Friday 17 June 2016

Shabby crackle card and thrilling news

Well I'm only just under the wire getting this card made and ready for posting today and I needed some help pulling it out of the hat. I was bereft of ideas until I saw my friend Anne's gorgeous shabby album on her blog and I knew I wanted to go pink and pastelly (is that a word or have I just made that up?), so really into my shabby mood I decided to use some Wendy Vecchi embellishments and some very beautiful flowers from Anna Marie Designs. I also had seen the cards produced for the Frilly and Funkie Pastels and Pearls challenge and it strengthened my resolve to create a shabby card for this piece and enter it.


So I got to work.
The background card was in my off-cuts box left over I think from an infusions play session.


Add some stamping, I used a music score but it could easily be a text stamp .....


.... use a stencil and add DecoArt white texture paste and leave to dry naturally.


Take embellishments and have fun arranging them. Don't you just love the postmark disc and the little dove cote?


The crackles give texture and interest to the background and you can see a small white doily die cut shape (which is actually a wedding place marker from Hobby Craft) and a Tim Holtz stamped element tucked behind the beautiful shabby flowers.


Some printed hessian (left over from a Finnabair workshop I attended a few years ago), torn fabric to make a shabby ribbon bow, a couple of foliage die cuts (left from another project) in cream card, a tiny tag blended with antique linen and picked raspberry distress inks with a small pearl added and a word die-cut in brown card to make it stand out all added to the shabby appeal.


So I am off now to enter this into the Frilly and Funkie challenge and would like to thank the four frilly team members for their inspiration. This also fits with the Crackle challenge at Country View Crafts and is a reminder that you can enter a project up until the end of the month.


Before I go I have some more incredible and thrilling news to share with you. This year I have been so incredibly lucky and doors have been opening for me to do new and exciting things. The list includes being asked to join the amazing Andy Skinner on the DecoArt international design team and be part of a very talented group of people using the mixed media line of paints and mediums. Then Andy asked me to teach at Mixology this coming November, what an honour and again what a privilege to be involved teaching seventy participants at the retreat. At the same time I was asked by DecoArt if I would like to do a project for the Craft Stamper magazine for later in the year - but of course I would ..... another honour and compliment and having submitted my project the wonderful Trish Latimer has now asked if I would like to be on the Craft Stamper Design Team too. The badge is securely added to the side bar just so I can believe it as I have to keep pinching myself and checking I'm not dreaming......... Thank you Trish I am so pleased and proud to be joining more very talented artists from around the world and hope I can do you all justice in what I create.

Well after all of that I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned - for me with additional responsibilities that means more crafting. Am I complaining of course not, I love it.

Thanks for sharing my creative journey with me.

hugs Brenda xxxx

44 comments:

rosiejt said...

I love your blog and I'm sure you deserve all your new ventures. Enjoy!

Jane said...

Gorgeous card Brenda so feminine. What amazing news re Craft Stamper.....you will be such an asset to the magazine. Your talents are being so rightly recognised. Many congratulations my friend I'm so thrilled for you. Enjoy your crafty weekend. Hugs xxx

Monika Gulyas said...

Oh Brenda, this card is so beautiful! The background is amazing and the whole composition is so feminine and stunning! Great news too, another place where your talent is needed! Congratulations! xxx

Astrid Maclean said...

What a fabulous make Brenda, love it when you go shabby chic. The background is wonderful already, and the way you combine your embellishments is always so masterfully done, - just completely stunning and just the right amount of pink!!

HUGE congrats to becoming part of the Craftstamper team, so very well deserved, can't wait to see what you will do for them and I will now look forward even more to having the mag fall through my door each month! xxx

Nikki Acton said...

It just gets better! Great news Brenda! Oh and wonderful creation too xxx

Almo said...

Firstly let me Congratulate you Brenda on your CS design team spot, well deserved and a great addition to your continued success as a top class designer/tutor. Secondly on to your card, this is just beautiful, there are so many elements I love, the stenciled crackle, the torn fabric bow, stamped burlap and pretty flowers. The green postmark disc picks up the soft greens from the pinks in the background, and the dovecote sits perfectly with the other elements.Mo x

Paula Whittaker said...

What a wonderful year of opportunities and were only half way through - so who knows what else will come your way. Its not surprising though, as you are extremely talented. I shall look forward as always to seeing your creations, whether blogged or in magazines xx

Corrie Herriman said...

