~* My first Altered Matchbox *~

So I learned about a new mail art craft using recycled Match boxes (not the car, but the actual match box like to make fire) LOL... I wanted to create a swap in CreativeSwappers using this as I was thrilled to learn about this craft and so our first group swap was this actually... the theme was anything you choose from your partners preferences. My partner (Kari) didnt really have specific preferences so I did something a little different and 'artsy' for her's ... I HOPE SHE LIKES IT! LOL!

This would be the front of the matchbox... I used a pink and green flowered patterend paper to cover the box and then I used a sort of vintage 'gypsy' graphic that I thought was really cool... I thought to make it more 3 dimensional I would add a few embellishments and so I added fibers to the side where she had ribbons hanging in the actual colors that were on the image. Then I used a gold 3d metal embellishment that says 'inspire' :) I loved the way my scanner made the side jewels reflect and shine (thats the purple you see glowing... on the sides I added purple and pink jewels in a pattern.

This would be the back of the box.... Its the same

background paper and some neat little inspirational words that I thought would fit... and again the purple glow really looks cool :) I was surprised when that happened but really pleased with the effect :) I almost hate to send it because I enjoy it so much but Im sure that Kari will love to have it :) I cant wait to receive mine :)

~* Wolf Altered Puzzle Pieces *~

In PuzzleMadness Candy is hosting a Wolf themed altered puzzle project. I LOVE wolves.... they are such spiritual and free creatures....

The wolf walks beside us to remind us of the lessons we're here to learn. Over protection can mean one needs to learn how to trust others. Territorial issues are lessons of letting go. But the positives are there too. The wolf tries to show us our innate ability to "sense" to "see" spiritual undercurrents and lessons. To understand that we're not all alone and we have many "family" members to rely on.

Perhaps this information above means something to me because I do not 'rely' on very many people in my life, as they always seem to turn their backs. But those that I do rely on are there for me through the worst of times... perhaps thats why I love the wolf so much. Irregardless I wanted to participate in this project because of my liking + fondness to this animal... so below are my pieces that I created in this project.

My Apologies for the blur in the image. I was forced to take a photo of this piece because of the 3-d jewels I used.
I took a different approach with this piece. I used a blue-ish/silver sparkling paper as the base of the piece and then took giant glittered snowflakes and attached them on top of the paper in a random form... then I added the wolf image and the blue jewels. Please ignore the colors and designs around the piece as these are from other pieces in the puzzle.

This piece is actually 2 pieces attached together.... I actually painted the pieces with black metallic paint and then attached the wolf image. Then around the image I used blue and silver stars and a silver sun jewel with a blue moon jewel. The vellum that is on the top is a quote of sorts that says 'Words Like Winter' I thought it was a creative slogan for a wolf image.

And finally this is the final piece that I created. I think I have taken a liking to this piece compared to all of the rest... Im not sure why, maybe its the wolf couple. I used a brown, tan and blue designed paper as the base and then attached the couples image. I then took a sticker of a brown tinted moth/butterfly and cut it out I attached the center of the butterfly but not the wings and bent them up a little to look like it was more realistic. I then added the gold and sienna tinted glitter butterflies underneath for a flying effect of sorts... then added the same colored leaf glitters to the top but hid the top part of the leaves under the wolf image so that the leaves actually turn into Feathers :)