Postcards. . . . . . At Artful Times

Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to all the people who have recently started to follow my blog - I'm very honoured that you take the time to visit me and leave a comment. The same applies to my loyal followers who are always there, ready to visit and support me - thank you so much and I do try to do the same in return.

The latest challenge at Artful Times is to produce a postcard which includes some script / letters and numbers. I used words and a number for my phrase, random script and postmarks were stamped in the background; postmarks were also stamped on the letters. I hope this fits the brief.

I have to confess that I've never done a postcard. After having a think, I decided to base my postcard on some of the crime novels and films I've read/seen. My postcard is somewhat tongue in cheek because I decided to use 'girlie' colours and have flowers on my skull. I don't mind skulls and the like as long as they aren't too life-like - I might have nightmares!

I don't celebrate Halloween and have used this skull shape simply because I think they're interesting and are fun to design with. If you are offended by Halloween type images, then I suggest that you shouldn't scroll any further down - I wouldn't wish to upset anyone.

The background was created using dylusion inks. Postmarks were stamped randomly and  masks were used in different colours to add depth to random areas of the card.

Die cut letters were coloured with watercolour pencils to match the background, stamped with a postmark image then coated with glossy accents. Finally, a white gel pen was used to highlight them.

For the skull, I drew round a tando shape and cut it out, using only half of the shape. The skull was stamped with a floral image and some areas were painted with watercolour pencils. Finally two coats of clear embossing powder were applied. An eye stamp was used below the eye socket. Extra white acrylic paint was added to the eye to make it stand out. The teeth were coloured in with a white gel pen.

The phrase was printed on a label maker then heated around the edges to singe and distress them.