Decorative storage box

I bought one of those kraft papier mache boxes to cover with the delightful Tonic Vintage papers. I then used Tonic's new Millinery dies to decorate the lid to make this useful and pretty box for storing ribbons in. I also used one of Tonic's gorgeous library handles on the box to add further vintage styling.

The label is black paper with white pencil writing for a chalkboard look.  I love these handles, they are so cute!

 I lined the box too. I can't help myself!

In other news, someone just gave me a colour laser printer to play with. I'm excited for all the possibilities ! 

Have a lovely creative day !

And a very happy thanksgiving to all my American friends.

Doda

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Glass etch labelling

I said I'd be using those new Alphabet dies a lot. I've been doing a spot of glass etching with them here. I have used self adhesive vinyl and dies before to cut stencils for etching, but this time I also bought some transfer tape. This made the job a whole lot easier. You lay it on top of the vinyl that has been cut, so that once you peel off the self adhesive backing, it is easier to smoothly place your vinyl onto the glass that is to be etched.

I just use up any bits of vinyl I have left to do this. It doesn't matter what colour it is. This picture shows the letters being placed before I remove the transfer tape.

It is important to have a frame around the letters otherwise there would be no nice neat edge around the etching. You could alway use masking tape to make a frame around the letters.

The product I use is called Armour Etch but there are other similar etching creams on the market. Remember to follow all the safety instructions.

I'm delighted with the result. I think I may just have to do a few more labels on my jars now.
Have a lovely day

Doda
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Oriental cabinet

Introducing the new Tonic Studios Verona unit. I've chosen to create an oriental cabinet out of mine, but they are so versatile and can be decorated any way you like. I have used authentic screen printed Japanese papers for the front of the small drawers, and the fern paper I made by creating a stencil from Tonic dies.

I have used Tonic's 2 part crackle glaze on top of the stencilling to give a lovely effect.The cracks have been highlighted with Tonic's gilding wax.

As you can see, I added a few hidden surprises. Little decoupaged butterflies inside the drawers. The smaller drawers were lined with more Japanese paper.

The little tassel handles I made from cotton yarn, and threaded them through Oriental coin embellishments. The fans on the side and top have been cut with Tonic dies, the rococo on the side and the Indulgence soiree ornate fan on the top piece.

So as I say, so many ways you can decorate these!

Have a lovely day
Doda
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Apothecary cabinet

Tonic Studios have recently brought out some very cool mini furniture that you build and decorate yourself. This unit is called the Tivoli unit and is designed primarily to be used as an advent calendar. I decided to give mine a vintage twist and just for fun made it into an apothecary style unit. It will find a use on my desk storing drawing pins, paper clips and other such small items.

I'm a little bit OCD, and so I always have to decorate the back to make it pretty too. I found some wonderful vintage printable advertisements for some rather dubious sounding medications!

Electricity..nature's chief restorer apparently! Sounds a bit scary if you ask me !

These units can be decorated in any way you fancy.  I added the little wooden drawer pulls for feet to further customise the unit.

I used my old favourite - tomato paste tube, to cut the letters with Tonic's new alphabet dies. I've used crackle glaze all over this unit. I love the effect!
(And yes, I had to decorate inside too !)

There is another new style of drawers being launched tomorrow on Create and Craft TV. so I'll be letting you see that very soon. For more ideas on how to decorate these units pop on over to Blog Tonic. 

Have a lovely afternoon

Doda
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Hello again

Me again. Just dropping by with a quick card. I've been playing with wood veneers this morning. I can manage to get a simple die cut but anything too fiddly tends to snap across the grain. Here I have used one of Tonic Studios dies to cut the wood which I have then finished with a light coat of furniture wax. The hello is cut from their new Pretoria alphabet dies ! I will be using these a whole lot! More coming soon with them.

BTW...Here is one of the lovely things I like about this old house. Halfway up the stairs is this gorgeous window! And it's just at the right hight to sit on the ledge too, so my little girl enjoys doing that.

Back to the craft room now...laters xxx

New view

Hello. Thought I'd drop by and just let you know I am still alive. We are enjoying our new temporary residence very much. We are living in an old manse which is full of character - and uneven floors. It's a beautiful building with a lovely feel about it. This is the view I now get from our upstairs bedroom. Quite a change from the forest outlook we had before. I must take some pictures of the little things I love about this place.

Our house build has not yet started, I am still trying to make all the decisions I need to make before we can give it all the go ahead.
We just chose our stove! I can't wait to sit next to it!

Now I am trying to make final decisions on the kitchen and bathrooms. I have also been busy beavering away painting a project for Tonic Studios which I will show you before too long. I have a few other projects on the go too.

I've also been daydreaming about getting a piano...which we hope to be able to do once the new house is built. I wonder if it will ever happen. It all feels like a dream just now!

Sigh! Ah well...time to go get busy in the craft room.

Have a lovely day !

Doda
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