Crafty Lady Abby

For this color of nude, I've chosen a dark brown shade. I find that most people fall into the tanned/medium spectrum of colors. Ebony and Pale are far ends of the spectrum of skin shades. If you have a dark skin tone, this outfit would have no contrast, giving a nude effect. If your skin is lighter, there will be a contrast, but since the outfit is all a similar shade it will still look nice, but not give a nude effect.

Feeling a Little Nude - Ebony by azurafae

Feeling a Little Nude - Tanned

2012-02-02T06:32:00.000-05:00

For this color of nude, I chose a tanned shade. In skin, this can be your shade at birth, or achieved by tanning. This color palette choice was to represent a medium/tanned skin tone. Obviously the range of tanned/medium skin tones are larger than just this. For wearing, if you have skin of a similar tone to the outfit, it will blend in giving a nude appearance. If your skin is darker or lighter, you will have a contrast, but that will still look nice, since the color palette of the outfit is consistent.

I've done two more sets for pale and darker skin tones. Obviously skin comes in many shades, so I'm not going to be cover them all...but you'll get the idea.

Feeling a Little Nude - Tanned by azurafae

Feeling a Little Nude - Pale

2012-02-01T13:00:00.003-05:00

For this color of nude, it would work best on light skin for no contrast and darker shades for contrast. I've done two more sets for medium and darker skin tones. Obviously skin comes in many shades, so I'm not going to be cover them all...but you'll get the idea.

Feeling a Little Nude - Pale by azurafae

Purple Pops

2012-01-31T08:41:00.000-05:00

Purple Pops by azurafae

Black and Turquoise Lace

2012-01-30T21:43:00.001-05:00

Black and Turquoise Lace by azurafae

Japanese Streets #13

2012-01-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

Japanese Streets #13 by azurafae

On the Fringe of Things

2012-01-28T07:44:00.001-05:00

On The Fringe of Things by azurafae

I Mesh With You

2012-01-27T09:18:00.000-05:00

I Mesh With You by azurafae

Skull-A-Day 5.0 - Tutorial - Dia de la Abby: #70 Skull Mail

2012-01-26T13:29:00.000-05:00

Recently, Wenchkin and I decided to trade mail art. She made me this piece, so this is my art for her. It will be mailed off today.

I made this mixed media piece using water color paints, water color pencil, salt, ink, flower images from a gardening magazine, and thread, on water color paper. I wanted to do something reminiscent of the sugar skull and flower styles in past pieces, but with layers of patterns, mediums, and texture.

This tutorial will just cover the techniques I used to create this.

Prepping the Design
I cut a rectangle of water color paper, and cut out large images of flowers from a gardening magazine. I arranged the paper flowers on the water color paper. I lightly sketched out the edges of the pink flower, so I knew where they would overlap the skull design. I removed the paper flower arrangement. I lightly sketched out a skull design.

Watercolor and Salt Background
I used solid water color paint in Black, water, and a flat wide brush to paint the background. While the paint was still wet, I sprinkled table salt on the painted areas. This displaces the paint and gives the background and uneven coloring. After the paint had dried, I rubbed off the salt. With green solid water color paint, water, and the same brush (cleaned) I painted back over the black. I sprinkled more table salt on this wet paint. After the paint had dried, I brushed off the salt again.

Applying the Paper Flowers
I used a large glue stick to apply the flowers, following the guidelines and layout I had created when prepping the design. However, the paper became unglued after drying. This is probably because the smooth glossy magazine paper was having trouble adhering to the rougher water color paper. I decided that I could use a threaded needle to sew the papers together. Before starting the sewing, I used a fine tip drawing pen to draw a design on the flowers. After the ink dried, I used a large headed straight pin (the kind with the colorful ball heads) to poke holes through the top side of the paper, following the design and petal shapes. This makes sewing easier and puts less strain on your fingers while sewing through the paper. Using black thread and a needle, I sewed the papers together following the straight pin punched holes. I punched additional holes and sewed where I thought more reinforcement was needed, as I went along with securing the papers.

Making the Skull and Details - Layer 1
For the skull, with light brown and darker brown solid water color paint, water, and a smaller brush, I base coated and shaded the skull. With dark green solid water color paint, water, and a small brush, I painted a simplified large leaf on the left beside the skull. After that dried I used bright green solid water color paint, water, and a small brush to paint vine like swirls.

Making the Skull and Details - Layer 2
After the paint dried, I used the fine tipped drawing pen to draw decorative details on the skull and along the vines.

Making the Skull and Details - Layer 3
Using various colors of water color pencils, I colored in some of the details.

