Friday 14 September 2012

Grunge Flowers. . . . .

Thank you so much for the lovely comments I had from people on my last post. It was not a good time for me  craft-wise and then it got worse due to a lovely friend's sad family news. Your support has made me rethink what I do and although I'm still going to join in with challenges, I need to just sit and create without worrying about anything except the enjoyment it brings. If it goes wrong - which it will! - I'll cope far better with it I'm sure.

I started this tag a few days ago because I wanted to play with some ancient watercolour pencils I've had since before my daughter was born and she's twenty!

I made a background in various layers and I loved how I could build on the colours and almost create a freehand stencil effect (mask for you trendy people!). This is how the first layer looked before adding water:



Doesn't look much does it?! I then used a large brush and washed over it with water, dried it and continued adding layers and a vague pattern with the watercolour pencils. Each layer was then moistened and dried before adding the next. Finally, I used some distress ink through a stencil in a toning green shade and some walnut ink around the edges. Scroll down for the finished tag.





You can see that the background had a number of layers added after the previous image. I used orange, red, two shades of green, and yellow pencils for the various layers. The small spots were achieved with distress ink as was the random script stamped in the background. 
I love the quote from Kahlil Gibran too - it can conjure up so many images for so many situations and emotions.




The lace die cut was coloured with the same pencils (and water), then coated with three layers of clear embossing powder. I stamped into the molten layer using a floral stamp with gold brilliance ink and a little coffee archival too. I love that you have to look very closely before you see this - it's just there, making a contribution to the project.

The grungy, scruffy but delicious flowers were made from card die cuts, stamped randomly and then coloured with dylusion ink after spritzing with water. When soaking wet, they are scrunched up (VERY messy!), teased apart to suit and then left to dry. I have to say thank you to the very talented Neil Walker who shared a tutorial for this which I just had to try - I now have  soggy lumps in various stages of drying around my room. If you want to read how Neil made these gorgeous creations then follow this link.

You may also notice that I've added some layers of netting behind each flower. It seems to soften their appearance and I really like the effect. It's more obvious in real life.




I was going to stamp some flower stalks but decided to use my sewing machine and stitch them instead. I chose a toning shade of green and a stitch which I felt worked well as a stalk with some 'leaves'. I'm pleased to be gradually using my textiles skills here and there in my craft work.


I'm very happy with this tag and at the suggestion of Alison, Buttons, Anne and others, I have now looked for some challenges to enter it in and here they are:

Sunday Stampers - A Riot Of Colour

Frilly and Funky - The Great Outdoors

The Stamp Man - Summer Sizzlers

I think this is the way for me to go. I always like to share at Sunday Stampers and have often entered at The Stamp Man. Frilly and Funky is a new one for me but I do keep tabs on a number of their designers and thought I should have a go!



36 comments:

  1. Stunning tag, great background and flower. Hope things get better. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love love love this tag Julia!! happy crafting :) lainey x

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is totally stunning, Julia. I love the way you've built up the layers of color, the flowers and stitching, and especially all the fine details in the lace border. Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Frilly & Funkie... it's absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Julia, you have started with the most amazing background, we must all have those pencils squirreled away. Love how you then built it up and added those beautiful flowers. Your stitching is superb too. Crafty hugs, Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Firstly, sorry to hear that you have had sad news :O( Secondly, you need to craft for YOU and if the things you make add in with a challenge then that is good... if not, that is also good... no pressure then. The one thing that makes my Mojo run for the hills is pressure. Anwyays... you have a sewing machine that does that stitch? WOW, tis fab... and it just finishes off this GORGEOUS tag perfectly, love the technique, I have w/c pencils and never use them... am off to play (just as soon as I have finished my to-do list lol) Thanks for sharing... and also, thank you for joinin in with the Sunday Stamper, I do truly appresh your participation x

    ReplyDelete
  6. BTW, that was War n Peace...soz lol xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Through genuine tears of joy at your having found your crafting home once more, I have to say OMG! this is 'Julia' at your VERY BEST:)) Yep, Anne's right, we all have watercolour pencils squirreled away (even know where mine are!!) and they will be seeing the light of day again now. That background just sings with its beauty.
    Now then Missus, you said you couldn't do 3D flowers - WRONG! You said you weren't good at that faux cloisonne - WRONG! One project and you've nailed them both.
    And as for the sewing/net texture additions, well these are the cherry on top of the chocolate sauce on top of the cream on top of the icecream! 20+ years of teaching textiles needs to find its way into your crafting as I bet you could teach us all a thing or three on that score.
    Think you'll find the gang at Frilly & Funkie a lovely, supportive, talented lot. They all do their own things entirely so the inspiration is vast. Huge hugs to you (and yes, I will do more lighthouse style stuff). Buttons x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Julia,this is a beautiful piece...and made all the better because you made it for you...it is hard to remember sometimes..that this thing that we do is for the joy of the journey...and is aboutbus , who we are and what we like! You have made a stunning tag, the flowers are gorgeous,the background is beautiful and what you have done with the lace die is fab!!! May have to try this myself! I love the effect....Sorry you have had some sad news ..sending warm wishes and kind thoughts your way!!
    Your make is beautiful and you should be proud of it! Huge hugs love trace. X

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Julia ! Your tag is gorgeous, I love the detail, colours and appreciate the tutorial on how you achieved the glorious background. The triple embossed edge is beautiful and so are the flowers. Thanks for the link, I've bookmarked it for now.