Wow, you go girl !!! Congratulations !
Fabulous project by the way !
Corrie x

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Stunning card Brenda and a massive big congrats to you on all your exciting new adventures ;)
Hugs
Donna xx

Juliz Design Post said...

Beautiful shabby chic card with gorgeous layers of detail and love pink tones. Huge congratulations to you Brenda on becoming a Design Team member at Craft Stamper. Looking forward to your first project....wow this is just wonderful news to hear, I'm so happy for you.
Julie x

Kathyk said...

FAB project today and HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your new post - ENJOY, you deserve it

Kathyk

Annie said...

Woohoo !!! Brenda I am so thrilled at all the wonderful news. You work so hard and create the most beautiful and inspiring makes, sharing your step by steps. It's no surprise Trish asked you to join the DT x I am over the moon for you xx

Your shabby chic card is stunning with fabulous layers of inks, stamps and stencils, completed by those gorgeous florals

Have a great weekend and remember to come North xxxxx

Huge hugs
Annie xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

Woop woop!!!! That's fabulous news Brenda - so well deserved and I am absolutely thrilled for you. Your work is just stunning in so many ways so I know you are going to be a fabulous member of the team.

The card is stunning - as always - and close to my heart too with all those flowers, layers and being pink!

Have a great weekend and celebrate with a glass or two!!!!! Jennie xxx

ElizabethR said...

Fabulous news I am so happy for you and we get to see more makes from you yay :) Gorgeous card as well by the way xxx

Redanne said...

Oh Brenda, what exciting news!!! I am so, so thrilled for you and also thrilled that you are getting the recognition you so richly deserve, your work is always incredible and inspiring! You will be tremendous asset to the CS team.

Your card is stunning, truly shabby chic at it's very best (and thanks so much for your lovely shout out).

Again, fabulous news Brenda!! Hugs, Anne xx

Sue said...

Your card is really beautiful Brenda, I will definitely have to try putting the crackle as the top layer. Congratulations on being asked to join C.S, it's not good luck Brenda, just people recognising your amazing talent! Enjoy your weekend xx

Paper Profusion said...

A stunner Brenda! Gorgeous card. And the accolades just keep on rolling for you !! I'm really delighted for you! Congratulations, it's all hugely deserved. Nicola x

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous card Brenda, I am not at all surprised about Craft Stamper... Well done and huge congratulations...I look forward to seeing you in my favourite magazine. Xxx

A Pink said...

Fabulous card ! Brenda and what a year so far for you ! Congratulations on joining the Craft Stamper Design team . Looking forward to seeing your fabulous work published . Think this means its time to celebrate so be sure to enjoy a glass or two of the bubbly . You deserve every door thats opened for you.
Have a lovely weekend
hugs x

Jenny Marples said...

About time too!!!!!! I am thrilled to bits that you are joining the Design Team - even MORE reason to get our monthly issues! Can't wait to see your projects in print. And thank you so much for being inspired by our amazing friend Anne and the wonderful team over at Frilly and Funkie to create this luscious card!!! Seriously LOVING the details and inclusions on that beautiful background. Thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie. Onwards and upwards! xxx

Cec said...

Your card is a shabby beauty. Love the background with the wonderful crackle. Your added elements are super and show that we should never throw anything out because we can use bits and pieces later that go together so well. Congratulations on your newest DT - you will be a terrific addition to that team. Thanks for joining us at Frilly and Funkie.
Hugs!
Cec

experiments in paper said...

The very essence of shabby chic here!! Love, love, love that crackle (as always!), and the gorgeous colors. And congratulations on such fabulous news - I consider you one of my first mentors, and I am beyond thrilled to see you get such well-deserved recognition!! I have a digital subscription, and look forward to seeing your beautiful work there! xxx Lynn

Gina said...

*stands applauding and whistling loudly* Yay Brenda!!!!! Way to go girl! I know you are going to be brilliant in all your endeavours :D XXX

toni said...

That's fantastic news Brenda! I'm a subscriber to CS so shall look forward to seeing your projects, I'm also very happy to be one of the delegates at the November retreat!! Great stuff ! Oh and Your shabby chic card is gorgeous ! Toni xx

Meggymay said...

A stunning card Brenda. Many Congratulations on your latest good news.
Yvonne xx

Ink Art Designs said...

Wow, it is being a huge year for you! And it's only half over!!! Huge congrats on joining the CS team...you will have sooo much fun. I can't wait to see your makes :)
And this card has so many beautiful layers which go together so well. It is gorgeous!
Dot x

Nikki K said...

