Fairy Wand Suncatcher

Sometimes when I lay awake in bed at night, I think of various projects that I want to try. Well last night, I kept thinking about this particular craft, and I decided to give it a try. Not only was it a success, it turned out even more lovely than I expected. 
I've dubbed this project the Fairy Wand Suncatcher, and when you see the finished project, you'll understand why. Now, I'm going to give you the step by step on this, but since it's made using assorted odds and ends from my yard and craft box, I doubt any two would ever end up looking the same. But at least you'll get an idea. 
Here is the completed project. Not the best photo, but all I have is my phone, so it's the best I could do. 

To begin with, I went outside, behind my apartment, and found a couple of decent sized branches. There were plenty on the ground, so I didn't have to mutilate a tree for this. I looked for ones that had enough bulk to hold some weight without breaking, without being too big. I also paid attention to the shape, because I wanted my stick to have some character. 

Once you've selected some that you like, bring them inside and give them a quick cleaning. Check for bugs, loose bark, anything that might ruin the look. 

After deciding which one would work best for this project, I mixed together some white craft paint with water and quickly brushed on a whitewashing coat. Depending on the look you're going for, you could leave your branch natural, or paint it any number of colors. I wanted a birch type color for mine, so a light whitewashing did the trick perfectly. 

Whitewashed branch next to a natural branch. 

After the paint dried, I decided I wanted to give it a bit more pizzazz, so that it was extra eye catching and shimmery when displayed in the window. To do that, I gave the entire branch a good coating of spray adhesive (an all purpose glue would work as well) and then shook on some iridescent glitter. Not too much, just enough to give it a magical sparkle. To help keep the glitter from falling off, and to add some protection, I also gave my branch a good cover of clear coat spray. 

After allowing plenty of time for the clear coat to dry, I had to decide what I wanted to hang from my shimmery stick. After digging through my various craft odds and ends, I decided on some handblown glass leaves that I had rescued years before from a broken windchime. 

I've been in love with these beauties from the first moment I saw them, and this was the absolute perfect project for them. But if you don't have glass leaves, you can always string beads, crystals, flowers, or anything else you may have around your house. Or use a combination of items. This project is all about being creative and using what you have. 

I used some shimmery ribbon that I had leftover from a previous project to tie the leaves on, and I staggered their lengths to give it a pretty effect.
I finished it off by hot gluing a few small silk flowers onto the branch, and adding the string to hang it with. (I tied the string to each end, to allow it to hang more evenly.) A few suction cups stuck to the window, and viola! A beautiful Fairy Wand Suncatcher! 

Again, not the best photo, but you get the idea. This would also be a great project for a patio wall, or hung in a garden. I'll definitely be making more of these. I just love it! 

Needed for this project:

*large stick or small branch
*white paint
*spray adhesive or all purpose glue

*glitter

*clear coat spray (optional)
*ribbon or string

*assortment of items to hang

*a few small silk flowers (optional)

Folk Art Inspired Children's Rocking Chair

I love children's furniture. I think it is so fun to design and decorate. One of my favorite things to make for baby shower gifts is child sized rocking chairs. I had one as a kid, and loved it. I still have it, and while I no longer fit in it, it still makes me smile, and it makes a great heirloom piece.
Since I am not a wood worker, or furniture maker, I have to purchase a ready made chair. After plenty of sanding, nail hole filling, etc. it is ready to paint and decorate. Generally I customize the chair to match the nursery theme, but this time I opted for something a little different. I have always loved the look of folk art, and children's furniture is perfect for that genre of design. The simplicity of the lines/styling of the chair made it great for this. I started with a base color, and I chose a pale yellow for gender neutral purposes. And because I think it is a gorgeous color, and very happy, which I think all things for children and babies should be. After several coats of paint (and more sanding) it was ready to be decorated. I had recently seen an art exhibit where people used yarn to cover entire pieces of furniture, and the look was very interesting and beautiful. And since I love yarn, but am not a needle crafter, this seemed like a great way to be able to work with some. Rather than cover the entire chair, I opted to pick only a few areas to cover instead.

 

This is the completed chair. After wrapping the selected areas with the yarn, I added some fun polka dots to the seat area for whimsy and viola! Simple, yet unique. The colors are happy, and would work for boys and girls, so it could ideally be passed down from one generation to the next. I also made a small pillow to match, so it makes a perfectly comfortable reading spot for a young child.

 

 

Just look how happy George looks.