    Yes we can get caught up in what we 'think' we should be doing vs what our 'heart' wants to create. I know that I go thru times where I have to stop and think about what I really want to be doing as well. Such beautiful work Julia, sorry you've had sad news. Shirleyx

    ReplyDelete
  10. The tag is really beautiful - colours, composition, embellishments, just everything! Sending hugs! Valerie

    ReplyDelete
  11. ...fabulous tag Julia, it's wonderful to see a piece at the begining and then the end result, loVe what you have created, the stitched stems are gorgeous and the first flush of Autumn colours...stunning...Melx :)
    Sometimes we wonder why we're doing things, we all do it's a momentary blip as long as you enjoy what your doing there is your answer...you are truely gifted though Julia and so sorry to hear about your sad news...xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lovely tag Julia, and I'm glad to have found you (from Andy's course) and signed up as a follower. Enjoy entering challenges - it's a great way of giving yourself direction and motivation to craft - which is a wonderful way of taking a holiday from your troubles, I find.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Julia I told you before that I am not "flower girl" but I just can`t pass yours creations...tag is awesome, backround is stunning (thanks God that pencils works after 20 years):), flowers..yes, I like them! Keep creating for yourself...you are doing very, very good job!!
    And I am sorry for bad news!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great endresult Julia, how patient you can be with all the painting and drying! It's such a great tag with the text, flowers, colours etc....again you did great!

    Have a nice weekend, and a cuddle for Frankie
    Greetings, Alie :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is lovely - especially like the background, very clever and looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  16. WOW fantastic looking tag, love the flowers but the lace border looks stunning.

    Sam xxx

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love this, must have a go. Wasn't sure where you were going with it at first, but the end result is stunning.

    Cassidy xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just love how your tag has evolved Julia :) just follow your muse and be happy.
    Von x♥x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Fabulous tag Julia, love your background and the flowers and stitching are gorgeous. Thanks for joining us at Frilly and Funkie. Sue C x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gorgeous! Those colors are among my faves and the flowers are fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful work Julia. Marvelous flowers you have made. great.
    Lovel greet
    Marja

    ReplyDelete
  22. And, so glad you did join us!!! I too have those old watercolor pencils and I adore them...hope they last forever. Yours were put to fantastic use...this background is absolutely fabulous! Love all the extra stamping as well, and your stitching is beyond gorgeous with these dark and rich fabulous flowers! So sorry you've been down, Art helps, so keep going. Thank you tons for playing along with us at Frilly & Funkie this fortnight!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is an amazing tag, Julia. My favorite elements in it are the background and the lacy trim you created. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Julia, thank you for your beautiful words. I am still sort of a beginner in this craft world. By education I am a fashion designer but I always liked to make handmade gifts and all sort of things especially out of paper (besides making wedding dresses and other...).
    I checked your work and I must say that I was stunned. You make absolutely beautiful creations and from now on i will be your regular guest:)
    Moyca

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is glorious, Julia! I'm so happy that you've found some creative solace even in the midst of troubling times - as this piece really sings with your amazing creativity. Thank you so much for showing that those watercolour pencils are worth bringing out of retirement, the background is just wonderful, and your work on the lacy edge is sensational - I'm definitely going to give that a try (and will be sure to give you a shout-out if I have any success). Glorious flowers, will check out Neil's link - I'm gradually coming to the conclusion that I'm going to have to give in and get myself a flower die! Good luck in all those challenges - they're a perfect fit!
    much love,
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Beautiful work, I love your attention to detail. The stalks are a lovely touch, Gay x

    ReplyDelete
  27. Beautiful watercolor layers, love them. I was fascinated by the lace trim die cut, I'll have to do that! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Stunning tag Julia! I love the colours, the stitched stalks, the flowers...everything!!! x

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Julia, Love the way the background has worked out on this with the pencils, mine just sit in the bottom of the drawer now, I might just give this a try. Love the stalks for the flowers and I'm so glad you enjoyed making this. Crafting is about enjoyment, and I often think we should remind ourselves that we are crafters - who also happen to have a blog.
    Avril xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello Julia I so totally agree with you regarding enjoying the prosess I believe your words were uttered by me just a few days ago to a friend professing worry about what she was doing.
    I totally love your tag, with the stitching and the watercolouring. What is amusing is that I have just come back down to the computer ad have a partial layout sitting on the desk with - you guessed it - stitching and watercolour. MMM now could I get a little melty edge in their like your gorgeaus tag? Mmmm???

    ReplyDelete
  31. Totally, totally gorgeous. Pencil technique is great, it makes such a lovely background. Looks like you have started a pencil craze as we all head for the ancient, unloved pencils. The flowers are stunning but the stitched stems are fabulous & that embossed border...wow. Keep the faith. Sx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Fabulous tag, the watercolour pencil starting give a lovely base and you have built on it so expertly. Thank you for joining us at the Stamp Man XOXO Zoe

    ReplyDelete
  33. Julia, this is gorgeous! I love that flower and added stitching! Beautiful colors! Thank you for joining us at Frilly and Funkie!

    ReplyDelete
  34. That's an amazing tag, great details.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Your tag is fantastic! I love how you share the step by step process for creating this too! LOVE those grungy flowers!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Congrats on your win at Frilly & Funkie Julia! xx

    ReplyDelete

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