Black and White Ruffles

2012-01-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

Black and White Ruffles by azurafae

Stripes and Suspenders

2012-01-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

Stripes and Suspenders by azurafae

Japanese Streets #12

2012-01-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Remi in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/photoblog/1526/shibuya-tokyo-keisuke-kanda-converse

Japanese Streets #12 by azurafae

Full Steam Ahead

2012-01-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

Full Steam Ahead by azurafae

Hawaii

2012-01-22T10:35:00.001-05:00

Hawaii by azurafae

Ole

2012-01-21T19:27:00.000-05:00

Ole by azurafae

Japanese Streets #11

2012-01-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Mani in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/photoblog/1573/mani-shibuya-tokyo

Japanese Streets #11 by azurafae

The Craft

2012-01-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by the character Nancy Downs in the 1996 movie "The Craft".

The Craft by azurafae

Japanese Streets # 10

2012-01-18T08:09:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Kumamiki in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://tokyofashion.com/kumamiki-pink-orange-hair-sweet-accessories-platforms-harajuku/

Japanese Streets # 10 by azurafae

Post-Apocalyptic

2012-01-17T07:18:00.000-05:00

Post- Apocalyptic by azurafae featuring black jewelry

Buttoned Up

2012-01-16T11:43:00.004-05:00

Buttoned Up by azurafae

Japanese Streets #9

2012-01-15T11:38:00.002-05:00

Japanese Streets #9 by azurafae

Eyelet

2012-01-14T07:34:00.000-05:00

Eyelet by azurafae

Japanese Streets #8

2012-01-13T08:27:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Yuko in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/photoblog/1544/yuko-harajuku-tokyo

Japanese Streets #8 by azurafae

Chained Up

2012-01-12T11:51:00.002-05:00

Chained Up by azurafae

Dia de la Abby: #69 Skull of Seasons

2012-01-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

I've been working on this Skull of Seasons painting all week. I finished it late last night, to the relief of my back. These four canvases represent our four seasons. From top left clockwise...Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. I chose Maymont in Richmond, VA as my inspiration. They have a large koi pond with a seaweed like grass and beautiful foliage. I used acrylic paint on four 8"x8" square canvases. I decided to do a tetraptych, vs. one large canvas, because I'm fascinated by hinged or multi-panel artwork. Making this painting was a challenge because I'm still a novice in painting...though great at other artforms. There was a lot of trial and error making each element the way I envisioned it. The easiest was the plants, because that is the only thing I've had the most practice in painting. Overall, I'm very pleased with the outcome.

Japanese Streets #7

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Yuko in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/photoblog/1547/yuko-harajuku-tokyo-chanel

Japanese Streets # 7 by azurafae

Flora

2012-01-10T08:31:00.000-05:00

Flora by azurafae

Japanese Streets #6

2012-01-09T09:35:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Mary in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/photoblog/1610/mary-harajuku-tokyo

Japanese Streets #6 by azurafae featuring cuff jewelry

Gone Jellyfishing

2012-01-08T11:51:00.001-05:00

Gone Jellyfishing by azurafae

Whales

2012-01-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

My daughter helped design this one.

Whales by azurafae

Something Fishy

2012-01-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

Something Fishy by azurafae

Take Flight

2012-01-06T07:53:00.001-05:00

Take Flight by azurafae

2012-01-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

Tweet by azurafae

Scalloped

2012-01-04T07:51:00.000-05:00

Scalloped by azurafae

Studded

2012-01-03T08:34:00.000-05:00

Studded by azurafae

Laser Cut

2012-01-02T08:50:00.000-05:00

Laser Cut by azurafae

Burned Out

2012-01-01T19:19:00.000-05:00

Burned Out by azurafae

Cut Out

2011-12-31T08:27:00.000-05:00

Cut Out by azurafae

Hook and Knot

2011-12-30T21:27:00.002-05:00

Hook and Knot by azurafae

Skull-A-Day 5.0 - Tutorial - Dia de la Abby: #68 Confetti Skull

2011-12-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

Since New Years Eve is Saturday, I felt the need to make a sparkly skull with confetti. I used the rough cut confetti, vs the kind that is stamp cut into defined shapes (balloons, hats, stars, etc.). This was a fairly easy (but messy) project that can be used to create any shape. My daughter used a similar technique with cut up tissue paper to create a snowman, cat and snow flake. I'll include her finished photos at the bottom.

SUPPLIES:

Confetti - I bought a big bag of rough cut confetti. A smaller bag would have worked too...
Modge Podge - To adhere the confetti to the paper. Tacky Glue would probably work well too. I used Modge Podge Lustre, which is very shiny. This is good, so the confetti is sealed and maintains it's shine.
Old Medium Size Paint Brush - You want one that still has decent bristles, but don't freak out if you can't wash all the glue out of it after using it
Cardstock - I used black, so it was less obvious where confetti might be missing
White Colored Pencil - To lightly draw out your design before applying the glue and confetti
Container with Lid - To pour some of the confetti into. This will help to keep the area neat
Wax Paper - To protect your work surface and help with pouring excess confetti back into the container

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Prep you work space. Lay the wax paper down. Make sure the piece is big enough to fit under your paper and a bit extra, to catch falling/flying confetti. Pour some of the confetti into a small container. Pour some of the Modge Podge into a small cup. The confetti will stick to your brush as you are working with it, so it's better to contaminate a small cup than your whole jar of Modge Podge.

