Graphic Gold-leaf wall art.....

....you can make yourself

 

AND I AM GIONG TO SHOW YOU HOW!

Assignment no.6 in the January Cure was to Choose a piece of art to frame, and I knew straight away that this meant a DIY project for me...and as I had two pieces of art I made for Christmas still up on my gallery wall that was in need of changing, I knew I needed something new for these frames...

I love graphic prints, so I decided to make two complimentary gold-leafed pieces of art...

...and my starting point was the triangle shaped stamp:

I made my own makeshift stamp by simply sticking a stack of 5 triangle shaped pieces of Little Miss Moo's craft foam together with double-sided tape before sticking them on to the bottom of a glass (with the double-sided)...I also cut up 6 triangle shaped pieces in the same size, of double sided tape extra....

...these will be used to add some glimmer gold-leafed triangles to the first  piece of art I will show you how I made:

 After experimenting a bit I mixed up my colours: I chose black, peach and a minty turquoise that I felt went well with the gold-leaf...Of course the beauty of making your own artwork, is that you can mix up any colours that you feel would compliment your space the best....And of course you don't have to use gold leaf: how about silver...or so-right-now: copper!!??

I stuck down a piece of quality drawing paper to my work surface using masking tape, then using one of the foam triangles as a template for size, I very faintly drew up a "grid" with a pencil, so that I could use this as a guideline when placing the triangles onto the paper...

I started by sticking down my double sided triangles in a random pattern spread out on the paper, some facing up, some down...

...I then peeled off the backing and gently tapped the gold leaf onto the tape using a soft brush.

Using circular motions I gently brushed away any excess gold leaf...

With the gold-leaf triangles now in place, it was time to get stamping:

 

I brushed the paint onto the makeshift stamp, (I had a piece of paper on the side so that I could blot the stamp of excess paint before stamping)...

The fact that the stamp was on a clear glass helped me place my stamp where I wanted with precision...

You can do this as randomly or systematically as you like, but try stamping with one colour at the time and spread the aesthetic of this colour all over the paper...Every now and then, step back and squint to get a feel for where to place your next triangle! When you feel like you are stuck, change colour...This is a bit like playing colour Sudoku!

Keep stamping your chosen colours until you are happy with the aesthetics of the colour mix...

Know when to stop!

You don't have to fill the entire piece of paper, a few gaps looks good!!

Use an eraser to get rid of any pencil-marks.

 

It is amazing how complicated it can get trying to put together colours randomly like this....just try to do something in a way that looks good to you!!

I had 3 attempts before I was happy with the result...

I now LOVE it!!

 

So to compliment my graphic triangle art, I made this Gold-leafed ampersand art:

(Ampersand is the name of the symbol for the word "and", there are many different designs...click on the link above to see a few)

First: Print out an ampersand you like the look of to the scale you need...

Next we'll work on the back-ground:

 

I chose a pale aqua-blue card, not too dissimilar in colour to the minty-blue I used above.

Again,I drew up a faint grid on the card with a pencil, like I did before.

Using the makeshift triangle-stamp again, this time stamping with just white paint, this time I simply stamped a row of "monster-teeth" at the top, then, turning the stamp, to make the bottom row of "teeth"...this creates a zig-zag of blue in the middle (see picture above)...then for "row 3", I mirrored the row above, so that I created white diamond-shapes...Then I repeated until the paper was filled!

 Whilst the paint was drying, I prepared my ampersand:

 

In the same way that I used double-sided tape to apply the gold-leaf to the artwork above, I basically wanted to make an Ampersand double-sided sticker.

First I taped a sheet of baking paper down on my work surface, then I slid my Ampersand print-out underneath, and covered the image with double sided tape (making sure they were butted tightly up against each other). Then using a (very)sharp scalpel, I carefully cut out the Ampersand.(Starting with the "middle-bits")

 

 

I placed the cut out Ampersand sticker onto the background I made earlier, and marked off the positioning with a pencil.

I then peeled off the baking paper and stuck the double sided tape down, peeled off the backing and applied the gold-leaf as before.

After gently brushing away any excess gold-leaf, I drew around the Ampersand with a black sharpie, making the lines on the right-hand side of the symbol a little thicker to create a shadow effect...

Using an eraser, I then got rid of all my pencil marks.

And I was done...

I love the way these turned out...

...And the way the Gold leaf shimmers and compliments my Concrete lamp shade... 

