & Artifacts® Cameos
Relics & Artifacts® Flaming Hearts Ex Votos
Relics & Artifacts® Medallions
Relics & Artifacts® Visage
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics (Titan Buff, Paynes Grey, Quinacridone Gold, Transparent Yellow Oxide, Cobalt Turquoise Hue)
DecoArt Media Antiquing Cream (English Red Oxide, Patina)
DecoArt Media Gesso (White, Black)
DecoArt Media Crackle Glaze
Swarovski Crystals (Copper, Clear, Smokey Topaz)
Ice Resin
Iced Resin German Glass Glitter Shards (Ancient Gold, Sterling, Onxy)
Iced Resin Opals (Crystal, Fire Opal)
Iced Resin Bronze Shattered Mica

"The Reliquary" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Milagros C Rivera

A reliquary, also a shrine, is a container for relics.  It may include bones, pieces of clothing.  It is important for Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and many other religions.

 While frequently taking the form of caskets, they range in size from simple pendants or rings to very elaborate ossuaries.

Since the relics themselves were considered "more valuable than precious stones and more to be esteemed than gold,"  it was only appropriate that they be enshrined in containers crafted of or covered with gold, silver, gems, and enamel. Ivory was widely used in the Middle Ages for reliquaries; its pure white color an indication of the holy status of its contents. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe ( Virgen de Guadalupe), is a Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a venerated image enshrined within the Minor Basilicia of Our Lady of Guadalope in Mexico City. The basilica is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and the world's third most-visited sacred site. Pope Leo XIII granted the venerated image a Canonical Coronation on 12 October 1895.  

I visited the Basilica and it is such a spiritual place.  Here's my homage to the Virgen de Guadalupe.  My own Secret Shrine.

Supply List:

Relics & Artifacts® Imperial Eggs
Relics & Artifacts® Coquille

"Heart Strings" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Sherry Matthews

"Once upon a time..." Well, isn't that how all good folk tales begin?  This is the tale of a young gypsy girl named Rosella.

Rosella lived with her grandmother in a modest cottage in the woods. Her grandmother, the wisest woman she knew, told Rosella stories of the Guardian of the Forest, Patrin (his name meant "trail of leaves"). Patrin liked to leave gifts for humans to find, humans who had shown kindness to nature. Gifts like feathers and flowers and small tumbled stones. Rosella had already accumulated quite the collection of these gifts for she was always mindful of her environment. Her grandmother would tell her ,"You can't stand for what you believe in if you have no ground to stand upon."  Rosella loved her grandmother and the forest where she lived.
 

Her favorite spot in all the world was beneath an old tree in the middle of a field of flowers. Its outstretched branches were home to many birds and squirrels. Its roots merged into a mossy tapestry; and in that tree's shade, Rosella would sit, rain or shine, and feel completely at peace.

One day, just as Rosella arrived, she noticed a man with an axe about to chop down her beloved tree. She pleaded, "Please Sir, I love this tree."

The man explained that he had no money for firewood which he needed to keep his family warm and fed. Rosella had no money either. But she did have a heart necklace! It was a gift from her grandmother... "Grandma would understand," she thought. She gave the man her necklace to sell. He thanked her and agreed to never harm the tree.

When Rosella returned the next day, to her delight, she found a wooden heart pendant, bound in strings woven from wildflower petals, hanging on the tree's lower branches!

It was from Patrin and never had she seen a more magical gift!  Rosella thought to herself, "What they say is true! If you take care of nature, it'll take care of you!"

The End

Supply List:

Relics & Artifacts Chivalry
Apoxie Sculpt
jewelry findings
embroidery thread
DecoArt acrylic paint
silk sari cord
imagination

RELICS & ARTIFACTS® International Talent Search: You Have Moved Us

We recently held an International Talent Search within our Relics & Artifacts Tribe on Facebook and let me tell you.  They did not disappoint!  Our Tribe answered the call with so much creativity, imagination, intuition, brilliance, and such a range of styles that we felt compelled to share each and every entry with all of you.

The contest is to have one of our Tribe member's project professionally photographed and then featured alongside the Ambassador projects in a full-size advertisement campaign within the illustrious pages of "Where Women Create" magazine.

We received well over sixty submissions, each one unique and profound.  Each piece an expression of the creator's heart and soul.  Each submission a risk being taken and vulnerability being shared.

To say we are overwhelmed by the level of participation is a gross understatement.  We were moved.  We were blown away.  We were emotional.

What was even more compelling than the sheer volume of entries was the genuine support each artist and craftsman shared with their peers.  The comments and cheers for their fellow creatives captured the essence of what the Relics & Artifacts® ethos, no movement, is all about.

We have always tried to make sure that this mantra of shared inspiration, creativity, and artistic enlightenment transfers not only through the pieces themselves, but the community these pieces have helped to create.

We have our work cut out for us in choosing a winner and as of today, we are still trying to figure out who that artist will be.

But what an amazing challenge to have before us!  While the decision is by far the toughest we've had to make to date, it is a glorious feeling to see all of these pieces showcased together.

Every style, aesthetic, and skill level represented in vivid color, side by side with seasoned veterans is a thing of beauty and something uniquely special about our Tribe.

You are one of the biggest and greatest gifts this Relics & Artifacts journey has blessed us with.  We treasure not only your works, but you as well.  Your creativity, heart, soul, and love is reflected on a universal scale. 

You have moved us.  And for that, we love you and we thank you.

"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”

"Kintsugi Inspiration" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Chrissy Colon

Kintsugi is a Japanese method for repairing broken ceramics with a special lacquer mixed with gold or other precious metals. 

The belief behind this ancient technique is to acknowledge and show off the history of the broken piece and to visibly accent and enhance the repair into the piece instead of disguising it. The process usually results in something more beautiful than the original.  The scars are representations of growth and should be considered beautiful rather than ugly. 

Remember that shattered piece?  I applied a faux kintsugi technique to "repair" it. 

The beauty of this philosophy is that non-Japanese crafters and artisans may not even realize it, but they practice this philosophy when they see a broken object’s potential.  Every time we upcycle or repurpose an object, we reincarnate and resurrect a whole new beautifully made over piece that would have otherwise been thrown away or forgotten!

This piece was broken intentionally and then put back together using a technique that emulates a long ancient art form.  If you are interested in learning how I accomplished this look, stay tuned because I plan on sharing it live with you in an upcoming "Live From the Tribe" feature!

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® "Spirit Treasures"
Liquitex Gesso
Liquitex Acrylic Paint
Liquitex Acrylic Inks
Epoxy
Mica Powder

"Sun, Sand and Sea" with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Milagros Rivera

"I am forever walking upon these shores,
Between the sand and the foam,
The high tide will erase my foot-prints,
And the wind will blow away the foam.
But the sea and the shore will remain
Forever.

They say to me in their awakening, 'You and the world you live in are but a grain of sand upon the infinite shore of an infinite sea.'
And in my dream I say to them, 'I am the infinite sea, and all worlds are but grains of sand upon my shore.'"
--Kahlil Gibran

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Coquille

"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