They Dreamed Of Romance

Hello Everyone
For this post I am sharing a card for Crafty Individuals which I made at the beginning of this year, a  card which is unapologetically  romantic  with a  soft colour palette and a dreamy transparency image.  Unfortunately this Crafty Individuals image is no longer available as they no longer stock their transparency image sheets but the same image is available in the glossy paper format.
Crafty Individuals Supplies
Transparency Image (no longer available)
Shabby Tag
CI-307
CI-341
CI-342
CI-350
My initial idea was merely to decorate one of the Shabby Tags (how I love those tags and you will see them crop up again very soon) but once the tag was completed I decided it would become an element on a large card, a 8″x8″ card.The background was painted before stamping the hearts repeatedly.  The same stamps were used to create stamped embellishments along with a perfume label stamp and one of the lace stamps used to create a faux lace border.  The Shabby Tag on the left side of the card had paint applied, torn vintage text and stamping, building up layers. The end result is very muted with the text and stamping only peeking through here and there.
Can you see another piece of the stamped lace which I used to embellish the top of the tag.  The beautiful transparency was layered onto vintage text.Forever is one of those wonderful free sample stamps that Crafty Individuals are generous enough to include with on-line orders.  I keep any torn pieces from Shabby Tags I’ve used in previous projects, this is what I stamped Forever onto and attached to the edge of the main tag.Thank You for visiting this scheduled post. I am sure that tomorrow (Tuesday) I will manage to catch-up with some Blogs, I sure hope so as I am missing so much visiting your Blogs and viewing your artwork.
Wishes
Lynne

The Splendour of Venice

Hello Everyone
Firstly, thank you for the interest you have shown in my Giveaway and all your lovely comments, far more than I would have expected.
Today I am sharing the second of my January Gecko Galz DT art in the form of a canvas panel with a Venetian theme.
Supplies
Gecko Galz Star Crossed Digital Paper Pack
Venetian Splendour Image Sheet
Golden Glass Bead Gel
Canvas panel, vellum, various acrylic paints, lace and seam binding (from my own stash)
Instructions
Apply various acrylics to the canvas panel until desired appearance has been achieved.  Randomly apply Glass Bead Gel.  Leave to set.  Once it has hardened at this point apply more paint.   If you have never used Glass Bead Gel before a note to say that it can easily be tinted prior to applying to your substrate.  Print a Star Crossed paper and Venetian Splendour image sheet onto vellum.  Tear the Star Crossed paper in half on the diagonal, scrunch it up and then apply to the canvas. Scrunch up the selected Venetian image then apply acrylic paint to the edges.  The image was layered to the panel along with lace.  Finally form a hanging by creating two holes at the top of the panel and threading through seam binding.By layering the Venetian image, which was printed onto vellum, over the painted canvas it adds more depth than if the image had been printed onto cardstock.This photograph displays the various textures, the canvas panel peeking through the Glass Bead Gel and also the torn and crumpled Star Crossed paper printed onto vellum. I also randomly tore holes into the vellum and rolled the edges back so that the layers beneath came through. Thank You for taking the time to visit this post and I hope to catch-up with all of you very soon.
Wishes
Lynne

Full Steam Ahead (FSC#39)

Hello Everyone
We have a new challenge theme at Fashionable Stamping Challenge where we are asking you for artwork to the theme of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.  At FSC we keep rules to a minimum but please no digi’s, your artwork must include traditional stamping. There is a prize to be won so well worth your while entering.  If you are in need of inspiration then visit FSC to view the incredible artwork by my DT Sisters.
For my DT sample I am doubling up as this is also a DT piece for Oxford Impressions.  I have used a selection of Oxford Impressions stamps, if you are interested I have included links for each stamp plate used.
Steampunk Elements (Steam Engines text stamp)
Travel Journal (quote and fountain pen)
Abraham Lincoln (Train. I used an ink splatter stamp from My Story but the A. Lincoln set also has a similar stamp)
London Telegraph (Man)
With Valentine projects being much to the forefront of my mind I was very tempted to be caught up with the old romance of steam trains and a belle awaiting the arrival of her beau at the station, instead I realised it was the perfect opportunity to add a masculine style project amongst what will be several blog posts to come that are inspired by Valentine’s Day.What made this a time saver was the fact I had the stained tags and fabric amongst my stash from a session of staining in tea and coffee baths last year.
There is no denying the wit of Oscar Wilde and this quote was so perfect for the FSC theme.The Steam Engines text stamp from Steampunk Elements was stamped onto the fabric panel to create the base for this hanging then I moved forwards by stamping the tags. Whether your preferred mode of transport be planes, trains or automobiles why not join us at FSC this fortnight. We always look forward to viewing your artwork.
Wishes
Lynne

