Envelopes Part 3

Today we are continuing our series of experiments with dried flowers and glassine envelopes. For this attempt, I decided to go back to a fully lined envelope and larger leaves. I had some leftover red maple leaves from another project so I wanted to see how these would work.

I like the look but I still need to find a way to place the leaves without getting smudges and other detritus on the glued surface. I have used my Xyron machine and have used spray adhesive. No matter what I do, I still get bits and pieces of material or dust on the glued surface. With the glassine paper used for the envelopes, every smudge and imperfection becomes highlighted. I have even used pointed tools (awls, skewers, and tweezers)  to try to reduce smudges.

Envelopes Part 2

Front View

Today we are continuing the week with handmade envelopes. Here is a second attempt to try and find the balance between materials and aesthetics. The above is the front of an envelope utilizing some dried leaves. The evergreen sprig to the left looks much better than the washed out leaves on the right. Unfortunately, the placement of the leaves provides limited space for addressing the envelope.

Back View

For the back, I decided to not line the top flap with card stock. The card that is being sent will provide enough heft for the envelope to be sent through the mail. Without the additional card stock on the flap, the dried leaves (or flowers) will show through the glassine flap. This will allow a larger variety of dried flowers to be used. Also, this will provide easier access to open the envelope. The bigger difficulty here is how to secure the envelope without glue or tape being visible.

 

Envelopes Part 1

Front of envelope

This week will be dedicated to envelopes. I have been making handmade envelopes for quite awhile but I haven't really shared my latest version. Right now, I am experimenting with glassine paper and dried flowers. This is my first attempt and while I am happy with some aspects of it, other issues have me scratching my head.

The first question is "how much is too much"? As you can see, it is easy to go overboard with the flowers and leaves.

Back of envelope (open)

The second question is "How do you secure the envelope"? Normally, I would be but a piece of double stick tape across the back flap horizontally. The problem with doing this is how to open the envelope without tearing the envelope and without destroying the flowers.

Back flap (top)

The third question is "how much overlap do I allow for the flowers"? Should the entire flower show on the back side of the envelope? If so, then this limits how many and what type of flower is used. If part of the flower is covered, do you get the same effect? Is anyone else going to care about it as much as I do?

Back of envelope (closed)

The fourth question  is "how to I tell the recipient to open the envelope carefully" and finally, "how do I prevent flower dust, parts, and other detritus from getting glued to the card." As you can see, the envelope is made in layers. There is the glassine paper and it is strengthened by white card stock. The flowers are glued directly to the card stock. The card stock is then placed in the Xyron machine and glued to the glassine paper.

This was a mock up for a bridal announcement. Of course, the bride changed her mind after the presentation.

Iron Craft 2016 Challenge #25--Leftovers Wreath

For Challenge #25, we were asked to use our stashes to complete the challenge--no new supplies. After making wreaths for the theater and other people, I still had one wreath remaining from a client that had to cancel her order.

I decided to decorate a wreath for the front door of my apartment. So digging through my stash, I decided to use leftover bits and pieces from other projects and threw them together for my wreath. This really is a jumble of ideas, colors and bits and bobs. So, anything that I had left over was free game. After it was said and done, I really like the way it turned out. It reminds me of an old fashioned Christmas tree with years of memories and ornaments all thrown together.

As a matter of point, I usually don't decorate my apartment for the holidays. Because I am so busy decorating for the theater and for clients, I am usually so exhausted by the time it comes to decorating my apartment that I have no energy or desire left.

This year, I decided to be a little selfish and say no to a couple of clients, for whom I didn't enjoy working, and decided to decorate a small area in my apartment. I also had a trip to Tokyo that took me away for 10 days so it was a little easier to say that I was too busy for clients.

