Tuesday 1 March 2011

Gothic Arches Diptych.

Hi Everyone,

I hope today finds you all well and maybe feeling a little more cheerful now we have slightly more daylight each day.  I must say it does me a power of good not having to switch lights on before 5 pm because I hate the short days.  I'd certainly be no good for anything if I lived where they have 24 hour darkness in winter and the reverse in summer, Lol!

Anyway, today I want to share a piece I made last year using at least four sets of lovely Crafty Individuals stamps.  One set in particular struck a chord with me because they are of a place called Fountains Abbey which is just about my favourite place to spend the day.  If you go here and here you will find a couple of posts I did after visits there and lots of lovely photos of the place.  It's a good job I didn't blog all the ones I took because I have at least 200, Ha! Ha!  For my diptych I thought the Gothic Arch shape was very apt and I used lots of Distress Inks with masks, punches and dies and mixed some of my photographs with the stamped images.

This is the front cover.
                                                



and the inside pages



and finally the back cover


For the front and back covers I also used some background papers from an Artylicious pack with lots of overstamping.  These will probably be available in a different format from Glenda's new company, Chocolate Baroque, which will be opening it's virtual doors very soon (watch this space or the Chocolate Baroque blog).

In case you hadn't already noticed Crafty Individuals have just started a new blog and it's already full of fabulous inspiration for using their products.  I think nobody does 'small but beautiful' like the lovely Jean Hardy and have you seen April's issue of the Craft Stamper mag?  Mine dropped through the letterbox this morning and Jean has the most adorable little birdhouse on the front cover.  There are also lots of projects throughout the mag using CI products and (close to my own crafty heart) the free stamp is a beautiful butterfly design by Chocolate Baroque and there is a lovely two page spread showing projects using this stamp and others which I and my fellow DT teamies are working with at the moment.

Well, that's it from me tonight.  As always I love to read any comments you have time to leave and really appreciate them all.  Have a warm and cosy evening.

Love and hugs
Lesley  Xx

17 comments:

mamapez5 said...

Lesley I love all of this project, but especially the front cover. The gothic arch is such a pleasing shape to work with too. I am not familiar with the place, but I do use the stamps. In fact I have more CI stamps than almost any other make. I hadn't realised Jean had started a blog so I'll pop over and take a look. Lovely crafting. Kate x

lisa said...

This is just stunning, Lesley. I know Fountains Abbey very well. We have spent many happy days there over the years. There always seems to be something different to see.
Your front cover is so atmospheric, i love the swirls and the flowers, well everyhting really, can you tell?
Hugs Lisax

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Love this card Lesley.The Gothic shape goes so well with the theme. I have never been to Fountains Abbey, but will be up that way in June and after looking at your lovely pics, I will try and get a visit in.
Sue

judith@poppy cottage said...

I loved this project when you made it Lesley, the colours are beautiful, and all of the details are just fabulous. Those Crealie flowers are gorgeous. The Crafty Individual stamps are perfect for this piece. Judith xx

Anonymous said...

truly gorgeous - youve shown these stamps to their very best.

Aquarius said...

What a lovely project to remind you of a favourite place. I agree about the Craft Stamper this month - so much I just want to try. Pity they can't give away a few extra hours on the cover occasionally - love the stamp this month though. Looking forward to the launch of CB!!

veronica said...

this is really lovely Lesley,especially the front. Colours are great too, sort of ageless aged, if you get what I mean! Fountains is a gorgeous place, which is why I bought these stamps, thought I have to admit they haven't really been used yet

Unknown said...

I LOVE this!! I think I've seen it in real life too (or maybe I've dreamt it!!)

Love

Jill
x

Suzi B said...

This is just gorgeous Lesley! I love it... this would suit a project I'm due to start... did you make your own gothic arches and hinges or did you buy them?
Sue xx

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful arches! Love the pictures you put in and the embellishments! Wonderful design.

Elaine said...

A really great project Lesley - those abbey stamps are so great to work with and I love the way you have added architectural die cuts in black as highlights - really stunning. Love the warm colouring too.

Elaine xx

Jo Capper-Sandon said...

ooooooooooooo I bet this is one of those pieces where you keep going 'openy closey openy closey' lol...or is it just me that does that rofl
Beautiful work...everything flows so well. LOVE those pointy flowers, they are a perfect touch to go with all things arch shaped as they echo each other.
A wonderful post for CI. :0)
I must keep my eye on Choc Baroque too...I have a wish list :0)

Lynne K said...

Wow! This is absolutely wonderful. Lesley! So much detail. The front is particularly stunning. It's many years since I last visited Fountain's Abbey, but your diptych brings back memories of a beautiful place. xx

The Dolphin Inn said...

Absolutely gorgeous work, love your style, found your blog by accident and so glad that I did, and yes the slightly longer days and sunshine is definitely a tonic xxx

Jules said...

Hi Lesley

How late am I?!?!?

I can't believe it has taken me this long to get to you. I'm sorry matie!!

Love your project. it must have taken a lifetime to make as there is so much detail.

All of those flowers and swirls look amazing as does your masking and distress work.

I hope all is good with you and preparations are going to plan.

I promise we will catch up properly one of these days. LOL!!

Take care.

Love Jules xx

Beryl said...

A gorgeous creation - lovely design and colours. Still playing catch up I'm afraid.
Beryl xx

Janet said...

Lovely to hear from you Lesley! Thank you for your very supportive comments on my blog - much appreciated. Hope you are keeping well and not working too hard.
Love

Janet xx