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NEW Bottles, Artwork & Giveaway!
Filed under Art Projects, Giveaways, Halloween, Magic Potions Kit, Newsletters, Shanna Shands
Note: most of the links on this post no longer work, as we moved to a new Web site in 2018. However, you can see the supply lists for Shannon’s projects on the new site: The Gypsy Spellbook and Gypsy Travel Tin.
Revised: Those bottles from the (sadly, now sold out) gift collage sheet have shown up on the new Spell Book Box Extras Collage Sheet!
Before Miz Bella tells you about Shanna’s TWO magic-themed projects today, there’s a new FREE gift! Teri Calia graciously provided this week’s gift: a Bottoms Up Collage Sheet (ha!) with lots of bottles (and sizes of bottles) to get you started on an apothecary project. This sheet is FREE for all orders, regardless of order size! If you place an all-digital order, I’ll send you the Gift Sheet as a pdf file. See the Giveaway below for a larger photo.
AND, don’t forget there’s still time to enter the Chipboard Sugar Skulls Swap!
Design Team Member Shanna Shands is bringing you The Gypsy Spellbook.
Shanna used the Secret Spell Book Box Kit to create her Gypsy Spellbook that has great texture on the outside cover that she achieved with gel medium, tissue paper, and Distress Ink Pads. Shanna topped off the cover of her book with paper from the Rare Oddities 8×8 Paper Pad.
“I cut out tons of of labels from the Tiny Magic Books & Potion Labels Collage Sheet, Witchy Little Labels & Ephemera Collage Sheet, and Little Potions Collage Sheet to go and glue on all my pieces and bottles. I even played with some clear beads from the Magic Potions Kit and turned them into jars! I did this by painting them with some of my Distress Paints and using the Smooth Jet Black Rondelles for a top to the jar.”
Shanna’s Gypsy Spellbook is filled with just about any kind of potion bottle you can think of; but just in case you need to travel you could take along the handy-dandy travel-kit with you! Using the Small Tin from the Magic Potions Kit she used Alcohol Inks to color it before topping it off with the new Round Antique Bronze Filigree (and one of the 12mm Glass Cat Eyes, that just happened to fit that filigree so nicely). Inside is everything the travelling witch would need at the spur of the moment to cast a spell from a quick reference Spell Book or offer up a Special Potion. Don’t you love the Eyeball staring down from the spider web? I think it is making sure that everything is where it’s supposed to be.
There are two supply lists, The The Gypsy Spellbook and The Gypsy Spells Travel Tin. If you visit Shanna’s blog, she has a tutorial on how she came up with the texture for the cover of the Spell Book and also how to achieve slither slime in a tiny bottle!
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New Beads & Halloween-ness ALL On Sale! View All New Items | |||
Hooray for the Bottoms Up Bottles Giveaway!
There are so many fun items back in stock this week, I started by picking out some Halloween goodies from that group:
– Antique Bronze 3D Skeleton Hand Charm (he’s back there on the Small Hinged Tin, grasping one of the Orange Pumpkin Beads)
– Antique Bronze Talon Pendant (plus a 16mm Clear Glass Marble, as it fits in that talon so well)
– Pewter Raven Charm
– Black Satin Puffy Bats Ribbon
– Stitched Satin Pumpkins Ribbon
– Ghosts Satin Cutouts Ribbon
Then I moved on to add some of the new items just added to the site:
– DIY Potion Bottles Bead Mix
– DIY Tiny Bottle Stoppers Mix
– 12mm Glass Cat Eyes
– Round Antique Bronze Filigree – for 13mm Cabs
– 12x8mm Amber Glass Rectangular Beads
– AND one of Teri’s new Bottoms Up Collage Sheets!
To enter the Bottoms Up Bottles Giveaway drawing all you have to do is leave a comment BELOW on this blog post TODAY OR TOMORROW (the deadline is 11:59 pm PST, FRIDAY, July 24, 2015)! AND tell me what other “non-beading” uses you’ve found for beads… and if you’d like me to find a specific size or style of bead.
