Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Artful Frame

ETA:  This home decor wooden frame, 7 1/2" square, was chosen as a Top Ten Finalist at Market Street Stamps!  Please vote for me HERE.  :)  My creation is #4.  Thank you so much!!

I have a good friend named Linda.  My 9 YO is best friends with one of her daughters.  Linda often has my daughter for playdates, takes her on excursions, and is a leader in our Girl Scout troop. She picked up my child's Girl Scout uniform and other supplies for me, sewed the patches on the vest, and brought it to the meeting.  Linda took great care of my kid while she attended her first camping trip ever last weekend, with the troop.  Linda is funny, compassionate, thoughtful and always willing to help.  She was the first person to commission a card from me, too - the "Inspired by an Anthropologie Mug" card. 

I owe her so much, and wanted to make something extra special for her upcoming birthday.
Now, at the same time, I heard about a challenge at Market Street Stamps.  They're having the most wonderful Anniversary fiesta.  If you use their stamps and enter your creation, they will narrow down the entries to a few finalists.  Then on Thursday October 20th, everyone will be able to vote for their favorite creation.  The prize?  $600 in free stamps!!  How awesome!  I want to be the winner.  ;-)


I used Market Street's Vintage Wallpaper background.  LOVE it!  I stamped it four times in Sahara Sand ink on white cardstock to create my own designer paper.  I left some areas uninked on purpose for a distressed look.


I used a wood frame ($2.99) from a local craft store as my base.


I had only a vague idea in mind when I began.  It took me hours and hours, and much of that time was spent 'auditioning' different die cuts, punches and stickers on the frame.  I asked my kids over and over, "How does this look?  Or how 'bout this?"  They were very helpful.  :)


One of the first additions to the frame:  Infinite Loops double edge trim punch in white, and Dotted Scallop in black.  The venise lace is from eBay.  These things I was sure about adding.  After that, much pondering took place!


The next additions were die cuts - a Parisian motifs large circle, cut down, and a flourish from Fleur De Lis Motifs.


Then I thought of making a frame with Iron Gate corner and edge punches.  I used a square die to cut out the center.
Next came a portion of a K & Company die cut border.


And more K & Company die cut borders make an appearance.  I trimmed only what I needed - one butterfly and a bit of fern.


I am also entering this at Moxie Fab's Textured To Perfection challenge.  This frame is full of texture, with the lace, the pearls, the die cuts, with so much dimension.  

I am SO proud of this creation.  I think it is my best work yet, in the papercrafting phase of my life.
My 9 YO thinks I should make more of these to sell at an upcoming craft fair (my first!).  While this is a wonderful idea, it is very time-consuming.  I may have time to make one or two before the early November date.

Early next week I go in for surgery, and there's soooo much I want/need to do before then.  Making more of these frames are not on the list!  LOL 

On Thursday, there'll be a new challenge for The Play Date Cafe.  You don't want to miss this one!  It's our Two Year Anniversary, and there are some AWESOME prizes to be had for SEVERAL lucky crafters!
Thanks for visiting me today.  I know it was a very long post.

Colleen

Stamps:  Vintage Wallpaper - Market Street Stamps
Paper:  Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Whisper White - SU; white - PTI; patterned paper - SU (a French set, can't remember the name)
Ink:  Antique Linen, Walnut Stain Distress - Ranger; Sahara Sand - SU
Punches:  Infinite Loops double edge, Iron Gate corner & edge - Martha Stewart; Dotted Scallop - EK Success
Other:  Die cut decorative borders - K & Co; venise lace; pearls; Big Shot; Parisian motifs, Fleur De Lis motifs die cuts - Spellbinders

44 comments:

Emily Keaton said...

Colleen, this is STUNNING!! I can see why it took so long to put together. So many decisions to be made. I sooooooo hear ya on the "auditioning" thing. (I do that a lot myself! I also ask my kids and hubby for their input as I make projects, too.) But I must say, all of your care and careful consideration resulted in an absolutely astounding creation. WOW!! You are so right to be proud of yourself and this creation. While you have made so very many fabulous creation, I agree that this one takes the cake. Your friend Linda is so very lucky indeed to be the recipient of this beautiful handmade gift. If this doesn't make the finals over at Market Street Stamps, then you can call me a monkey's uncle. I'm wishing you the best of luck!!! Go, Colleen, go!!!!!

Marisa said...

You should be proud of this gorgeous creations, Colleen! It's amazing! Love the DP you created and the focal frame is gorgeous. Your friend is going to love it!!!

Andrea Ewen said...

Oh my goodness, I want to be Linda! This frame is spectacular and you'd better be darned sure to be proud of yourself for crafting this show-stopper! And tell Kerry that she has a great eye for detail and for the "finer things in life". I totally agree with her on the craft fair thing...when you get a spare week or so... hahaha...
A total delight for the eyes...I adore it!

Unknown said...

Col, this is absolutely gorgeous. Much love went into creating this. Handmade IS the best physical gift, in my humble opinion. :)

*Alison* said...

This is so beautiful.. I love the distressing, and all the little details.. you did such an amazing job :) hugs

Anonymous said...

I just LOVE this, Colleen. You did an amazing job, and I hope you win that BIG prize. Good luck. Good luck, too, with your surgery. 'Hope everything goes well. XO Gail XO

Janny's Cards Creations said...