Greetings From Italy (The Stampers’ Sampler)

Hello Everyone
Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to visit this past week and for the lovely comments left for me to read.
This time last week I shared a canvas panel wall hanging with stamps from the beautifully stunning Oxford Impressions’ Venezia well for this post I would like to share some cards that use stamps from this same set.
Last year as I was working on DT work for Divas D’Este I was using a beautiful sheet of images depicting Italian scenes which I had printed onto vellum. As the image sheet was brimming with images once I’d completed the DT work there were still plenty left so I set about to make some more.  Once completed I had the notion to submit to The Stampers’ Sampler.
I made three cards including stamped envelopes and tied them with deep red ribbon.  Once I submit a project I put it to the back of my mind, there is no use fixating over it because you just never know what will (or will not!) catch their eye. I was over the moon that my Venezia collection of cards caught their eye and that they are a Feature Article in the latest issue of The Stampers’ Sampler.
I will share two of the cards.I wanted to achieve a dreamy appearance. The background is watercolour paper that I prepare with a mix of media. Using Distress Inks I was able to deliberately smudge the ink somewhat and tore text from a Venice travel literature book I have. I wish the colours had been more true to life that I had taken, unlike Sampler who photographed them so beautifully and it was lovely to see the full page photograph of all three cards bundled up and tied with the ribbon, just the way that I had submitted to them.
Wishes
Lynne

Come Away With Me (FSC #26)

Hello Everyone
I had a break from the previous fortnight at Fashionable Stamping Challenge so it is good to be back amongst my DT sisters. This fortnight Shirley is asking us to Let’s Get Messy and Inky. We welcome all nature of art at FSC but please remember to include stamping on your entry and of course, no digis allowed. As always there is a prize up for grabs so definitely worthwhile entering the challenge.
For my DT sample I selected an 8″x8″ canvas panel as my substrate. Now you might look at the finished result and not imagine it to be very messy or inky but my hands are proof that it was!
Gesso, walnut ink (dissolved crystals), Walnut Tintz, cream and portrait pink acrylics were applied to the canvas panel before stamping. Then I applied a stunningly ornate mask to create the pattern.  From there on I applied Golden Glass Bead Gel to the edges and once hardened Antique Gold acrylic was applied.
It might seem pointless to go to such lengths to then cover up with a large panel of lace but it is worth it as the lace allows a peek to the layer below and adds depth and interest.

All stamps – Oxford Impressions – Venezia This is an absolutely stunning set of stamps.

Then it moved onto decorating the top layer of the panel.
Dyed in baths of tea and coffee:- main panel of lace and lace to trim
Dyed in bath of tea with Distress Ink Tattered Rose – seam binding
Stained with Walnut Tintz – tassel.All of the stamped images (including the man and woman) were embossed with Distress e.p. and gold e.p. then the edges had paint smeared onto them. The piece of lace also had some acrylic treatment. Seam binding dyed and tied into a shabby bow to decorate some pendants. More of the dyed lace.  A metal fan painted with acrylics. This bead (thanks Sue) reminds me of the lanterns in old style lamp posts. and a white tassel stained to co-ordinate. We look forward to viewing your Let’s Get Messy and Inky artwork – I am sure you will have lots of fun with this challenge and messy fingers!
Please visit the FSC Blog (link at top of post) to read our rules of entry and to view the incredible DT samples from the other Fashionettes.  Would you like to be a Fashionette? If yes, then there is a DT call. All details are over at the FSC Blog.
Thank you for visiting and have a lovely Sunday.
Wishes
Lynne

