Even with the wonderful challenge theme it was tough nailing down exactly what to create and so I allowed the project to take it's own direction. Finding that most of the winter items had been removed from my local craft store I chose to go in a "do-it-yourself" direction and made most of what I used.
What I wound up creating was a wintery scene of fairies in the woods...
First I lined the jar with a coating of "frost" throughout the inside of the glass, leaving only a small oval "viewing" area. Then I added moss to create a hidden wooded feel which I frosted with white paint and shimmering glitter. Using dowels, moss, paint, and glitter, I created a selection of small trees to add a sense of depth and dimension to the scene. A small "frozen pond" cut out of glitter paper was added as a focal point in the scene.
Next I created a selection of tiny faeries which I printed and cut out, placing them in different locations throughout the scene. Along side the "pond" I used a rusted antique key as a found object, wrapped with golden wire and a few small shimmering crystals. This provided a resting place for the faeries, along with a few natural gemstones as "rocks" to frame the pond.
On the outside I added some finishing touches, including paper "silhouettes", mesh flowers, snowflakes and vintage jeweled pieces. While putting the final touches on everything a poem came to mind and so I included that with the completed package as well.
The touches of deep red flowers and grass blades she added were a perfect compliment to the cool green, white and silvery elements she used throughout. I've been fond of polar bears for a long time ~ to me they're a symbol of tremendous strength yet still dependent upon our actions as caretakers of this planet.
I love that my partner included the swap title and her name, handwritten at the top. I didn't think to include this in my own creation and I think it's a great way to mark these different creative events.
This challenge was super fun and I really enjoyed reaching out of my usual comfort zone to create something whimsical and fun and the joy of receiving a handmade gift from another creative soul.
Best,