Fab make, love how your colours blend together so well. Huge congratulations on the Craft Stamper DT post, totally deserved. Look forward to seeing you at MoM this year too. x

SewPaperPaint said...

This is a stunning project! I adore the crackle over your soft Infusions background! Biggest congrats on your new DT - how amazing! You are going to have a lot going on, but it will be so worth it. I can't wait to watch you spread your wings and fly, sweet girl. You are one of my biggest creative inspirations. Hugs, Autumn

Patty O'Malley said...

Wow, Brenda! This card is gorgeous. I absolutely love it. So much wonderful news you have shared--congratulations!

Amanda said...

Big congratulations fabulous and well deserved recognition for your talent. Look forward to seeing your work in CS magazine. Fabulous shabby chic card as well.
Love
Amanda x

Unknown said...

Craft Stamper could not have chosen a better person Brenda - YOU ARE PERFECT for this role. SO PROUD OF YOU and HAPPY FOR YOU too. Hip Hip Hooray. WOW.

Oh and by the way - your card is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Hehehhehe - just so excited for you I almost forgot!!! Xj

Gio said...

The card is simply truly beautiful, Brenda. LOve the crackle, the pink (of course) and the scrumptious flowers.

A big congratulation, welcome on board, you really deserve it and I can't wait to see your art on the magazine!

Barbara said...

First Big congrats !!! Your car is AMAZING! I adore the background and the colors, the whole design is stunning! barbara!!!!

Pamellia said...

Wow on this card Brenda, just WOW!! The pink, the background, the flowers, the shabby...it's all so completely delicious!! Thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie for our 'Pastels & Pearls' challenge!

A huge congratulations on this and all of your accomplishments!! You do such excellent work, how could they not want you on their team!! Best wishes for you on this next leg of your crafty journey!! Hugs :)

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh Brenda! Such wonderful news - Congratulations! It was only a matter of time I'd say - looking forward to seeing you in the magazine! Your feminine card is so beautiful! Hugs, Chrisx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Brenda, between the two of you I think I know where I'm going with my mum's birthday card. Love the colours and the gorgeous shabby finish. Have a great week, Angela xXx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Sorry Brenda meant to congratulate you on joining the Craft Stamper team, look forward to seeing your work in there. Big hugs, Angela x

Inkypinkydelights said...

Many congratulations. You have a lovely Blog. Judy x

sarascloset said...

Brenda, what wonderful news to start my day! Huge congratulations to you...you will be such an asset to the team, and it's really no surprise at all to me they would want you on board! You are truly my favorite artist, always inspiring with absolutely every project!

This card is just an example of what a versatile and creative artist you are, using bits leftover from this and that, which work so perfectly together! And that pink! Who'd thought?! Looks wonderful, and I am drooling over that dove cote! Big hugs!

Mrs.B said...

Congratulations on your fabulous news Brenda, I'm sure your talents will be asset and a great inspiration to the team.
Love this card and it's gorgeous background and lovely layered details and the dovecote is such a lovely addition.
Avril xx

Mary Elizabeth said...

Oh my goodness Brenda! I'm really behind on the news. First, let me say that I saw you entry over at Frilly and Funkie. I was so glad to see your shabby card. I finally got around to check out the details (which are absolutely lovely by the way ... love the crackle stenciling) and then I see your astounding news at the end. Wow!! Congrats on all the new opportunities. So very well-deserved :) Can't wait to see what this year brings!!! Hugs -- Mary Elizabeth

Suzanne C said...

Congrats on your new team! All truly deserved and a reflection of your talent and art! Gorgeous card and my favorite thing about it is how you pulled all these pieces together from your leftover bits and pieces to create a beautiful shabby chic card!

Deb said...

First of all huge congratulations on your appointment to the Craft Stamper design team Brenda, just one more acknowledgement of your amazing talent and your teaching expertise, so very well deserved! And now on to this beautiful card; the texture from the crackle is gorgeous and love the peeks through to that amazing background. The lovely flowers, dove cote (love that piece!)and all of your other embellishments combine to create a perfectly shabby card. Thanks so much for sharing it and once again, congratulations! Deb xo

Nancy Dynes said...

Congratulations on your wonderful news, Brenda!! It is well deserved and I can't wait to see the lovely things you create. This card is over the top fantastic!! I love the soft background, embossing, and those pretty pink flowers. What a stunner! Thank you so much for joining us at the Frilly and Funkie Challenge!
Hugs,
Nancy