Gypsy Frame for Zeus and Zoe

Hello Everyone!

I did some upcycling that I wanted to share with everyone.  I have this picture frame that I like, but I didn't like the color of the fake wood.  This frame became the perfect candidate for a Zeus and Zoe make over.

First I coated the frame with gesso.

After the first coat of gesso, I added torn strips of pages from an old book.

I did not cover the entire frame with the vintage paper.  I left some areas with only gesso and overlapped the papers in other areas. Ensuring complete dryness, I let the frame sit overnight.  I began painting with the frame.

On the Graphic Fairy's website, I found this image.  I recolored her blouse in photoshop, because I didn't want the bright yellow.  

I took Mod Podge and coated one of the pieces of glass, then I took the print out and placed it carefully over the glass.  You have to be very careful if you are using an inkjet printer image, as to not smear the image.

The gypsy image was also left to dry overnight.  Once dry, I misted the back of the paper with water. 

Rub the damp paper carefully to remove most of the paper from the glass, being careful to leave the image.

I finished embellishing the frame with goodies.  I beaded dangly metal circles to string across the inside edge of the frame, as a nod to my gypsy image.

The frame can be used with the gypsy image as decor.  Or since this frame can be seen from either side, you could still place a picture inside and have the gypsy image on the back.

Thanks for having a look!

To find cool vintage items, visit the Zeus and Zoe Etsy shop!

Spring Has Sprung at Zeus and Zoe

I created this LO to celebrate the fabulous spring weather that I've been enjoying.  I wish everyone could enjoy the weather with me, as long as they like spring.

The sunshine, birds, and fresh blooms just keep coming!

This isn't a very vintage LO, but it contains some vintage elements from Zeus and Zoe:

the crocheted flower

the book illustration of the little girl

the metal butterfly

the fussy cut bird

You can visit the Zeus and Zoe blog "HERE" or the Zeus and Zoe Etsy shop below:

Thanks for stopping in!

Ain't Life Grand, Card for Zeus and Zoe

I put together a vintage-y card for Zeus an Zoe.   I used my sewing machine, and kept adding layers.  Don't ever tell my mother that I enjoyed using my sewing machine.  Well, I do enjoy using it on paper.

Enough about me.  Here is the card.  It's a bit bulky and will probably be delivered by hand.  The vintage picture, bits of printed paper, green PP, paper bird, paper flowers, and the decorative title plate are all from Zeus and Zoe.

Yes.  I went outside.  I apologize to those that are currently being denied spring and just had received another 9" of snow.

 The inside:

My whole craft room currently fits in my carry-on.

Thanks for stopping by.  I know your time is valuable, but I could appreciate any love.



Visit the Zeus and Zoe Etsy store here:

Wedding album for Zeus and Zoe

I survived the international move to Germany. We now have a house. Our belongings are still at sea, which means my scrap goodies are somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean. I admit that my carry-on luggage contained my laptop and scrap supplies.  Thank you, Lindy's Stamp Gang, for your dry sprays.  They are great for traveling.

Only having a carry-on's amount of supplies makes me feel like I have the bare minimum with me.  I am working with what I brought and a kit to which  I subscribe, Scraps of Darkness, which was the first piece of mail that I have received at my new address.  I don't have any punches, or my die cutter, or my Distrezz-It-All. I'm roughing it!

I have managed to make something while enduring my spartan scrap conditions. ;)

I was inspired by this cameo that I received in my goody box from Zeus and Zoe. I added the beads  (using the mending kit from my hotel room) to the bottom of the lace.  The bride is also from Zeus and Zoe; she came from a vintage book on style. 

This album, obviously not yet complete, will be a wedding present for a special person in my life.  So, please, don't tell her!

Edith?

Does anyone watch Downton Abbey?  Does this vintage bride remind anyone else of Edith, or is it just me?

Inspiration Goddess for Zeus and Zoe

I found a fake lightbulb while I was shopping one day, and it begged me to take it home and alter it.  It took me a while to figure out what the fake lightbulb wanted to become, but then I had that "ah-ha!" moment.

So, if a picture of a lightbulb represents inspiration or thought, then my lightbulb would represent the inspiration to create.  I would make myself an inspiration goddess.

