Stitch in Time at Frilly and Funkie

Hi everyone and welcome. It's the second week of the current challenge over at Frilly and Funkie and this time our host, the wonderful Sue, has chosen a really fun theme, 'Stitch in Time (with a twist)'. Here's what she had to say about it; "I love to incorporate sewing into projects. Be it real or faux, it always adds an extra dimension to your artwork. So, for this challenge I want to see stitching somewhere on your vintage or shabby chic projects, real or faux will do! BUT, I would also like to see a timepiece too!"

And why enter? The Design Team will choose their top four picks with the winner being invited to join us in a Guest DT spot 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.

Having recently returned from a fabulous family trip to Paris I'm starting to put together a large portfolio in which will be stored all sorts of memorabilia, photos and recollections, totally inspired by a similar project created by the amazing Annette Green HERE. First step, add the 'stuff' you've collected and create the various pages/flip elements. Second step decorate and embellish in the arty way we love to do. Inspired by Sue's theme I made a start by working on the inside covers...

(click on each image for a closer look)

Throughout the portfolio I've used papers from Tim Holtz' French Industrial and Correspondence collections and it seemed appropriate to use this one as the jumping off point for the whole adventure. It needed chopping up to fit and I used some of the remainder to cover the leaf on the other side. To add some 'age' I splattered the paper with Antique Linen Distress Stain and blended Gathered Twigs around the edges.

Sue's requirement for a time piece fit perfectly on this page as time was an important part of our journey to Paris. Meeting up with the family (after a fabulous weekend in London with Sue for the Wendy Vecchi course - more of that soon) then check in, departure on the Eurostar train and arrival in Paris were all timetabled, and of course we changed time zones too! I added a mix of silver embossing powder and Brushed Pewter Distress Paint to an already painted kraft surface, scuffing it roughly on the large clock and blending the edges with Potting Soil Archival Ink on the smaller watch.

Sue's other requirement for this challenge was some stitching. Struck by the intricate interlacing of the metal struts on the Eiffel Tower I decided to echo this on my die cut version. This was layered over various bits of travel related ephemera, including some stamped from the Documented set.

To draw the eye in to the focal point I used stencilling (thank you Wendy for encouraging me to dip my fingers into your amazing embossing paste!) arrows, cut from the same paint distressed kraft card as the Tower and 'Euro' stars using the Possibilities Frameworks set again (LOVE this one). Finally sentiments from Tim's Life Quotes stamp set fit the whole theme perfectly.

And here's a peek at the whole portfolio to date. With most of the photos, memorabilia and journalling now included I'll enjoy adding those arty finishing touches over the coming weeks, so don't be surprised if you see even more Paris related projects on show!

That's it from me for now. I look forward to see what you come up with for the 'Stitch in Time (with a twist)' you pick for the challenge over at Frilly and Funkie and for more inspiration please make sure you check out the projects created by my uber-talented Funkie team mates.

Whatever you're up to take care of yourselves, Jenny xxx