  

 

This has been such an enjoyable project...I just love having creative days like this, just playing with shapes and colours!! You could probably do these in a few hours...they are so easy to do....when you know how!!

And the result is definitely something I am proud of: Striking on-of-a-kind artworks that really has lifted my gallery wall!

...And it feels so good to have another tick off on my January cure to-do list!!

I hope you like them too, and that maybe I have inspired you to give DIY artwork a try!!

xxx

June

January cure update....

 

...Kitchen purge

 

 

 

  

Pheeew! I thought I was lagging behind in the cure...I had just vaguely done the outbox thing...plan to make my own artwork and gently pondered what changes I could make!!(not sitting still for 10 minutes and "meditate" as instructed!!) So thank goodness I made it my mission to get THE KITCHEN (Vague description of the task, I know!!) ticked off my To Do list for task #5!!

 

 

My kitchen is my "ground control centre"....where I do everything! From cooking and cleaning to crafting and making! No wonder it gets in a mess! My shelf area in the corner could be really beautiful, but as it serves as a dumping ground for all my "in-progress" projects, it has become crowded with craft supplies....so that was a big task: Clearing and reorganising this whole area left me swomped in various piles of stuff to be reorganised....

 

 

...But with a lot of effort, I think I've managed to get this area under control again!! (Admission: all my craft supplies are now crammed in to the cupboard under the stairs, and that has been added to my project list to be reorganised....that's allowed, right??)

 

Because I'm in the UK, I don't get the new Cure task until late in the afternoon, when I was already knee deep in pots and pans in my kitchen (with a bit of PJ Harvey blaring out)and I was soo happy when I saw that Cure task #7 for the weekend was to sort out the kitchen!! This meant that I am now back on track with the Cure!! 

 

 

 

  I do find: Once you start these things...it's hard to stop! My kitchen got soo messy in the process today, it was unthinkable not to clean and tidy it all!!

 

 

I found it quite an cathartic experience...Purging my un-wantables (Some things I didn't even know I didn't want until I started running out of floor space for piles of stuff I didn't know where to put!!)

Good riddance useless stuff!!

 

 

 

My cupboards where actually "not too bad" ...I thought, as I had had a rummage through them for un-perishable food items that I gave to the local food bank just before going away to Norway for Christmas! (If you are in the UK, doing the Cure, or having or planning a kitchen purge, Your local food bank will very much appreciate any donations all through the year: Find the one nearest to you here !) But after going through all my cupboards, cleaning and reorganising them, I actually had 2 1/2 bin bags full of  rubbish!!

 

 

I wont bore you with loads of pictures of my messy "before" cupboards...Lets just say that once I got rid of food stuff out of date, cracked and chipped glasses and mugs, un matching table ware and, tupper ware without any lids and a lot of things I've been hoarding over the last year (like empty soup tins???) I was left with more than enough cupboard space (unthinkable!!) to create a designated cupboard for Little Miss Moo's Crafty bits and colouring in books!!

 

 

...Just goes to show: We accumulate so much more stuff than we actually need!! I also ended up with quite a lot of stuff in my "outbox"...most of which I am already planning on taking down the charity shop (Princess Diana mugs anyone??)

 

 

It was a lot of hard work...I'm not gonna lie, but it has definitely been worth it!!

I even managed a trip to the local garden centre to pick up these gorgeous green plants (don't ask me what they are...I threw away the labels!!) for my kitchen window....AND picked up the ingredients to make a risotto for me and Mr last night!! Task complete!!

 

 

 

Not only am I now enjoying a morning coffee in my freshly cleaned and tidy kitchen, but I am so pleased I have finally caught up with my assignments in the january cure....(well, apart from still having to get around to making my artwork...post coming next week)

 

And just as well I got it all done before the weekend, as we are heading into London today for Christmas celebration number 3/my birthday with the in-laws!

 

I am still working on my post about our renovation plans for the house, but I promise you it's coming soon!!

 

How are you doing with the Cure??

Got any useful tips for a hoarder like me??

I'd love it if you would share your progress with me by leaving a comment below!!

 

 One last thought: I love my Clean and tidy kitchen, but I cant help wondering: How long will it last??   

 

xxx

June

DIY Calendar and Blackboard Organiser....

 ....to help reset your mind!

 New year...fresh start! I LOVE the thought of starting a new year with a clean sheet...

....and what better symbolises this than a brand new Calendar?

All those empty squares, ready to be filled in with life as we walk through time!!