I used lace and findings from Zeus and Zoe

to build the base of my goddess.  In the middle of her hangs a star, a bright button and a flower.  The star is for shining and reaching.  May your art work shine and don't be afraid to try.  The button is to remember brilliance.  Not everything has to be brilliant, but I love the feeling you get when you're feeling brilliant.  The flower is for beauty, make something beautiful, find something beautiful.

On her body I used a rub on from Tim Holtz that reads, "dreamer of dreams."  I think that any one that feels the call to create art is a "dreamer of dreams."

My inspiration goddess has four arms.  She holds a shamrock, a butterfly, a bird, and a key.  Luck, flight and freedom are represented here.  She does not hold a bird cage to contain the bird, or a lock to use with the key.  May your art be limitless and with out restriction!  Lastly, I placed a crown on her head.  She is a goddess and a queen.  The crown is remind everyone that you make your own rules in your art.  You answer to no one.  

To see more from Zeus and Zoe, please visit the fabulous Etsy store or join us on the blog!

Please let my inspiration goddess give you ideas!  Happy crafting.

Zeus and Zoe: Secret Admirer

I made a "Secret Admirer" for Zeus and Zoe. I think she turned out quite lovely.  I used vintage advertising, lace, and findings from my goody box that Marivic sent for the DT.  

I formed her heart out of paper clay, painted it with Art Anthology "Red Velvet: dimensional paint, then glued the heart lock on top.  

To see the original post for "Secret Admirer," please visit the Zeus and Zoe blog.

Too see all the great things that Zeus and Zoe carries, I suggest visiting the Etsy shop!

Thanks for stopping by!

Zeus and Zoe: Reflections

Hello, Everyone!

I've the latest and greatest sketch from Simple Sketches!  This is a sweet sketch.  To enter the challenge, click on the sketch to visit our home blog.

I didn't use the stitching suggestion on my sketch, as my sewing machine is currently traveling to another country!  I did keep the three areas of elements the same, but I did twist and shift the sketch.  The hearts didn't make it into my post either.  

I've been freezing my butt off and I saw the beachy mood board for Scrap Around the World.  After going through 500 vacation pictures, I decided on these three.  Everyone played on the beach and in the ocean, but I played with my camera (also on the beach).  I was working, not on my tan, but on my reflections.  I captured the sunrise and two of my nieces.  And I didn't use any embarrassing photos.  

Here is the mood board for Scrap Around the World.  As I said, "BEACH!"  I don't think I've been warm since November!  I also used white flowers and tried to keep my colors soft and dreamy.  

The vintage book pages and buttons are from the Zeus and Zoe Etsy shop.  The two images on the book pages are of old swimsuits.  

Zeus and Zoe Debut, Vintage Frame

This is my debut project for Zeus and Zoe. The vintage lace and buttons from Zeus and Zoe inspired me to make something that had shabby-vintage flair.

My goal this year is to do more "Off The Page" projects.  I dug through my mini albums and canvases, looking for a format that clicked.  In my closet I found a pack of six mini canvases.  I decided to do only four of the 3"x3" mini canvases.  When I placed them on my desk, they made me think of looking out of paned window.

I built the four paneled frame from heavy chipboard.  I wanted it to look like it an old window, with layers of paint and cracks that had accumulated over the years.  After I built the frame, I knew that it lacked the elegance found in shabby beauty.

In my stash I had a large Dusty Attic chipboard frame.  I took the flourish from the frame and added it to the top of my window.

I used layers of lace, doilies, and buttons that I received from Zeus and Zoe to build the large flowers.

I altered some of the charms and buttons with either gesso and mist, or with embossing powder.  

I used "Adobe Fire" embossing powder from Lindy's Stamp Gang on the butterfly in the photo below.   The embossing powder gives the butterfly a beautiful sheen.

I also used the Lindy's January 2014 Color Challenge as a guide for this project.  Click on the Lindy's picture to go to the challenge.  

Along with the "Adobe Fire," I also used "Mission Bells," and "Down the Rabbit Hole."  I tried to stay as close as possible to the pinky color in the challenge, but I do not own that color of Lindy's (yet).  

Thanks for taking the time to look at my project.  

Have a great day!

Click here to check out the Zeus and Zoe Etsy shop.

Follow, Follow, Follow

Follow my blog with Bloglovin