Today ended up being a creative day where everything fell into place. I have been working on spirit dolls, or spirit boxes since there is a box attached to the back for prayers or small treasures.
Back in 2018, I wrote a tutorial on how to make these boxes. If you want to make your own, go HERE for instructions. They are so much fun to make. I posted a few pictures of the current creations for you here.
AIl I have to do is attach the box to the back. What takes time is all the gluing and drying. Otherwise, it’s not hard to make. You can make a polymer clay face from a mold. I also have some faces for sale in my shop Earth and Faery.
I made a box the other day, and here’s a picture. It sold already, so I know people liked it. 🙂 It is wearing one of my custom faces. The face above is made from a mold and then painted.
spirit doll
This is the back view of that finished box.
spirit doll / box
Go ahead, try your own
As I said, it’s not that hard, and it makes a great Christmas gift for someone who loves unique things.
Make a mini shrine today I told myself, and make it a tutorial. Yes, that sounded like a good idea. I have some digital print-outs of the Virgin Mary. I love the old-style art. I also have some Tim Holtz metal frames sitting around, so I decided to use one.
But, I have also made some molds lately, including frames. Check it out:
The metal hair clip made a terrific indent for polymer clay flowers. I have already made a bunch of those. I used some on this mosaic mirror:
polymer clay mosaic mirror
Back to the tutorial:
I used an empty Altoids tin for this mini shrine.
Altoids tin
But you can use any old tin on hand or buy one. I used the tin as a pattern for the heavy-duty decorative paper I used to cover the embossed lid.
Paper cover
I then gessoed the back and sides of the outside tin to cover the printed metal.
Paper covering the top of the lid
I glued down the paper with craft glue that I spread evenly over the entire surface. The Mary icon I brushed with Mod Podge front and back to preserve the ink image. Then I glued it to the frame and filled in with some cut out white flowers. Then I spread Judikin’s Diamond Glaze all over the image and let it dry. Depending on how thick you spread it, expect to wait a few hours for it to dry.
inside lidAdding a second layer of paper
I used some starred tissue paper to make a second layer of interest to the lid.
tissue paper layer making the mosaic vignette
It took me a while to add the small mosaic tiles since the corners are rounded, and I had only so much space to play with. I was happy with the outcome though.
front cover
I had glued down the paper on the front, and then I decided to add a paper border. Lots of measuring and gluing to get everything to fit. I pondered what to use for embellishment on the front. I had many tiles to choose from. I ended up with a leaf tile and the word soul.
Leaf decorationHeart charm
On the inside cover, I glued down a heart charm and the word peace.
Painting the outside lavender
I painted the outside lavender and added a paper border to the edge of the lid for more interest. I was happy with the end result. I made another tin the other day. Check out the pictures.
Make a mini shrineThe outside
I never know what will inspire me from day to day, but as I consistently show up in the studio, something calls out and I make it or paint it. Life is good!
If you are not happy with your life, make something with your hands. Crafting is very satisfying, and it takes your mind off other not-so-pleasant things. Word!
I made some different polymer clay mosaics lately, one of them the mirror above. They don’t make mirrors like that with a flat rim anymore, so I had to buy a plain frame and have a mirror cut for it.
You are loved wall plaque
You are loved…
You are loved wall plaque is something I listed in my Etsy shop this week. You can check out all the new items on Earth and Faery.
A couple of years ago, I made a YouTube video on how to make a tin shrine. If you prefer watching to reading, check it out HERE.
I have posted another tutorial lately on how to take an old painting and transform it. You can check that out for inspiration From Drab to Colorful.
Don’t follow anything. Break the rules and do your own thing.
With my art I have discovered that every day is different. Some days I feel inspired to paint, others I craft, and then again, the crafts change as I see an opportunity.
I suck down a lot of Altoids due to allergies, so I end up with a lot of empty tins. They are too cool to throw away. Sometimes I recycle them, but lately I have had the idea to make travel shrines out of them.
Tin shrine
tin shrine
This is an example of one. I used scrapbook papers, borders, polymer clay mosaic tiles, words, and a picture of Mary. I’m not even Catholic, but I like the classical pictures of her and what she stands for. This shrine is for sale in my etsy shop. (Link in sidebar.)
I love it when creativity takes me on detours. I often have the notion I should paint, or work on my art journal, but I see something and I see possibilities with the items around my house.
I go where inspiration leads me. I made a video about how to make these Altoids mini shrines. You can check it out HERE.
They are very easy to make. Basically all you need is paper and glue. If you have any stray ribbons or mini silk flowers, they would work too.
It doesn’t have to be a religious shrine. It could be a nature shrine, an inspirational shrine with a picture of someone who inspires you. It could be used as a small gift box. The sky is as wide as your imagination!
I have a 50% off sale on one of my e-courses: ART AS ORACLE. It’s a way to tap into your intuitive answers through art. It’s a lot of fun also. You can read all about it HERE.
The sale ends on November 3, so only two days left.
I also have lots of things for sale in my two etsy shops. Christmas is coming. Are you looking forward to it? I enjoy all the lights the most.
Paper shrines are easy to make. I use them in art journal spreads, and if the paper is sturdy enough, they can stand up and be used as a table shrine.
Paper shrine
closed paper shrine
The above shrine was made with heavy-duty watercolor paper. I added the doors and altered the paper. Lots of gold! It doesn’t show well in the picture. As an icon I used a picture from a guide book of the Louvre. He’s some Egyptian scribe. It doesn’t have to be a religious icon. Whatever you want to celebrate. You can make a shrine with your goals or passions / dreams, or an ode to Nature.
The possibilities are endless.
Here is another shrine I made from card stock. Won;t make the art journal spread bulky when added.
shrine
I used a digital picture of Mary in this one, added a frame and gold paint. As bling I used some gilded and colorful border segments.
I made a video of the process and you can watch it HERE.
Have fun making your own shrine. 🙂
Creating is living well…
Maria
Artist and writer
FREE art e-course!
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