1 November 2012

Falling Leaves

Happy Thursday!! Can you believe we are into November and most of the way through another week?!! I want to start by clearing up a bit of confusion from my last WOYWW post (a coldy head is not recommended when you want to make sense). My minx of a dog is called Sky (not Morti). It was Morti that asked me to post a picture of her, so the comment was directed to her, but having read it back it didn't make a great deal of sense to anyone but me:) And in answer to the queries, yes she is an Alaskan Malamute, like they say in the advert 'Soft, strong and very, very... random!!'

Right, now for today's card, and if I say so myself it took hours to complete and boy was worth it:)) I've done my best with the photography, and hope it really shows the lifelike leaves. It's an entry for;
Arful Times Challenge - Orange, Brown and White
Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosties 2 challenge - Crumpled Kraft Suede (which is sponsored by the Funkie Junkie Boutique)


You will have seen these leaves on my desk yesterday. I had fun spending an age recreating some part of what is happening to them out in our local park at this time of the year. There are three types, all stamped from a set by Creative Expressions (see HERE).


The curly leaves are made from crumpled kraft suede - see Compendium of Curiosties 2 page 40 (Brushed Cordrouy Distress Stain/Walnut Stain Distress Ink/copper mica powder) and have been overstamped with Coffee Archival Ink/Walnut Stain Distress Embossing Powder. It makes them so crunchy and real.


The maple leaves are made from guilded kraft glassine - see Compendium of Curiosities 2 page 39 (Copper Mixative/Butterscotch Alcohol Inks/Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink) and have been overstamped with Coffee Archival Ink/Clear Embossing Powder. The copper colour really holds on these.


The oak leaves were stamped onto card which had a mix of Picket Fence/Brushed Cordrouy Distress Stains and Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink smooched onto it. After covering in clear embossing powder I deliberately overheated it to cause the edges to turn opaque in order to take on that look of mildew as the leaves on the ground begin the process of turning into mulch.


The combination of white on white embossed vellum added a clean contrast to the decaying wreath. It seemed right to avoid being my normal 'careful' self by following the diecut edges precisely with the leaves.


To finish the wreath a bow of Spiced Marmalade/Walnut Stain coloured seam binding and a bronze glass heart button were added, together with mini faux acorns (brown translucent beads surrounded by Antique Bronze Distress Stickles). The background card used the same colour inks (with the inclusion of Gingerbread VersaMagic) as a base with more leaves stamped. Spritzing to let these bleed softened the effect. It has to be said, sticking to a limited colour palette can be a challenge which works really well.

This card now has a special job to do so it will be leaving me shortly. What will remain behind is the experience of creating elements which mimic nature closer than I imagined was possible. I hope you like it.
Hugs, Buttons x

53 comments:

  1. Well WOW doesn't even cut it, this is fabulous

    Sam xxx

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  2. It's sensational, Buttons - your leaves take autumn crafting to a whole new level... just glorious! And the vellum and ribbon give it a subtle and elegant finish - big WOW!
    Alison xx

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  3. Oh! My! Word! Buttons, how stunningly Beautiful is this creation. I really felt I could put my hand in and feel those leaves., they are truly amazing. The whole card is a Work of Art.

    Patricia xx

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  4. wow Buttons, this is card stunning! Those leaves look very real! Amazing! Hugs, Sandra

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  5. Buttons, I want to stretch out and feel the crunchiness of your leaves. This is a masterpiece. Its hard to imagine that there not real. So much talent. Hugs Rita xx

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  6. Totally gorgeous, this looks so tactile and I love the colours. xx Flora

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  7. WOW awesome card. Real looking doesn't really describe it. Fantastic job with those leaves and the whole card! Vickie

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  8. That is one beautiful card! absolutely gorgeous x

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  9. How talented you are Buttons...this creation is stunning with all its details!!!
    I need to say: wowwwwwwww

    greetings, Alie :-)

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  10. A masterpiece is correct! This is FABULOUS! Not only did you make those leaves so superbly but every other apect of the card is gorgeous. I love this one! Nicola x

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  11. Just one word "Stunning"!
    Thanks for joining us with this beautiful creation at Artful Times.
    Hugs, Neet xx

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  12. Like it? I love it. The realistic leaves are amazing, your time and energies were so well spent creating this superb autumnal masterpiece.

