The Humble Cereal Box Transformed …

One thing that appeals about mixed-media paper projects is the use of odd bits and pieces. After all, I’ve been saving those for years! The supplies are trying to overflow the storage space, so it’s time to put them to work. Things like little silk flowers, buttons, ribbons- you name it. I thought it was going to be used in quilts somehow, but nope. It's for journals, cards, and projects like this. These heart ornaments started with an empty cereal box for the base and just grew from there, layer upon layer. I saw the idea in “Altered! Art Projects” by Tweety Jill Publications. And how about that funky flower adornment? That came from viewing a tutorial by Jenniebellie. She’s a delightful, arty instructor and has an entire YouTube channel of fun things to make. And if there’s one thing I love, it’s making stuff!

This heart combines text paper, painted paper flowers, yarn, ribbon, beads and more. It may not be done yet- there’s still room on that surface. Knowing when to stop is not my strong suit, so this may still get a few touches.

This heart still needs some “messaging” in the form of cut out words of encouragement added to the surface. The flower in this one is made from two pieces of vintage lace trim that I spritzed with color. I’m asking myself where the creative urge to make all this has been hiding for so long. I decided it’s actually been there all along. However  years back, when managing a household with children growing up and teaching full time, I decided I needed to choose one hobby and focus on that in order to keep things a little bit more orderly. So I gave up cross-stitching, macrame, garment sewing, knitting, etc. and focused on quilting, my very favorite. Now that I have a dedicated creative space, the genie is back out of the bottle and I’m off pursuing every project that catches my eye. And a lot catches my eye! What fun.