Monday 27 October 2014

Christmas, In The Pink!

Hello again and Welcome!

Today I'm sharing my second post this month as one of the Guest Designers for the fantabulous Craft Hoarders Anonymous challenge blog. The theme of their current challenge is 'Layer It'. Be sure to pop by to check out the uber talented Design Team creations. For my make, I was thinking both Christmas and Pink, and decorated a Melissa Frances chipboard house with beautiful papers by Maja Design and oodles of other additives to create lots of layers for a snowy Christmas scene.



Click to enlarge each image for greater detail.

Prior to adhering the Maja Design papers to the chipboard I gave them lots of pink frantage. Also painted the windows and decorated them with lace curtains. Then cleaned all the panes so that you can see the happy children playing inside. Once papers were attached I stencilled texture paste thru a Heidi Swapp dots stencil for faux snowflakes. Before the paste dried I liberally sprinkled on Distress Glitter in Clear Rock Candy for lots of sparkling spots. The fence, trees and any visible edges were similarly painted, dabbed with distress glitter and Snow-Tex. Also used a glitter pen to draw little sparkles on the window frames, having already either gilded or glittered outer rims of frames. Painted Idea-ology feet form the base.

Although you can't see too well from this photo the roof has also been stencilled and glittered with a row from the Tim Holtz 'Holiday Knit' stencil. (I love all the latest TH stencils although given their tag width lots of patience is required for one area to dry before one can align and progress!). I've punched lots of little snowflakes too, coated them with clear rock glitter and placed them with a pink Swarovski crystal in centre of each.

The metal elements are by Nunn Design and Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Rudolph and the bell adornment took some coats of Krylon gold leafing pen beautifully. There are jingle bells atop the fence posts, pearls hanging from the rafters and a diecut beaded garland along the eaves. Gesso came in handy for snowy effects. Dressed the trees with a pearl trim too. Little tufts of cotton wool are in the chimneys as faux smoke. Also wrapped up some presents, sprinkled glass glitter, lined up diecut deer and metal charms to create this joyful Christmas scene.




Well who is missing from the front?? Santa of course!!! Here he is at the side wading through all the diecut and punched snowflakes (not to mention handfuls of glitter falling onto his head that are making him a little cross - Santa is not overly fond of pink!).

He's waiting for the children to go asleep and for Rudolph to clear the chimney. Gosh, that little teddy must be getting cold!









On the other side of the house you can see part of the special Christmas story (by Stampington) that the children inside have been stamping and embossing reading.

I hope that they disappear fast to their beds so that Santa can commence deliveries. You can see the sturdy reindeer keeping a close eye. They will signal to Santa once the children are fast asleep by shaking their heads to sound those bells strung around their necks.





