Thinking Outside the Card

Dear Reader,

Over at The Aviary (Paper Wings Productions' blog), we announced a challenge using a Flight Plan (a guide to follow).  Julie did an awesome job creating all of the graphics and the Flight Plan.  Julie and I realized we also needed to meet the challenge.

Due to a suggestion by my friend, Ellen, I decided to move away from the card.  I was torn between a canvas or an art journal page.  I went with the canvas simply because I have stockpiled them and wanted to use another one up.

Inspired by She Art by Christy Thomlinson, I decided I wanted a lady to be the focus of the canvas and what would be better than to use one of the women from Melange Women to be the foundation of my lady?  I also happen to be a lover of Regencies (I just happened to recently devour The Temporary Wife by Mary Balogh--I laughed, I cried...there is a deathbed scene that is flagrantly sentimental, but sentimental nonetheless so this may have also been a mitigating factor).  I sort of did this all wrong.  I started with the background which is fine, but then I stamped the lady's face into the gel and then decided to try again by stamping her face on a piece of orange polka dot paper.  I drew over her features and then I painted in her face which meant I was drawing in her face more than once.  Next time I am going to try stamping on a piece of paper, painting in the skin and then stamping over again to try to keep the integrity of the image.  I think she ended up looking a bit like Cher. 

Anyway, I painted in a full empire waist dress on the lady when she only had the bust.  Luckily, empire waist dresses are some of the easiest to paint.  For added interest and texture to the canvas I used the new doily stencil by Christy Tomlinson by Pink Paislee with some paints over the lady and in the top right hand corner of the canvas. I also added panels from Melange 4 Architecture which I stamped onto the orange polka dotted pattern paper by Basic Grey and stamped some flourishes from Flourish Fun 1 in the background.  The last touch was some generous sprays of Studio Calico's Mister Huey's Shine.

Look for another canvas using Paper Wings Productions' Melange stamps this week on The Aviary.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy creating,
Shay.

Up, Up & Away

Dear Reader,

How is your April shaping up so far?  Spring is in full bloom here and this year the lawns are actually a delightful green rather than the sad browning yellow of last year due to a wet winter this year.   Rain has become something of a sacred happening around these parts no matter the disruptions or mess (like mud-heavy paws leaving their imprint on floors, furniture and people alike).

March was a busy birthday month...some are even stacked up on the same day.  I especially enjoy making cards for my uncle, his wife and children because they express joy in receiving them.

Today's card I made for this same uncle.  I had bought a slew of Tim Holtz's new stamps earlier because they are so wonderful for masculine cards (I was thrilled with the train stamp set especially...thank you so much, Mr. Holtz!).  The hot air balloon and map are from Tim Holtz.  I paired these stamps with some from Papertrey Ink in particular a favorite set of mine--Half & Half.  The patterned paper is all from Basic Grey.  I have been really loving my 6x6 paper pads and these Basic Grey paper pads from the Oxford and Wander collections are no exception and they actually work well with each other.

Here is a little dimensional shot.  I decided to pop up just the top panel of the hot air balloon to give it extra interest.

Inside (using one of my favorite "happy birthday" sentiments from the Botanical Silhouettes stamp set (limited edition) by Papertrey Ink):

I hope you have an uplifting day!

Happy creating,
Shay.

Flashy: April's ATC

Dear Reader,

Real life has gotten in the way of blogging.  I have been making art, but also indulging in other hobbies.  I recently read the Hunger Games trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed the books which I am still digesting (I can't wait until my sister finishes them up so we can fully discuss them).  When I picked up the trilogy I also bought a much desired copy of "The Muppets".  Everything about this movie brings me joy from the Muppets themselves, to the humor, to the human actors, and most especially the music (how I miss Flight of the Conchords!, but "Man or Muppet" is an amazing song and I sing it all the time).  Sometimes it is a blessing to be reminded of childhood loves.

Anyway, I thought I would share with you a picture of the ATC I made last night for today's trade.  If you happen to be trading with me look away!  The theme I chose to sign up for this month was sparkle.  This meant I found some glittered paper, got out my stickles, shine Mister Huey's by Studio Calico and some gems.  I of course wanted to also use paper wings productions stamps.  This time it was the Polaroid camera from Vintage Technology by handmade by Lissie girl along with the frame from Day Framer and the "smile" from Life Framer.

One last thing: how would you like a chance to win a stamp set of your choice from paper wings productions?  Enter by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. (central time) HERE. 

Happy creating,
Shay.