That Spindle Challenge - WARNING, lots of photos

No cards today as I wanted to catch up with some blogging and also, at last, wanted to reveal to you all the finished article from my Spindle Challenge. Neet of Hickydorums Blogspot challenged a few of us to alter an old wooden loom spindle. Apart from coming up with a few rude suggestions, which I was told were not allowed, there was no remit. The top piccie is a clearer version of my teasing photo of last week. All I actually did to the spindle was add a coat of varnish and some fibres.

I then browsed through some of my old copies of Altered Art Magazine and basically my finished item was born out of two articles. The first was 'A Pyramid Quilt Book' in May/June 2005. Apart from the spindle, the base started life as an empty shiny box. First off I gessoed it to get rid of the shine and then I decided to adhere torn pieces of pre-printed design papers.

Then I came up with the idea of having an opening page on each side so some folded cardstock was added and then more torn paper. On the outside of each folded page I stuck an old photo, although this was done right at the end. By now I had decided to keep within a vintage theme. I've only shown you one here, but you get the gist. The bulldog clips are by Tim Holtz and the hardest bit was 'shoving' 4 fibres up a narrow hole in a spindle to attach to the clips. The fibres are prevented from coming lose at the spindle end by securing them to a large bead.

Then of course I decided that this wasn't going to work.....{This project kept evolving }. This was when the second magazine article came into play, 'Soiled Doves' in January/February 2008. This required multiple folded pages with hidden flaps and pockets. I love stuff like this. So starting with the above picture here is a run down of all four sides folded and then opened out.

 I did do some stamping, as it was part of a rubber stamping group challenge. I've also used tags, pictures (Crafty Individuals), ephemera etc.

 The DP I used was mainly from the Printery Collection and I also used distress inks in Shabby Shutters, Walnut Stain, and Antique Linen.

 And, of course, lots of fibres to stay in keeping with the spindle.

 Some of the gorgeous coloured papers were given to me by a good friend for a birthday pressie last year.

 I tried to make each side just slightly different to maintain interest. I'm sure there is probably more things I could add.

 I've also used old postage stamps which I always keep from mail I receive from abroad. They often have such wonderful designs.

 I love the saying below. How true it is in many walks of life.

 The final piccie. Hope you're still awake.

Thanks for looking. I hope you've enjoyed sharing in my project.