10 June 2012

It's A Mystery

If you are my age you will now possibly be singing a Toyah Wilcox song in your head! If not, don't panic! There's no audio link with this blog (phew!!) And so may I firstly welcome my new followers to this little corner of crafty heaven, where the dog has been brushed (Malamute undercoat now litters half of the county!!) the garden has been tidied up (courteousy of my OH) and I have finished a double project as my entry for the Fashionable Stamping Challenges 'Mystical and Very Magical' challenge. If you've not yet had the chance to check out this site I can recommend it highly.


I don't have any witches or wizards lurking in my stamping stash but I happen to think butterflies are magical creatures who flutter in and out of our lives bringing a smile and a splash of colour wherever they go (not quite Shakespeare! - I'll stick to crafting!) Now you are going to have to bear with me - it's an image heavy post, so get a cuppa/glass of something depending on the time of day and personal preference.
 

They were inspired by a couple of pieces created by Hels Sheridan recently using Dovecraft papers that I bought on a whim in a sale and then went off. A selection of 6x6 sheets got chopped up and patchworked onto plain card. This was then covered in a thin layer of white gesso and CS Enchanted Gold mica powder.


Next came a spot of stamping - small butterflies in Brilliance Pearlescent Crimson - well at least that happened on the second card (hence the reason for their being two cards as I thought I had messed up the first, attempted a rescue, ummed and ahhed and finally got it done). The first card got stamped after the masking stage. This was achieved by using a TH mini mask covered in a mix of white acrylic, Ranger Snowflake embossing tinsel, and CS mica powders in Pink Ultra, Violet Frost and Tropic Blue. Once dry extra mica was rubbed over the top to strengthen the colour.


Then card one got stamped when I realised I'd forgotten this stage! Card one (above) got a SB Twisted Metal Accent with silver mirror card outer and the inner cut from one of the papers, embossed with a Texture Fades folder, highlighted with the Brilliance ink again and a sentiment added in Black Archival ink.


The butterfly was stamped onto another of the papers, but as it didn't stand out I went over it with silver Uni-Ball pen by hand and cut it out.


Card two was the one where I got the background right (although on reflection I should have eased back on the Enchanted Gold as it made it paler than the first.


The sentiment layer consisted of a SB Fleur de Lis square in black card that had been triple embossed with black embossing powder and had the mica powders mentioned above heated into it as well. The sentiment was stamped into the hot glaze and further highlighted with silver Uni-Ball pen.


The larger Fleur de Lis square was cut in antique gold card, embossed with the same Texture Fades folder (covered in Perfect Medium) with a sprinkle of the same mica powders dusted over the top.  Finally the butterfly was created using TH's mosaic effect with papers from the same set, Snowflake embossing tinsel coloured with Mulberry Promarker and Silver Lustre mica paint, and Glossy Accents.


Both pieces got layered onto white square cards with matching papers distressed at the edges (of course!) Et voila. Tons of shine and sparkle (although somewhat difficult for someone with limited photography skills to impart). If you haven't dropped off by now congrats for reaching the end of this epic!! I hope you've enjoyed it and now feel free to reward yourself - you've earned it!! It is time for me to go (the World breathes a sigh of relief) for Euro 2012, F1 and a turkey wrap await - what an exciting life I lead. Thanks for dropping by, hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Buttons x

14 comments:

  1. Hi Buttons, lots of fabulous techniques being used here. Like you I Love butterflies and believe them to be magical.
    This is another stunning piece and I wish you good luck in the challenge. Must give this style a try. Take care, hugs Annie x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Buttons, I know I have said it all before but I love the way you experiment with so many techniques and then end up with a couple of masterpieces! These are beautiful, I adore butterflies too, love their colours, their beauty and grace. Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Buttons, WOW - I love all the techniques you have used on these 2cards. Butterflies are of course magical, and perfect for our challenge at FSC - thanks for joining us.
    Avril

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yep,I'm still singing that Toyah song in my head!I love butterflies too and love what you have created, some fab techniques x

    ReplyDelete
  5. ...superb makings!!...so many techniques, loVe those butterflies these arn't quick to make either...simply stunning...Mel :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just love all the techniques you incorporated into this work of art! The butterfies are pure magic! Thank you for joining us at Fashionable Stamping Challenges!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What wonderful experimentation - your muse has certainly been working overtim! Love the gentle and soft colours and the bits of shine and bling. Very glamourous!
    I too love butterflies and have devoted over 20 years of working and spare time to preventing the extinction of a superb species from my state.
    There are also a lot, thinking about it a huge number of butterfly stamps and other products here that get reached for frequently.
    Un fortunately the real ones here are most definitely sheltering where ever they can as once again we are being pounded by torrential rain. Flood alerts are out - yuck!
    BUt the good news is it could be a crafting kind of day.
    Thank you for your inspiring post - bet I end up with some glittery and pretty today!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fantastic card and great mystical look. Thanks for joining us at FSC this fortnight.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Buttons I just wanted to come back and thank you for the lovely comments you leave on my blog, you are so encouraging and I find your work very inspiring so - THANK YOU! If you would like an ATC I would happily send you one, my email is anne.redfern@sky.com if you want to let me have your address. Crafty hugs, Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sure enough, I'm singing it!!
    Lovely card and blog, I'm your newest follower. Going to have a snoop through your older posts now. X

    ReplyDelete
  11. I made it to the end of your post ;o)
    Brilliant cards and techniques beautifully explained.
    Wonderful.
    Hugs
    Sandra x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi
    It is wonderful that you created your own twist to the Magical/Mystical theme and creating a beautiful, ethereal card.
    Thank you for joining us at FSC.
    Wishes
    Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely work - you have put so much into these two pieces but it has paid off - gorgeous!
    Hugs, Neet xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Still doing my rounds Buttons tee hee!
    Sorry not to be here earlier to see your gorgeous creations. Love the butterflies and the glittery touches.
    Thanks for joining in with the magical challenge at FSC.
    Hugs, Fliss xx

    ReplyDelete

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

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...