Don’t forget to leave your (hello! correct) email address, too, so I can contact the winner; your email address does not need to be made public. Note: I’m offering free shipping, too, but only within the USA. International shipping will still apply.
Please be patient! Spammers try to post crap here a lot so comments are moderated. So if you don’t see your post in the comments section, be patient and check back in a few hours before re-posting it, please!
After midnight, I’ll randomly pick the winner (via Random.org). So check your mailbox on Sunday morning to see who won and for the next Giveaway and Newsletter!
Hey, who won the Dia de los Muertos Shrine Giveaway? That would be Angie G! (And she commented: “The sugar skulls are gorgeous! I don’t know how the swaps work, I will have to check out past ones if I can. My fav color is Sweet violet Purple Teal, the name alone makes you love it.“) Please check your email for my message about getting your mailing address.
Love this giveaway!
Now, this one is right up my alley!
Keep them coming. You have so many great ideas. Love the creativity.
LOVELOVELOVE Shanna’s magical Spell Book!! The labels for the bottles have me dancing in my seat!! I have yet to meet a bottle I didn’t LOVE!!!
I use beads in shaker cards, as backgrounds for cards, in altered art projects and lots of other ways!!! They are versatile, fairly inexpensive and there are so many different colors and designs that you are sure to find a match for whatever you are creating!!
I have used beads as “legs” for shrines and seed beads in the background of altered art. I love love love how they were used as potion bottles and I think I may have some in my stash that would work for me to make my own
I love the beads and bottles!! I have used beads to make tiny lamps before.
love the little bottles! and beads, great to decorate lampshades with!
Spooky and cool goodies in this giveaway!
I have used beads in miniature vignettes in many ways; as lamps and bottles, petite vases and in furniture. I use the smallest seed beads in shaker cards and also press them (using double sided tape first ) all around those simple disposable pens.
And I like all sizes of beads being the magpie I am. 😉
Great project! I use beads in shaker cards and to make stick pins. I love to see them used as bottles and lamps and things in miniatures. You have a fantastic selection of beads already, thanks.
Don’t use beads much any more.
Made lots of “Hippie jewelry ” in the 60’s and 70’s
Thanks, for the chance to win.
From an old hippie.
Amazing giveaway! I’ve used beads to make mosaics before, by drawing a pattern out with glue then filling it in with colored beads.
Love todays projects. Beads are useful for many things-eyes, jar fillers, on homemade cards, even for making tiny flowers. >^..^<
Love the teeny jars and treasure boxes! I love adding beads to resin and onto my mixed media canvases for more texture and shine 🙂
~kim
I am new to Alpha Stamps products, but since Halloween is my favorite time of the year I am really enjoying all the great items and examples. I have used beads and bead caps in my journal making and mixed media for a long time. Everything has multiple uses…it’s great !
I teach sixth grade. I use a variety of beads to study ancient and contemporary trade routes across the planet. Kids love to sort beads by texture, color, size, shape, patterns…you name it!
Wow…I like using beads in mixed media work…love the beads you have here and the only request I would have would be to have some of those beads to have the flat backs…that way its easy to add to mixed media projects…sometimes the whole round ones have a tendency to come loose and off. 🙁
Thanks for the chance.
I love the new beads. They are perfect for miniature settings, such as perfume bottles, lamps, ceiling lamp fixtures, chandeliers, etc. Keep them coming.
I’ve NEVER found other uses for beads as good as the ones you all teach me! Wow!…oh, one exception- I use them as anchors, when re-stringing my harp!
Love you guys…
great giveaway I use them for collages
First time on site and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all that I see. I can’t stop clicking to each item and I am amazed at the creativity! I use beads for stain glass effects, ornaments on xmas tress for my multi-media projects as well as cards. SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS SITE! THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTE! With smiles from San Diego, CA
SUPER DUPER giveaway! I love making tiny spell books with tucked away tiny bottles..LOVE the claw!!
