Monday 13 June 2016

John, Elsie and May

My great-grandfather and two of his daughters



I haven't been feeling very creative lately. This layout was started back in February and a large chunk of it was already planned out otherwise I wouldn't have had the creative energy to complete it.  Just needed to add a few details to finish it off but those ideas were frustratingly slow in coming.

I used Blue Fern Studios paper from their Timeless collection.


Blue Fern Studios - Timeless - Calling Cards
(I used the backside for the background of the layout)
Blue Fern Studios - Timeless - Song
(I used the backside for the 2 rectangular die-cuts)




These are the dies and punch I used:


Spellbinders
- Romantic Rose
Lifestyle Crafts
- Nesting Doily Rectangles
Cheery Lynn Designs
- Japanese Garden Lace Oval
My Favorite Things
- Mini Delicate Doilies

EK Success - Round Binding Edge


As I usually do, I layered each die-cut over a darker version and offset them slightly to accentuate the edges.

I used pieces of plain chipboard and foam tape under the photo and rectangular die-cuts to add dimension to the layers.



These are the chipboard pieces I used:

Dusty Attic- Leafy Scroll
Dusty Attic - Botanic Accents #2



I painted the Leafy Scroll piece a peach colour and applied Ranger Crackle Accents.  I rubbed the dried crackle with dark brown ink to accentuate the cracks (wiping off the excess) and then lightly dabbed some pale yellow and cream coloured paint over top with my finger to dull the glossy finish and grunge it up a bit.






The Botanic Accents piece was painted dark brown, inked with clear ink and embossed with Dried Marigold Distress embossing powder.  I then inked the edges in brown using a craft nib and dabbed some cream paint on top with my finger.





Around the edges of the paper I randomly applied some brown floral washi tape (one piece was actually used to cover some sloppy punching while the others were added to balance it out and pretend that it was all on purpose).

Along the border of the layout I did some machine embroidery stitching with dark brown thread and some hand stitching with an ecru coloured yarn.  I used the We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy tool to punch the hand-stitched pattern in the paper (the holes never seem to punch all the way through so I go over them with a piercing tool before stitching).

We R Memory Keepers - Sew Easy tool


I also applied some "fuzzy navel" Prills among the floral clusters and at two of the photo corners.







Thank you so much for taking a look!




3 comments:

  1. Your vintage style is stunning! i love the unique design! So very inspirational and beautiful! The machine stitching is fabulous! Wish I could sew. I inherited a great machine that embroiders from my seamstress MIL that needs cleaning but I would need classes. Ha!

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  2. I originally viewed and commented on this beauty from my cell phone. I decided to get on my PC for a looksee! WOW! Awhile back I had taken a second look at the Spellbinders Romantic Rose die on SB.com....it is gorgeous! I might have to get that one too! Funny though that I stencil more than I die cut. ha! This is REALLY a gorgeous layout!

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  3. Beautiful LO, I love your vintage style, your colour choices are great. Thanks for sharing!

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