ULLABENULLA

New Waxed Flowers Sample...

This spring, I am offering my Waxed Flowers class in two venues.  First at the Castle on April 16th, and then at Chateau Sonoma on April 30th.  At the Chateau we will be focusing on white flowers, specifically orange and apple blossoms, inspired by my collection of vintage wedding wreaths.  I created this lovely wreath above, as my sample.  See side-bar on right for more details.

Chateau Sonoma Heart Box Class Samples!

On February 5th I will be teaching my Valentines Papercut Heart Boxes at Chateau Sonoma, in Sonoma, California.  Press HERE for more information and to sign up!  I just love making these heart boxes, and last week finished quite a few - see below - which are now for sale at Chateau Sonoma.  I also made a special box for my Father, a sailer at heart, with a romantic fairytale ship and plenty of water creatures...

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BEAR HOUSE AND ULLA!

What was the noise Little Brother Bear heard yesterday?  Non other than Santa Bear arriving in style!  His green shoe sleigh is pulled by two white goats, decked in antique paisley finery.  Santa Bear wears a felted wool jacket and holds a huge bag of toys, enough for all the little bears who are now asleep in bed!

Wishing you a most Merry of Christmas' and Many Blessings for the rest of the year!!!

Just for fun, here is a photo of my Inspiration (top left corner), Santa Bear before being costumed, and the antique chocolate mold I used for my paperclay sleigh...

Masks Galore!

I've been making Masks like crazy these days.  Many of them are now at the CASTLE.  But some will also be featured as a window display at FABRICATIONS in HEALDSBURG over the holidays.  (116 Matheson Street, downtown Healdsburg)  Here are a few of my favorites for you to see.

When my daughter saw the long earred owl and mouse above - she screamed "Oh Mom, thats Scary!"  So I made the mouse detachable with velcro - just in case you feel the same...

The little House Mask below, is my favorite design so far...  Inspired by gnome houses and gingerbread dreams - I hope it brings smiles...

This friendly Dog Mask, was inspired by a pug, but seems to resemble a bulldog... oh well...  Thats a lost red velvet slipper in his mouth - attached with velcro again, perhaps you could hang your extra 'lost socks' there instead...

This lovely Moth Mask is quite large - a real statement mask!  The colors on this one remind me of Venetian Sunsets...

The Swan Mask below, just spoke to have feathers added.  Perfect for one who dreams in ballet...

And who better to partner a Swan, than Jack Frost?  His Icy cold spirals glistening in snow...

Seasonal Creations...

I am having so  much fun making textile masks.  This woodland deer and a black Krampus have gone to the Castle on approval.  So many ideas are skipping through my head...  I've also been playing with using Alcohol Inks on crepe paper, making lovely floral colored samples, to use for waxed flowers.  More soon... 

Wax Flower Reliquary...

I am so excited about this new class to be offered next Spring at Castle In The Air!  (Saturday April 16th) I will teach a variety of crepe paper blossom techniques (a number of them are my own invention) and then we will dip our blooms (as well as dried flowers and such) into wax and create lovely Wax Flower Reliquaries reminiscent of Victorian ladies art.  Pure Alchemy!!!  Photos just do not give these flowers justice.

When I first began my process of creating a sample for this class, I wanted to use as many crepe paper colors as I could.  The first sample ended up having a real Midsummers garden feel, but I felt it was a little too much.  I also made a gold box-frame, that ended up looking 1950's shmalzy - LOL...  (Bottom image)  It worked much better to stay with either 'cool' colors or 'warm' colors.  I am really looking forward to what my students will do with this fun technique!

 

 

Brain Storms and Such...

 

Sometimes absences are due to too much activity...  It's been crazy busy here at Ullabenulla.  I've been creating new samples for Spring classes (YES - Spring 2011!)  where does time go???  (Image above by Charles Grogg)  I will be doing Valentines classes at the Castle, as well as a Mardi Gras 'Mask' class.  I had so much fun creating these 'Firebird' and 'Greenman' samples, I'm itching to make some more - especially with Halloween just around the corner!

I also designed and made a new Lizard pin to go with my Chinoiserie Fish pin...

I am working on re-doing my popular 'Backgrounds Class' in a new format. Using a large Moleskine Japanese Foldout journal we'll spend a day creating beautifully detailed and multi-layered pages for a really artful journal experience!

More class samples in the works - the Castle hopes to have a new schedule available by early to mid November.

