Brooch Experiment 2

Experiment continues. I am finding out how much work is involved in turning these prints into brooches. It'd help if I used metal for the backing. But the whole point of this is to use scrap paper. After many failed attempts at cutting out small pieces to fit the back and gluing them together, I think I've figured out a way to successfully do it. It's still time consuming, but using paper makes these brooches super light. Thus it won't sag on your clothing and eventually rip it.

I'm making a few different sizes and different number of sheets of paper backing for each of them. I've noticed that the Mod Podge sits a bit funny on larger ones. And depending on the size of the brooch, the thickness will have to vary too.

And so the experiment goes on.

Brooch Experiment

We are still conducting an experiment. I am hoping to use my illustrations to make paper brooches. To do that, I have been trying many different types of varnishes. I have even been using nail polish as the base coat so the ink wouldn't bleed. And for that extra oomph and dimension, I've been using Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. It seems to work fine, but it's time consuming.

We are also using scraps of cardstock and paper for that thick backing. No paper goes to waste! Currently we're looking into making our own paper so we can literally use every piece of paper we encounter. Paper... Paper. PAPER!!!

Anyway, here are new brooch designs. Except for that white cat face. That one's old. We are hoping to donate a percentage of our profit by selling these to wildlife conservation organisations.

Snow Leopard Sketches

Snow Leopards are my favourite animal. They are beautiful and mysterious - like myself. And now that I've finally finished most of the projects I had been putting off for a few years, it is time to do snow leopard.

We have also been talking about creating paper crafts of endangered animals to support wildlife conservation groups.

Delorean Finished

The Delorean is complete. I know I say this after every project, but I really enjoyed working on it. It was fun trying to figure out how to make it interactive, and figuring out how many layers I would need.

 It turned out pretty good. I personally like the idea of having a wall art that you can play with. And because of that, this particular piece doesn't come with glass for the frame.

The dimensions of the frame are 13.25" x 5.25", and the Delorean measures 9" x 2.5". The negative space of this frame works well for the design of the car. We tried a narrower frame, and it looked a little too tight for the artwork. The handle on the door is popped up, so you can use it to pull the door open.

It's available at our Etsy store here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/179777587/back-to-the-future-inspired-delorean

Japanese Snow Monkey

This is Dan's. The Japanese Snow Monkey / Macaque. We've been experimenting with different ways to display our paper crafts. To see what merchandise we can end up with. And ultimately, what sells.

30% Sale!

Currently we have a 30% sale going on at our Etsy store, which ends on Feb 18th. Come and use the code before it expires!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChuckleTree

Duckling Prints - Double-Decker Bus and Tardis

Here are some new monotone prints. I am very picky about the frames I use for our artworks, so we ended up buying a couple of nice brown wood frames. And sanded them before putting 3 coats of white paint on them.

 I don't know why I am so fascinated by machines. But I love drawing them. The text "Jolly Good" came from me and my husband using the most cliche British slangs whenever we try to talk in the worst British accents.

I don't know why the ducklings are trying to climb the Tardis. These are fictional characters. They can do whatever they want.

They are also for sale. Get your own Double-Decker Bus Print, and the Doctor Who Tardis Print today!

Price for Delorean

So, this is my very first paper cut-out Delorean. I've been wanting to work on this for so long! And I finally got some time to do it. Woo!

If you are a true Back To The Future fan like myself, I don't need to explain anything to you. Hell, I don't even think you need to be a fan to know what this is about. The door on the Delorean opens to reveal Einstein wearing a stop watch. You can see the side view of the famous Flux Capacitor behind Einstein.

The problem with this kind of 12" x 4" black frame is that it's hard to find. And when you do, it is not cheap. Which will add to the cost of this artwork. We haven't posted this on Etsy yet, but if anyone has an idea on how to price this, let us know!

Orange Monotone Cat Garland

It is for sale! The cute orange kitty garland is here! This was surprisingly fun to make. It is a little difficult than my normal projects because I have to work with wiggly twine and super glue. But that makes it slightly more challenging for my ADD self.

The orange is rich and dark. Almost red, but with more tint of yellow. And it really brightens your room and makes it look colorful - more so than the full-colored cat garland. Funny how that works. But unlike the full-colored cat garland, this doesn't come with layers of cat pieces. All the paws, tails, heads and bodies of the cats are 1 piece. Which made it far easier to make. And it still looks good!

Each cat has 3 layers of heavy weight paper and glue. So you don't need to worry about them bending unless you really try. For the next assignment, I'm thinking... more cats?

Miss Courageous in Boise

Millie Hilgert AKA Miss Courageous has been generous enough to be our stockist. Her store is also getting a lot of local artists to come together and showcase their works.

Since Feb 7th, there's been a Valentine Gifts & Giving event going to raise money for Women’s and Children’s Alliance. Check out the event here.

For this selfless charity event, of which we are also attending, Miss Courageous is selling our otherwise sold out Cat Valentine's Day Cards, and our original Duckling Cut-Out paintings.

Miss Courageous store is located at 1148 N Orchard St, Boise. If you are in town during this week, it is definitely worth checking out. She has some really unique and fun things there.

Various Projects

I have so many projects I'm working on right now. Some are completed, but I need to find the right frames to put the products into. And that is not easy when you're trying to decide on the right price for the product - also I have high standards.
This is a sneak preview of another cat garland. I used the same cat designs as the previous garland, but decided to go monotone! I love this orange colour. It looks quite rich and art-worthy.

These garlands are quite time consuming to make as I have to glue on layers of paper to make the cats inflexible. But I've been having fun making them.

We will be posting some new products throughout this coming week on our Etsy store. So please come back and keep checking.

Back to the Future Delorean Sketch

I enjoy drawing cars. And since Delorean is my favourite movie car of all time, I had to start a cut-out of it. I will be posting the finished cut-out very soon.

Exotic Fiji Mermaid

This is Dan's Fiji Mermaid. It's my favourite work of his so far. Everything is done by hand. The shading is done with charcoal, and put together with glue and pop dots. It is currently for sale on Etsy.

Cat Garland For Sale

Both Dan and I have been very busy with new projects lately, and one of the projects I finished a few days ago is this: A cute cat garland! Now you can have all kinds of cats hanging from twine in your room. It feels good to have these projects completed. And to see them all packaged up. Here's the garland at our Etsy store.

I only have one made, but I am planning on experimenting with colours, and they are also made to order. So, think no more about what to get for your Valentine's Day this year. Come to our store, the link is here ----->

Lots O' New Products!

We have been really busy lately designing and creating new products as well as doing a bit of home DIY. Our lovely friend Millie who owns an awesome shop in Boise (who also sells our stuff!) had a wonderful idea that we turn Dan's Tiki ornaments into greeting card gifts. So we did.

And while we were at it, we also turned my antique card cut-outs into greeting cards. Yeah. Remember those cut-outs that everybody liked, but didn't really know what to do with them? Here they are now. Pretty and OF USE!

Visit our Etsy store now to have a browse. We are very sure you'll like what you seeeee.