This is a small table in the foyer that I decided to decorate. I covered the wall in a holiday table cloth as a backdrop. I had a Christmas Tree Vintage Ornament set that I brought out (right front). I also decided to use my vintage silver tinsel tree (right back) that I decorated with battery operated lights and faceted metal ornaments from Target, I also used a pink bottle brush tree (left back) that was left over from a previous project. The miniature artificial tree (left front) is from Michaels and is draped with ribbon and vintage mercury ornaments and miniature wood ornaments from Mexico. The wreath is a natural wreath from Target. The stockings are from my collection of stockings that I use for decorating. Each year, I limit my purchases to two new stockings. Mainly, I use them to decorate for clients so they become useful each year. At last count, I had 117 different stockings and will use about 75 stockings each year. The wooden bowl is a handmade bowl that a friend made and gave to me this year as a gift. I decided to make it the centerpiece of the tableau.

I wish the best for you and yours during this holiday season. May the season bring you  light, happiness and joy and I hope you have a spectacular 2017.

Iron Craft 2016 Challenge #10--Homemade Boutonniere

For Challenge #10 we were asked to created something to celebrate summer. Before I get to my project, there is some explaining to do.

When I was growing up, there were certain rules that the nuns would pound into our heads. Most of them were etiquette rules or comportment rules for living--we called them "nun rules" and they were usually accompanied by an eye roll.

One of the rules was "In the spring and summer months, a gentleman always wears a fresh flower in his lapel. In the fall and winter months, a gentlemen wears a pocket square because fresh flowers are not always available. But a gentlemen never wears both."

Every Saturday at the theater, I wear a sports jacket or suit to commemorate the end of the week. Since I don't work on Sundays, Saturday evenings are the last shift of my week. During the spring months, I have applied the nun rule above and have been wearing a boutonniere. Last week (and in tribute to this challenge), I decided to make my own. Some of the florists in Manhattan have charged me $10-$20 for a single flower boutonniere similar to the one above.

Therefore, I decided to make my own--which in hindsight is really, really easy. So for this challenge, I share with you my first, homemade boutonniere.

I chose a single flower without adornment to keep it simple and to not excessively show off. There is no greenery, or filler to make it look like a wedding or prom boutonniere. I wanted it to be a throwback to the old Victorian habit of men wearing a fresh flower in their jacket button hole. By the way, the word boutonniere is French for button hole.

Iron Craft 2016 Challenge #4--Baby Jar Garland

The topic for Challenge Four was "In the Kitchen." I was a little stumped at first so I decided to go into my studio to look through my supplies. If you have been following along, I am trying to winnow down my stash of supplies and only use what I have on-hand for these challenges. And boy--do I have a stockpile.

One of the reason my stockpile has become a "hoarder-level" collection is because I used to troll Craigslist looking for free supplies or low cost items. I convinced myself that I was helping out people (brides, artists, students, etc.) in helping them get rid of materials prior to moving, post wedding cleanouts, or those people needing some extra cash.

I remember one mother who was trying to make her own baby food for her toddler. She had collected baby food jars and lids but she gave up. She posted on Craigslist and was offering them for free to anyone who could put them to good use. I am thoroughly convinced that you can't have too many jars in an art studio so I collected.

Baby jars are from the kitchen, right? Now to repurpose them. I also had a spool of leather cord that I didn't use for a separate project. Then light bulb.

Why not make a baby food jar garland. So I tied the jars together on a long length of cord. I used ten jars because I was concerned about the weight but could have used more.

Now--what to do with my garland? How about tea lights?

Tea Lights

Tea Lights in the dark

Another idea popped into my head--what about a deconstructed flower arrangement? I had a bouquet of flowers that were in full bloom but I didn't want to throw them out yet. I cut the stems short and arranged them on a flat surface.

Here is the view with the cording. Each is tied under the screw top indention.

The beauty of this arrangements is that you can put the jars in any shape you want.

A heart arrangement

To hold the stems in place, I filled the jars with florist's marbles. These are usually used during the Christmas holidays--silver, clear and frosted marbles.

Arrangement 1
(Top View)

Side View

Arrangement two--roses and spider mums.

Heart Arrangement

 Arrangement three--roses, mums and a lily.

Circle arrangement

 Arrangement four--roses and some furry things.

circle arrangement

I have so many more ideas--how about filling them with succulents for a mini-terrarium? How about fill them with colored water and hanging them in front of a sunny window as a suncatcher?

I am currently on vacation in Los Angeles at this time or I would have tried all of these ideas.