Just for fun, I've been playing with the idea of creating a 'Haunted Necklace', inspired by the season.  Its still in progress, especially after Teenage Daughter said:  "Oh Mom, it looks so Marie Antoinette!"  Not quite the reaction I was hoping for, but I'll keep trying.  I used cotton spider webbing as the base, and made 'beads' from Antique silver ribbon.  I also added old torn lace, pearls, hand-stitched baby cap pieces and a wonderful wavy yarn.  Haunted it may not be yet - but at least its keeping me occupied...    

Another project got started when I pulled out a wonderful old Joan Vass navy knit skirt that I purchased in 1986 in New York, the year I met my husband!  (We are big-time into recycling here at Ullabenulla!) Discovering some nasty little moth holes I decided to do some creative patching - 'slow stitching' for those in the know...  First a bird, then a flock, and finally an oak branch. Now to find time to do some 'slow beading' as well...

Chinoiserie Fabric Fish PDF Now Available on Etsy!

 

I have just listed my 'Chinoiserie Fabric Fish' brooch as a PDF on my Etsy.  This is the perfect project to use those tiny little bits of precious fabrics you have been saving for something special!  Inspired by a Chinese Baby Hat in my collection, Fish are symbolic for 'Abundance', 'Plenty' and 'Surplus' in China.  Wear one of these pins, or place it in your home, and you will surely attract thse traits!

To buy, use Etsy side bar to the right on this blog or Go Here!

Chinoiserie Fabric Carp Class On Saturday August 21st!

There are still a couple of spots left in this class if you are tempted!  I'd love to see you!!!

This fanciful fish of layered and embellished brocade was inspired by the traditional Chinese baby hats that Ulla collects, which were worn to ward off evil spirits. Ulla will bring in her extensive collection of beautiful fabrics for you to use. She’ll show you techniques for stiffening the fabrics and for shaping them into a three-dimensional piece. She’ll also teach you some simple yet effective ways of embellishing your auspicious carp in the style of ancient China. Your finished creation can be worn as a brooch or used to adorn a hat, purse, or a pillow.

Fee: $115; includes materials, but feel free to bring your own favorite fabrics, trims, and buttons to use. Please bring a pair of fabric scissors.

Limit: 8 students.

Saturday, August 21, 10:30am–4:30pm 

Please call Castle In The Air, at (510) 204-9801 to reserve your spot!

Fairytale Cookbook Class Sample

Although this class is over, I thought you might enjoy seeing a few pages from my book that I shared for inspiration...  There are so many ways one could create a fairytale altered book; using one fairytale as the sole inspiration, using one kind of food as inspiration, using lots of fairytales to sort foods, making a book small enough for 'fairies' to use, making 'make-believe' recipes for foods... and the list goes on.  I decided to create a fairytale MENU so that I could design around a variety of fairytales.  Baba Yaga (chicken  stew) was my favorite spread...

 

Merbaby in a Clamshell...

This little 'Merbaby in a clamshell' was so much fun to create.  The shell, coral, rock, algae, and underwater flowers were all made of a variety of fabrics and fibers.  The sweet little Merbaby was done using a Patricia Rose mold, and is only about 2 inches long...  She has a tiny opalescent shell cap and teeny tiny pearls for hair.  Summer has me inspired by the ocean and all its many treasures...

 

Textile Butterfly and Dragonfly Brooches...

While playing around with my Fabric Flower techniques I developed these insect brooches.  The possibilities are endless and the results enchanting.  I hope to do a PDF with these and the fabric flowers soon...

  

Gilded Fairy Chair Tutorial Available Free From The Castle Crier!

Have you ever wondered how to tempt a fairy into your garden?  Here is the perfect answer!  I have created a Gilded Fairy Chair Tutorial, that you can download free HERE!  A miniature version of my French Wedding Chair, this delightful little Dresden wonder will surely make you popular among the fey!!!

If you have not done so yet, please also take this opportunity to sign up for the Castle's Crafting Newsletter and Class Schedule HERE!    (Newsletters will now only be sent out via email.)

Marionette Class Tomorrow!

I created this little 'SuperBug' Marionette as a sample for my class tomorrow.  She's all ready to be strung up and start dancing!  Ten students will join me this weekend at the CASTLE, to create their own Marionettes!  More photos soon!

link  

 

A Few Things I've Been Working On, And A Few Things To Come!

