Pick And Mix At Country View Crafts. . . Anything Goes

As well being the start of Spring, March is also the birthday month of my sister Vikki, so I wanted to come up with something really special for her.

I linked my last post up to the new challenge blog at Country View Crafts and then realised that they wanted a totally new, previously unlinked piece as an entry. This project is entirely new and was only received yesterday by my sister so I would say that's pretty new! Their theme is 'Pick and Mix - anything goes' which is a great opening challenge.

I have a number of copies of old photos depicting family members and I've been itching to use one of these in my craftwork.

I printed off a photograph of our great great Grandmother, made a frame for it and then produced a dual purpose card come packaging so that it arrived in style.

Again, a number of pictures but I want you to see all the details:

I kept the outside of the 'card' very understated but with some very feminine touches.
I wanted the piece to have a vintage look because of the very old photo. Lots of distress ink and stamping was used to achieve this.

Attached inside the card is the framed photograph. This can be detached and used as a decorative piece. I fell in love with this photo as soon as my Auntie showed it to me - fantastic piece of visual family history.

The frame is made from embossed recycled board. A first coat of gesso was applied then many different layers of acrylic paint, inks and crackle glaze were applied to achieve the look.

Two hangers were made from rusty wire and attached. Vintage ribbon  (thanks to the lovely Trace for that!) was tied through them and to the eyelets on the card - this enables the frame to be removed and used as desired. Muted gold coloured lace was added to finish the look. I like to think it looks old because the shade of gold is very pale.

The inside received matching stamping to the front but less inking as Kraft Card was used. The birthday greeting was split between the two inside flaps.

The letters were die cut, stamped and then embossed with gold EP. A coat of glossy accents finished the look. They are a little bright but often with old things, the colour survives extremely well when hidden from the light.

The frame fits inside the 'card' and is attached by ribbons which can be used to hang the photo when removed. I left the ribbons as new but wonder whether I should have distressed them a little as I did on the outside?

I distressed two picture hangers with alcohol inks and acrylic paint to use as the closing mechanism. Another piece of vintage ribbon was used to tie these closed - I added a little ink to the ribbon to age it.

Corner detail from the front showing gold embossed stamping.

White card was used for the outside of the project. I wanted to get that background light that can be achieved with distress and white card. Some Kraft card was punched with delicate lace punch and attached at both sides of the front edges. Most edges of the pieces were inked.

My sister was really pleased with her gift and card. Might have to make one for myself now! Thank you so much for looking today. A big welcome to my latest followers too - I really appreciate your support.