Saturday 11 August 2012

Mona Lisa. . . . .

Challenge #10 at Artful Times is to create something using the theme of Mona Lisa. Yikes!! I wasn't at all sure about this one because I don't have ANY stamps to fit the theme or indeed, any that would come close. A very kind lady (you know who you are!!) suggested that I turn to the internet for some help. I'm not one for digi stamps simply because I love to stamp with something real but I had a little look at Google Images and a little idea began to form in my aching brain.

I found my images and printed a couple off to see which I liked best. Horrors of horrors I'd almost run out of ink and my prints were the strangest hues. Not to be deterred - and unable to magic new ink cartridges from anywhere - I went ahead and printed my chosen image onto artist transfer paper and then ironed it onto fabric. I loved the effect but, if you're observant, I'm sure you'll notice something slightly odd about my Mona Lisa!! Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone else though please. . . . . .

Here's what I made using a fairly non typical pastel but distressed palette:

I used a very different colour palette to the one used on the original Mona Lisa and it's certainly very delicate compared to the colours I usually use!I will say the colours are richer in real life but the photo seems to have bleached them a little. I've tried to adjust them but to little success.
                        
I've made this image large so you can see the centre panel clearly. Mona was printed on ATP and then ironed onto cotton fabric. A little distress ink was added just around the edge of the fabric.
The background of the tag was created from glossy card stock. Using Versamark ink, a script image was stamped and dried. Various colours of distress ink were applied randomly over the surface which made the script pop out of the background. Using the same distress colours, various images were then stamped to complete the background.
I made some grungy flowers from die cuts which were coloured with dylusion and distress inks. Black gems were added to the flower centres.  The sentiment and image was stamped in archival after the background was created. I thought the sentiment was appropriate because it is said that where ever you view the painting from, Mona's eyes appear to follow you.

The lace was die cut from a scrap of the background created and then attached to the main tag using jump rings. I love the effect you achieve by using distress inks on glossy card - I usually avoid it like the plague! I don't think I'll be making jewellery in the future either because attaching those jump rings was so annoying!!

I hope you like the tag and please leave a comment if you do!

Thank you so much to those people who left lovely comments about myDT news - it was so kind of you to offer your support in that way : )






32 comments:

  1. Gorgeous Julia...i like that you chose unusual colours and bottom of the tag is super cool...also great idea with fabric and transfer!
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful tag, love the colour scheme! Enjoy your weekend! Valerie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fabulous tag Julia, great improvisation with the Mona image, fits in perfectly with the other elements of the tag.

    Thanks for your continued support and for joining in again this week.

    Sam - Artful Times

    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Julia, first belated congratulations on your DT position, it sounds like a great challenge. Next, I just love the colour of Mona and the dangly bit is fab! xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just a beautiful tag, your Mona image is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ...another absolute cracker from you Julia...loVe this Tag, you've done a super job on the print transfere, flawless crisp stamping with soft hued tones, great grungy flowers and the addition of the decorative edging is a great finishing touch...superb as ever...Mel :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I liked the way you modified the color in the absence of ink and the background is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh just brilliant Julia! What a fantastic way of getting round your 'problem'. Facing the same one myself - gonna try a different solution. Love the background, and although the lace trim at the bottom was a pain it was so worth it. Hugs, Buttons x

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a lot of effort you've put in this creation, Julia. I don't understand everything you did but the result are so gorgeous! The transfering is amazing as well as all the colorful details!
    Great :-)

    hugs, Alie

    ReplyDelete
  10. A great and beautiful tag Julia

    Love it.

    Greetings Janny

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is just beautiful, I like Mona this way. I know just what you mean about the jump rings, mine always end up squished lol x

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love your accidental hue. It makes Mona look even more mysterious! Your sentiment is toally perfect and we don't see the frustration of the jump rings just the beauty of the results.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love it! Full of admiration for your work on fabric, love the colour of the ink. Know what you mean about jump rings but with a little practice you will get into using them. Did not spot the different thing about your Mona, she looks perfect to me.
    Just love how you used the jump rings by the way.
    Thanks for joining us at Artful Times - Hugs, Neet xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. O my word... Fabulous tag... I love the fact you have used fabric...the colours are Brillant..Fabulous design & detail.. great use of the jump rings... Love it Julia... Hugs May x x x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Another amazing project...just love the colors and the flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a wonderful tag!!! Thank you for your comment on my ATC. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is sooo good you take so much time and effort over your work and it shows -totally in awe of your work!x

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love that Mona is different :D This is fantastic work my lovely!!!! ooo congratulations on your DT place and there is always room for another challenge xxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Julia, Mona suits this shade!
    Fabulous tag and such details. Love the lace trim, might have been a pain, but well worth the effort.
    Avril xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Fantastic tag Julia! I love the hanging border!
    Good luck in The Artistic stamper draw!
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Gorgeous tag, love the delicate colours. I don't like jump rings either.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, Julia... this is fabulous! I just got that mini PA stamp with the eye.... LOVE how you've used it. And hanging the little border is so interesting... great ideas and a fab project!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the richness of this. Sometimes running out of ink makes for a happy mistake.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Julia what a stunning tag. I love that image but the flowers and inspirational use of the jumprings is fab. Crafty Hugs Annie x

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is GREAT and it is nice to see a different view of Mona! Brilliant tag. xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Julia, your tag is absolutely gorgeous, I love the soft colours and the flowers are stunning. I often run out of ink and my images change too but I have never produced something as wonderful as this in the process! A x

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a gorgeous tag, Julia. I love how you attached punched border and your beautiful flowers.
    Hugs and smiles

    ReplyDelete
  28. Just love this softer colour way for Mona :)
    Thank you for sharing with us at Artful Times
    Von ♥

    ReplyDelete
  29. Stunning Tag Julia ! I love the colours and the bottom 'fringe' is awesome ! Love this, Shirleyx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh, the things I will learn from you on the ABAC team! This is fantastic and I love how you make it all sound so casual and simple! Love the mixture of textures and elements on this gorgeous tag! Amazing piece!

    ReplyDelete

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