By The Sea at Frilly and Funkie

Hi everyone and welcome! It's Kathy's turn to host the current Frilly and Funkie challenge 'By The Sea', and today it's the turn of the Funkie side of the team to share their projects. Here's what Kathy has to say about her choice of theme; "It's summertime, and our minds turn toward the shore where we find sparkling sands, delicate shells and refreshing breezes. Let's take a virtual beach trip by creating any kind of vintage or shabby chic project that features a nautical or beach theme and colour palette."

The winner will earn the chance of a Guest DT spot at Frilly and Funkie, and everyone who enters and follows the rules will go into the draw for the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. And there are Top 3 Badges for three further outstanding entries. The challenge closes on August 9th so there's still plenty of time to get those projects linked.

This was definitely one of those occasions where the crafting gods aligned perfectly - I actually created this nautical canvas specifically for my craftie bestie Anne's birthday as I know how much she loves this theme. Kindly, Anne was happy for me to share it with you as part of the current Frilly and Funkie challenge (thank you so much for allowing me to do that sweetie!)

The background was one of those that looked awful initially but improved immeasurably every time another layer of Distress Paint was applied. You've got Broken China at the bottom, with some Seth Apter Impression Obsession 'Pattern Play' stamping added. Then I mixed Rust and Mountain Rose Alcohol Inks into some course paste to give it that beautiful salmon colour and spread it across the canvas in random swipes. After that came lots of dry brushing with the remaining Distress Paints listed below (all except Barn Door that is) to reach the point where it looked complete.

Then came the fun of layering up those seaside elements - the die cut greenery was coloured with the same paints used in the background and you'll spot seashells, twine, gauze and various 'rusty' elements underneath the stamped seahorse. That's where the Barn Door came in - combining it with black gesso, Vintage Photo and Rusty Hinge paints and a coat of Rust Alcohol Ink made sure a filigree metal disc and Seth Apter SpellBinders 'Robo Ring' coordinated perfectly with a couple of naturally rusted discs. Underneath it all I stencilled some Texture Paste through the Bubble stencil and sprinkled Tumbled Glass Distress Glitter over it for an added touch of glamour.

I'm entering this into the following challenges;

Country View Challenges - Hot Summer Days

Mixed Media World #16 - Under The Sea

Regardless of the weather outside it's always wonderful to recall memories of enjoyable times spent at the beach. How will you be inspired by yours? We'd love to see them over at Frilly and Funkie. To give you even more inspiration be sure you hop on over to see the fantastic creations from the rest of the Design Team, including the latest ones from the Funkie side.

Thank you for joining me today. Whatever you're up to for the rest of the week take care of yourselves, Jenny xxx