2) With the white colored pencil, light draw your design on the black paper.

3) Within the design area, apply the glue to the paper in small area (about 1 inch by 1 inch). The glue dries quickly, so you want to work fast and in small sections.

4) Sprinkle small amounts of confetti onto the glue areas. Press down with fingers if needed. This is the messy part, since glue is sticky and confetti is clingy.

5) Keep doing steps 2 and 3 until the design is filled in. It won't be perfect, but you'll be adding a second layer eventually. You will probably still see black gaps of paper (the shiny black areas) Let this layer dry for a few hours.

6) Gently tap the paper, so the loose confetti will fall onto the wax paper covered work surface. Fold the wax paper in half, so the loose confetti slides to the center where the fold is. Carefully pour the loose confetti back into the container.

7) After the first layer is dry, carefully put Modge Podge and confetti on top of the first layer. You will be using steps 2 and 3 again to apply the second layer on top of the first layer.

8) Let the piece dry for a few more hours.

9) Apply the Modge Podge on top of the confetti. Modge Podge acts as a glue and a sealer. This layer of only Modge Podge will seal in any loose confetti and give the piece an even gloss.

10) I recommend using a normal frame for this vs a shadow box one. This will keep the confetti from falling, should any confetti stop adhering to the paper. Mine size paper fits into an album frame. I bought it because it did...for my 1st Skull-A-Day project. It's come in handy for a few more projects since then.

Alex's Designs:
She used cut up pieces of tissue paper, Elmer's white glue, a bigger old brush, a pencil, and sketch book paper to make hers. Tissue paper is probably easier for kids to work with than the confetti. Since you will probably have a lot of confetti left over from your project, definitely let the kids try to work with it too.

Snowman

Cat

Snowflake

Japanese Streets #5

2011-12-28T08:59:00.002-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Mayuko in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/.

Japanese Streets #5 by azurafae featuring gold plated rings

Masquerade

2011-12-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

Every New Year's Eve, we go to a formal masquerade party.

Masquerade by azurafae

Japanese Streets #4

2011-12-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Sakai in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/

Japanese Streets #4 by azurafae

Holiday Party

2011-12-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

Holiday Party by azurafae

Confetti

2011-12-24T09:41:00.001-05:00

This is inspired by the confetti thrown on New Year's Eve. I personally wouldn't wear it all together, but you could if you want to be overly sparkly.

Confetti by azurafae

Skull-A-Day 5.0 - Tutorial - Dia de la Abby: #65 Embroidered Skull Ornament

2011-12-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Since it's the season for holiday celebrations, this is the perfect time to make a skull ornament. I've wanted to do a hand embroidered skull for a while, but since I've been doing embroidery since I was a young child, I wanted a challenge. I choose to make this embroidered skull through layers of bridal tulle and stiffen it with a simple glue mixture. This was so the skull would be delicate looking, but sturdy. This is meant to be a holiday ornament, but could be framed or used as an applique. This thankfully wasn't too challenging, so I am able to provide you all with a tutorial. You just need the following supplies, patience and basic embroidery skills.

SUPPLIES:

A small embroidery hoop - You want it to be a few inches larger in diameter than the size of the ornament you want to make
4 square layers of white or cream bridal tulle - You want this to be a couple inches wider than your embroidery hoop, so you can keep your tension tight. Bridal tulle is soft and has a fine netting, vs regular tulle which is rough and has an open netting. I chose white because it was skull colored and would easily hide any excess glue. You can use a different color if wanted. You want 4 layers to give the piece additional strength. You can use more if wanted, but 4 is enough to be easy to sew, and sturdy and thin after stiffening
Various colors of thread - I used normal thread, because you only need 1 doubled strand. You can use a doubled single strand of embroidery floss if wanted. You need white for the skull and other colors for the decorations
A hand sewing needle - It just needs to be a regular sharp needle, so it will pass through the fine fabric easily
Paper - To draw your design on. In this case a skull, but any design will do
Pencil - To draw your design on the paper and trace it onto the fabric
White glue and water - 50/50 mix for the stiffener glue mix. You don't need much. I used Elmer's Glue because it dries clear
A small paper or plastic cup - To mix the small amount of stiffener glue mix. I have small cups for water...or jello shots
A foam brush - To apply the glue mixture to the finished piece
Small scissors - To cut out the skull from the surrounding fabric
Ribbon or an ornament hook - This depends on your preference for hanging ornaments. You can sew on a loop of thin ribbon, or slip an ornament hook through the top of the skull
A large heavy book or some other heavy flat object - For pressing your ornament after cutting it away from the excess fabric

