Holly Jolly Gift Tags

Tis the season to be jolly, Holly Jolly.

We decided to have a diy Christmas gift tag class at the studio in December as a way to bring in more interest for mixed media.

After talking about it, I felt inspired to make a few of my own tags to showcase some examples for the attendees.

The thing is, I'm in NY and I don't have the resources I do at the art studio. Hmmmm.

I almost always travel with an overstuffed craft carry case. With some rummaging I could possibly come up with something.

I pulled out some Apple Barrel Barn Red and 
Red Apple.

I did run over to Walmart and buy some plain brown  tags.

I had no real plan here and just swiped on one color at the bottom and one on the top. Next I cut a heart shape from a piece of paper and used it as a stencil to begin to add some background and some texture. 

Next I sponged on some gold paint to try and bring it all together and it worked. 



Yes, I keep these little sponges in my travel craft kit.They help add color quickly and easily.

Now, I knew I wanted to print out these vintage gingerbread men onto old book pages, that I just happen to have stashed in the carry case. 

 I cut my little buddies out and adhered them with some matte Mod Podge applied to the back. Use a brush and a very light coat of matte Mod Podge because you run the risk of having the ink bleed through if the paper becomes too wet with the podge. 

I created a page filled with the words "Holly Jolly"in a variety of fonts. You can copy this one if you right click on the photo and save as. Print and cut and glue with Mod Podge. Try and play with layouts to get different looks. 

Using a fine thin paint brush I added some accents to the tag. You can see I used paint dots around the perimeter and I outlined the words. I also outlined the gingerbread man and some of the hearts. 

I swiped on some clear glitter paint and added some bling to add a little glitz.

In the end, they pulled together nicely. 

You can also see I tried to print out and play with a vintage Santa image but he just wasn't as sharp as my little man.

Thanks for reading along. 
Stay Jolly.
   


Michele 

Coastal Bohemian

Here's a list of links to Link Parties I join during the week.

Heart Pendant Beginner's Mosaic Fear.

This month I'm bringing back the mosaic. What I mean by that, is I'm planning a mosaic class down at the studio again. Mostly and often times selfishly I choose crafts I like. Who wants to teach something they don't like? 

I love mosaics and I get excited each time I find a new one. I found this one in a subway in NYC. He's very cool.

These I happened upon just driving and hugging the shoreline in Florida one day, hence the name Coastal Bohemian. Found them at Jetty Park in Ft Pierce. I was thrilled when I saw them. 

 Playing around in the studio one day I created a simple mosaic with sand and seashells and beach glass. It's about 12" x 12" and I gave it as a gift to my mother in law. She has it prominently displayed on an easel and it's perfectly fitting since she's a Coastal Bohemian as well.


I've offered mosaic classes several times over the years but with no takers. I'm pretty sure it's because I advertise with this  scary and overwhelming picture. 

Paying attention to what people say to me in our craft classes I continue to hear, "I'm not an artist.", "I'm a beginner.", and "I'm afraid.". All fear based.  I'm guessing that's why the classes didn't take. Neon lights flashing in my face right now!

As I contemplate classes this month  I believe this mosaic heart pendant is a great way for people to begin to mosaic. It's small and unimposing.

Personally, I art  for interior design . I like to decorate or create furniture with upcycling and artsy embellishments and mosaic adds a sense of novelty, along with that funky, artsy feel.

Here's a mirror mosaic table I sold.

 You can find more on this piece here.

This is my prize possession and it's a perfect fit in our beach cottage style condo here in Myrtle Beach.

And you can find more on my starfish table here.

I was a beginner mosaic crafter once and I'm hoping to teach those who are interested that it's a tangible art for them as well. I get it, I'm the kinda chic who will jump right into a project, big or small, right or wrong and use the entire process as a learning experience. Apparently, not everyone is like this. OK, regroup here.

Regrouping.........
Regrouping............/////////........????????......
Regrouping.............


I'm back.


Let's start small and grow.
I here you when you say you want to learn how to mosaic and I think I have found the perfect little project.


Working with people at the studio I learn something almost everyday. 
"What have I learned today?", I find myself asking that more and more lately and there is always a response. 
As for today, I have learned to take the motte before I storm the castle.
Let's start small and grow. So we won't craft a large mosaic today , but we can create a lovely introduction to mosaics with a dainty heart shaped pendant.

Thanks for reading along. 
Here's to broken bits! 

Michele 
Your Coastal Bohemian

You can find me partying at these link parties. 


Update 12-15-17 I had the pendant mosaic class and had my first 2 students , both of whom are interested in doing a mosaic class.