The Place of Her Dreams (FSC#21)

Hello Everyone
Today sees a new challenge theme at Fashionable Stamping Challenge. This fortnight we are asking that you be inspired by Cities of the World . Whichever city you choose please do remember to include some stamping on your artwork and no digi stamps allowed. If you are in need of inspiration then visit FSC to view the incredible artwork designed by my DT sisters. Also on view is the prize for this challenge.
The city I selected for my DT artwork is Paris.
Stamps:- Oxford Impressions’ April In Paris and Paris PostePossibly as far back as two years ago I altered this box (it was a decorative box containing telephone index cards) with a mixture of oil pastels, inks and paints. For some reason it was left in an incomplete state and now seemed as good a time as ever to finally complete it.  I further added washes of Gesso and cream acrylic and touches of Decopaint Patina in Antique Gold.  (The colour in the above photograph is the true colour)Then the stamping – a text stamp, Parisian map and Fleur de lys and a tiny stamp stating Paris. On the lid I layered a download (sorry but I do not know the source) stamping the Paris map and Fleur de Lys and layering lace (dyed in tea and coffee) and French book text finally adding the beautiful lady, also from Oxford Impressions.
I was drawn to the wistful appearance of this woman, possibly dreaming of ParisIt would be lovely if you shared your Cities of the World artwork with us.
Your visits and comments mean so much to me so thank you for taking the time to visit today.
Wishes
Lynne

Full of Hot Air

Hello
I had forgotten about this tag I made for Crafty Individuals until I read Jean’s post at her CI Blog where she had displayed the tag so I decided best to post it today before I completely forgot about it, again!
Crafty Individuals Supplies
Shabby Tag
CI-336
CI-330 (nautical element)
CI-343 (crown and Great Britain)
Although the hot air balloon is the main image, I collaged elements from other stamps (see supply list)Scraps were utilised:- lace, cork, mica (save even the tiniest pieces of mica to use in smaller projects), burlap, etc.
On the opposite side of the tag there is a piece of torn gingham ribbon and something which I cannot remember the name of – it is what decorators use, it has a mesh like appearance with one side adhesive. Of course the name will probably enter my head once I click “Publish”!The Kraft style card was a re-cycled cardboard box. The downside is the preparation but the up-side is re-cycling and it costs no pennies.
I know I don’t normally post two days in a row but I might well return on Friday as I have a few projects I should have actually shared long before now, the time is just whizzing past.
Thank you for visiting and also thank you for the wonderful comments on the altered slide mailer.
Wishes
Lynne
P.S. The new challenge theme at Crafty Individuals was announced on 1st April, Time For Summer and already there are a few entries so why not join us with your Summer inspired artwork. All details are available at Jean’s Crafty Individuals Blog (see top of post).

A Man Of The City

Hello
I appreciate the visits you made last week and the lovely comments I have been reading, especially the congratulatory messages for my Sew Somerset card.
Looking back at last week’s posts it struck me that there were quite a few sweet projects so to start this week off I will go in the opposite direction by sharing something I created using Oxford Impressions’ London Telegraph set. I tend to lean towards feminine styles but I have to say that I am having lots of fun with this plate of stamps.Playing with textures such as corrugated card, glass circles, mica, cork and a transparency (7Gypsies) to name some.
One of the lovely text stamps was used to stamp onto a tag. He is such a dapper chap!Stamping the stunning London scene then layering with the purchased transparency, this shows the edging of the transparency with another stamped piece overhanging the edge.
At a later date we will be re-united with this fellow!
Have a wonderful week and many thanks for taking the time to visit.
Wishes
Lynne

