I can't believe it's already two weeks since we saw in the New Year and very belatedly I would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy 2015.
The year has started with mixed blessings here as although I could wish that my Mum had gone to her own home fit and well from hospital, unfortunately that is never going to be the case and I am relieved that she has not been sent home to spend many hours alone and unable to move about or not safely at least. Last week she went into a nursing home and so far seems relaxed and happy especially as she now has her own TV to watch, lol! I am deciding which of her bits and pieces can go to make her room look as homely as possible and at the same time rescuing lots of lovely old photos before her bungalow is cleared. It's time consuming but I'm really chuffed to have managed an entry for the first 'new style' PaperArtsy Blog Challenge of 2015!
The format has changed and I really like how it's shaping up so far so if you haven't seen it up to press do stop by and check it out HERE. There is to be a theme every 2 weeks and the first one is 'Fragile Papers' which Leandra introduced with a lovely post and video to kick start us all. I can't honestly say I have taken inspiration from any single designer on the blog over the past 2 weeks other than Leandra's talking about fragile papers but Aneke's lovely project using tissue & napkins would have been if I had seen it before I made my project, lol! There have been some fabulous, exciting posts so far with tons of inspiration and sneak peeks at gorgeous new PaperArtsy stamps coming out in February......... I need to get saving ;D!
Ok, on to my project! It's a little wooden box which I picked up for 50p in the local charity shop and I decided to turn it into a sort of double shadow box. So far I have only done the outside (ran out of time) but I will finish it so watch this space, lol! I have quite a big collection of paper napkins which I have never yet used on any project so when Leandra announced the theme for the challenge I knew immediately that I wanted to use napkins and tissue. I forgot to take pics of some stages but there are still lots of photos so here goes.
I used the JoFY Limited Edition 2 Fresco Finish paints with Chalk covering the whole of the box inside and out.
The napkin I wanted to use has beautiful oriental imagery and reminded me of willow pattern plates but in cherry red and white instead of white and blue.
I almost dry brushed roughly over with Turquoise FF. I then tinted some Grunge Paste with the Turquoise FF and applied it in random areas through a stencil (forgot to take a pic). When it was dry I highlighted with White Fire Treasure Gold (my favourite and 'go to' TG)
Above I adhered some of the top layer and the middle layer of the napkin onto Clearly for Art Whiteout before using PaperArtsy Grungy Flower die to cut out them out. I also cut some in Tim Holtz Kraft Glassine which I stamped in gold with a Chinese script stamp I've had for years. The lovely Lucy worked with some plastic and tissue to make flowers for her fragile papers project HERE. I highlighted the edges with a beautiful blue limited edition Treasure Gold.
Here I adhered the paler middle napkin layer to some toning tissue but the tissue colour showed through & obliterated the design, lol! Never mind I still liked the result and it made quite a strong material to use for die cutting lots of cherry blossoms.
I used the Kraft Glassine to die cut the branches and then set about playing with the positioning and sticking all the flowers on,
Here you can see the TG highlights and I hope, the pretty little bird!
I also gave some Chinese coins the TG treatment to use in the flower centres.
I randomly painted watered down Cherry Red and Turquoise FF onto Cream Waxed Tissue from PaperArtsy and then stamped a border from a Lynne Perrella stamp set LPC021 using gold ink. I tore it into strips and adhered it to the 'spine', top and bottom edges of the box.
So that's the finished outside. I wonder what to do with the inside ;D!
If you stuck with me through that lot, thanks very much and you now deserve a cup, mug or glass of your favourite beverage. I'm off for a mug of coffee & to do my linkup to the PaperArtsy Challenge. See you again soon I hope.
Hugs
Lesley Xx
22 comments:
Such beautiful colours and the stamped border just frames everything perfectly xx
Beautiful project Lesley, lots of textures and colours. Glassine paper is new to me, used some as my fragile paper element, your branches look fantastic.
Gorgeous project :-) xxx
That's really lovely, I'm glad you found time to have a play.
it's beautiful, Lesley - I am amazed you find time to play to this extent, well done - it was SO worth it! Hope you get to finish the inside too, soon.
Wow this looks great!!! I really love the images, great colours as well!! a beautiful piece of ART!!!
Greetings
Maria
This is soo gorgeous, love the colours can't wait to see what you do with the inside!
Suzi B xx
this is beautiful Lesley well done for fitting it in! all your layers are gorgorgeous and you've used very pretty colours xxx
What a gorgeous transformation Lesley, love the etched look of the napkin and the coins as flower centres is inspired, the cherry blossom is perfect as is the whole distressed effect.....love it all!! Glad you have found some crafty time, Hugs Ruth xx
what a fantatsic transformation - beautiful colours xx
A gorgeous project to kick start the year Lesley. Beautiful colours, great use of napkins. Magic idea to use the coins for flower centres and where would we be without Treasure Gold. Love it! Xx
A wonderful project Lesley. Such a pretty napkin that you used for it too. I love the colours and the overall finished look.
I'm glad that things seem to sorting themselves with your Mum and that she seems to have settled in well.
Sue xx
How beautiful project Lesley. Fabulous textures and lovely colours. I love the cherry blossoms and Nightingale, It's like a Japanese early spring, I love it xxx
Hi Lesley, I love this idea, I have an old cigar box that I have wondered what to do with, it is very similar to yours.....
What a beautiful box you've made - I love the Asian feel to it and the beautiful blossoms - lovely!
What a smashing project Lesley. It's amazing you found the time to do this given all you have had going on. You have created a super oriental vibe with your project, the pinks give a hint of cherry blossom and the coins are a great embellishment. Hope your Mum is settling. Elaine xxx
This is exquisite, Lesley. Important to squeeze in a bit of non-mum time,
Lucy x
A stunning project, Lesley! So beautiful. I am thinking of you, clearing the bungalow, but it sounds as though your mum is settling in well, which means it was the right time. try not to overdo it. big hugs xxx
I love the Oriental look of this box, Lesley. Napkins are such beautiful, fragile papers and they work so well on a project like this. Love the way you did your flowers too. So glad you were able to join in. xxx
Wow it turned out fabulous Lesley! I am stunned you managed to find time! Glad you are settling down and I'm hoping your Mum is going to be happier and settles into her new home. Great that she now she has steady access to care.
Leandra x
Don't know how you found the time Lesley - or the energy! It's beautiful, and I love the napkin you used, great result, looking forward to seeing the inside when it is done.
So glad your Mum is happy in the home, will be a great weight off your shoulders, hope the clear out is going as well as possible
xxxx
How lovely that you found time to play along even with all that's going on in your life. I love your napkin collage... the fragile papers work so well for the delicate Oriental look - perfect cherry blossom.
So glad to hear that your mother is settling in to her new home, and enjoying being in charge of the remote control!
Alison xx
Wow, this is a beautiful project! Love the colour combination you used, awesome!
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