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Draw your design on a piece of paper. It doesn't need to look amazing, it just needs to show the basic lines of your design. The rest can be added later while stitching. You will choose the size of your embroidery hoop based on the size of your design. I have multiple sizes of embroidery hoops due to a lucky thrift store find. I chose one a couple inches wider in circumference than my design, so I had a lot of room to work with and could keep my tension tight. If you only have one embroidery hoop, make sure to draw your design at least a couple inches smaller than your hoop circumference.

2) Stack your 4 layers of bridal tulle on top of each other. Place the center hoop of the embroidery hoop set, on a table. Lay the tulle stack centered on top of that hoop. Place the outer larger hoop over top of the center one, sandwiching the tulle in between the two hoops. . Tighten the screw of the outer hoop. Pull the free edges of the tulle fabric stack to make sure the center secured fabric is taut. Tighten the screw more if needed. This is the same way you would secure embroidery fabric or other fabric in a hoop set. The only difference is that the fabric is fine and stacked.

3) With your fabric laying on your drawing, lightly trace it onto the fabric with your pencil.

4) Thread your needle with a long length of white thread. The length depends on what your are comfortable sewing with. You can use shorter lengths of that is better. Match the ends of the thread and tie them together.

5) Sew the skull design outline with a basic running stitch. I went back over some areas (the inner details) to define them better and make stitching easier. Smaller stitches make it easier to go around curves and keep the shape defined.

6) To tie off the thread when you are done with a section or it is getting too short to continue stitching, on the back of the piece slip the needle under the previous stitch. Do this again, but leave a loop of thread. Place your needle back through that loop to make a small knot. Clip off the excess thread leaving a small tail, so the knot doesn't untie before stiffening.

7) For the details, I made up my design as I stitched, but you can draw it out first if you prefer. I used the following stitches:

Red Stars - Star Eyelet Stitch. My stars connect together, to make stitching them easier
Dark Green Leaves - I outlined it with a double running stitch. Then, I used a Long Armed Feather Stitch to fill it in, because it creates the look of leaf veins
Purple Flower Petals - I outlined them with a double running stitch. Then, I used a variation on a Surface Satin Stitch, by filling in each petal by stitching at an angle from one side of the outline to the other. I brought my needle back up through the fabric close to where I went down along the outline. I kept doing this until each petal was filled in to my liking. The layers of stitches give the petals depth
Pink Flower Petal Outline - After the petals were filled in with purple, I used a Basic Button Hole Stitch to define the edges of the flowers
Green Swirl Vines - I used a double running stitch to create these

8) After you have finished stitching the design, mix your 50/50 ratio of white glue and water in a small cup with a foam brush.

9) With the embroidery hoop facing up so the taut fabric is suspended, apply the glue mixture gently to the embroidered piece. Make sure the fabric is filled in with the glue. Since this is a net fabric, it has many small holes. You want to make sure the holes are filled in with an even thin coating of glue mixture. Make sure about an inch of fabric around the design is also filled in with the mixture. You will need a stiff outer edge when you eventually cut the design out from the excess fabric.

10) While holding the hoop in your hand, flip to hoop over and smooth out any glue that has come through. This will help to make sure the holes are filled evenly. Flip the hoop back over, so the fabric is suspended while drying. Let dry over night, or at least for several hours.

11) Repeat steps 9 and 10 one time.

12) After the piece is completely dry, you will notice it is stiffened, but still pliable. Remove fabric from the embroidery hoops by loosening the screw and separating the hoops.

13) With the small scissors, cut the design away from the excess fabric. Leave a small boarder, so your outline stitching stays secure and long lasting.

14) Put your ornament inside the large book by the front or back page. Flip the book over, so that the ornament is at the bottom and can be pressed flat by the weight of the book. I used The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. It's a big book...and oddly, we have two copies...which is handy for pressing multiple things at once. Leave the ornament pressing over night, or at least for several hours.

15) Remove the ornament from under the large object.

16) For the hanger, you can either sew a loop of thin ribbon or slip a wire ornament hanger through the top of the skull. Alternatively, you can use frame it or sew it onto something as an applique. Remember though, Elmer's Glue (and most white glues) are water soluble, so if you stitch it to something, you can't wash it or the stiffener will be removed.

Happy makery and happy holidays!

Japanese Street #3

2011-12-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

This is inspired by an image of Hiromi in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan, from http://www.japanesestreets.com/.

Japanese Street #3 by azurafae