Sunday 26 June 2011

Just because

It's quite a long time since I made anything that wasn't for a challenge, DT work, or a particular occasion. Having recently acquired various items of new stash, I thought I'd take a bit of time to have a play with some of them.

I'd been wondering whether to invest in some Distress Stains, and in the end couldn't resist ordering a few to try. I must admit they are very convenient to use, being in a sponge tipped bottle and so it's easy to cover a background quickly with them, and you can also ink up stamps with them, but since they are basically just like watered down distress ink, and you could probably get a similar effect using diluted DI and a sponge, I'm not sure whether I'll buy any more.

Anyway, inspired by Glenda's video on her blog, where she uses the Distress Stains with some of her gorgeous new Chocolate Baroque stamps, I made a card.

The background was made with Spun Sugar Distress Stain, overstamped with Hero Arts Dots & Flowers background & Old French Writing, which I had inked up with the same DS. The result is very subtle. Also stamped the Old French Writing on the base card. The picture is from a Crafty Individuals Miniatures Book (People & Places 2), and I made a frame for it with a Nellie Snellen die, inking around the edge with Versamagic ink. A strip of Tim Holtz Tissue Tape across the bottom, a Marianne Design leaf flourish (also coloured with Versamagic), and a sentiment by Innovative Stamp Creations finished the card.

I'd just like to say a big thank you to all you lovely people who keep commented on my blog. I do appreciate your visits, and hope you'll forgive me for not being able to reciprocate much at the moment. The big clearout in preparation for our move north is ongoing, slowly but surely, and between now and the end of term I will be very busy indeed at work, with several school concerts/events to come. A bittersweet time, as I have been at one of my current schools for the past 28 years and this is my last term here. But, as I said to my head teacher last week, 28 years is half my life, near enough, so I reckon it's about time for a change!

8 comments:

lisa said...

It's interesting to hear what you think about the stains, Lynne. You've certainly made a beautiful card with them, really vintage in a pretty way!!
Good Luck with the clear out and I'm sure it'll be very emotional to leave your current school, you must have many memories and lovely friends there but like you say you have a wonderful new adventure to look forward too.
Enjoy the rest of Sunday.
Hugs Lisax

Stella said...

Hello Lynne,

I am so glad you had a moment to create and relax :). Your card took my breath away. The idea of stamping a background with the same color of ink is just brilliant. So soft and subtle; I love the look of it. In a certain way it is a kind of monochromatic card but you added so many fabulous details that it almost looks like you used much more colors. I really think you did a fantastic job. The result is stunning!!!

Sweetie I hope that everything is going well with preparing your move up north. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to everyone but I know for sure there will be a lot of precious moments and possibillitites waiting for you up north... ( Forgive me my horrible english but I hope you know what I mean...)
Take care; love and hugs!
Stella
XXX

judith@poppy cottage said...

Lovely colours Lynne, and a lovely vintage feel. I enjoy the speed of using Distress Stains, but still prefer Distress Inks, I have to confess.
The overstamping in the same colour is great.
Good luck with the packing and preperation. The goodbyes will be hard. The memories will go with you though, Judith xx

Jean said...

Beautiful card Lynne, I love the subtle background you have created.I have just bought some distress stains as well but haven't really made anything with them yet.Good luck with your move. Jean x

Lisa Jane said...

oh this is so pretty Lynn.. i love the background ..
Glad to hear all your packing is going well ... i bet the weeks are flying by
Lisa x

Debbie Dolphin said...

oh so pretty Lynn. I adore the colours you have used xxxx
love Debbie xx

Sally H said...

How stunning! I must have a nosey at your distress stains - I haven't taken the plunge yet...! I'll be thinking of you over the next few weeks with all those goodbyes - just keep remembering all the fab times you are going to have with the boys!

craftimamma said...

I can well imagine your feelings will be bittersweet over the next month but as Judith says you will have lots of lovely memories to take with you I'm sure. I certainly don't envy you the clearing out and packing up prior to your move though but spending more time with your family will make it all worthwhile.

As for your card well, it is just so pretty. I love the monochromatic look broken only by the pretty 'portrait'. I haven't tried the stains yet but I did enjoy Glenda's video which was very imformative I thought.

Hugs
Lesley Xx