Sunday 7 October 2012

Postcards. . . . . . At Artful Times

Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to all the people who have recently started to follow my blog - I'm very honoured that you take the time to visit me and leave a comment. The same applies to my loyal followers who are always there, ready to visit and support me - thank you so much and I do try to do the same in return.

The latest challenge at Artful Times is to produce a postcard which includes some script / letters and numbers. I used words and a number for my phrase, random script and postmarks were stamped in the background; postmarks were also stamped on the letters. I hope this fits the brief.

I have to confess that I've never done a postcard. After having a think, I decided to base my postcard on some of the crime novels and films I've read/seen. My postcard is somewhat tongue in cheek because I decided to use 'girlie' colours and have flowers on my skull. I don't mind skulls and the like as long as they aren't too life-like - I might have nightmares!

I don't celebrate Halloween and have used this skull shape simply because I think they're interesting and are fun to design with. If you are offended by Halloween type images, then I suggest that you shouldn't scroll any further down - I wouldn't wish to upset anyone.

The background was created using dylusion inks. Postmarks were stamped randomly and  masks were used in different colours to add depth to random areas of the card.

Die cut letters were coloured with watercolour pencils to match the background, stamped with a postmark image then coated with glossy accents. Finally, a white gel pen was used to highlight them.

For the skull, I drew round a tando shape and cut it out, using only half of the shape. The skull was stamped with a floral image and some areas were painted with watercolour pencils. Finally two coats of clear embossing powder were applied. An eye stamp was used below the eye socket. Extra white acrylic paint was added to the eye to make it stand out. The teeth were coloured in with a white gel pen.

The phrase was printed on a label maker then heated around the edges to singe and distress them.




28 comments:

  1. Wonderful post card. Love how you placed the skull on the side.

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  2. Hi Julia, very quirky and lots of fun with some brilliant colours - love it! Crafty hugs, Anne x

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  3. Fab postcard! Is that Michaelangelo's David's eye (courtesy of Mu rHoltz) peeping through that skull?

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  4. I'm not a halloween fan, but this is art...and I like it this way Julia...such nice details and colouring! You must have had fun :-)

    Hugs, Alie :-)

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  5. Fabulous Scary 'Stuff' Julia ! Great work, Shirleyx

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  6. This is really beautiful Julia
    Great colors and details
    Love it

    Greetings Janny

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  7. wow gorgeous, love the colors!

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  8. So quirky and such fun, Julia - love the flowery skull! I'm not much of a Halloweener either, and I've got an aversion to doing Christmas early... so it's a tricky time in Craftyblogland for me! But I completely agree with you about skulls... they have such atmosphere about them - and this one's fabulous!
    Alison x

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  9. Julia, this is fabulously creative and such fun.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  10. Great card. I love the skull! He is so sweet with the soft colored flowers in his face loll.

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  11. This is both creepy and pretty at the same time! The colours and skull are just fabulous and I love how you've highlighted the letters. Spookilicious! xx

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  12. Oh Julia it's wonderful and light hearted just glad the eye's not staring at me aghhhh lol
    Thank you for sharing with us once again at Artful Times
    Von ♥
    It was great meeting you today :)

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  13. Someone has said it already, creepy and beautiful. Your blog is a pleasure to follow as it so creative and inspiring.

    Maggie xx

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  14. This is absolutely fabulous Julia, love that eye!!! Great colours and wonderful inspiration.

    Thanks for playing along with us again this week with your fab creation.

    Sam xxx

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  15. What fun! I love the way your background and words sit so well together.

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  16. Groovy, but very nice. I Relly like the combination skull and girlie colours. Great job!

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  17. You have turned spooky into fun and I love it. Great colours and images

    Best wishes Chrissie xxxxx

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  18. Artwork! Unusual, colorful, unexpected, great!
    Suzanne xx

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  19. I don't mind Halloween, but much prefer it in your colours. Great postcard.

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  20. Love the colours you have chosen, a great fun -postcard for Halloween. Thanks for joining us with this at Artful Times.
    Hugs, Neet x

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  21. Oh! Oh! Wonderfully ooky spooky fun!!

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  22. I love how you've used the beautiful colors and pretty papers to make a slightly spooky image!

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  23. LOL!!! I love the colors and letters, but the sentiment cracked me up, girl!

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  24. wow have you been busy! I love the skull.....and the colors are fabulous too. The whole thing rocks!

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  25. I'm so happy that my new computer works and I'm able to visit all my friends in blogland again. You've been very busy and creative during the last time. So many wonderful works to see. I especially love this Halloween piece, just my cup of tea :)

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