Behind closed doors...a flourish awaits...

My, oh, my Monday again!
Firstly, let me wish all those celebrating July the 4th a truly fabulous day! Meanwhile back here I'm all of a flourish with the new theme at Simon Says Stamp & Show. I adore ATCs and have wanted to make a chunky one for some time. I love the hidden potential in an ordinary piece of wood and felt inspired to create... After some wrestling with a long wooden beam and huge saw, I had my basic block. Hubby was out, but I survived with my best Beyonce impression "All the single ladies..." (Did anyone see that gal rock Glastonbury? WOW!)

I coloured my block with Wild Honey Distress Stain and then stamped three sides of the block with the Urban Chic flourish in Coffee Archival ink. I then continued the DIY streak by drilling four holes in the base for the big brass screws, adding a bolt which I think make great feet. I then set about creating the door and frame which are cut from scrap cardboard. I had no solid plans, just an image in my head which I hoped would come out. It was great to play all day and just let things evolve.

 I embossed the frame with Distress powder and inked up the door panel with lots of Distress inks. The block front is painted with crackle glaze followed by Vintage Lace paint from Paper Artsy. Once dry, I stamped the sentiment doing a test run on paper first for a size guide.The inside door is decorated with a distressed book page and a stitched and Papillon stamped panel, the frame with a small Grungy flourish and two metal flowers. Here you can also see the bolted legs better.

 Layers of Glassine paper, a flourish stamped book page and the butterfly is of course Papillon, resting on two skeleton leaves. The door is hung on two (fiddiliy-diddily!) mini-brass hinges. On top rests an uber shabby crinoline flower coloured with Color Wash and Glimmer mists. I also coloured some ball chain with Alcohol Inks to drape over the top and sides for a touch of luxury.

A view of her derrière with a little stamped detail...just a small touch makes a big difference.

 


A rusty old clock finding which I've been saving for a while is the perfect handle and you can also see a stamped Mica scrap under some copper thread.

 A close-up of that lovely crackled paint, textured frame and simple flowers... So there she is, and the little lady is just 9cms tall (without her heels on...)
I savoured every minute, just reaching for different tones, materials and products, seeing them all work together...
I'm all flourished out now, time for you to create yours. What image in your mind is waiting to come to life? Do tell! Take a look at the Design Teams fantastic takes on the theme for lots more great inspiration. The coveted Top Three place and shopping spree await...

Thanks again for coming by, I'd love to hear from you (because we all like a little Blog love...) Now close your eyes, and imagine your flourish...

Until the next time,

Sarah.