Gorgeous creation. I love the frame and the creation on it. I hope you win the prize.
Janny

Lisa Elton said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Colleen this is absolutely spectacular; you rocked this one girl! You just let your friend know that if she should ever choose to part with it...please send it my way...LOVE THIS TO PIECES. You are already a winner in my book :)

Chunyuan said...

gorgeous work. Love everything about it. The color is so soft and details are amazing.

Angelica - Market Street Stamps said...

Absolutely stunning Colleen! I am lost in all the details. So soft, elegant, but not overly done. Wonderful.

Angelica - Market Street Stamps said...

Just re-read my comment - I mean "lost in the details" in only the most positive and enchanting way! Hope that didn't come across wrong. ;) Gorgeous!

~Tammy~ said...

Wow wow wow, this is amazing! You punch, diecut and layer so beautifully, and you put so much detail and thought in all your projects and this is by far no exception! You should be very very proud! Good luck on the contest!

Thinking of you as your surgery date approaches!

Handmade Creations by Stephanie said...

So Gorgeous!!!!!

Crystalena said...

This is absolutely gorgeous! It will make a beautiful birthday present! You are so gifted! :) I hope your surgery goies well and that you are up and busy soon! :)

nwilliams6 said...

I love this and I loved reading all about how you made it. Your friend sounds wonderful, and I see why you wanted to make this for her. I could feel how much you care about her in your thoughts as you designed this. You should make some for your craft fair - I would buy it in a heartbeat!!!!!

Bev J. said...

Beautiful creation-hope you win! Best Wishes on your surgery!

Ann Schach said...

Absolutely stunning, Colleen! This should definitely earn you free stamps! Good luck with your surgery!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is gorgeous! I love it! So many cool details! Hugs and prayers for your upcoming surgery - hope it is very minor. Keep us posted.

Chris R. from Iowa

Michele Gross said...

Jaw droppingly stunning! WOW Colleen!! Truly an amazing piece and one you should be proud of. So glad you came to the Market Street Block Party!!!

Stacey G.-2 Craf-t-4u said...

Oh my word Colleen!!! This is gorgeous! All of your creations are beautiful, but this is particularly spectacular! Love the frame, and all the ornate details! I am on the hunt for a piece of artwork for my bathroom, and can;t seem to find what I want. I considered making something.... hmmm you have the wheels turning in my head now.

Stacey G.-2 Craf-t-4u said...

Got caught up in all this prettiness I forgot to mention I will be thinking of you next week as you go through your surgery. Hope your recovery will be quick and you will be up & crafting real soon!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

WOWOWOW! This is amazing, Col!! I love the details and the glitter and your framed dies you used....oh! This is def. one of my favs from you! GOOOOOOOOOOOORGEOUS!

Your friend will def. cherish this--what a great/thoughtful friend you are!!!

Unknown said...

Oh my stars.. This is gorgeous.. She is just going to love it.. Lucky gal..

Hugs, Linda

Stephanie Washburn said...

Oh my goodness, Colleen.... absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I could stare at this frame for days... so many beatiful, elegant, timeless details. You rocked it, girl!

Bonnie said...

What a work of art! I don't see how this couldn't win.

Benzi said...

Yikes! Colleen, this is outstanding!!!!!!! You put your heart into this one..I can tell.

Marlena M. said...

Pure gorgeousness, Colleen! ;)

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, my WORD!!! You have GOT to be the winner with this! It's incredibly beautiful! I have no words, really. Just... WOW!

Brenda Weaver said...

this is so pretty! Wow! Love the details!!
Congrats on making it to the top ten finalist in the contest! Good luck!

Tanya said...

This is beautiful! You are a finalist, I voted! :D

Virginia L. said...

Congrats, Colleen, on being one of the finalist! What a beautiful creation!

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

A masterpiece. I know what's it's like to struggle to make up your mind. You've made all the right ones here.

Anonymous said...

This is Lovely!!

Carol Hurlock said...

Gorguss Darling, just gorguss!!! What an awesome piece of work. It has a shabby chic appeal that is dynamite. Love it Girlfriend.

Shirley said...

This is awesome and you have my vote!

Deborah Frings said...

Absolutely stunning!!! You have my vote and I wish you every success.

farmhouse-story said...

such a beautifully stunning frame, colleen! i wish you luck, but, you really don't need it:)

Susie W. said...

Colleen...this is absolutely STUNNING! Oh my. I love everything about it. You are SO very talented! I agree with Lynn (above) I wish you luck, but you really don't need it. Your project is the winner, IMHO!

Laurie said...

This is amazing!! So many gorgeous details! I love the trim you used! The stamping is so pretty! Congrats on top 10!!

Payne Holler Cards said...

this is so over the top gorgeous - I could never have done this !!
headed over to vote for you now (-:
sure hope you win!!!

Pauline said...

Colleen, this really is a stunning frame, and it is one of my favourite things you have created! Such a lot of work and thought, and the end result is just so worth it! Absolutely gorgeous!

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

I voted! This is so beautiful, love it.

Anonymous said...

What can we say! Colleen's our daugter-in-law and we're recipients of many beautiful creations.
Love 'ya!
N&J

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

Hey Colleen! Thanks for linking this up to the Textured to Perfection challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)

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