My beloved Apple tree is in bloom outside of my studio.  After a rather difficult winter, its blossoms tease me out of my doldrums.  I thought I'd share with you a few of the projects I've been working on recently, and show you some peeks at what I will be teaching this summer!  First, I am thrilled to be creating with textiles again.  My studio floors are awash in a sea of colors, until I can rearrange my storage space.  

 

I litterly have BOXES and BOXES of fabrics buried in the garage, from my wearable art and doll days back when.  Its the old textured fabrics that I seem to gravitate to these days, silks, velvets, laces and damasks...  Although the classes I am offering this Spring at the CASTLE are full, I will be doing lots more this summer, as well as here in my studio.  Keep an eye on my side bar for upcoming classes!  

I was inspired by one of my Chinese Baby Hats to create a delightful 'Chinoiserie Fish Brooch Class' to be offered this summer. (Date to come)  These little guys are about 7 inches long, and look fabulous pinned onto a hat, blouse or pillow!   

 

Working with the same technique I've been experimenting in creating Cicadas and Moths as well.  I'm not as happy with these yet, but they bode well for a future project, down the road...

 

My Fabric Flower Necklace class filled so quickly at the Castle, I've created a new Fabric Flower class for the summer.  We will be using a variety of poly linings to create colorful blooms that not only look wonderful as jewelry, but are light and airy enough to attach to clothing. (Date to come)

 

I am also working on some samples for a 'MAD HATTER' class, where we will create small decorative hats (also known as Fascinator's) that sit on top of ones head!  Here are a couple of little hats to tempt you for this summer.  

 

Although I have not been porcelain painting as much as I would like to, I have been working on a SELKIE head, with a sealife bust.  It's been great fun to paint a fantasy underwater scene, with crabs, coral and fish. My goal is to paint her head, as if she is just coming out of her seal skin, leaving one world for another. There is something about the Selkie Myth that really resonates with me right now, perhaps it is their ability to live in two worlds, and yet they are eternally bound only to one.

  

Last but not least, I have been growing rare and coveted Oriental Indigo seeds in my windowsill!  This may not seem like much, but truth be told, babying these little guys and watching them grow has been a highlight of the last few weeks!  Soon they will venture out into the garden, and hopefully grow big and strong.  If all goes as planned, then by Summers end, I will be able to make my own batch of Indigo Dye!

 

I recently took a Natural Dye Class from Rebecca Burgess and  was so inspired by the results (see below) that I have been not only collecting pots and pans, but also Apple and Cherry tree cuttings, onion skins and avocado pits!  I dream of being able to offer a variety of natural dyed fabrics in my classes, as I find the mellow colors so wonderful to work with!

  

I hope this post tempts you to stay tuned.  I promise class dates and more studio creations soon!

Blessings, 
Ulla

Make Your Own 'Miniature Winter Wonderland' Scene - Tutorial!

As I alluded to in my LAST POST, making these tiny little miniature 'Winter Wonderland' scenes is truly addicting and wonderfully fun!  They are easy to create and make me want to do a whole table-scape full of little mountains!!!

Heres what you will need:

Foil, Cotton Batting, Scissors, Moss and natural bits, DAS paper clay (for little houses), Fabric Stiffener (I used Aleene's), Stiffen Quik (Aleene's), Spray on Snow, Glitter and Mica and Hot Glue Gun.

Step one is to decide how big you want your scene to be.  We were limited to the inner circumference of our glass domes, (about 3 inches) but you can use any size you'd like.  Take a length of heavy duty foil ( about 2 feet or so) and crumple up a preliminary shape to work with.  Pinch out peeks, and pay attention to height.

  

Step two:  Cut a piece of creamy white cotton batting big enough that it will cover you foil on all sides when it drapes over.  Lay your batting flat on the table and pour some 'Fabric Stiffener' onto the batting and work into the batting with your fingers. You want the batting to be moist and tacky on both sides, but not 'drippy'!  Drape batting over your foil, and begin forming it.  Use your fingers to create peaks, and let the batting drape dramatically to form mountain ridges along the sides. Press the batting flat to the table along the outside edges. Have fun with this part!  When happy with the mountains, set aside to dry. 

Step Three:  While your mountains are drying you can make some tiny houses out of paper clay or even cut pieces of foam core.  I made mine of DAS paper clay, and then painted them different shades of red and pink and glued cotton batting onto the roof tops to give a snow topped roof effect.  When your mountains are fairly dry you can cut the edges of the cotton batting to fit what ever size and shape you are aiming for.  

