Who Are You Inspired By. . . . . ?

The latest challenge at Anything But A Card goes live today. We are asking who inspires you and then to link up with us so we can all share your inspiration. You can be inspired by anyone who does anything, not necessarily in art terms. It could well be a person in the art world, films, literature, history - the list is endless!

I had to think long and hard about this one because I'm inspired by so many people: John William Waterhouse (er. . all Pre-Raphaelite painters!), Gustav Klimt, the Arts and Crafts Movement, the books 'A Thousand Splendid Suns, Jane Eyre and Suite Francaise. . . . . I could go on and on really as these are just a few of my favourites. However, I wanted to pay homage to someone who has been a great influence in what I enjoy doing NOW and that person has to be the incredibly talented Andy Skinner. He is a wonderful teacher and artist. I love how he works things out using paints and various mediums and produces the most incredible art. That he can teach these skills to others is the icing on the cake for me. I'm not sure he'd approve of my rusty floral creation though!

I'm lucky enough to attend a monthly 'club' with Andy along with some very talented people. It's fun and we learn so many wonderful things. How could I not choose him??

I just had to use some Timeworn techniques on my piece. Some I'm starting to get the hang of  and some not but it's fun doing it. This is what I've made - another tag but you can't make too many of these can you?!! - and lots of rust and wire springs. Hope you like it but be warned, there a fair few photos:

The completed tag with hanging 'sign' at the bottom.

The butterfly and larger flowers are all die cuts. The small flowers are punched shapes. The rusty flower centres are large clear gems which have been rusted.

The tag was cut from some thick card on a used envelope and run through an embossing folder. The card was then treated to one of Andy's rusting techniques. The large tattered floral die cut was also rusted using a different AS (ie. Andy Skinner but quicker to type!) rust method. The wire was bought ready rusted (I draw the line at some things!).

The non rusted flowers and the butterfly were treated to an aged ivory technique with a little crackling as an added extra. I need a little more time with this technique but it's fun trying! 

The blue panel shows a peeling paint technique which was also used on the hanging sign at the bottom.

The rusty bells and wire were  purchased items which I put together as an extra detail.

I wanted the word 'Inspire' to appear somewhat weatherworn so I used some distress ink, versamark ink and distress EP on a piece of card with a peeled paint finish. The main part of the sign was burnt around the edges to achieve a more authentic look. (my husband gets worried when I get the little burner from the kitchen and start to apply it to pieces of card!).

If you want to learn how to do these wonderful techniques, why not enrol for one of Andy Skinner's online classes? I think I'm right in saying that he now gives lifetime access too so it's a good deal.

Thank you so much for looking today. We'd love to see what inspires you too so have a think and then link up over at Anything But A Card.

I'd like to welcome my latest followers: 'Gibby' and 'Reusing with Quilling'. I really appreciate your comments and the fact that you've taken time to follow my work.