Fancy Christmas Elk

I'm getting ready to make some Christmas cards, (and I'll make him into an ornament too) and came up with this wonderful elk image from the graphics fairy. I also found his fancy top hat there!  Karen has so many wonderful images, go check her out if you haven't yet!
Take care,
Martha

Anthropologie Inspired Snow Globe

 Well the holidays are fast approaching and I wanted to share a little project I've been working on.  It's inspired from my favorite store, Anthropologie.  I thought I'd make mine with a glitter house.

Above are the Anthropologie version with trees inside.

I changed mine and added a vintage zinc lid.  I love the more vintage look.

 I bought a package of tiny trees from Michaels. The trees were green, I used straight bleach to dye them.

 I created the little glitter house from a pattern I found online here.  I scaled it down so it would fit inside the jar.

 Here's what it looks like when you flip it upside down.

 Then I added clear german glitter glass.  If you use any other kind of glitter it sticks to the glass making it hard to see inside, so I splurged and bought the glitter glass.

 What do you think?  It took a bit of time, but I think it's kind of cute.

I'd like to make different sizes of these with a church and other houses, and will do it if I get the time.  This was loads of fun, it looks great under low light.  Maybe you'd like to give it a try!  Or if you're interested in this one, check it out here.
Take care,
Martha

New Glitter *Star*

Hi! Just wanted to share with you what I've been working on. I founds this star shaped beveled glass, and knew I wanted to make a glittery creation out of it.
So I added German Glitter glass to it, and soldered the edges. I love the way it sparkles.
Did you know German glitter glass really is made of shards of glass? It's unlike the plastic glitter found in most stores, because the glass it's made out of has an amazing brilliance to it, and creates a beautiful diamond-like appearance to your piece, especially in low light.
I also love the texture the glitter glass gives to the star.

I've been making Christmas ornaments too since I need to get cracking for the Holiday season, and my next show is coming up in a couple of weeks in Carlsbad. I hope you enjoyed the little sneak peek to what I've been up to. We've had loads of rain and even strong thunderstorms here in sunny CA. It makes for a cozy time to create. I hope you're doing well in your neck of the woods.

Take care,

Martha

Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus

Hi and thanks for stopping by.

Don't you love the story of eight year old Virginia O'Hanlon?  She's the little girl who wrote the famous letter to the Sun Times newspaper asking "Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?"  The response was "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.  He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.  Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus.  It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.  There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence."  

Amen to that!  If you'd like to read this delightful article go here.  This story always fills me with such hope and inspiration especially this time of year.  I for one believe in Santa Claus and always will.  :)   Above is a new charm I made with this in mind.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend.

Martha

XOXO