Finally, at the rear, it is clear that Santa's Christmas delivery is now safely complete as you can see gold reindeer dashing off through the sky to reach their next destination. The children have snuck out to admire their snowman. To make him they had to do some dry embossing and then brayer over several coats of Versamark before melting white embossing powder to give him a nice thick coat. I'm sure they will head back into the warm house soon as all that snow and even more icy stencilling on the roof will feel very chilly. Definitely time to open those presents!

~~~~~

Very many thanks again to Gloria and all at Craft Hoarders to allow me feature amongst their guest designers this month. It's been a pleasure.

Thank-you so much for your visit and taking the time.
Wishing all a super crafty week.
Nicola x


I wish to enter house to the following challenges:
Allsorts - Christmas
Live & Love Crafts - Pink
A Creative Romance - Pink
Vintage Udfordring - Use at least 2 patterned papers
In The Pink - Spots or Stripes
Inspiration Journal - In Disguise - (Cotton wool for chimney smoke)
It's All About The Vintage & Beauty - Anything Goes
Country View Crafts - Sparkle and Shine
Winter Wonderland - Gold Christmas
Sparkles Christmas Challenges - For A Child

52 comments:

  1. Nicola ... congrats on the Guest Designer spotlight over at Craft Hoarders Anonymous. Fantastic make. Love the Victorian feel to this beautiful pink creation. Love the stamping and all the glorious embellishments (those pearls on the eaves are gorgeous). You have a gift my friend. Hugs -- Mary Elizabeth

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  2. HOLY SNICKERDOODLES!!!!!!!! I have been examining these photos for almost 20 minutes and I still keep seeing more and more things! This is a Christmas masterpiece that I think you should mail to me so I can put it on my table!

    The trees are decorated with pearl ornaments and garland, amazing! The glitter, oh my, all the glitter! Love that fence with the jingle bells and your tiny little presents under the trees! Your paper looks like candy canes, yummy! Everything is so frosty and festive! Oh my gosh, there's some reindeer there too! Snowflakes, pearls, angels...there are just so many wonderful details and I treasure each and every one! You never cease to amaze me with your talent and creativity! This is truly a work of art Nicola! The biggest, craftiest hugs to the master, I bow down, all hail the queen!! :)

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  3. Oh wow Nicola, what a truly stunning master piece!!! Absolutely amazing, the detail, the vintage beauty, the whole thing, - just totally fabulous!! And of course huge congrats on your well deserved guest spot!!

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  4. Oops, I totally forgot to say, thanks so much for adding it to our challenge at Countryview Crafts, this is sparkle and shine at its very best!!

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  5. Oh my, everything Pamellia has said.... and more! Please don't send it to Pamellia, send it to me ... pretty please!! LOL. Seriously though, this is an absolutely stunning creation, there is so much detail to see and oggle, the snow, Santa, the children, the reindeer, the beautiful curtains, the fabulous papers - truly stunning - I even love the cotton wool smoke from the chimney.... Pamellia is right, you are the master. LOVE this!! Hugs, Anne xx

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  6. Wow Nicola! What a fabulous project! Love all the shimmery detail! Such a work of art!

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  7. EEEEK! I'm clapping like a lunatic over here..this is SENSATIONAL. I absolutely love the movement you've created with all the shimmers and embellishments. The smoke coming out of the fireplaces is wonderful. You have absolutely blown my mind with this magical winter wonderland scene. I LOVE IT!!!

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  8. As soon as I clicked I got pangs of guilt Nicola as I can see I have missed so much. For a couple of weeks or more my dashboard has been missing more than present and when it does come back it only shows me a few posts, hence I miss more than I catch. So huuuuuge apologies.

    This creation is an absolute work of art, as indeed are more of yours, the time, patience and effort that must go into everyone is beyond my comprehension and I am at a loss for words to describe your creativity.

    I have scrolled down and your Autumnal wreath is wonderful, totally love the colours, dimension and just everything about it.

    B x

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  9. My goodness! Lots to see on this creation with lots of Ooo's in and ahs with each new discovery. What an exquisite creation. You even paid attention to the smoke coming out of the chimneys. Beautifully done.

    Jim

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  10. Nicola, this is a most wonderful masterpiece, how beautiful, and stunning.
    I love all about your Christmas house, and the wonderful story you are telling, too !
    The colours are so lovely, and all the details, so perfect. What a fantastic work of art you created.
    Dorthe, xo

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  11. Thanks for joining us at It's all about the Vintage
    Elma

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  12. My oh my Nicola. This house is amazing, a true masterpiece in fact. I love every single detail. I also love your story that went with it. Off for another look. Hugs Rita xxx

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  13. Oh my goodness Nicola! Every side is a sight to behold! LOVE LOVE LOVE every gorgeous winter bit! Fabulous story and blog post too! Stupendous!

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  14. Wow, this is amazing Nicola! Beautifully decorated Christmas house with pink Maja Design paper; all the details are carefully made/placed with precision as always. Thanks so much for your comment on my blog.
    Have a lovely day!
    Hugs, Katie

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  15. Nicola...your Christmas house is fabulous!!! I love Melissa Frances houses and have decorated a couple of these. This pink Christmas delight is simply stunning! I totally love all of your work. This house has so many wonderful little details. It is a little snowy vintage masterpiece! <3 Candy

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  16. I cannot tell you how fantastic this is. I can see a row of these on the sideboard for the holidays! Just stunning work, Nicola. You have such an eye for the tiny details of a project. I admire your work so much. Thanks so much for being one of our spectacular guest DT for October at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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  17. Endless inspiration... this is an absolute work of art and I adore every teeny tiny bit of it! Spectacular design with the sweetest of details! This is truly heartwarming, as is the sweet story that accompanies it. :o) Stunning!

    Hugs and blessings,
    Karen

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  18. Wow!!!! What a fabulous piece of work, and a labour of love, just so beautiful, thank you so much for sharing!!!!!

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  19. OMG; get out of here! This is AMAZING!!! Must have been soooo much fun to decorate; the result really does speak for itself. So many details to look at, and I loved reading the story, but shame on Santa who doesn't like pink. :-)
    Thanks so much for linking up to the LLC challenge, Nicola. Wouldn't have liked to miss this!

    Hugz, Sandy
    Owner & Operator @Live & Love Crafts

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  20. Oh my dear Nicola, a new amazing Christmas master piece, thank you!!! This one with children is a pure delight, I love every detail, all is so beautifully and artistically choreographed and handmade. Big congratulations for this new guest spot so well deserved obviously. :) I'm off to see you there too.. (also thks for your last messages too - also on CI's blog - you really made my day Nicola). Hugs xxx