I think every child should have their own special chair, sized just for them. In a world where everything is so big, and out of reach, this is a little spot where they can feel right at home.

For more information or to inquire about ordering your own chair, email me at berryfavoritethings@gmail.com

or contact me via my facebook page Berry Favorite Things where you can see all my current and past projects, and get great tips and informative information.

 

Readers Requests Day 4: Handmade goods and services

Today's topic was inspired by a suggestion from the lovely and talented, Shavavian, who is a loyal reader of mine, and an utterly delightful gal to boot.
She jokingly suggested I do a post of my favorite Etsy shops (wink, wink, she has one) but that got me to thinking... Are people really still unaware of my love for all things handmade? So in honor of artists and crafters everywhere, today's post is about Handmade goods and services. And since Miss Shavavian was my inspiration, it's only fitting that I give her a proper shout out. Click here to check out her stunning creations.

For those of you who may not actually know this, I am obsessed with beautiful, unique things. And what's more unique than one of a kind objects created by hand? The answer is... not very damn much. Handmade gifts go back to the dawn of time, when people created art & jewelry using things found in nature, and inspired by the beauty all around them. Over time, this has become less and less popular, and people are more apt to run to Wal-Mart for a "heartfelt" gift than to make their own. And while I can surely relate to being pressed for time, or not having the skills to create your own masterpieces, that doesn't mean that you can't still give a handmade gift. All over the world, there are immensely talented people, spending countless hours making amazing things. And these people are more than happy to share their pieces and skills with you. With the growing popularity of sites like Etsy, Pinterest, etc, these things are just a click away. From handmade clothing, hats, scarves, purses, and accessories, to all natural soaps, lotions, and more, there are countless ideas and options to choose from. Jewelry, home décor, paintings, sculpture, even local authors and musicians. All of these folks pour their heart and soul into their crafts, and they want to share it with you. And most offer additional services, that you won't find at places like Target. Personalization, customization, packaging, and gift wrapping, just to name a few. Many of which are included in the price. Now yes, some of these things cost a bit more, but as we all know, you get what you pay for. Think about it... That heirloom wooden chest in your grandparents living room has survived for over a century. The quilt your great grandmother made is still as lovely and vibrant as the day she gave it to her daughter. Good, quality pieces are made to last. Can the same be said for that cheap throw you purchased at the store? Or that blender you gave for the last bridal shower? Probably not. Heirlooms are becoming a thing of the past (no pun intended). What treasures will this next generation have to pass on?
I love the growing movement for shopping local, supporting artists, and do it yourself. I hope it continues to flourish, and that more and more people start to consider buying from craft shows, art fairs, and small, independent boutiques. I have so many talented friends, who create remarkable things. I'm blown away by their creations, and the time and effort that go into each piece. Each time I'm gifted with a handmade bounty, I can't wait to show it off to everyone. When I wear and hold these things, I can literally FEEL the love that went into it. When I curl up under the blanket that my great aunt made for me as a baby, I can't help but think of her, and smile at the odd choice of colors, and wonder how she knew that they would suit me perfectly. When I put on the sweater made by my dear friend, I see her smile, and feel her hugging me. Each morning, when I put on the friendship bracelet that my young niece made for me, I can't help but grin, and picture her proud face after she completed it. And any mother who's ever been handed a macaroni bead necklace by their small child, knows the surge of love that hits you, each time you see it in your jewelry box.
I guess the point I'm trying to make here isn't that EVERY gift needs to be handmade, or custom designed, I mean those blenders & gadgets certainly have their place. But arts and crafts are something to keep in mind. Instead of buying that hat or scarf at the store, order a unique one from a knitter. Odds are, you probably know at least one. When it comes time to shop for that baby or wedding gift, consider an heirloom item, instead of yet another wipes warmer or gravy bowl, that she is NEVER going to use anyway. And if you are a creative individual, and you have a skill to offer, think about hosting a party one night, and offer to teach your friends how to make something. Not only will it be a fun experience, but I'm willing to bet it will give them a whole new appreciation for what you actually do.
In this day of instant everything, I'm even more appreciative of the time, dedication, and love that goes into handmade items. Show these talented folks some love, and support them by purchasing their goods. Not only will you get high quality things, but odds are, you will get amazing customer service as well. And the recipient will get a one of a kind gift that shows them just how much you truly care, and something that they can cherish for a lifetime or longer...

Me, and my Berry Favorite Things booth, at a craft fair a few summers back.