    Hugs Brenda xxx

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  13. Oh my word, this is BEYOND FABULOUS! I am just drooling over every single aspect - the leaves are so beautiful and just too cool and that white on vellum is such a sensational touch. This piece as an amazing WOW factor!

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  14. Totes=amazeballs... love the textures and the juxtaposition between the grungy old leaves and the pretty fine sentiment... just gorgeous! Thanks for joining in with the Sunday Stamper x

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  15. The contrast between the leaves & the vellum is gorgeous-love the little heart. Wonderful piece. Sx

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  16. This is so beautiful Buttons, words fail me other than to say it is fabulous and worth all the effort you put into it. A x

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  17. wow, loving your gorgeous grungy card, its fabulous Buttons. Enjoy the weekend, Annette x

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  18. Hi... looks like a Sunday NEC to me - can't work out if it's a good or bad thing that all the bargains might be sold out by then! Might you be going?
    Alison x

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  19. Thank you for sharing Autumn in all it's all glory with us at Artful Times Buttons breath taking !!!:)
    Von ♥

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  20. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!

    I really must learn to read a whole blog before commenting - Sky.... female.... doh.....


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  21. This is just lovely. Anything autumnal appeals to me and this is perfect. Shall now explore your blog further.....

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  22. Rich and gorgeous piece, Buttons!

    :-)

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  23. Wowee! Everyone before me has said exactly what I ean about this - incredibly gorgeous, fandabulous and amazing all rolled in to one with added COR!!! :0) Mo x

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  24. Very beautiful! The first glance left me feeling as if I was deep in the forest looking down into a secret pond surrounded by leaves!

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  25. Great to see how you used those leaves - this is wonderful

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  26. Love, love, love every single bit of this! I'm so late looking in that everything has been said and I definitely agree with everyone else!!

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  27. That's a breathtaking piece of art, the leaves look fantastic.

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  28. Simply amazing - no other word for it

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  29. Buttons that should be framed it is a real work of art. So very very lovely. xx

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  30. Very nice! I can see a lot of work put into this one- well done!

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  31. Wow!!! And congratulations for being listed on Tim's post of Blogworthy Links today!!! Well deserved!! xo

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  32. These leaves are incredible!! So glad I found you through Tim's blog today! :)

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  33. After reading Tim's comment I had to come over check it out. Simply Gorgeous!

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  34. Somehow managed to miss this earlier Buttons and so glad to see you made Sir Tim's blogworthy links today. Such an amazingly beautiful project I can see why.
    Many congratulations and hugs,
    Fliss xx

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  35. Thud! That's the sound my chin made when it hit the table. This is beyond gorgeous, Buttons. LOVE it!

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  36. This project is wonderful. LOVE the look of your leaves!

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  37. This is stunning - love the colour palette & the detail you have put into every leaf ! gorgeous ! Ali #52

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  38. How on earth did I miss this blog post! GORGEOUS are those leaves and the entire card! BTW, you made it on Tim's blog worthy post! WooHoo!

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  39. WOW!!! This is AMAZING!!! I love it! xxx

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  40. This has left me speechless, it's just too amazing for words except WOW.
    x

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  41. Stunning texture Alison! Congrats on getting a mention on Tim's blogworthy links! x

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  42. I cannot imagine all this beauty on a card. It should be framed to keep forever! The work that went into this should win a Pulitzer Prize. The saying is just perfect for this also. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

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  43. What beautiful leaves! I wish I had the supplies to make some. But alas, I must used what I have. That's ok with me though. These are just fabulously real looking. Congrats on making Tim's blogworthy post. TFS Hugs,Jess

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  44. WOW...this is just gorgeous...You have totally captured and recreated the look of the leaves that are blowing around my yard! Love them! I can't wait to try the techniques as you outlined them...and appreciate the inspiration!

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  45. 1000 congratulations to you my friend!!! To be nominated on Tim's blog is just the highest accolade and the next best is me because I am the receipient of this truly amazing card!! How lucky am I then. So, so, so pleased for you.... Crafty hugs, Anne xx

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  46. Congrats on the blogworthy link from Tim! I am so glad I came to your blog, your leaves are amazing!

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  47. What an amazing job! I agree with all the other comments on how lifelike the leaves look. I even read the entire post. Looking forward to coming back to your site later today (after chores)! So glad TH pointed me to your blog. Once again, congratulations on a job WELL DONE!!

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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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