Friday 8 June 2012

Red, White and Blue. . . . . .

The challenge set by Hels at Sunday Stampers this week is Red, White and Blue. Very in keeping with the celebrations over the weekend and for an ATC swap I'm involved - luckily for me!!

I've never made an ATC before and I must say it's quite a challenge working in such a small space. I had to think hard for this one as I only have one set of stamps suitable and I needed to use something that wouldn't look out of place on the small card. I wanted to build in some texture too and did this through using fabric, embellishments and by making a 'coin'. I really enjoyed doing this and will most certainly make one of these again.

No more explanation needed as hopefully, the pictures will tell the story:



The elements used to make the ATC and a little fabric tag made to accompany it. 
The completed ATC plus front and back views of the fabric tag.
The tag was made by stamping two patriotic designs onto fabric using Stazon. A layer of vilene (fabric stiffener) was ironed on to the back and the two pieces were then stitched together. An eyelet was attached in one corner (not brilliantly unfortunately but that's another story!) and some ribbon threaded through. For those who have visited here before this stamp and the use of fabric will be familiar to you but I couldn't resist using the technique again!


The background on the piece was stamped using Distress Markers straight onto the stamp - this enabled two colours to be used. Can you spot the mistake I made on the 'flag'?! The thin strips down the sides were made by the technique previously described and then stitched on. The little crown is a silver brad embellishment which has been coloured with a little gold rub n buff paste (very smelly stuff if you ask me!). The gems were coloured with alcohol inks (the red & blue ones).

The 'coin' was made by cutting a circle of card to match the size of the stamp chosen. Three layers of gold detail powder were embossed and whilst it was still molten, the stamp was applied. The stamp was inked with embossing ink prior to use - I saw this technique on a blog ages ago but can't remember where: if it's your blog then a big thank you because it's a great little skill. A little rub n buff was applied to the coin just to even out the tone and it was then attached over a piece of ribbon - a thin strip of acetate was glued on the back of the ribbon to keep it in shape.

I made five of these two items in total and I'm glad I didn't have to make more - not sure 'mass' production is my thing! Hope you like this deviation from my normal style!

11 comments:

  1. So love these. It's great to get fabric onto projects. I adore that coin! Which stamp set did it come from? So useful. You have definitely mastered working in minature. Hugs, Buttons x

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  2. Great tags. I love the stamps you used.

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  3. Julia, your ATC is fabulous, I normally use canvas but your fabric stamping is wonderful, love your stitching around the edges and your eyelet looks fine to me. Wonderful job, great coin too.

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  4. I am so impressed with your first (!) ATC. That coin is genius. And I love the fabric tag. There is so much red white and blue/jubilee/union jack stuff around but these pieces really stand out.

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  5. I love your ATC, very patriotic and the pound coin is fantastic.

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  6. Love your interpretation of the red, white and blue and such a great use of the stamp too. I think your fabric tag is wonderful, the red zig-zag stitching is superb. Have a good weekend. :)

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  7. These are fabulous Julia, and I LOVE that coin x

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  8. What a super ATC Julie and I just love that coin. Gorgeous tags too, they look great in monochrome. xx

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  9. Mass production is SO not my thing either, Julia!!! These are super cool ATC tags. I like the intricacy of the stamps you used, and the red ink looks so good on that fabric.

    Thank you SO MUCH for dropping by....I love to read your comments, Julia. :)

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  10. Absolutely STUNNING ATC's... that coin is just perfect. thanks for joining in with the Sunday Stamper... sorry I am a bit late coming to see you x

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  11. I am always so happy to see stitching...it really elevates a project to creative outer space!!! These are wonderful!!!

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