    (and I hope the weather in Dublin is not too bad after Carcassonne!! :-o))

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  21. Oh my stars and snowflakes! This is one fabulous design and you have achieved such beauty all around. You didn't skimp on anything and you can just feel the love coming from your project! Thanks for being a welcomed guest designer at Craft Hoarders Anonymous

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  22. This is magical! You captured the frosty air of the North Pole and the wonder of the Christmas season in this work of art! I love the jingle bells on the fences, the wonderful pearl Christmas lights, the amazing frosted, pearled and tinseled tree...there is wonder and delight in every square inch of this magnificent Christmas house. My address is.....:) Thanks so much for being our Guest Designer at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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  23. What an exquisite little house full of so much beauty and detail. You have thought of every little accent so perfectly. Love this so much.
    Julie x

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  24. WOW.... WOWWWWW! This is just SOOOOOOO stunning!

    Thanks for sharing at In The Pink - good luck and hope to see you enter again soon!

    Christine x

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  25. What a stunning creation of Wintery bliss! Really, really impressive!
    Hugs,
    cathy

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  26. Oh my goodness Nicola, what a stunning Christmas creation! I love every single sparkly detail and there are many! Thank you for sharing with us at Inspiration Emporium's " in disguise" challenge. Bobbi xx

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  27. A real great master piece you have created, with many beautiful details!
    Thank you for participating with us in the Vintage Challenge, and good luck!
    Vibekke- DT

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  28. Marvelous!! This is a piece of art, a true treasure! I'm impressed by the level of detailing, like the curtains and the pearls hanging from the roof like ice drops. Love it, Nicola!

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  29. This is amazing! So many details. I just love all the sparkle. Stunning!

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  30. Couldn't agree more! First thing that came to my mind was, wow, what a masterpiece this is! Love love how you transformed this house into the loveliest Christmas house there is right now! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us at Vintage Udfordring and good luck to you! Hugs, Ira xox
    Ira’s Crea Corner

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  31. Oh my word - this is amazing. I'm truly speechless

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  32. O my Goodness... Breathtaking beauty...I can't stop looking at it... WOW...the attention to detail is outstanding....Love it all... the sparkle the colours & papers....the images are so beautiful....WOW....WOW.....WOW....Hugs May x x

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  33. Amazong creation. Thanks for joining Allsorts challenge. Good luck.
    Happy crafting
    Tracy x

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  34. Absolutely wonderful! !
    Sandy xx

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  35. I LOVE everything you make! I wish I could recreate what I see in my mind into reality as skillfully as you do! Absolutely beautiful!!

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  36. Nicola, pick me up off the floor for I have swooned!!!!!
    How astonishing this is. Did you actually construct the house from greyboard, or some other sturdy material? I bow down to your skills because this is mind blowing. Beautifully constructed with such exquisite detailing. This will look so beautiful in display for the winter season. I have completely fallen in love with it and want to move in as soon as possible!!! The little cherub is adorable.
    I could study this forever.
    You deserve to be Guest Designer because you truly are a papercrafting artist.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  37. I notice it is a chipboard house but it doesn't detract from what you have created.
    Amazing my friend.
    L x

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  38. All glorius things had been said before, just stunning and lovely.
    Thank you for sharing at Allsorts;-))m

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  39. Wowers, this is spectacular. I want to live in a house like this! lol No, seriously, the papers you used are gorgeous and I just love how you embellished everything. Amazing creation! Hugs! xx

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  40. OHMY, it's amazing!! Love the matching between the frosting and glittery and the delicate pink...a match in Heaven!

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  41. Hi Nicola, this is absolutely beautiful, love all the sparkle and the attention to detail is amazing, a wonderful creation.
    Avril xx

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  42. Hello, Nicola,
    I found you house on Craft Hoarders Anonymous challenge blog and I have to no words to tell you how much I love it! I made my first and only 3D house last year for two little sisters, but it was quite simple. Since then I have been wishing to create a more beautiful one, but I have no time. Your house is so full of details, so elegant, precise and rich... I just couldn't say what's the best in it because it is simply perfect! I would like to be able to make a such wonderful house one day!

    Mariangela ^___^

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  43. wow wow wow !!! I am gobsmacked with this beautiful creation ... so much beauty and detail ... just adore this , thanks for sharing this with us .... outstanding x

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  44. Oh, I just have to comment before I go to work, but I really haven't had time to soak any of this masterpiece in! I will be back! I just wanted to congratulate you on the Guest spot at Craft Hoarders Anonymous and for your win at CVC. I'm sure I'm missing other congrats, too, so I will just finish by saying SUPERCALAFRAGILISTIC! I have reserved a spot on my buffet for this wonderful creation! :)

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  45. So beautifully altered and embellished Nicola! I love the frantaging over the Maja papers and the children peeking through the windows. So glad to hear you are getting such well deserved recognition too. Jenny x

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  46. Nicola....your Christmas house is MAGIC!!! You are a MASTER at creating the most gorgeous vintage Christmas pieces. Every little detail just adds to the beauty of each piece. I love all of the sweet little trims along the roof line. Even the lace valances in the windows give such a homespun vintage feeling. Love it! <3 Candy

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  47. How on earth did I miss this?! Jeepers, Nicola - it's sensational! Your attention to detail is, as ever, amazing - the whole thing is just perfect. Exquisite gilded stamping, the puffs of smoke coming out of the chimneys, the lacy curtains - just wonderful. A more than worthy guest offering at Craft Hoarders Anonymous - bravo!
    Alison xx

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  48. I'm the same........ how did I ever miss this Beautiful work of art. The attention to detail is AMAZING! Need to have another peek at it now. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous little house. LOVE IT! Karen.x

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  49. Sensational, awesome, gorgeous, fabulous... It's all been said and I totally agree! Amazing creation!!! Xx

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Thank-you! Your visit and comment is very much appreciated. Nicola x