Zentangle to paper

Been a little quiet lately due to having the flu. It was annoying, body sick, but the brain wide awake and wanting to do projects. However just before the flu entered the building I managed to do a little project.

I transformed a Zentangle TM pattern into a paper pattern. This particular Zentangle is called 'Betweed'. I love this one. It's relaxing and repetitive. The process was to draw Betweed, then cut it out. Then trace it on Christina Re paper and Japanese Paper. I thought of quilting when I was doing this. Is it a similar process?

Once the paper cut out and then stuck on board. I placed it in a frame. Instant art. I was very happy with final product.

If you want to learn more about Zentangle, contact Australian Certified Zentangle Teacher, Kass Hall here

Our Christmas Tree

This year I decided to not use our usual Christmas tinsel, ornaments, reindeer, even our Mexican Christmas decorations. This year I decided to use paper.

I used some beautiful Cristina Re paper that a friend had given me for my birthday. I also had some left over Japanese paper. I made small fans with the Japanese paper and scattered them amongst the branches. I didn't want to use tinsel, so of course I had to make two little buntings with Cristina Re paper, very cute. Lastly I made some bon bons out of recycled cardboard tube and some bows. All of it was held together with Japanese Washi Tape

Cristina Re Concept Store - The Visit

Yesterday my fellow paper crafter friend, Karen - Cosmic Cat Creations and I made our trip to the new Cristina Re Concept Store here in Collingwood, Melbourne.

The first impression I received was the shear vibe of girlishness. There were many images of butterflies (apparently Cristina's signature image), pretty t-shirts, bygone sewing equipment on display, a beautiful table setting with all the trimmings which would make any entertainer weep with glee. There's the beautiful chairs with plush Cristina Re cushions, and of course endless shelves of paper, envelopes and the odd scrapbook implement.

When we were there a craft workshop with kids was taking place. Yes get them while they are young, I thought. :-) And then the odd person looking at the Mac on the front counter viewing wedding invitation samples. It's all there.

Lastly the cafe! One can choose, delicious little chocolates that look like art. Or the gingerbread cookies that have beautiful iced illustrations. Then there are the assortment of teas, coffees and hot chocolates. We both couldn't go past the hot chocolate with the dark chocolate spoon for $5.50.

I wish I could have taken photos for you all, but they said, "no, and I would have to check with HQ to get permission". However I was given the OK to take a pic of our drinks.

Overall I liked the shop, the design is beautiful and girlish. If you love specialty shop's decor then go and have a visit.

Cristina Re New Concept Store

Ok all you Cristina Re fans out there. A new store has opened here in Collingwood, Melbourne. For those who don't know Cristina Re's work, her paper designs are bright, girly and use a lot of lace, french design and patterns. She is well known for paper being used in wedding invitations.

I haven't had the chance to venture inside but I did drive past the other day. First impression, very girly and it the colours reminded me of a beautiful cake. The colours of the exterior really stood out in the grey dreary back streets of Melbourne. Once I have checked out the shop I will give a little report.