Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Our Dirty Little Secret

Good evening, and thank you for visiting my Closet to see what I've been making here. This is my project that I made for my husband.  Our 19th wedding anniversary is coming up at the end of the month, and I wanted to make him something special.  Here's a dirty little secret we have...we can never remember what year we were married!  I can almost hear those gasps!  At least we both forget, but we can always remember the month and date.  So I did some sleuthing today, and found our marriage certificate.  This inspired me to create something with the actual year we tied the knot on it, so we won't forget AGAIN!


 A Vintage Journey Challenge #14 With a Flourish wants to see what we can do with our flourishes on our projects-- we can use our flourish stamps, stencils, die cuts or whatever we have.  The winner of this challenge will receive a generous shopping voucher from Country View Crafts on-line shop. I'm up for the challenge, and I've used Tim's Alterations Scrollwork On the Edge Die (yes, I checked the definition of scrollwork and it includes flourishes!), Recollections Flourishes stamp, an old brass flourish stencil and my daughter brought it to my attention the frame has flourishes!


 I started by making this background on watercolor paper.  I inked up the flourish stamp with Vintage Photo Distress Ink by swiping it on, laid my first piece of paper on the stamp and used my brayer to get the image.  I did this again, using the second generation print for my background.  Before it dried, I spritzed it with water.  Then dried it, inked it with my ink blending tools with various Distress Inks, dried again, spritzed lightly with  Dyslusions Pesto spray ink (so happy to see Tim has his line of spray inks out now--missed that post and chance to win some:(.  Going to have to make some room in the Closet for these!), spritzed again with water, dried again, more Distress Ink and finally gold Perfect Pearls Spray Mist. It's just gorgeous, but couldn't get the true effect in the photo.


After this was dry, I added texture paste through a flourish stencil.  I love how the color of the sprays and inks comes through.  This photo was taken before the left side paste was dry, so it still looks white.

 There's a new challenge at Compendium of Curiosities 3, Challenge 11 to use the Effect Powders technique on page 52 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities Vol. 3.  The Curiosity Crew will select a winner who will receive an awesome assortment of Tim's goodies, courtesy of Tim and Mario. And a  lucky entrant will win a very generous $50 shopping spree to Inspiration Emporium !  You've got to go check out all the wonderful inspiration the crew has made for us and join in!

I have some old Distress Embossing Powders--Peeled Paint and Tattered Rose--they must be at least 12 years old!  But so pretty, so I just had to use them along with my newer Effect Powder--Antique Linen. I was inspired by Curiosity Crew member Marjie Kemper to mix it up a bit, by using one of the Effect Powders along with one of the old colors. I used the Effect Powders technique on Grungeboard I die cut with Tim's Scrollwork On the Edge die. I can't tell you anything else without giving away the technique. This looks a little bright, since it was photographed under my work light.  You can see from this photo, my finished piece ended up a little different!  Initially, I had stamped my sentiment in Sepia Archival Ink over some Distress Ink using a masking technique, but I wasn't happy with how if faded into the background, so I had to go with Plan B and make an oval to go over it for my sentiment, now stamped in black.


 There's a challenge over at Frilly and Funkie From the Heart that says to create a vintage project with hearts as the focal image.  I'm not sure this is the focal image--there seems to be a bit going on here. I used the same technique on my pink heart, but since it is not listed as one of the Effect Powders, I'm not thinking this is the technique.  I liked it anyway, so I stuck it on there.  My other heart is cut from a scrap I was trying things out on, that went into the scrap heap. The paper was too pretty not to use.

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 I was inspired by Tim in this piece by the busyness, grunginess and the use of vintage things he uses in his work, not to mention borrowing some of his great techniques and using many of Tim's awesome products.

There's a really fun (as usual) challenge from Craft Hoarders Anonymous-- Craft Hoarders Anonymous #16 Who Loves School and Office Supplies?--to use at least one office or school supply on our projects. There is some awesome inspiration there by the design team-so get over and take a look!  Who doesn't love school and office supplies???  I know I do!  I have quite a few vintage  office and school supplies, and I wanted to put one of my very special hinge clips on this. Yes, I have a small hoard of these!  I think I can spare one; it's already rusty and crusty--just perfect for this project. That's a found -on- the- road ball chain that I added a little alcohol ink to and used it to hang some Idea-ology and a trinket that I (no kidding) pulled out of a pile that just happened to have the #19 on it!  Since it is our 19th anniversary, it made the cut.  I antiqued that a little with alcohol ink also. Those two little gold balls are map pins--another office supply?

This was taken early on in the process, before I decided to add the map pins and the "19" trinket.  I included this shot because you can really see that pretty antiquing on the chain and the great authentic rust on the clip.

