Saturday 30 March 2013

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.

33 comments:

  1. I am literally green with envy! I ADORE Andy Skinner! I often check youtube and his blog just hoping that he's posted something new! I also choose to do a tag, and also wanted to pay homage to an Andy technique! I think your take is much more wonderful than mine, and I wish I could be a fly on the wall for one of your monthly meet ups!

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  2. This is an amazing work of art Julia - thank you for sharing all the close-ups - they really do show the wonderful detail.
    Your tag has "inspired" me, so I'm popping over to Andy's blog to find out a little more about the techniques.

    Happy Easter - Sylvia x

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  3. Words fail me again for this one, Julia ... and I'm envious, too :-D What smashing artwork you did. Love the rust ... and everything else you did on this tag. I very definitely _have to_ do the timeworn technique ws, I 'fear' ... Have a great Sunday. Hugs, Suzanne xxx

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  4. Absolutely stunning creation Julia. Love all the embossed detail and texture and the beautiful embellishing.
    Happy Easter.
    Hugs, Fliss xx
    PS: A fellow Andy Skinner fan too.

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  5. Wow, yet another stunning, technique packed tag Julia, it is truly fabulous sweetie. You rock!!
    Huge hugs x x x x

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  6. Hi Julia, I am just picking my jaw up off the floor.....I don't think I need to look any further for someone who inspires me, for you do each and every time to put up a post. This is a stunning piece of art, I adore the burnt edges and the peeled paint elements. Hope you are having a lovely long weekend. Hugs, Anne x

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  7. wow- this is beyond amazing. I love everything about it. The details are just so rich and texture-y! Fabulous! I hope to take one of AS classes when life calms down a bit!

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  8. A feast for the eyes and I echo everything Anne said. You are beyond talented frankly. Have a wonderful Easter, hugs Jenny x

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  9. Julia
    I sit with my mouth open (not a good look) as your list of "inspired by" would mirror my own, our tastes are obviously very, very similar.
    Oh I love this, pretty and rusty works to perfection. Can I ask, did you source the rusty wire in the U.K.? I am having trouble trying to source it here, I even tried E-bay.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  10. Love the contrasts in both textures and colour, fabulous tag.

    Have a happy Easter weekend
    Sylv xx

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  11. This is fabulous Julia, a real feast for the eyes! I've signed up for Andy's Timeworn class, still gathering supplies, & hoping to get started soon.
    Looking forward to next Sunday!
    Alison xx

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  12. Hi Julia, WOW! This looks absolutely fabulous. love the contrast of the rusting and with the beautiful delicate aged ivory flowers and butterfly. A truly inspirational piece.
    Avril xx

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  13. Genius tag inspired by the genius of Andy Skinner... all those Timeworn techniques are looking amazing - I think your ivory looks fantastic, personally - and assembled with your unfailing style and creativity - gorgeous, gorgeous - my new all-time favourite of yours! Hope you're having a lovely Easter weekend, Julia!
    Alison xx

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  14. Not been lucky enough to take any of his classes, but love the rustic look you manage to achieve and your flowers look fabulous.

    Sam xxx

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  15. What a wonderful tag, really awesome !!!! Coco x

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  16. PINNING!!! Uber wonderful!!! I love the rusted look! Awesome!

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  17. This is brilliant Julia, youhave rocked these techniques they look amazing! Andy would be proud! Thetag is gorgeous in every detail!! Hope you are okay?! hugs trace x this is stunning!

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  18. Gorgeous inspiration by Andy Skinner, Julia! His art is so amazing every time...
    Lucky you, that you can follow his classes :-)
    Your tag is so gorgeous, love the rusty and crackled look and all the details on it!

    Hugs, Alie :-)

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  19. WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW What a greta ,beautiful and amzing tag Julia.
    Great details and lovely colors and texture.

    Greetings Janny

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  20. Oh wow...this is gorgeous!!! LOVE the texture.

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  21. A fabulous tag with great details. Love all the texture.

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  22. What? You don't rust your own wire?? LOL Seriously though I am in total awe of all the elements you have aged and rusted.The gorgeousness of course is the way you have put it all together. I keep threatening to do an on-line with Andy - just might be my upcoming birthday present to me! Given it a bit hard to come to your monthly gatherings! NOW that would be an indulgence :)
    As always I love your work and am inspired by what YOU do!

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  23. Wow! Stunning tag and sooooo envious of the AS club!! Yes an online course is on the wish list. Sorry to be so late in responding x

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  24. Love Andy Skinner's techniques too! And you used them perfectly!!! A great tag with a load of awesome texture!!

    Hugs,
    die amelie x

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  25. Both, Mark and you do such amazing things with the AS techniques! Your tag is fabulous and it amazes me how you can make something new appear that it has been weathering for years! I love the flowers!

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  26. Just totally ADORE! Gorgeous work! Kim

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  27. I love this! It is so amazing Julia, as your work always is! I hope one day to be able to create as wonderfully as you do! Lots of love from Laura xxxxxxxxx

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  28. How did I not comment on this? I love it. The cracked flowers look amazing, the perfect colours and textures.Totally Stunning Tag Julia x

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  29. Oh my gosh! I love every single detail. This is stunning!

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  30. I'm Gobsmacked(short darkish one next to Mr Gould) this is amazing!

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  31. Absolutely gorgeous! so many fabulous details - a little area with so much packed in. Another gobsmacked person here x

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  32. This is truly phenomenal.... a work of art, Julia! Andrew Skinner brought your art to my attention on FB!!!!!!!!!

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  33. julie vannoy leake22 April 2013 at 10:32

    oh my gosh this is so outstandishly cool and contagiously beautifully swell, i need need to find out how to do this and i never never say these words!!!!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Juliax