11 January 2017

New Years Inspiration at Frilly and Funkie - Make it Happen

Hi everyone and welcome! It's my turn to host the first challenge of 2017 over at Frilly and Funkie and the chosen theme is New Years Inspiration; at the start of each New Year so many of us make plans and set goals for the futures. So for this challenge we want you to create a vintage or shabby chic project depicting what you are inspired to do/achieve this year.

The team will choose their top four picks with the winner being invited to join us in a Guest DT spot here at Frilly and Funkie and the next three will receive badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and follows the rules will be entered into the draw to have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

My DT project for this one won't make a great deal of sense to anyone without explanation as I've not opted for a sentiment or phrase to sum up my goal for 2017. Instead I've chosen to make something which will demonstrate my determination to make the words "Make it happen" a mantra for the year; it's time to make positive steps forward in life alongside making the most of offered opportunities (those are always welcome of course!) The people I admire most in the craft and hobbies industry are the ones who have made things happen through hard work, commitment and self-belief, and being honest it's that last one that is the most challenging, particularly in a culture which has a tendency to pour scorn on self-confidence.


This portfolio contains A5 replicas of some of my favourite canvases created over the last year to make it possible to physically share my work with people rather than just on social media or in print. Seeing pictures of artwork is always good but you really get the measure of it in real life, especially when there's lots of texture and dimension included. Its first journey will be to accompany me to Creativation 2017 (the new name for CHA) which this year takes place in Phoenix, Arizona; what better place to show people what you can do!


The portfolio covers came from a book salvaged from a charity shop onto which I added a Wendy Vecchi inspired vintage style floral panel bundle and a faux plaster plaque using a Prima IOD mould and paper clay (the tutorial promised  for achieving this look is included at the end of the post). I rebuilt the spine using strong card following an online tutorial by Seth Apter and added sticky backed canvas, coloured with Vintage Distress Collage Medium, to cover it. The filigree metal corners were added to the book covers for decorative purposes and I also 'aged' them further by applying the smallest amount of Distress Paint in patches. Here are a couple of close ups of the front cover;



And here's how I've added the canvases inside - as you can see from the first one they are all as dimensional as the originals, meaning that the finished portfolio measures almost 5 1/2 inches wide! There's also some vintage music score dating back to 1899 added to the inside covers and room for me to include some flat collage work and journalling if time allows before I fly.


As promised last Friday on my Frilly and Funkie Friday Focus post here's how to add a faux plaster/stone look to your Prima IOD paper clay moulded pieces (and remember, these beauties are currently discounted by an extra 15% at The Funkie Junkie Boutique).

Start with a layer of Peeled Paint Distress Paint over the dry moulded object label.


When the first layer is dry use a brush to add an uneven layer of Antique Linen Distress Paint. Some of the detailed areas will have the Peeled Paint layer still exposed.


Ensure the second paint layer is dry before spritzing water over the whole piece. While wet add a couple of drops of Mushroom Alcohol Ink to the edges and allow the ink to run before blotting with tissue to dry.


Finally add a layer of Crazing Distress Collage Medium and allow this to dry naturally to reveal the delicate crazing.


Here's what your 'faux aged plaster' moulded label will look like; you can add stamping or Remnant Rubs to finish.


So that's it for my DT project (and additional tutorial) for the current Frilly and Funkie challenge all about our New Years Inspiration. Please make sure you hop on over to see what my talented team mates have created to represent their goals for 2017 and remember to link up your own projects to be in with a chance of winning one of the fabulous prizes.

I'll leave you with a list of ingredients used for altering the covers of my new portfolio and a promise that I'll be back with some sneek peaks of something very exciting soon. Until then take care of yourselves, Jenny xxx


21 comments:

  1. That is stunning, just absolutely perfect, I can't wait to see more of the inside. Have a fabulous time in the States and you rock Jenny Marples!!! Elizabeth xxx

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  2. Such a fabulous idea Jenny and what a stunning portfolio you have made. I have done something similar with ATCs but this size really ensures that all your fabulous colours and textures can be seen. Have a wonderful time at CHA! Jennie x

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  3. such a gorgeous make Jenny and wonderful showcase of your work...have a great time in Phoenix xxx

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  4. Wow Jenny, I am so impressed with your project and your goal for this year! Your replica album is beyond beautiful, the cover is rich and vintage, love it! Fabulous work on the frame, the eroded effect is really quite realistic looking! The first page is amazing, so much texture and a brilliant design!! Happy belated New Year to you! :)

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  5. This is such a brilliant idea. I love the fact that you've housed your beautiful work in a portfolio that really matches your design style. The idea of turning your favorite canvas creations into 5x7 replicas is just wonderful. I also love the finish you achieved on that paper clay plaque. It's gorgeous. You are right...it is hardest to believe in oneself and to go for the things you want. But I bet you have a pair of Brave Boots in your Closet of Shame and I know you'll take them with you to CHA. I can't wait to hear what happens.