Step four:  Make trees and bushes from tiny pieces of moss.  I cut triangular shapes from pieces of thick moss to simulate conifer trees.  Trees often grow in clusters, and even up on the hillsides, but rarely on mountain peeks.  Use your imagination...  Hot glue trees, and houses in place as desired. 

Step five:  The Snow!  First I sprayed a light dusting of 'Spray Snow'.  Be sure to test this before you spray your piece, as a little goes a long way.  A heavy spray of snow gives a very different but equally lovely effect as a light spraying.  If you wish, you can add a sprinkle of glitter on top of the Spray Snow now.  Or you can wait for the snow to dry.  Once dry, use the 'Stiffen Quik' as a spray glue, and lightly spray again applying glitter or mica where desired.  I found that a small sprinkling of Mica on the peeks gave the impression of 'sunlight on the mountains, and a dusting of finer glitter over the countryside made the lower areas look as if a light snow had just happened.  If you can't find a 'Spray Snow', I suggest using the Stiffen Quik and sprinkling on 'fake snow' or glitter.  

A couple of my students in the Mother Winter Workshop added crystals and other miniatures with great effect!  The skies the limit here, just keep scale in mind when you add things. We also thought about how fun it would be to add mini lights onto our hills.  I hope someone will take this project and really go wild with it!!!  I know I will be making more of these little worlds soon and hope you will too. ENJOY!!!

Mother Winter Class at the Castle!

Last weekend 5 lovely women joined me in creating their own personal versions of MOTHER WINTER at the CASTLE!  Not only was this my last class of the season for the Castle, but I think it was one of my absolute favorite classes!  Using glass domes as a 'skirt' and wonderful papers, fabrics. glitters and natural materials - true fantasy versions of Ms. Winter appeared!  Inspiration came from Pagan Myths, Marie Antoinette and even the Aura Borealis!  My personal favorite part of this project was creating the miniature 'Winter Wonderland' scenes that fits under the glass domes.  Teeny Tiny little trees and houses clinging to snow encrusted hillsides - one is truly transported!

Enjoy!!!  

PDF Tutorials On ETSY!

I did it!  The six tutorials that I presented at last weeks Tinsel and Treasures Show have now been made into PDF's and are ready to purchase in My ETSY Shop!  For ease and convenience I have added the Etsy Mini-shop to my sidebar.  Just press on one of the tutorial images and it will take you right there! 

These first six are all 'small' projects, as opposed to my larger  'classroom' projects.  Each takes about an hour to complete.  The PDF's have been formatted to fit American standard letter size paper, as well as Universal A4 size paper.  Each tutorial comes with detailed instructions with lots of photos, and beautiful patterns and images.  

I can't wait to hear what you all think of them!!!

Ulla  

Fairy Chatelaine - Class Sample!

Popular during the 1700s and 1800s, chatelaines are decorative clasps from which dangle chains holding various special items -often keys or sewing and writing tools. The Fairy who misplaced this chatelaine lost many treasures: the tip of the Ice Queen's wand; buttons for a princess's gown; the key to the castle; a magic golden fish to wish upon; the Sorcerer's miracle elixir, and the Little Mermaids looking glass. I will show you how to craft all of these wonders and more, from Apoxy Sculpt, a incredibly versatile medium for sculpting and transforming found objects. A vintage German doll's head is the keeper or clasp, holding all the treasures together with silken cords.

Fee: $95.00 includes materials but bring any special charms or vintage jewelry you would like to incorporate.

TUESDAY, October 27, 10:00 am to 5:00pm

Call 510-204-9801 to sign up!

This class is held at:
CASTLE IN THE AIR
1805 Fourth Street
Berkeley, California

Dia de Los Muertos Shadowbox - Class Sample!

In the spirit of the season, construct a small, casket-shaped shadowbox with a candle holder mounted on top and a skeleton dangling inside. I will show you how to build the shadowbox with a lid that opens and closes, and how to ruche hand-dyed velvet to create a rich looking interior. I will also give you ideas for decorating the skeleton in ways that might suggest a story about his or her previous life. My skeleton is posed in quite a touching way with a small heart clutched in his hand - he died, you see, of a broken heart...

Fee: $95.00 includes all materials plus skeleton

SATURDAY, Oct 24th - CLASS FULL

STAY TUNED FOR NEW DATE TO BE ADDED!

This class is held at:
CASTLE IN THE AIR
1805 Fourth Street
Berkeley, California