The City Sparkles At Christmas

We are now past the half-way mark for The Stampsmith Challenge, with December’s theme of Shimmer, Sparkle and Shine. The first sample I shared with you made use of a stamp from Christmas Card Sheet #1, once again I return to this stamp for the card and tag I am sharing here.
If you are joining us at the challenge please remember that you must include at least one of The Stampsmith stamps in your artwork.
This card has lots of Shimmer, Sparkle and Shine with the aid of Sakura Stardust pen, glass glitter, pearl drop and a shimmery fabric flower.I stamped the image onto pattern paper. With photo real stamps I always say it is trial and error as to what surface you stamp onto. Some photo real stamps will not give you a decent impression on anything other than the required cardstock but it is always worth giving it a go.  Even though this paper has  a pattern the detail of the stamp shows up clearly.A comment left for the card “Meet Me For Christmas In Paris” was from the lovely Trishia at French Kissed Postcards. She said it would make a lovely tag which is what I went on to make. As it is such a generous sized stamp this is an outsize tag. The tag echoes the card I made, with the image stamped  onto pearlescent cardstock layering onto glitter cardstock before creating the two holes to form the tag.
It is a very busy time of the year but if you are making Christmas cards or tags with Shimmer, Sparkle or a hint of Shine and they include at least one of The Stampsmith stamps, then why not enter into The Stampsmith Challenge, you might be the lucky person who wins the Random Prize Draw.
I am busy with Christmas preparations so will have some more Christmas cards, etc to share with you soon.
Wishes
Lynne

Peeling Away The Layers

Today I discovered that Jean has selected to showcase some of my work for her “Focus On …” article at her Crafty Individuals Blog.  This is such a privilege as Crafty Individuals have always been a large part of my stamping life.
The theme at the Crafty Individuals Challenge  is Hanging About. Flicking through a People & Places book one of the Italian images caught my eye and immediately I knew the look I wanted for this hanging. Italy is a country that so far in my life I’ve not managed to visit, certainly not through lack of desire as it is a country I would love to spend time visiting, in particular Venice.  I wanted a hanging that had the texture of an Italian building when the plaster peels away to reveal what has gone before but also to represent Venice, a sense of decadence needed to be injected into the hanging.
The CI product list is:-
People and Places Book No. 2
Travels In Italy paper pad
CI – 182
CI – 173
CI-232
The Venetian image was layered with a glass slide which I edged with Glass Bead Gel. My preference for working with this product is to initially tint it with a base colour and once dry I build up further colours. In this instance tinted with Victorian Velvet re-inker. To create dimension the panel was added to foamcore board (an essential item to have in your stash).
To incorporate hanging elements into the hanging a key hangs  from a scrap from a velvet skirt.  Decopaint Patina in two colours was dabbed onto the key and trim. All of this was layered to gold organza fabric. A piece of glass beaded trim is sandwiched between the image and foamcore board to create another hanging element.The Travels In Italy paper pad had to be incorporated so I found a piece of paper with text and layered a glass circle on top, aging with more of the Patina paint.
Text from CI-232 was stamped onto another piece of the paper to form a border at the top of the hanging.
CI-173 had the perfect design to stamp onto tiles (re-cycled). I managed to find four tiles attached to one another which was the perfect size for a stamped embellishment. Once the ink dried I dabbed more of that wonderful Patina paint.
The base is a 7″x5″ canvas panel. I painted the base with Rose Pink emulsion paint prior to applying Artist Spackle. The reason for doing so, I wanted that initial layer to show through in patches. The Spackle was applied in its natural state. Once dry I painted layers of gold and copper acrylic paint, Plum Walnut Tintz, Decopaint Patina in gold and copper  and the amazing Golden Glass Bead Gel. Both the Spackle and Glass Bead Gel take a long time to dry so this needs to be taken into consideration.
The base has lots of texture from the Spackle so it wouldn’t be at all suitable to stamp directly onto this surface. I stamped the flourish twice onto white tissue paper applying with Klear (see recent post with Steampunk Hanging).With creating a background such as this there is never any right or wrong. I kept applying more colour and Glass Bead Gel until I was satisfied I’d achieved the desired effect. The Patina paint was also used on the base, creating beautiful, aged hi-lights. When the light catches this hanging all of those colours come to life.
I may not physically have visited Venice (or at least not yet) but my wanderlust has been sated for a short while as I ventured there in my mind when creating this hanging. Lynne x