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  6. That is an awesome portfolio! Love the idea of building out your portfolio and carrying it with you to the show. Have a fabulous time at the show!

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  7. Oh wow Jenny, this portfolio is quite simply - stunning! What a wonderful way to showcase your beautiful work my friend. If there is anyone who deserves recognition, it is you, you take products and make them shine, your attention to detail is just phenomenal and your work ethic is exceptional. I just know that you will be a big hit at Creativation. Grasp every opportunity that comes your way and oh yes, have lots of fun too!! Anne xx

    PS - I love Kathy's advice above! x

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  8. Jenny as always, your projects are incredible and such beautifully detailed. Have a blast at CHA!

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  10. Love this project and the concept although to be honest your mantra for 2017 surprises me since the Jenny I know doesn't let the grass grow under her now and already is very good at "making it happen". I love the replicas of your stunning work in this vintage album and it will serve to showcase your fabulous canvases without having to haul them around. If you don't meet your luggage weight limit, I would take it to CHA and treat it as a brag book, because all your hard work and your talent is something to brag about. You can stand proud with the best of them.
    Hugs!
    Cec

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  11. Hi lovely, you are already 'making it happen'. This is an amazing way to show how talented you are. Have a fantastic time at CHA. Xxx

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  12. Hi Jenny, have a brilliant time at CHA and I am so loving this project! Thank you for all your inspiration!
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

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  13. Jenny you create so many amazing, beautiful projects im so pleased you have the opportunity to share with the wider crafting community. Enjoy your time in the states.xx

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  14. Sensational. And fun to see a bit of your process. Looking forward to seeing you at CHA very soon.

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  15. What a cool idea and such a wonderful portfolio you have created to showcase your work. Have a fabulous time at Creativation! xxx

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  16. I think it's fantastic that you are taking those brilliant canvases with you, and what a wonderful portfolio you've created to display them. I still remember enjoying seeing your work IRL when we met up that very first time. I know you'll knock their socks off at Creativation, and I wish you all the joy and success in the world there.
    Alison x

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  17. Blown away with this excellent piece Jenny. It looks so Amazing and I bet it will be much admired at Creativation shows as well. You work so hard Jenny and I wish you every success in the world. Hugs Rita xxxx

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  18. Oh, my, Jenny! I almost spit my coffee out all over my keyboard! I have spent the past 45 minutes pouring over Pinterest to see how I can use a pair of book covers gifted to me by a bloggy friend to make a journal to enter into your New Year's Inspiration challenge! I came back to Frilly and Funkie to see how much longer I had to enter, and what do I see but your amazing portfolio of canvas samples made from book covers!! Wow! amazing work, and I know so much went into preparing each of those little canvases! Best of luck with your goals and have fun at CHA! I think you have the talent and the determination to make those goals happen and you are a ROCKSTAR!

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  19. What a truly fantastic project Jenny..so full of inspiration xx I am absolutely thrilled that you are going to Creativation as you have worked so hard to get here.................what an achievement.......I take my hat off to you xx This will be amazing to store all your beloved memories of this fantastic event......go girl and have fun and let them know that Jenny Marples has arrived !!! They will love you just as we do xxx

    Looking forward to hearing all about it xx
    Hugs Annie xx

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  20. Wow!!! I repeat, WOW!! Jaw dropped! This is such a fabulous album. I don't even know where to begin, but you definitely 'made it happen'! You always, always inspire me, and somehow you've taken it to the next level with this project. I wish I could come over to England and observe your creative process? How close do you live to Bristol? I could possibly be spending a few weeks there this fall. You may have a surprise visitor:-))
    Hugs,
    Nancy

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  21. Dang! I was sure I left on a comment on this Jenny . Sorry . Goes without saying really that it went something like this .... Fabulous Jenny and you GO Girl - reach for those stars and never for one single minute doubt yourself . Self confidence is a long time in the making ( I speak as someone who has had a severe lack of it all my life and it can be so damaging and restrictive) so you be sure to run with yours and make it a year to remember .
    hugs x

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments - they are really appreciated and will be published when moderated. Jenny xxx

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