scrapbook layouts, scrapbooking

Steampunk

I made this 8×8 album as a special order for a steampunk album. It was my first time making anything in this style and it was fun using lots of new materials- from Swellegant paints to Prima Marketing metallic waxes.

I used Etsy printables for the paper backgrounds and many of the printed embellishments .

I made this pressure gauge out of cardboard that I painted with the copper Swellegant paint. I added liquid diamonds to the printed gear face so it would look like glass and then finished it off with brads, a Tim Holtz year and a lightbulb embellishment (also by Tim Holtz).

Up, up, and away!

Gesso and metallic paints helped bring these pages to life!

Pockets!

This was a fun collage. I used buttons, keys, glass beads, and even screws to add layers and texture. Then I covered the whole thing with black gesso. Once that was dry, I lightly went over the pieces with Prima Marketing silver wax.

I love these clock die cuts from Tim Holtz. I cut out several for this album.

I used lots of lace and some burlap to give the pages dimension…

This last page has tags that tuck in behind the lightbulb print.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope these pages inspire you – feel free to comment or send me photos of your work as well. I would love to see what you make!

BIY, soap

BIY – Handmade Soap: the Wildest and Weirdest in Washables

Wildest Soaps Ever

As an avid crafter, I have no shortage of craft ideas in my hopper to try next (hard to imagine life before Pinterest).

I have come to the realization that just because I treasure handmade, it doesn’t mean I have to make everything. My craft room is only so big!

I’m suggesting that, rather than DIY, let’s promote BIY (buy-it-yourself) once in awhile. Save yourself the time and shopping cart full of materials for one single project that – let’s be honest – may or may not ever get made, and support other crafters. It’s a win-win!

Today’s post is all about handmade soap. It always sounds like a good idea…but what a mess it can be! I made soap one time, and I think I’m still picking gunk from under my nails five years later.

I say order the handmade stuff and skip the trouble altogether. Here are some amazing crafters that would love to share their handiwork with you and save you a kitchen clean-up nightmare.

How about some festive pumpkin scented soap like these, available from LippincottSoapCo? Their soaps have even been featured in Creating Vintage Charm magazine, and with elegant soap like these, it’s not surprising.

LippencottSoapCo Pumpkin Soap
LippencottSoapCo Pumpkin Soap

I also love these cottage chic style soap bars from NorasSoapScents. The price of her soap also includes beautiful gift wrap in your choice of  sheer bag in white, black, or pink. They also come wrapped with a cute ribbon and flower accent, making them a great gift idea.

NorasSoapScents
NorasSoapScents

PinkParchmentSoap has this bar, named Monkey Farts. How can you not try something like that?! Are you intrigued?

Monkey Farts from PinkParchmentSoap
Monkey Farts from PinkParchmentSoap

Need to wash your mouth out with soap? Why not use one of these “tasty” treats? 🙂

Sushi soap. Let me just say that again. Sushi. Soap. You can find this darling three-pack at the Etsy store Soapopotamus.

Soapopotamus Sushi Soap
Soapopotamus Sushi Soap

Raw fish not your thing? Looking for something a little bit sweeter? The blueberry sprinkle doughnut soap from TheLittleSoapStore is made from 100% vegetable glycerin soap and scented with a tart blueberry fragrance.

Donut soap from TheLittleSoapStore
Donut soap from TheLittleSoapStore

Or how about a tasty macaroon to scrub up with? This four pack is available at CandlelitDesserts for $12.99.

Macaroon soap set from CandlelitDesserts
Macaroon soap set from CandlelitDesserts

Or maybe you’re looking to add a little pop culture to your bathtime ritual. Well, these next soap listings are sure to scrub you the right way!

The Millennium Falcon Soap – it’s a perfect addition to any bathroom, kitchen sink, or orbital space station. It’s also a great idea for occasions like a white elephant gift exchange. This one is available at WizardAtWork. Stop by their shop for lots more geekery-themed soaps.

Millennium Falcon Soap from WizardAtWork
Millennium Falcon Soap from WizardAtWork

Digitalsoaps has taken it one step further with their Pokémon soap. Wash away the fully 3D Pokeball, and you’ll reveal a surprise Pokemon toy waiting inside.

Digitalsoaps' Pokeball Soap
Digitalsoaps’ Pokeball Soap

8Bit Nintendo Cartridge Parody Soap from Amanoxford is not only decorative, but fully functional soap as well. It complements a gamer lifestyle, makes friends go crazy with jealousy, and keeps your skin soft.

Nintendo soap from Amanoxford
Nintendo soap from Amanoxford

Still want to make your own? Check out these 11 soap recipes on Homedit.

11 DIY soap recipes
11 DIY soap recipes

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you were inspired today, and thank you for continuing to support handmade. Be sure to sign up for email updates here on my blog, and I welcome your comments. See you again soon!

xoxo

Genevieve

cross stitch patterns, pop culture

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

rsz_wham

Wake me up before you go-go,
I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high.
Wake me up before you go-go,
‘Cause I’m not planning on goin’ solo.
Wake me up before you go-go,
Take me dancing tonight…
I wanna hit that high…
Yeah, yeah.

Wham! Timeless elegance and lyrical poetry. I just finished this one-of-a-kind cross-stitch pattern last night and I am so excited to share it with you!

Bella Stitchery is the ONLY place to find this gem – guaranteed!

The finished piece will be about 15×16 inches, based on a 14 ct. Aida cloth (size will vary slightly, depending on the size canvas you select).

With purchase, you will receive an email PDF file with the complete pattern with DMC floss code.

**ALL MY PATTERNS USE ONLY BASIC X STITCHES, SO THEY ARE GREAT FOR ANY LEVEL OF CROSS-STITCHER! NO BACK STITCHES, 1/2 STITCHES, KNOTS OR BEADING!!**

You can download the pattern here from my Etsy shop and start stitching the tapestry right away. Enjoy and happy stitching!

xoxo

Genevieve

embroidery

Is That Caffeine on Your Wall or are You Just Happy to See Me?

caffeine 2

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, caffeine. It’s how I start (and continue to live) my day. Coffee, Diet Coke, chocolate – anything will do in a pinch.

My love for that sweet magic is what inspired me to embroider this little puppy. It’s a hand-stitched caffeine molecule. The hoop is about 5.5 inches and it’s stitched with eye-catching yellow on a bright teal fabric – sure to wake you up, just like your morning cup of Joe.

Stop by my Etsy shop for more listing details. It’s perfect for home or office and is a great gift idea, too!

Caffeine - it makes the world go round
Caffeine – it makes the world go round

Thanks so much for stopping by and supporting handmade!

xoxo

Genevieve