Friday 4 December 2020

Merry Christmas and 'Au Revoir' to A Vintage Journey

 I can't believe that after nearly 7 years we have decided to call an end to the challenges and posts on the A Vintage Journey Challenge Blog. I have been so proud of what we have achieved in terms of the philosophy and talent that it has brought together. It went beyond my wildest dreams but for several reasons I think that now is the right time.

Life for me has now changed in terms of retirement, new goals, different responsibilities and this year particularly the Covid-19 pandemic, I have wandered away from the creative paths I was following and lost the focus I once had. I hope it will return someday but for now I'll just follow the road I am on and enjoy the new journey.

I am however submitting my last project for AVJ which has two themes - To 'Celebrate the Season' by making an ATC or a set of ATCS depicting Christmas scenes or colours plus the ending of the challenges and inspirational projects that the whole team has contributed to over nearly 7 years. 

I started by making some backgrounds during another fabulous crafty Skype session with two of my AVJ friends, Nikki and Alison, who live fairly near to me and I have met in person.

I chose this finished design because of the bright and colourful effects it gave me and then cut it into ATC sized pieces. It was made with Christmas tissue paper. stencils, acrylic paints and stamps.



Close-ups



ATC backgrounds - Stamped holly leaves painted in green and berries painted red to help bring it all together. Die-cut leaves and sentiments.



Finally berries, boxwood twine and shabby muslin bow to finish it off.




These are such sweet little pieces of art I decided to mount them in white frames with a background piece of the original tissue paper used in the mixed media backgrounds - see end of the post.



My third ATC for the second part of the challenge includes a recycled background from an old Tim Holtz tag book, it also incorporates his stamps and inks, one of his frames, his design tapes and his remnant rubs. This was where my love of the Vintage genre started.



It really didn't take long to put this one together but I had to include a heart as I will treasure these AVJ years with the friendships I've made and the people we have touched all around the world. These are indeed such wonderful memories that I will hold in my heart forever.



Thanks to everyone who has travelled with me on this amazing journey. Although this is the first project and post for quite a few months I am hoping I will get back into the swing one day soon.

Take care and huge hugs Brenda xxx


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13 comments:

Susanne said...

Oh Brenda, great to hear that you are ok. I have missed you on the blog. I like your art and hope you will come back. Sometimes I think of the first time we met, at MOM in Coventry, and you demoed long in to the evening. It was so inspiring. And I have also had the opportunity to meet you a couple more times at MOM. I’m grateful for that. Hope you will have a Merry Christmas. Hugs Susanne

Let's Art Journal said...

Wow, simply stunning! Love the master board that you created and how you framed your ATCs, what a wonderful idea 😁. Your third ATC is beautiful too and so meaningful with the heart and words. I had such a wonderful experience as a participant and Creative Guide over at A Vintage Journey! I really appreciate all your support, guidance and friendship, you've been such an inspiration - thank you so much for being part of my creative journey! Love and hugs, Jo x

Julia Aston said...

The backgrounds you created are just beautiful Brenda! Love the colors and stampings you used - and what gorgeous little ATC's you made from them - they certainly do deserved to be framed! and your farewell ATC is lovely in it's simplicity - thank you so much for taking a chance on a basically CAS designer and inviting me to be on the team 5 years ago - I have learned SO much from everyone at AVJ in stretching myself into vintage creativity and it has been so enjoyable meeting everyone from so many different places! Julia xx

nancy littrell said...

Gorgeous ATC's, deserving beautiful and lasting frames to add to your Christmas decor. I love all your traditional colors and mixed media products. TFS your Beauties. As long as you keep crafting...life will be creative and fine! Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy Creative New Year. Hugs...Nancy

sally said...

Delightful pieces of art and I can’t believe that it’s 7 years ago that the group started- where does time go!?!? Good luck with your onward art journey & safe passage through the festivities!

Sally xx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

It's bitter sweet to end it, but I understand. I hope your new journey is wonderful!!! All the projects are wonderful this week.

Annie said...

Hi Brenda xx I love your amazing ATC's and all the memories that they have behind them x It has been fantastic to be part of this amazing team at AVJ and I remember how thrilled I was when you invited me to join xx It has also been so nice to have met up with you on several occasions too x I do hope you get back in to your art Brenda as you are such an inspiration to many xx

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2021

Love & Best Wishes
Annie xx

Quirky Shepherd said...

Hi Brenda Lovely to see your makes i have missed them over the past couple of months, enjoy your retirement and what ever path that takes you on and look forward to seeing your future makes xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Brenda, let me start by saying your ATCs look wonderful, I love them all! But most of all I am here to say thank you for the last 7 years, for the initiative you took with AVJ and for inviting me to be part of the journey right from the start, - and what an amazing journey it has been! So many memories to treasure now. It is a sad good bye to the challenge, but I do hope it is an au revoir for some of the CGs.
Meanwhile I wish you all the very best for your personal journey, where ever it might take you!
And of course a wonderful and happy Christmas to you and Ken and all the family!
Astrid xxx

Words and Pictures said...

Such beautiful ATCs - those wintry berries make my heart sing and the friendship ATC carries its heartfelt message with such care in the multiple frames. It's been an absolute joy and an honour to be on this Vintage Journey with you for the last (almost) eight years. You generated a hub of creative warmth, support and inspiration that has had huge value not only for those of us lucky enough to be on the team but also, clearly, for all those who followed and participated. It's clear they're going to miss us, but I still have no doubts about it being the right decision.

I wish you and yours a safe, peaceful, merry Christmas, in whatever form it takes, and I'll see you along the way in 2021.
Alison xx

Let's Art Journal said...

Hi Brenda, I just wanted to say thank so much for the beautiful Christmas card! I adore the vintage Santa Claus with all the sparkle and your message filled my heart with happiness 😀. It's been such a pleasure working with you and being part of your team at A Vintage Journey! May your Christmas be filled with love, peace and joy! Big hugs, Jo x

sarascloset said...

You haven't lost your touch at all, Brenda! These are truly beautiful little works of art, and so deserving of the framing. I love the backgrounds you've made and the gorgeous colors--so festive! Any your ATC to celebrate the friendships at AVJ is a artful reflection of what it's all about. I'm honored to have been a small contributor both as one of your followers/participants and for the three years as a Creative Guide. Thank you for the opportunity! Best of everything in the coming year! I do hope you will continue to make marvelous stuff! Big hugs!

Unknown said...

I just found this post, as I hadn't heard from you in a long time. I am sad to hear that you are ending this blog, as I have thoroughly enjoyed being awed by your creativity! Thank you for sharing all the wonders you created and all the very best for the future!