June's YOE theme was ladybugs. I was excited because I have always loved ladybugs and consider them to be lucky. One of the things I've really enjoyed about the YOE swap this year is trying new things. So to keep with the idea of trying new things, this month I tried modge podge and paper mache with tissue paper for my ornaments. The frame ornament on the right was made using a silver frame that I bought at a yard sale. I modge podged a page from Alice In Wonderland onto it, then drew a little ladybug for the center, of course that could be taken out and replaced with any other picture. Since I was having so much fun with the modge podge, I decided to alter a small Altoid tin to be a ladybug ornament or maybe a little pill box for my partner's purse.The green leaf ornament in the center was made using wire and tissue paper that I glued to the wire. The ladybug on the leaf is also made from paper mached tissue paper. It's not easy to paper mache with tissue paper as it rips super easy when it gets wet!! But I didn't let that stop me and I was really happy with the result. I'm already thinking of other things to create using tissue paper mache.
Of course my personal favorite in the package is the wool ladybug pincushion. I promised myself I wouldn't use recycled wool this month for YOE ornaments but I couldn't stop myself. Technically it's not an ornament but a pin cushion so I didn't really break my promise to myself. Either way, I did use recycled wool and this little ladybug fairy was born. I think she's very cute and rounds out the package. I had a great time making these ornaments and hope my partner Sherry will like them!
Now I'm looking forward to July's theme - Mermaids, water sprites, sirens, and water nymphs! I can't wait to get started! I have a few thoughts stirring in my head but no definite plan or vision yet. I'm still mulling it over.