So today I want to share my DIY calendar and Blackboard organiser...

Seems like only yesterday we were still in 2013, in holiday mode and only really worrying about what to wear for New years eve(?) ...Then BANG, back to reality: Mr started back at work, Little Miss Moo was back at school, I started purging the house with the January cure, had my birthday AND finally found some time for this years first DIY....HECTIC!

How appropriate then, that my first make should be this Calendar, so that I can plan ahead and keep a bit more organised for weeks like this....because, no doubt, this is not the last time this year when things are going to feel a bit out of control....

I could've of course gone out and simply bought a calendar, but this way, I got what I really wanted...and for next to nothing!!

To make one like mine, you will need:

 a piece of wood and some wooden listing for the chalkboard (I was lucky I had some offcuts in the shed) Chalkboard paint (We had recently purchased some for Little Miss Moo's room...post coming soon....Or you can make your own in ANY colour like I did here). Hardware: Spring paper-clip (I got mine from WHS), 3 small stud screws, 2 Eye hooks and a pipe bracket ....and some Rub'n'buff to make all the hardware match.

You will also need some strong contact adhesive (like No More Nails) , a drill and drill bits and something to string it all up with (I used pleated textile yarn, but any rope will do)

For the actual Calendar, you can download and print off a variety of styles for free from here.

You'll also need some clear sticky back paper (WHS), Some Scissors, a scalpel, a glue stick ,some A4 Card and of course some lovely patterned paper....This could be anything you'd like, from your childs drawings to some leftover wrapping paper...

 

I've been saving these lovely "print and pattern" portfolios from homemaker magazine for a project like this...

 There are some gorgeous prints from Stephanie Thannhauser from ric-rac (the bird and the boot print being my favourites), Alice Rebecca Potter (the red print being perfect for December) ,Rebecca Hoyes , the senior designer for habitat (Febuary's purple graphic print) and Luzelle van der westhuizen from Mengsel (Whose gorgeous Cat print adorns My January)

If you are a whizz with Photoshop, unlike me, you can probably do this first step on your computer.

But I am going to show you how I did it the "old fashioned way" with scissors and glue:

STEP 1: MAKING YOUR CALENDAR DESIGN

I downloaded and printed out my chosen calendar design...I went for quite a simple one with squares to write in for each day. I then trimmed off the blank edges around each calendar month.

When I had chosen my prints for each month, I glued a border of these onto some white card for each month ( I only glued a border of the printed paper because I'm a cheapskate frugal, and wanted to save some of my lovely printed paper for a future project...YOU can of course, just cover the entire card with your printed paper)

I then glued the printout of each month onto the card.

You can of course use some spray adhesive to ensure the papers are thoroughly glued on...in which case you can probably skip the next step... 

But I wanted my calendar to work a bit like a whiteboard, so that I can wipe off any unwanted scribbles as I go...

So I decided to stick with the glue stick (pun intended) and cover my calendar sheets with sticky back plastic:

STEP 2: COVERING THE CALENDAR DESIGN WITH STICKY BACK PLASTIC

Tip: As you can see in the picture above the roll of sticky back plastic is quite a lot wider than my calendar sheets....Use some scissors and cut the sticky back plastic to size ON THE ROLL to reduce waste and make this job easier. Roll up the off-cut and tape in place...

This job is easier if done on a cutting mat like mine, where you can use the grid as a guide.

Stick down the top of the Sticky back plastic on your surface, then place your calendar underneath the roll, taking care that they are aligned with each other. Pull the SBP taught over the calendar and as you peel off the backing, smooth  the SBP down. Take your time...you don't want any creases!!

Use some scissors....or better yet, a scalpel (If you have a cutting mat) to trim off any excess.

Repeat with all 12 months...

Now you have made your calendar bit, its time to make the Chalk Clipboard...

STEP 3: CHALK CLIPBOARD

Paint your piece of wood with chalk paint

 Attach some wooden listing to the bottom of your chalk board. I used "No-more-nails", but any strong adhesive, even a few tack-nails will do the job!

Paint this as well.

STEP 4: HARDWARE

I used some Antique gold Rub'n'buff to make my Paper clip, pipe bracket and screws match.

Worked out the layout of where everything should go, then attached using my drill.

STEP 6: THE DETAILS

Using a template, I used my rub'n'buff to mark out the word NOTES.

