This is for Robin's fun Free for All challenge and we are to be inspired by some unexpected things that make us smile.
A lovely neighbour recently gave me some succulent plants and she said it was impossible to kill them.
To cut a long story short, I killed those little suckers in 2 weeks. When I was chucking the plants out, I noticed that 3 or 4 leaves had a little bit of life left in them. That's when I had my light bulb moment and decided to create gelli plate backgrounds using the dead and dying leaves.
Gelli printing on copy paper is great fun, just be quick and not too robust. The paints dry super quick on copy paper and make a great medium for building up lots of colours and prints without having to wait too long for things to dry.
I cut a scrap of cardstock 6"x 4"and wrapped the gelli printed copy paper around the rectangle. I didn't want to apply any adhesive to the gelli print and flatten it out too much. By wrapping the paper around the cardstock it makes the whole thing look 3d and a bit puffy.
After I coloured the mermaid, she was fussy cut and adhered to the card. I was adding the last of the liquid pearls when the bottle decided to hemorrhage all over her tail.
As I was scrapping off the gooey mess I glimpsed a few sequins on my table (another happy light bulb moment)...and the rest is history.
Thanks so much for looking and I hope you get a chance to join in.
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2019 GMT Views: 1417
Favorited:10
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 105074
Fri, Oct 04, 2019 @ 9:37 AM
Happy mistakes seem to bring us smiles!! I love your card, and so glad you added the leaves to your bg. Love your fun card, and your description of how it came to be!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMBER (photo of our Great Granddaughter Elise, just 6 months old) and me, even older.
Registered: March 27, 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 67884
Fri, Oct 04, 2019 @ 12:36 PM
I love your funny story about the plants and glitter. Still smiling.
Your mermaid is absolutely adorable! You have a way of mixing colors that come out beautiful! Wonderful background!
You made one gorgeous card!
------------------------------ Carolyn My Gallery - Fan Club Member "Snowmen fall from heaven...unassembled." Author unknown
Registered: July 9, 2008 Location: Stars Fell on Alabama Posts: 74752
Fri, Oct 04, 2019 @ 1:22 PM
Great background with those leaves that could have ended up in the compost pile. Now, they are being beautifully shown on your card. I love your big-eyed mermaid with all the pretty sequins.
------------------------------ My Blog---My Gallery---My PinterestI'm a Punchkateer! (Prez) FOREVERDirty Dozen Alumni2014 CAS Spring DT--- Inspiration Challenge Co- Hostess 12/02/17-12/28/19 Watercolor Wednesday Design Team Hebrews 13:2Brenda
Registered: June 10, 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 7326
Fri, Oct 04, 2019 @ 7:14 PM
What a great background even if it was made from the remains of your succulent garden! I would love to try that but I don’t think I could put up with the squeals of pain from the little plants as I ripped off the leaves. Of course too what is a mermaid without all her jewels and sparkles. Terrific job.
Registered: August 10, 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 25290
Sat, Oct 05, 2019 @ 3:54 PM
Oh, Susie, what an awesome background you created with the dead and dying leaves! I always say that you are such a skillful artist, and you are proving me right! The mermaid is so awesome with her sparkly tail and wonderful hair piece! Love this card, mf!
Registered: February 16, 2004 Location: Western Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 30953
Sat, Oct 05, 2019 @ 6:12 PM
This is one amazing background! I am in awe of the gorgeous mermaid, and love how the sequins were meant to be- glad the glue spilled!!! Gorgeous card!