WooHoo it is Tickle a Teapotter time of the month and Sabrina has shared a special story that goes straight to the heart and has set us a patchwork challenge. I love cards (and challenges) that evoke memories. I have memories of my great-grandmother making patchwork quilts from old candlewick bedspreads and dressing gowns.
Unfortunately as Grandma got older she didn't really care where the candlewick fabric came from. Nan wasn't impressed when she found Grandma had cut up a brand new bedspread into little squares so she could make a patchwork bedspread.
Now about my card - I learnt this technique from Robin - Stamperrobbin during her terrific DTGD16 challenge. Lydia also had a mixed media challenge recently using water instead of starch. I personally like the results from the ironing spray better.
I started with a big piece of aluminium foil and used a Sharpie pen to outline the size of an A4 sheet, in landscape. I then sprinkled blue Brusho's across the top section, followed by purple Brusho across the middle section, then finished with green Brusho across the lower section.
El cheapo ironing spray starch was then sprayed on - the ironing spray beads very differently to water and it also helps the Brusho maintain its intensity. Now place an A4 sheet onto the foil - using the Sharpie outline as a guide.
Remove cardstock and place a large crinkled up piece of plastic cling wrap over the top, pat it onto the card and allow to air dry with the plastic in place. There will still be a lot Brusho and spray on the foil so I always have extra cardstock ready, it is also easy to add more colour and more spray. I work on the theory if you are going to get messy, make the most of it.
I don't always wait for the cardstock to dry before removing the plastic - it really depends how much marbling you want. Any `failed' backgrounds can always be revived by finishing it off with similar coloured distress inks and the Smack & Squirt technique, or use for a gelli plate background, die cutting, stencilling etc. Most of my crazy bird stamping is done on failed backgrounds, just touch up the colour when needed.
The little houses are digi stamps - thanks to fellow Teapotter Carla, I know how to resize a pdf file. The little house is done on photocopy paper, the other is done on a cheap thin cardstock. Both houses were first coloured with Prismacolour Pencils (they colour beautiful over Brusho's and Distress Inks too), the pencil makes a great base alcohol markers.
After printing the houses, I drew in the lines for each patchwork square, after colouring the squares I used a fine micron pen and did little criss-crosses.
It has cooled down a bit today, we had 39C/102F on Christmas Day - it dropped to 35C/95F at 9pm and stayed there for hours. Where ever you are I hope you warm/cool and happy.
Thank you for looking.
Date: Tuesday, December 27, 2016 GMT Views: 4431
Favorited:21
Registered: October 21, 2010 Location: in the okanagan in b.c. canada Posts: 13012
Fri, Dec 30, 2016 @ 12:05 PM
OH SIS, I commend you for so taking the challenges and trying new things, and especially your COLORS...I could just keep looking at them...I So ADORE your quilted houses...are they ever neat...wouldn't that be cool to l live in, so fun...hope it warms up so for you guys, he-he...goodness that would be so different for Christmas..hope you had a wonderful one though...HUGE HUGS and Happy New Year.
------------------------------ We as people are raindrops of colorful ink , falling down Crisp and Clear, each a different shade more vibrant then the last, but once we realize at the bottom of an endless abyss we all fall into the same inkpot forming one color, only then can we come together as one My son.
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Sun, Jan 01, 2017 @ 2:24 PM
Oh, sis! WOW! This is so amazing and magical, and I absolutely giggled at the story of your grandma's quilt from the bedspread. What a surprise THAT must have been! I cannot begin to express the beauty you create in your cards, sis, and these darling patchwork houses are amazing! You are truly an artist and also share the most beautiful the loving stories! And I agree with everyone else that half of the fun is reading the description of how you've made your cards. Truly a precious treasure you are, my dearest Susie sis! Love you so much! (Sorry I've been MIA...but you understand! xoxo)
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: May 31, 2009 Location: East Tennessee enjoying the mountain views Posts: 32997
Wed, Jan 04, 2017 @ 3:09 AM
Love the whimsy of your little patchwork houses Susie.. I would have thought the patchwork was part of the stamp.... Awesome job and I love the deep colors you achieved. Cute card my dear.... Have a Happy and Healthy New Year as well...
Registered: June 10, 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 7372
Thu, Jan 05, 2017 @ 6:36 PM
Being an old quilter from way back - I really love this special card too. Afraid the quilting has taken a back seat to inky things. I can see just about all my favourite colours in this (except where is the yellow). A special whimsical fairy land.
Registered: December 4, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 16610
Sat, Jan 07, 2017 @ 8:19 AM
What a stunning card Susie! I absolutely adore these patchwork houses that you created. Oh my, did I ever giggle about your grandmother cutting up a new bedspread so she could use it for a patch work of her own creation. LOL. Your brusho's bg is absolutely stunning and truly showcases these adorable houses. The 3D tree branches really frame this image so nicely too! Big warm hugs from 25 degrees below zero in MN! ~Karen.
Gorgeous! I love your descriptions. They are always as much fun as your cards. We do learn a lot from each other, even technical stuff! . Thank you Susie for sharing your wonderful talent with us!
------------------------------ Sharon ♥
Blog: Foxy Stamping Scrapbook Goal: 2024: 14/60 as of 03/31/24
Registered: September 21, 2006 Location: In the beautiful Sequatchie Valley, Home of the Paper Clip Project - The National Cornbread Festival Posts: 26563