I attached a couple of eye-hooks at the top of the Chalkboard , and treaded through 3 strings of textile yarn, that I pleated before knotting off at the ends...

THAT'S IT!

My very own, unique Calendar/Chalkboard home Organiser..

with a little shelf to put my chalk on, and a space for my pen...(I still need to get a whiteboard pen)

Feeling more and more ready for a fantastic year!

Hanging in my hallway where it is easily accessible for updates and notes!

Notice my comment on the board about the January Cure??

I am lagging a bit behind, but am hoping to have task #5 done today!!

The last few tasks since my last post have been more about resetting your mind:

Task #3 was to spend 10 minutes observing and visualizing your space, trying to imagine it at it's best and working out what changes you would have to make to realise this.

Task #4 was Creating an "Outbox" ...a space designated for the clutter around your home, where they must sit for at least a week , or until you decide their fate: bin, charity shop, e-bay or back in the house!

The idea is that by leaving things in the outbox, you gradually release your financial or personal attachment to them...

I am already feeling ready to let go of some of my "nic-nacs" (as my mother-in-law calls ALL my things)...

I have also signed up for #100happydays.

An easy but life changing challenge: Take a picture of something that makes you feel happy every day for the next 100 days, and upload these with the hashtag #100happydays to instagram, twitter or facebook....the idea being that by raising your own awareness of what makes you happy will lift your mood and improve your life.

If you want to do this sign up here !

Lets try to make 2014 the best year ever, and fill all those empty squares on the calendar with joyfull moments!!

xxx

June

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

MAKING 2014 THE BEST YEAR EVER

 

 

I don't normally make New years resolutions....beyond the usual "go on a diet and get fit" ones....and they rarely last more than a couple of weeks! But I have big dreams and plans for 2014, both for our home and for Nostalgiecat....and for myself!

The year that has been has taught me that putting my goals out in public, by blogging about them, makes me more inclined to put my mind to it.....and JUST DO IT!

So today ,on the last day of 2013, I want to share my resolutions for next year. Some of them may sound a little "self-help"...but that is exactly the point!

 

#1 Believe in myself and stay focused and positive.

I have already started a wonderful journey through Nostalgiecat, I just need to credit myself for every small achievement and keep up the good work! It is NOT shameful to want success and to better myself and my circumstances... I may even look into monetizing on the blog in the new year!

 

#2 live in the moment

Get more organised and plan ahead both projects and blog posts, so that I can switch off and really be there for Little Miss Moo and family and friends....and remember to enjoy myself bit more!!

 

#4 Make more of an effort to connect with likeminded people

Remember to "treat others how I would lie to be treated". Sometimes I get so consumed in my own little blogging bubble that I forget to take the time to credit the people that inspires me...I read numerous inspiring blogs, but rush fleetingly from one to the next without leaving comments!

I wow to improve on this in 2014!

 

#5 Tackle the bigger projects around our home 

This WILL be the year I get my arse in gear and sort out the house!!

As much as I love all my little projects, it is time I fold up my sleeves and get stuck into decorating and renovating our home!! There is a big TO DO list, but little by little, room by room, I am hoping to update and improve the place....

 

 

...which brings me to the first challenge I have set myself in the New year:

 

 I have signed up to Apartment Therapy's

THE JANUARY CURE

 

"We believe that when your home is under control, fresh and clean and organised, good things happen throughout your life"

Apartment Therapy is one of those HUGE blogs that is just chucca block full of inspiration (But you probably knew that already!!) and they are repeating their hugely successful THE JANUARY CURE to help us all get organized in 2014.

Sign up to their daily e-mails throughout January for bite sized and do-able daily assignments and useful information and support and motivation to help you organize your home (and life) for 2014.

Click on the link above the image to find out more...

I am hoping that by doing the January Cure, I will be all set for success in pursuing my other resolutions in 2014...Why don't you join me??

Anyways, I sincerely wish you all a very happy new year!

CHEERIO 2013, HELLO 2014!!

XXX
June


The evolution and history of the Christmas tree...

 looking back in time with nostalgia!

Sorr

Picture from lantliv 

Every year at Christmas, all over the world , millions of people bring what we call a Christmas tree into their homes, decorate it and treat it as a symbol of Christmas...

Have you ever wondered why??

Christmas time brings a touch of nostalgia to most of us...We look back at Christmases past with fond memories. We remember how magical this time of year was when we were children, and we try to recreate that same magic for our children...
The twinkling lights on a decorated Christmas tree is perhaps the epiphany of these nostalgic feelings....