Beads! Never enough beads! I love mixing them into all types of work; mosaic, mixed media, cards, banners, hat and clothing embellishments. What can I say.. they mesmerize me..
I use them in scrapbooking. I will use them as page spacers, dangles (which is technically beading I guess), closures, Home decor projects, as feet for a 3-d item, glued to a frame, as a filler in flower arrangements, as filler for a card or famed piece. You name it, I can find a way to use it.
Those beadss are so great and some could be used for bottle stoppers and they are great for collages and even a shaker card for a guy.
Love the skeleton hand and the claw! I have used flat beads to make tiny bottles, wood beads as “feet” for boxes, and seed beads as teeth in polymer clay faces.
This is a great kit — I love the ‘bottle’ beads! I’ve used opaque beads as tiny vases for paper flowers, they work great!
I use beads tying them on tags or journals I make
Lampworked beads are super beautiful.
I like to add beads to my greeting cards.
Thanks, as always!
Your ideas for beads really stretches my imagination. I use them for “underwater” effects in my shadowboxes.
I love this collection!
as bling as embelishments on ribbons tape etc as glass bead gel for mixed media it all works for me I love beads! also decorative bottles inside or out!
Count me in on this giveaway. 🙂
I used a ton of beads on my medicine cabinet. It looked normal on the outside, but when it was open…cha’ching!! Each level had a different color scheme, I just glued them on. I was heartbroken when I had to take them off when we were putting our house up for sale.
Great giveaway! i’ve used beads on collages to add dimension.
I need to win! I use beads in my miniature work, as bottles. Use them in assemblage work too to add texture or sometimes the larger ones make good box feet.
Just love the miniature talons.
oh my, my kind of “stuff.”
I love this giveaway!!! I love tiny bottles. I’ve used beads in shadowbox pictures that have turned out really well. Other than that, I just love to experiment.
I love these tiny bottles. I use beads in my shadow boxes, small vignettes and many of my mixed media projects. I use any and all sizes.
What a great Halloween giveaway. I would use the beads for tiny pull handles or tiny feet for use with the little steamer trunks. Love your store.
I would love to make these charming traveler kits…love the new bottles/
LOVE the travel tin!!!
You’ve cast a spell on me with this one.
Love the idea of using small beads for bottle stoppers! Alpha Stamps is consistently a great source of inspiration.
I’ve added beads to ATCs, tags, and other projects. I’m not a beader, so rarely do I string any together. I’ve known about making miniature glass bottles for years, but until now, it was difficult to find just the right beads.
I to make tiny perfume bottles and toiletries from beads. I also glue them on bezels, as trays, to put on little dressing tables. I love repurposing items to work for miniatures!
Oooh–I love the new ideas for Halloween apothecaries! You guys have made my décor especially spooky from year to year!
I’ve used beads to embellish the fore edges of altered books, as feet under boxes and handles for drawers. I’d love to find some more glass eye beads with holes (could you imagine a drawer that stares at you?!
I love this project. As for other uses for beads, stitching them onto canvas or collage to add interest and depending on the shape, a couple drops of glue does the trick. I’ve got a bunch I’ve bought and strung to wrap around some of the little chipboard boxes to make them look fancy.
I use beads to decorate tops of empty “carmex” lip balm jars. Sooooo cute!
It’s all about “Upcycling” y’all!
Hi! I have used beads as decor in terrariums, and as embellishments on home made cards. I have no particular size or style that I would like you to find. Thank you for the giveaway
I use beads for feet on various projects and for ends on ribbons. Great giveaway.
I have used the beads for eyes, perfume bottles, I’ve even made keychain people using the beads as the arms, legs, etc… Please random gods pick me pick me!! hehe Thanks for the great giveaways!! Lisa
Fun, fun giveaway! I glue beads of all sizes on bottles when altering them!
I often use seed beads 15° instead of micro beads in my collage
Love giveaways!! Thanks!!
love these – so special. I use beads in many ways. I have made snowmen and Christmas trees. You all always have the best ideas-thank you so much for sharing
This giveaway is great. I can’t wait to us these.
