Sew Special. . . . .

Today sees the start of a new challenge at A Vintage Journey. Our host this month is the wonderful Jenny and here's what she has to say:

'Add fabric to your entry in some way be it felt, burlap, ribbon or cloth and if you're really feeling brave maybe include a touch of real or faux stitching! We are looking forward to seeing what ideas you have to incorporate this sew special theme in your vintage; shabby; mixed-media; art journalling; industrial or steampunk projects'.

Recently, I was given a small roll of untreated painting canvas and decided that this was the perfect time to cut into it! I love to sew and use fabric and wanted to combine this with paint, stamping with found objects, old book paper etc. in order to make something useful. Here's what I made:

I've made a gift card and wallet which is designed to hold a voucher, plastic gift card, cash etc.

The card will slide into the wallet so the gift is not immediately seen.

The back of the gift holder has a white card layer to enable a personal greeting or message to be written.

The back view when the gift holder is inside the wallet.

The wallet and gift holder are die cut from canvas. The canvas is painted using DecoArt media fluid acrylics and some tinting base to calm the colour. Metallic gold is stencilled onto the background followed by some stamped rings using a bottle lid. The green is applied using a piece of old credit card. The white dots are made using a white paint pen. The red dots are made using an acrylic paint pen. Machine stitching is added on the stencilled design using a multi coloured thread.

I drew and cut out a leaf template then copied this onto old book paper to make the number of leaves required. To add strength, the book paper shapes are glued onto card shapes. The leaf shapes are coloured using a mixture of fluid acrylic colours on some and Inktense pencils on others. Leaf 'veins' are stitched onto the shapes. Dots are stamped onto the leaves using metallic gold paint followed by some white pen dots.

On the gift card holder, leaf shapes are stitched around the outside of the book paper leaves to add another dimension. Small gold dots shown here are stencilled and embellished with a white pen.

To make the gift secure, a little open pocket is made from canvas. The canvas has been coloured with the same DecoArt paint as before. A scalloped shaped design is stamped onto the painted canvas with black Stazon. The shape is cut out and some stitching added to the bottom edge after which, the pocket is secured in place. More dots and rings are added as before.

The pocket extends to the back of the card and some more embellishing is done. An extra gift or private note could be added to this pocket.

Detail shot of the leaf tops.

The backs of the leaves on the wallet have been grungily painted to avoid white areas when placed down on a surface.

Detail image.

Jute string is added to the wallet as a finishing touch.

A home-made clay 'button' shape is made using Fimo clay. Once baked, the button is painted with the metallic gold paint used previously followed by a gentle swipe of metallic lustre in a green shade. The button anchors down the jute string.

Our wonderful sponsor this month is:

Calico Craft Parts make the most amazing items to produce and embellish your work. One lucky random winner will receive a wonderful prize from our sponsor. As usual there will be three pin worthies, selected by the Creative Guides. These lucky people will in turn be invited to return as Guest Creative Guides for a future challenge.

Before you go, don't forget to visit the challenge blog here and see the wonderful inspiration on offer the rest of the Creative Guides - you won't be disappointed!

Thanks for joining me today. xx