Hi everyone and welcome. Think I just might have mentioned in my post last Saturday being lucky enough to have gotten my paws on Ken Oliver's 'hot off the press' Hometown collection, newly released at the NEC - yep, I was excited!
And here's the proof... (how amazing to get to meet the man himself!!!)
Ken mentioned how he saw these papers being used for mixed media projects and that was music to my ears. I had so many ideas buzzing around involving lots of the IndigoBlu paints and stamps I'd been demo'ing that day. And then came the time to put it all into practice; that's always when the nerves set in - will this look right when it's done (there's no template to follow when something is brand new) will I just wreck the designs by overdoing it all, will it then translate when photographed? I'll let you be the judge of that...
The designs are architecture heavy and detailed, so getting the balance right on a 6" square card takes thought. Thankfully Ken has cleverly included a sheet of journalling cards with the same large designs in a scaled down version, so I took the opportunity to layer them so the background could be altered with impunity. Both bases got a layer of gesso and a Snowflake Lace/Goldfinger English Cottage Artist's Acrylic Paint border to work with the tones already in place on the papers. That kicked off the Christmas theme. Then came stamping, Mega Flakes, ribbon and die cuts to enhance the designs (I've included a list of ingredients/links at the bottom of this post). And of course those fiddly die cut shapes became so much easier to deal with using my other Ken Oliver purchase - Stick It! Genius stuff; it not only acts as an adhesive - with a waxy finish to the carrier sheet, it also allows those intricate cut designs fall from the dies.
So what do you think? It's way too hard to get perspective myself having looked at them for so long and your critical feedback is always welcome. With a few more gorgeous sheets to play with it's another one of those creative learning curves to make sure I do them justice.
OK, tomorrow there's a new challenge launching at A Vintage Journey so I hope you'll join me for that, then Saturday is my regular post for IndigoBlu (plus I'm teaching at JGD Crafts in Sutton-in Ashfield for the lovely Janet Humphries). Is it just me or is November disappearing rapidly?!
Thank you so much for joining me today and whatever you're up to, take care of yourselves, Jenny xxx
Ken Oliver's Hometown collection and Stick it available at; Craft Obsessions
IndigoBlu products used -
Stamps: Snowflake Lace; Baubles Flourish; Merry Christmas Circle Dinkie; Winter Wonderland; Christmas Script 2 Dinkie
Mega Flakes: Yorkshire Dales; Chariot of Fire
I love what you'e done with these papers, it's always great to see how new and what are very different papers could be used. Both are beautiful but the second card is a real favourite. The inspired use of the journalling cards, ribbon strips and the trees in that gorgeous green just perfect. Different which I love and so beautiful. Gorgeous ideas for Christmas cards......you are so talented Jenny. Wonderful! Ruth xx
ReplyDeletestunning jenny you have well and truly rocked these gorgeous papers...hugs kath xxx
ReplyDeleteYou've made a superb job with the new papers- I love the architectural feel of these with just a pop of colour and gold to make them Christmassy.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Jenny, what fabulous cards. I just love those beautiful papers and you have certainly brought out the beauty in them. Hugs Rita xxx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous creations Jenny and stunning how you have used these beautiful papers. hugs, Veerle xx
ReplyDeleteOh! My! Giddy! Aunt! Jeny where to you get all these fantastic ideas??
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love, these wonderful pieces.
I just knew you would have to meet that man and so glad you got the chance.
He's up our way next week and I won't manage I am gutted. If he does not find Aberdeen too far from base he might venture this way again sometime that I could manage to work with him.
Keep on crafting
Hugs
Patricia xxx
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Gorgeous, those new papers are fab love the designs. Elizabeth xxx
ReplyDeleteFret not dear Jenny because you have worked your magic with these papers - and to turn them into Christmas themed cards was a genius idea! I love that you used the journaling cards as toppers and your embellishments are perfectly placed too - they really are stunning cards. I hope Ken gets to see these, he will be very impressed indeed! Anne xx
ReplyDeleteWow! Jenny these cards are gorgeous! I've missed these fabulous papers and when I saw a picture of them I wasn't sure how they could be used.. You have really shown how to do it with these beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous projects, love the colour on the second! xx
ReplyDeleteWell Jenny I just decided to type it in and I finally got it, this is wonderful, the paper is great and they way you embellished it still left the the historical print still to see. Thanks for helping me out.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Gretchen
Such beautiful samples you have created.
ReplyDeleteWishes
Lynne
These are beautiful looking projects Jenny, nice ideas and wonderfully put together. Glad that you like Stick It and found it useful
ReplyDeleteomg Jenny!!!! These are fabulous - I just love what you have done with them. Your talent is amazing lol xxx
ReplyDeleteHow awesome to see your pretty picture, Jenny! And how thrilling for you! It's the rest of us who are thrilled now by the masterpieces you have created with Ken's gorgeous papers!! I'm afraid I probably would have slept in them myself, they are so stunning, so I give you huge kudos for turning them into keepsake Christmas cards!! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny!! I'm playing catch-up too!! You should see my in-box!! :0
ReplyDeleteThese cards with the Hometown Collection papers are gorgeous!! So very unique and very modern! I love how you've incorporated stamping onto these cards to bring the architectural scenes 'into season' so to speak. The second card may be my fav--but only because I see those inky splatters in the background ;):) Fabulous inspiration, Jenny!! Maybe I'll start making Christmas cards-soon! XOXO-Shari
Jenny I love these cards. So fresh and different!
ReplyDeleteThese are both stunning Jenny, love how you've used the papers and journal cards.
ReplyDeleteAvril xx