I admit it: It makes me feel like a child again...all warm and fuzzy...and full of anticipation!
As a self proclaimed nostalgic, I decided to find out a bit more about the history of the tradition of the Christmas tree, and as a little sidestep from my usual décor and DIY posts, I want to share with you all today, a brief history of the Christmas tree...

 

Here in the UK the tradition of the Christmas tree didn't start until Prince Albert and Queen Victoria was depicted with their children around one in the London Illustrated news in circa 1848.

Many contribute this royal tradition to Prince Albert's German roots, but there is evidence that there had been Christmas trees at Windsor Castle earlier than that....Either way...it soon became popular amongst the English to bring a fir tree into their home and decorate it for Christmas.

 

This "new" tradition soon spread across the Atlantic, as the Americans also embraced the Christmas tree for the Holidays...

The Victorians decorated their tree with real candles to represent stars (a tradition said to have been started by the German church reformer Martin Luther) and handmade decorations. The rich used tinsel made from thin strips of hammered silver, and when man made tinsel was invented and became more readily available and affordable to the general public, this became a popular Christmas tree decoration...

 

The popularity of the Christmas tree waned amongst the British after Queen Victoria's death, but was revived in the 1930's when Britain went through a phase of Dickensian nostalgia... And soon there was more options fur the public both in shape of fake Christmas trees, and in terms of an ever increasing variation of decorations becoming more readily available...
The Christmas tree's popularity is still growing, and forever evolving but it can be said with some certainty that we owe the tradition of the modern tree to the Victorians !!

But where did the Victorian royal family get the idea of a Christmas tree from in the first place?

 

The evergreen fir tree was a symbol of eternal life amongst Nordic pagans in countries across northern Europe, and it was the Scandinavian pagans that first brought the tree indoors and decorate it to celebrate winter solstice...this was a celebration that represented the end of the dark and long winter nights, and the beginning of spring and its connection to life.

It wasn't just the fir tree that were believed to have special powers against the dark magic of winter, but all plants that stayed green throughout the year, like Holly, Mistletoe and Evergreen  was attributed mystical powers.

So when the Nordic countries where violently converted to Christianity in the 8th Century, a lot of the old pagan traditions, like the Christmas tree, was kept on and adapted to make the transition from their pagan beliefs to Christianity easier to stomach for the people...

There is evidence of the fir tree being used in Christmas celebrations all over Northern Europe from around the 10th century, and as we know that the Scandinavian Vikings did trade as far into Europe as the Baltics, it is not far fetched to assume that the tradition of bringing a fir tree indoors for Christmas would have travelled with them. And the first documented use of a tree at Christmas and New years celebrations is in the town square of Riga, Latvia from the year 1510 . Read more about "the first Christmas tree" here.

Germany is widely considered to be the birthplace of the Christmas tree, but it is likely that the Germans got the tradition from the neighbouring Latvians.

Early German Christmas trees were decorated with apples (later adapted into baubles) and ginger bread shapes and paper flowers..

The tradition of the Christmas tree slowly spread and evolved all over Europe, (although the Mediterranean countries were not taken with the tree, choosing instead to display a crib scene) and eventually Ended up as the incarnation made popular by the Victorians, thanks to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert...

The modern Christmas tree comes in more incarnations and varieties than ever, some real and some fake, with people choosing to chop and change their decorations up each year...
Thankfully, with the invention of electric light, the hazardous live candles used to decorate the tree with in Victorian times was soon replaced.

 

With the Christmas tree now being a global phenomena, the decorations and traditions of the Christmas tree is as varied as people themselves...

I for one, am a fan of the traditional Victorian tree...with the traditional decorations that I grew up with in Norway! And I love the current trend in Scandinavia of minimal decorations on a sparse tree.(see top picture)

My family tradition in Norway is to decorate the tree the night before Christmas eve. We listen to Some Christmas tunes whilst decorating the fir together as a family....accompanied with ginger bread and Mulled vine...

I would like to sign off this unusual post with some warm seasons greetings:

I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for popping by!
 Although I am officially taking my holiday now, I will probably post the odd report (or two..) from our Christmas celebrations in Norway....maybe some pictures of our Christmas tree??

xxx
June



PS! If you want to learn more about the history of the Christmas tree , I found these articles informative: the origins of the Christmas tree
Christmas archives
      A Victorian Christmas