 While this is not an authentic office supply, it is a paper clip from Spare Parts.  I jazzed it up a little using a manila folder (office supply) and a Creative Memories circle punch to make a disc to put over the circle at the top of the clip.  I stamped the year we were married (lest we forget) using Hampton Arts calendar stamps.  I inked it with Vintage Photo and added Crackle Glossy Accents.  It made some lovely crackling, and wish I had used this product on my Assemblage clock.

 The calendar page is from Tim's Lost and Found paper stash (a calendar is an office supply, right?), distressed with a little Pesto Dylusions spray I had left in the spray box, and Walnut Distress Ink--hmmm...should have used the distress tool on those edges...hindsite 20/20 and all. Antiqued one of Tim's pen nibs with alcohol ink and used it to direct our eye toward the circled date.  You can see the yummy texture pasted stenciling here.  Anne Redfern inspired me to make a second Scrollwork die cut out of the manila folder and offset it to make a shadow.  I distressed it first with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  It actually was kind of necessary  to give some separation and definition to the darkness of my  layering pieces. Thanks for the great idea, Anne! I think it looks a lot better using with letters as you did!

You can really see the flourishes on the frame--good eye, Lauren!

Another view of the layering and the flourish detail on the frame.
 I mentioned earlier I had to cover that poor judgement call of using sepia instead of black ink on my sentiment. (The sepia looked good on my trial piece of grunge.) I die cut and embossed the edges of  the oval using Nestabilities die, and stamped my sentiment in Archival ink. To make this,  I used a piece of scrap card stock that I had been testing first and second generation stamping of the flourish stamp--it was too pretty to throw out. It's pretty much done like the background, but I did only the stamping, then some Wild Honey and Vintage Photo Distress Inks. It looks quite different because it is a different paper base and I didn't use the Dylusions. I layered it with an oval chipboard piece and foam mounting tape. (Everything that was adhered to the grungeboard and the embossing powders had to be done with either super sticky dimensional glue dots or Crafter's Pick glue--nothing else would stick.)

A little bit too much light on this , but it helps to show the layering I did with the sentiment.

A little peek around the back of the oval die cut.
I would also like to enter this into Inspiration Emporium's Inspiration Journal Fall Is In the Air since our anniversary is in the fall, and I've chosen fall colors for my project. They say "you name it, if it's a part of your Fall then it can be a part of ours".All entries have a chance to win a very generous $50 to spend at Inspiration Emporium's on-line store.  You've got to get over there to check out all the inspiration!

I so enjoy all your comments, and appreciate you taking the time to hang in there with my long posts!  Have a wonderful week!

45 comments:

  1. Wow Sara, what a lovely keepsake for your husband, the background you created is gorgeous and I love how you offset the scroll (thanks for the shout out!), it really adds to the dimension and the whole piece looks beautiful in the frame.

    Thanks so much for joining us at A Vintage Journey and also at Inspiration Journal with this beautiful make. Anne x

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    1. Thank you, Anne! I appreciate your comment on the background...I kind of like that, too. I also appreciate your inspiration for the offset. Great challenges!

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  2. This is just one gorgeous creation! I love every little creative detail! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment! This was so much fun to make, but didn't use up too much of my hoard...going to have to try and come up with something else...I'm thinking!

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  3. What a nice way to celebrate your anniversary every year. Great project. I love all the embellishments and your colors are beautiful. Very nicely done!!!
    Joan

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment and for visiting! I really love hearing from you!

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  4. Wow Sara! What an amazing anniversary gift! I am just blown away by your attention to detail! You always include so many different little elements, I can look at your projects again and again, and always find something new! You are truly talented! hugs :)

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    1. Awe, you are so sweet! Thank you for stopping in again; it makes me happy to know you took the time to visit and to leave your nice comment. Hugs to you!

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  5. I love your gentle reminder to the both of you of the year you were married-lol! Such a pretty background and the 'on the edge' die gives your die cut piece a romantic look. A gorgeous work of art! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog!
    Hugs,
    Nancy

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    1. Nancy, that it such a nice comment! I really appreciate your kind words. hug, hug!

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    1. Thank you, Saba, and congratulations on being picked a favorite on Craft Hoarders Anonymous! What a fabulous exploding box!

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  7. What a beautiful and sweet project..love the colors! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Thank you so much! What a nice thing for you to say and for me to read!

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  8. Stunning background and colour combination. The Perfect Pearls will enhance it further. Wonderful details on the hearts too and I love the collages pieces. Thank you for joining in with us at AVJ and Happy Anniversary when it comes
    Best wishes
    Annie x

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    1. Thank you, Annie, for the comment and for your greetings for our anniversary!

