Make a Little Birdhouse for your Soul...

Well Hello Monday,
Here we are again in post-weekend mood so it's time also to share my new Design piece and the challenge over at Simon Says Stamp & Show. The photo is a slight hint but, for the record, this week we are going à la Wendy Vecchi by celebrating the Studio 490 style. So butterflies, polka dots and flowers do indeed abound in plenty!

As an all or nothing girl, I decided to jump in heads first with lots of Wendy Vecchi stamps, Art Parts and Clearly for Art. Think Wendy, think flowers...I instantly knew I wanted to create a floral extravaganza and there began a journey of stamping, scissor-work, sanding and sticking! I've had my eye on this old wooden beam from my shed for a while and it made a perfect and natural base for my piece.

The flowers are created using the Live and Make Art and Be Happy Make Art stamp sets along with some of the Art Parts Florals. I chose these because wanted to mount the flowers on wire and also achieve a consistent look (and save the other shapes for next time!) I used lots of different materials and patterns but stayed with a brown and blue mood which always comes up trumps for me!

 Here I have glued design papers to Grunge Paper for extra strength and flexibility. I stamped and cut out the large flower, stamped the words in Sepia Ink and added some shading with Stormy Sky Distress Ink. I have been a good and fussy lady inking all the edges, flower backs, and then sealing them all with Matt medium. A job indeed - but definitely worth it for the finish and durability... I want to build 'em to last. It was a fair bit of scissor work but I quite like snipping away...helps me relax!

Here you can see two variations. The left flower is a duo of design paper and Clearly for Art coloured with Alcohol inks. The right one is a lurvely chunky Art Part painted with the truly yummy Studio paints from Claudine Hellmuth. Then I stamped, sanded and edged with Distress ink. If you want to get more into paint - these are just great. I invested in them quite a while back and love them. Fabulous colours, quality and a myriad of possibilities.

Here is my little bird house...! Made from the Art Parts Scallops set. I covered it with paper, stamped and again took time to sand the edges for a smooth finish and also to allow the ink to take better. (I'm not just mad you know...)I trimmed the bottom just a little to balance out the roof and created the back using some stitched Sticky back Canvas. I stamped and embossed the phrase with Distress Powder, cutting it in three to fit into the house. And look at that, my birdy friend  can perch just perfectly on the ledge. I do like life when a creative plan comes together.

 I felt the need for a spattering of red and green but also wanted to keep things simple as the flowers are quite elaborate. Art Part leaves have been embossed with Peeled Paint Distress Powder giving great texture and colour. I really like look of the raw wood complete with rusty nails, and yes, my house is still intact! Although there is plenty left to plunder in the old loo house yet...

The butterflies are stamped on Grunge paper, coloured with Fired Brick Distress ink. I added a double ribbon metal thingamajig (?), re-stamped the word FLY and glued it on top. I've got a zilllion things in my Embellie Deli so time to get them out and on the job. Mission accomplished here, because even if I do say so myself (which I am), methinks they looketh good. I glued the flowers to wire, drilled some holes in the wood (not for those with dental phobia) and in they all went. Standing strong during a rather windy garden shoot!

Yes - another flower pic. Here you can see the Alcohol Ink-dipped washers, nuts and press-studs I used for the centres. I have to say I had a ball creating this and working with all the Wonders of Wendy. I'm already a stamping nut, so all good there, but I didn't expect to have so much fun with the Art Parts. I must be honest - I get a bit feverish if something is pre-cut and "ready-to-go" but these quality pieces are very willing to go with your flow. Still experimenting with Clearly For Art. You just need to take some time to play around and see what works for you. Oh, there's oodles I could share but I must wrap it up. If you have any questions, just let me know.

Back to HQ again...I hope you now feel all flower-enpowered and ready to join in with the challenge. Don't forget it's Studio 490 style...so whether you have lots of Wendy stash or not, it's about being inspired, creative and yourself! Head on over to the Simon Says blog for details and some great pieces from the rest of the Design Team. The Top Three Coveted Award and $50 shopping spree awaits...

Thank you all so much for calling by each week and all the lovely words from last week. I read and appreciate them all. Simply said - love to create, share and hopefully inspire...

See you soon,
Sarah.