Pearshaped

Pearshaped

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Sunday 13 April 2014

Playtime!

For a while I haven't been able to get much playtime and when I have it's been a case of 'what to do?' Having been away for a few days finally a couple of afternoons I settled down to play. So....can you tell what it is yet?
Here's a clue - I started with these
Well, three to be precise, with a vague idea about what I wanted to do. 
Last year I was lucky enough to get a place on a Tim Holtz workshop where goodies were set out on the table so having limited resources at the caravan I dug out these

Now as you can see this is just a pile of scraps,a bag of bits and a set of stamps that I bought on the way to the caravan a few weeks ago and that now live there! These were to be my main resources! Nothing like the goodies last year but limited and thinking on last year used stencils, stamping and embellishments to get where I wanted to!
First thing I did was coat the envelopes in gesso then added some paint, using a baby wipe.
While things were drying I started on some tags (can you see where I'm going?)


 I keep a selection of tags - some of which have been run the through the cuttlebug and thought they would be ideal for this.Lots of cutting out, stamping, distressing and tearing involved!
Then back to finishing the envelopes.


Here is the finished tag holder complete with tags
I don't suppose I kept you guessing at all!
I did have a lovely discovery while making this - Gesso plus copper acrylic paint gives a lovely shade of pink, not what I intend but I do like it!

I would like to enter this in A Vintage Journey's challenge this time - 'A little bit French' Take a look at their blog for loads of inspiration.

Thanks for looking, Chris

10 comments:

Words and Pictures said...

Absolutely enchanting, Chris... I love the altered envelopes, with the wonderful French labels and pretty decorations, and the embossed tags are just gorgeous. Beautiful work - so happy you found some play time! Thank you for joining us on A Vintage Journey.
Alison xx

Zuzu's Blog said...

what gorgeous altered envelopes.. are they ATC sized? great to receive an ATC inside one of these little gems. x

Redanne said...

You certainly did a wonderful job with what you had available Chris, I love your Paris theme, the embossing on the tags is wonderful and you made very clever use of those envelopes too. Thank you for joining our challenge at A Vintage Journey. Hugs, Anne xx

Julie Lee said...

This is a stunning project and I love that you worked with these resources that you had to hand, creating something so beautiful! Paris is such a wonderful city - I always love projects that feature it! They have a special romance, I think. It feels like ages since I had playtime so I can appreciate what fun you must have had creating these. They are perfectly lovely, Chris - the subtle tones, the vintage images - everything. Julie Ann xxx

Astrid Maclean said...

Absolutely brilliant!! Your wonderful project just oozes French shabby chic, I love it and it's so cleverly put together. Thanks also for the tip on the gesso and copper acrylic, I have to say I do love that shade of pink too! Thanks so much for adding it to our challenge at A Vintage Journey!

Juliz Design Post said...

Love your shabby feel on this and must try mixing with the metallic paints too... The way you changed those little envelopes around is great. So glad you took a before picture. Julie x

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Chris, I'm taking the day off to just visit my friends, with water fit, visiting the hospital, cooking food, for her.So here I am, and soooooo glad I could see this, it's BRILLIANT..... The transformation of those envelopes are fantastic and your tags are gorgeous, I have a few envelopes like that and can't wait to try this, thanks for all this inspiration, hope you have a wonderful week, ((( BIG HUGS ))).. Thanks for stopping by my nest..

Sarah Anderson said...

this looks like my idea of heaven!!! - mini envelopes and tags! such a great projects x

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris, love your Tags and envelopes, they are gorgeous. xxx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

First, I apologize for my inability to get back to visit you, even though you have been such a sweetie and visited me several times recently. My life suddenly came crashing in around me when I had two households and three animals to look after. But enough about me. Please just accept my apology for not visiting sooner.

As a recycle project, this is perfect. I really like how you put the project together. It looks very well planned out, and very well made. The one thing that surprised me was the gesso and copper acrylic. Since copper is a favorite of mine, I had no idea it turned colors like that. Thanks for that tip!

I'm off to see the last of your vacation photos, then your WOYWW post.