Craft Party 2013 - Project #1

Party on craft peeps!  December 2013 is almost upon us .......... so that means it's time to get your crafty on!

This first project I have chosen for the craft party seriously needs a drum roll.

Ashlee at My So Called Crafty Life IS.....(wait for it)..........a genius....

Of course I found this on Pinterest a while ago and it was love at first site.  This project immediately reminded me of some ornaments Grandma Frances had on her tree that I swear she made out of empty clear pill bottles (she worked in a doctor's office).  If you are veteran of the craft party - then you know I love kitsch and I love little scenes (like the box dioramas, little cardboard houses, and little matchbox hidden compartment ornaments - all from craft parties past).

In fact as I finished assembling the first of these beta tester sample ornaments with my good friend, Gretchen, we could hardly stand it ........BECAUSE THEY ARE SO STINKING CUTE!!!!!!

And the best part is you can customize it to what YOU like.  These samples below are very retro and kitschy but I am also working on some more modern clean lines and more traditional vintage.  I'm officially addicted.

So without further ado,  here you have it-
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Vintage Inspired Bell Jar Ornaments 
- from Ashlee's DIY instructions at My So Called Crafty Life (click on that link to see her original versions)

so I am busy collecting cute little stuff for you to use - but remember if you really want something really specific...........bring it.  Etsy is a great place to check for specific vintage miniatures.  Lots of these are vintage cupcake picks.  And if you have extra to share, we will have a sharing table.

I had my mom over last week to beta test this project and check out this cute little carousel inspired ornament with tiny  little carousel animals she had.  Don't you just love the red and white stripes and polka dots!

But fear not on the supply front, there will be all kinds of options from new materials as well as the vintage stuff we can scrounge up.  This is also a great way to showcase a small special ornament or random piece that you may already have.  Check the bottom of the kid's toy bins for little stuff that might work - you can always bling it up with some glitter (like that year we glittered the plastic animals a la Martha!!!!).  Also think small stuff here - 1-2 inches small.  Like little green army man small...

So, what to bring for this ornament?  Glad you asked.   

• Your own good pair of scissors and because we will be working with little stuff if you have a pair of tweezers that might come in handy.
• a shoe box to put your finished crafts in so they can dry undisturbed and you can easily cart them around

Optional:

• specific stuff  - only if you want - we will have stuff here too - for miniatures think small like 1-2 in.
• if you have anything to share or donate- like miniatures to go inside (totally not required)
• I like to bring my own caddy of tools -like multiple sized scissors, wire cutters, needle nosed pliers, tweezers, bone folder, straight edge, small paint brush, and random stuff.  That's just how I roll.

I just made another batch of more traditional, elegant, modern ones - waiting for the glue to dry and I will take some pictures and post.  Until then...