Glam up your Grunge...

Hello,
Adiós weekend. Ola Monday! Hope your weekend was a good one. Over here we had a good dollop of British summer with bright sun and torrential rain...it's all those weddings and music festivals. Anyway, back to it and the new challenge at Simon Says Stamp & Show where we're all stitched up. Stamp, hand, machine or even faux (meaning fake it!) we want to see them all. I think it's high time to glam up the Grunge and created a clutch bag for my tools and an Art Journal cover. It's fun, personal and even splodge-proof - a Threefer in my book!

I love the funky designs and colours of Retro Grunge and set about dressing them up with some splatting and stamping. I used Peeled Paint Distress Stain and the Urban Chic images all over the paper for the bag. I did a test run on scrap paper to work out the best position for the images seeing as it gets folded. Also added some extra stitching using Pattern Pieces.

I used two pieces of paper for extra strength, kind of like a lining so you'll need to cut two pieces. I decided to keep the Journal cover simple and just enjoy the lurvely dots and curves... I also edged all the papers with Fired Brick to add contrast. Then it was onto the splodge proof factor which is a must for survival in Grunge territory ! I covered the paper in thin sticky back plastic (a bit like we used to do at school!) You have to go real slow to avoid bubblemania, but it's great to see the paper transform into something new. It actually enhanced the colours and I like that bit of sheen.

 I use a little tape to stick the two pieces together, just in the centre to hold them firm whilst sewing. Don't stick any tape where you want to sew as your machine needle will argue with the glue (this I know). I stitched with the top side up for a smoother finish and as it's a bit slippy, you'll need to help it along. My machine is a 1970's wonder so just speaking from a vintage experience. Didn't attempt to sew straight, allowing the Grunge style to be my artistic excuse!

Once all sewn, I trimmed the edges, rounded off the corners, distressed the edges and added lots of ink to bring out the red again. Here you can see the inside of the bag and my well-used tool kit.

I attached a string and ribbon trio as a closing with a touch of Idea-ology but you could go for a button or press-stud, whatever you fancy!

Quick shot of the journal. Sorry it's a pretty poor shot, but both the light and I were fading fast! But you can see there are two extra panels to hold your journal, or summer read if you like! So there you go, that's all folks. Really hope you like it.

Something completely different as Monty Python would say. Do take a look at the other fabulous creations from the very talented Design Team for more inspiration, or have you already started? The top three title is out there along with the chance of this...

Thanks again for all the visits and fabulous comments - always appreciated. Do let me know what you think or drop me a line if you've got any questions... Off for a swim and then I'm free all day today! See you soon...

Sarah.