Love this giveaway! Awesome!
Love bottles. I use beads as a focal point on a card I have hand stamped.
The puffy bat ribbon, the claw and those cute jars… Love, love , love this. I am not creative enough to come up with these ideas but I’m always inspired. I have used beads to top off buttons and to add as an accent to collage. Not have to read what the other creatives are doing with them.
Oh my gosh! This would be the greatest gift to make for a friend! I’d love to use these!
This is such a great give away. I have a “thing” for bottles. They are everywhere in my craft room waiting to be altered.
Sometimes I use beads in my mixed media projects. MY favorite was using one to make a mini-sonic screwdriver to put on the stocking I made for my grandson.
Love, love, love the little bottles…can’t wait to try some of these ideas
I love the little bottles and am planning a apothecary feature for Halloween this year to go with my miniature indoor display. I use beads inside the bottles to look like specimens and to add dimension on card stock for toads, spiders, etc. Halloween is my favorite Holiday.
i use small beads in shaker cards, especially for small children. makes the cards bulky but fun.
Such neat stuff in this giveaway. Love…love…love the little ghost garland. I try to keep an assortment of beads on hand because they’re great for altered art and ATC’s. One of favorite uses was to incorporate them in tiny tassels for an ATC swap involving vintage “naughty” women.
oooo – I SO very much want to make an apothecary with these tiny bottles! I’ve wanted to use the beads as miniatures – pumpkins, little crows and owls, the black cats – figuring I could take the ring off and using them as little props. Awesome giveaway – hope I win this one!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Those tiny bottles rock!! Such fun! Love your fantastic ideas!
IT’S TIME TO START ON ALL THOSE POTIO BOTTLES FOR THE GYPSY MAGIC CUPBOARD. I’M READY!
I am using beads right now to make potion bottles and miniature oil lamps! So beads with cool dark designs are awesome and bead caps and spacers are a must to make these also! Thanks for the chance to win!
I use beads in wire weaving, journal, mixed media, doll house furnishings and atc cards. I have also used them for feet on numerous boxes and cans. They are a very versatile.
I like to put neon green beads and bright red ones in small bottles. I label them ” Eye of Newt ” and ” Scorpion Eyes ” or anything else that a good witch would have in her stash.
Wonderful ideas…. I’ve used beads on my purses… sewn or glued on.
What fun ideas – I love all those teeny tiny bottles! I’ve used beads on small cardboard chests as drawer pulls or handles.
I’ve used beads as potions ingredients in a Witchy Potions Cupboard I created for Nichola Battilana in a Harry Potter themed swap. Brown potato pearls became “Dried Doxy Eggs”, and tiny crystal beads became “Preserved Phoenix Tears”. 🙂
What wonderful Halloween goodies — thanks for the chance to win them! I love to use beads for charms. 🙂
Happy crafting,
Birgit
Oh my love all these wonderful goodies I use all kind of beads to make potion bottles
I just adore Alpha Stamps and all their unique ideas. I use beads in my dollhouse miniatures. They can be fancy vases, small jars,decortive frames for pictures,glued together and you get cake plates. Your imagination is unlimited.
Thank you for all the inspiration!
Beads are little pieces of the color wheel in the sky, that have broken off and are visiting our world. I’ve used them as little teeny bottle caps, I’ve used them as weights, I’ve used them in dollhouse miniatures, I’ve used them on pins, I sew them on quilts and jackets to make pictures, I have used them as bookmarks – I’ve never eaten them, but my dog has! (By the way, I love the Gypsy Spell Book stuff – ANYTHING to do with magic or Halloween….that’s my thing!)
I like the flat beads!
I like to cut tshirts at the bottoms and made fringe and then added beads to each!
I adore tiny bottles!!! The flat beads are sweet too 🙂
I haven’t found any uses beyond the traditional ones. I love your idea for bottle tops. I would like to see more skull beads to use for that purpose. I would love anything Halloween related.
I took a metal seahorse and used my beads like mosaic tiles to decorate in patterns.