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  9. Gorgeous! Love all the layers and the flourishes and your clever way of embedding the date/year so y'all wouldn't forget in the years to come! This turned out beautifully; thanks for sharing your talent with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Wow, Jan! Your comment is so sweet! I think putting the year on this is a good idea, and I know it will help us next year! (You said y'all--are you from the south, too?)

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  10. What a gorgeous piece. Your layering is spot on. Thanks for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anon :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Christy. It is a pleasure to enter at Craft Hoarders Anonymous...always a fun challenge!

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  11. Just a gorgeous piece! The powders really make this feel vintage! Love the hearts and the saying! Thank you so much for playing along with Effect Powders for our challenge at CC3Challenge!!!

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    1. Thank you, Anita! I really enjoyed this challenge--trying these new techniques is so much fun and stretches the creativity muscles!

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  12. This is just lovely Sara! I love your story, your blog post, and everything about your art. All your layers are fabulous. My huz and I forget, too. Isn't that funny? Not the year, but just when the day happens, we'll write a check or see the date someplace and go, "Oh!! Guess what day it is!" Thanks for your CC3C entry, I love it!

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  13. Cheryl, I'm so glad you liked it, and happy to hear we are not the only ones! We purposely chose the last day of the month, so there would be one less thing to remember! Your comment is very uplifting; thank you!

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  14. What a beautiful reminder for you both... congratulations on your anniversary too! Great take on the challenge... Thanks for playing along with the CC3 Challenge and hope to see you again soon x

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  15. What a fantastic way to mark your special occasion Sara. I love the beautiful warm colours and your choice of ephemera which all help to add to the clever design. Thank you so much for joining us at A Vintage Journey. Jenny x

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  16. Thank you, Jenny! What a nice thing to say! I got a wonderful package in the mail from you today--Thank You! Love the ATC and all the special papers. Can't wait to use them! You are so sweet:).

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  17. Wowser! Sara...this is such a thoughtful giftand a gentle reminder too! I love the way you created the bg and those hearts look fab.so maný macho elements and no flowers! That in itself is a great creation. Superb...have a great weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Rupa! I loved getting your comment; just getting round to reply to them! I hope you have a great weekend, this weekend, too! Sara Emily

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  18. Love the layers of flourishes here! The background is fab, as is all the texture, and I love the detailing on the hearts. A great make. Thanks for joining us on A Vintage Journey.
    Alison xx

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    1. Alison, Thank you so much for your sweet comment here and also the Pinworthy! You have made my month! Sara Emily

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  19. Fabulous ! there will be no excuse for forgetting with this beauty there to remind him ! great project x

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    1. Thank you, Toni! Yes, we will hang it in a prominent spot! :)

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  20. Seriously ... I had to laugh at forgetting the year you were married. I forget stuff like that all the time. What an fantastic way to help you remember. Gorgeous project for the flourish theme. Love the details. Congrats on being chosen as "pinworthy" over at A Vintage Journey. -- Mary Elizabeth

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    1. Oh, I'm so happy to hear we aren't the only ones! Thank you so much for your note--it really has made my day! I didn't realize it was me at first--"Sasha's Closet". Sara Emily

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  21. Congrats on your PinWorthy win over at A Vintage Journey! I'm so glad your frame took a spot, this is such a stunning project!! big hugs :)

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    1. Pamellia,
      You are so sweet! A HUGE congratulations to you for your Autumn Card! It is truly a winner and a work of loving art! So happy for you! Hugs to you, and an extra for your fine work! Sara Emily:)

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  22. This is gorgeous! I love the repeat of the flourish design in the frame....and the background paper you made is totally delicious! I want some! LOL Your story about your "dirty little secret" made me grin from ear to ear...and all the wonderful texture, dimension and details just drew me in. Perfect sentiment! Wonderful design! Totally love this, Sara! Thanks for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Kathy,
      Your comments are always SO uplifting! I really appreciate the time you take to really look at the entries, and then you make a comment on all of your observations. I'm so happy you visited today, and that you enjoyed my gift to my husband on our anniversary. He liked it, too! Sara Emily

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  23. Gorgeous Keepsake for your husband, love all the wonder details you did, it is definitely a work of love. Thanks for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

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    1. Thank you, Pammejo! Your comments make me smile!

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  24. Well, I pretty much love every nook and cranny of that project! I love all the metal stuff! I had to laugh at your wedding year blues. My husband and I met in 1985 and got married in 1987, two years to the very day we met. So I count our anniversary from 1985, not 1987....which messes us up about how long we've been married. LOL

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  25. My word, Gloria! Where do you find the time to comment on every one of these entries! And nothing goes unnoticed! It seems we are not the only ones who have a memory problem! Happy you love every nook (and cranny)! I cannot believe my husband noticed the 19 on the rule! He got extra points for that!

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