Halloween Apothecary Labels

In researching ideas for Halloween apothecary labels, I came across every kind of aged, nasty and otherwise creepy crawly item ideas that could be put in a jar and labeled. I love scary and the aged, distressed looks but does scary have to be gross too?

Halloween apothecary labels  on Etsy

I know it's all in good fun but how about a little intrigue to go with those petrified tarantula turds and vomit flavored jelly beans? While we're at it, could it be just a little bit pretty or is the combination of pretty and Halloween too much of a dichotomy to pull off successfully?

cloaking pills and love potion apothecary labels

What the hey, I'm an artist and artists can do whatever they want, right? If you care to see the whole collection, pop on over to the Kell Belle Boutique on Etsy. The description also contains a free, ice breaker party idea for using the labels as part of a game to help engage your guests. Enjoy!

Paper Pumpkin Tutorial

I found this beautiful, dimensional paper pumpkin that I think looks fantastic as a place setting for the fall holidays. This pumpkin was put together by Kelly of Notable Nest who was guest featured on the See Vanessa Craft blog.

paper pumpkin tutorial

Since this tutorial does not include a template I have created one for you.  Call it the Virgoan perfectionism in me that thinks it's nice for those not so talented in the drawing department to have something to work from. The finished pumpkin will stand about 1 1/8" high by 2 1/8" in diameter.

pumpkin template - click for larger image

I recommend cutting 8 to 10 papers to 3" wide by 2" high and folding them in half. Take 2 or 3 of your papers at a time, lay the straight side of the template on the fold and cut. Follow the paper pumpkin tutorial beginning at step 3. Enjoy!

Vintage Mending Thread Cards

I like this box idea for holding mending thread cards. This box originally came from a blog that is no longer available. What a pity too because that place had some achingly beautiful vintage items on there. Yep, there's that word again. It was like crack cocaine for the eyes! Anyway, I'm getting off track.

thread card box - original source unknown

We may just have to break out the chip board and make a thread box of our own, eh? This will give you the opportunity to use some of those vintage papers and old book pages you've been dying to use but were waiting for the right project.

mending thread cards - click image to enlarge and download

What thread card box would be complete without some thread cards to put in it? I'm giving you some basic card shapes with a texture. That way if you want to do something with them digitally, be my guest or use your stamps and inks if you prefer that. Enjoy and let the crazy fun begin!

The Achingly Beautiful . . . Box?

It's true, I said I wasn't going to announce a new project and just to be clear, I'm still not going to so I'll call this the quasi new project announcement. Since I've literally got a drawer full of paper corsets and dresses languishing away in sandwich bags, I thought I would use my down time to finally get around to creating those displays I've only been posting about for months.

"a thought became a whisper" via wild goose chase on flickr

I know I'll still create paper art over the next five months so why not take you with me? The challenge? The achingly beautiful box. Interesting word, achingly. I recently saw that term used on a blog and while I agreed with its usage in the particular context in which it was used, how does one set about making something that can be defined as achingly beautiful when art is so subjective?

via aussie scrap source

The answer is simple. How do YOU define beauty? That is truly all that matters and all that is needed for you to make a beautiful box. I'll provide the inspiration and a little instruction along the way, you supply the creativity and originality to make your projects nothing short of divine!

Graphic 45 Curio Cabinet

I've become a fast fan of Graphic 45 paper craft. WOW! So many gorgeous ideas especially this curio cabinet. Unfortunately I'm unable to find the artist who actually put this particular cabinet together but the pattern was created by Laura Dennison and is constructed entirely of chip board.

Laura Dennison curio cabinet created for Graphic 45

This would make a great setting for all those little paper dresses and corsets we've been creating. The pattern PDF is actually an instruction book with all the measurements given and a list of supplies needed for you to make this so if you're looking for an actual template you won't find it. Bummer! I'm still going to make one though. :)

Pinterest Repin Etiquette

It has come to my attention that there are some who have embarked on a mass repinning of {my} (I have to use this term loosely) Pinterest finds. What I mean by heavily is 50 to 150 items at a time. Should I be offended by this? Haha! I'm afraid the jury is still out at the moment.

kell belle studio on pinterest

In the first place, most of these items/photos aren't even mine. I'm simply electronically hoarding photos of other people's great stuff so why then do I feel just a little bit robbed of my individuality? It's completely illogical because I should be thanking you and I am . . . kinda.

more Kell Belle Studio goodness on Pinterest

Here's the thing, I guess I wouldn't mind so much if the 150 items being repinned were actually MY items. This means items I have either offered for sale or for free. Really! My sidebar says I have great boards. I guess I wasn't kidding. :)

you've just got to visit Kell Belle on Pinterest

The screen shots are images of my most popular boards. So yes, here I am advertising that fact so I can get some more mass repinners. Am I a walking paradox of myself or what? What the hell, go crazy and pin away. You know you wanna so come check me out. (tee hee ;)

Boho Shoe Tutorial and Template

Here it is, your boho paper shoe template. It's a little bit different from the one I put together in the video and does not include the heel. Of course this was intentional to help put you in touch with your imagination. (tee hee :)

free boho paper shoe template 8 1/2 x 11

The video below will cover the basic assembly of the shoe. I'll be working with some paper machè and collage techniques to build the rest of my show so there will be a second video (or two) to demonstrate the evolution of this.

These make great little party favors. Dazzle your friends by filling them with candies, nuts, buttons or even little flowers. With so many possibilities, I'm sure you'll come up with ways to use this that will suit your occasion. Have fun!

Paper Runway, Where Have you Been?

Have you heard of Paper Runway yet? Finally! A magazine devoted to all things paper that includes the fine artist and paper crafter. This is fantastic news for those of us who are serious about our paper art.

image re-blogged from daily suze

Whether you're an artist, sculptor, designer, or as they say in Australia, a stockist, you'll probably find something to love about this new publication. Stay tuned for more news on this subject.

Note: Applicable copyrights apply to the image associated with this post. Please visit the captioned link to learn more.

Paper Couture XV: Mini Corset for Victorian Witch

Paper couture proudly presents this mini corset template to help you complete your victorian witch ensemble for the month of October. The actual size of the template is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 so you should print accordingly. 

Halloween corset - click to download full size

This short video will demonstrate one possible way to use the mini corset on a paper dress. I've added a black tulle treatment to the bottom to give you an idea of cute things you can do.

If you use the materials to create an original work, please share a link to your project by leaving a comment. I would love to come by for a peek! Enjoy!

Note: By downloading or sharing material from this blog you agree to be bound by my terms of use posted in the left sidebar. Thanks.

Paper Couture XIV: Paper Skirt Challenge

If you're excited about the Ms. September dress I posted yesterday, I've got good news! As promised, below is the template file for the blouse. The print size I am using is 5 x 7 inches.

paper blouse template - click image for full size

I am also posting a video tutorial on how to assemble the blouse. I have not provided any kind of template for the pleated skirt because I am challenging you to come up with your own skirt creation.

If you use the template, I would love to see what you create so feel free to give a shout out in your comments that includes a link where I can find your work. Have fun!

Note: By downloading materials you agree to the terms of use posted in the left sidebar