Amuse Yourself with the Perfect Matchbox

When I love a color or pattern, I have to use it. I have to find a way to incorporate it into my life as art, jewelry or something. In this case, the item I fell for was adhesive paper pineapples. They were whimsical, gently colorful and completely wonderful. 

I bought them at a craft store and I knew that I would love seeing them on a small match box. I chose scrapbook paper to complement the pineapples and set to work. 

First I slide the drawer of matches out of the box. I use the box as a template and trace the paper to the size I need. Remember to leave one side of the "strike a match" box uncovered so that you can still light matches. I cut the paper to size and use Elmer's white glue and a sponge brush to apply a thin layer of glue to one side of the box. I gently put the paper in place on the glue, smooth it out and let it dry. Once it's dry you can bend the paper at the corners and get a better/closer fit and you glue the remaining 2 sides. Once the entire box is dry, you may want to take fine scissors and trim off any excess paper. Now glue/stick on the adornment of your choice. Slide the drawer of matches back into the box and you're ready to put it on display.

We spend time buying just the right candles for our home, I think the match box nearby should be just as perfect. If you start looking in the sticker/embellishment department in the craft store, I bet your mind will start racing. Should you go with a theme? color? The choice is yours, just promise to show me when you're finished.

#crafting #crafts #makersgonnamake #matchbox #pineapple #hospitality

Holiday Matchboxes

I can't resist things that are colorful and tiny. It's why I love dollhouses and candy and making matchboxes into art pieces!

I made at least 12 holiday matchboxes this year and had fun handing them out to friends and family. I used to sell little collections at art shows and I still have a few for sale here.

I use scrapbook paper, glue, sticker embellishments (have you seen Michaels Craft store at the holidays lately? They are loaded with cute decorations like these.) and let my imagination go wild.

I just knew you'd like them!

Etsy: An Art Fair Online: The Room Where I Create

I have been a busy bee lately! I've just expanded my Etsy store (an online marketplace for handmade, one-of-a-kind items) and added lots of new purses, jewelry and even my decorative matchboxes. I make one or two of a lot of different items.  Since I don't have a bricks and mortar store, I use Etsy as my online Art Fair

This blue purse (Sunrise #11195) is lined with a fabric I bought in Paris.

This is what you see when you open your purse!

I've added a variety of necklaces - this necklace is made with tan linen fabric covered beads and champagne faux pearls.

Here are little pieces of art: a set of my mini matchboxes. 

I love this Strawberry Oilcloth Envelope! I keep my point and shoot pocket camera in this when I travel.

In addition to writing, blogging and taking photographs, I love to create accessories that are beautiful and interesting.  Take a peek at my Etsy store and then tell me what you think!