Quilled Eyeballs from Archives

This is an oldie for my new followers. I ran across these the other day and I am thinking about making them larger (really big) to send to the grandkids next week :-) I will definitely post a photo if I get this done. (Didn't get it done, sigh)

The original 2009 post with instructions for eyeballs and the tiny box is HERE .

Thanks for stopping by!
~Molly

I Spy Something Orange ...

and square!

This is an oldie but one of my favorite decorations :)

I love INCHIE ART, it is so easy! And the challenge of creating concept art with inch squares of paper is inspiring. Of course, the embellishing is the fun part!

The background is a Rob & Bob coaster by Provo Craft. And the eyeball? It is quilled; yes I like to make odd but practical pieces of quilling. I used black Distress Ink on the 1-inch paper square edges to make them look dimensional.

Have a wonderful end-of-October week!

-Molly

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.
~ Carl Gustav Jung

A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.
~ Frank Capra

The whole difference between construction and creation is this; that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists.
~ Charles Dickens

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.
~ Charles Mingu

Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.
~ Mary Lou Cook

Have a very creative day!
~Molly

A tisket, a tasket ..

quilled eyeballs in a basket!

• 6" black for the pupil

• 12" any color for the iris

• 72" of bright white Lake City paper - yes, three strips of paper. If you use another brand and the paper is thick, use less (60")

I shaped the tightroll on a 1/2" round dowel (wooden, marble, hard foam) and brushed tacky craft glue inside first. When that dried I brushed a coat of Beacon Liquid Laminate on the top. A red Sharpie ultra fine point works best for the squiggles.


Credit for this eyeball pattern goes to Patricia, the owner of Whimsiquills. Thank you, Pat!


Do you like the tiny box? I think these would be perfect for any holiday and it takes so little to fill them up. I am not an illustrator by any means, but I did make this quick template to show how easy the box is to make with a 4"x4" piece of cardstock. The bottom is 1" wide so score in at 1-1/2" on two sides first. I forgot to indicate that on the template but most people would figure it out.

Thanks for stopping by :)
Enjoy!
-Molly

Inchie Art

Want to have some big fun with something small?

I love creating miniatures and usually work with quilling or polymer clay. However, 1" x 1" squares of paper [inchies] can make fabulous pieces of art. I keep a photo folder on my computer of colorful, creative and amazingly small collages that give me instant inspiration.

I was going to list my favorites bookmark links, but if you Google inchies, inchie cards, inchie blogs (you get the idea) there are a ton of links to get you started. The techniques, possibilities and ideas are endless. Enjoy!

If you are already into inchie art, check out the neat supplies at Stampington & Company :o)

Have a safe and fun 4th of July holiday!
-Molly

[Photo: I participated in two inchie swaps recently, collecting inchies from over 48 crafters. I embellished the tag with a set of patriotic inchies that were a favorite.]