My Grungy Valentine...

Morning My Lovelies,
Welcome to another Monday, a new week and challenge at Simon Says Stamp & Show ... I had to use the servant's entrance because the Royals are in the house with our 'Kings and Queens' week! From King Canute to Elvis, from Cleopatra to our very own Lizzie, we want to see your take on this regal theme.  'Queen of Hearts' seemed to be a keeper with me, but not quite the she of Alice or card fame...

Metal and Alcohol Inks are like bread and butter in my crafty space and it seemed to be my 'go to' this week. I started by grunging up an 8" canvas with Vintage Photo and Wild Honey Distress Stains, Rock Candy Crackle Paint and Distress embossing powder. The crackle will cause the stains to move but that was just fine by me!

I white washed a dictionary page with Picket Fence Stain, glued it to card, gave it a good distressing  and then stitched around the edges. I cut a rough square of chicken wire, snipped away a few wires and brushed it with Alcohol Inks. I then stapled it to white page, knowing the hearts would cover the staples.

I stuck Ranger Metal Foil Tape Sheets onto card and cut eight hearts before embossing them with various Tim folders. I dropped and splodged different Alcohol Inks onto the hearts, let it run a little before quickly drying with my heat gun to achieve a rough effect. I lightly sanded the surfaces to bring out the details, but without removing all the ink.

Then it was just a case of having fun with a trip to my Embellie Deli. Each heart has it's own 'thing' going on... mainly Idea-ology and a few findings of my own. All of which have been through the inky, grunge zone.

Here's a few close-ups. I really like all the different metallic tones and different patterns on each heart... my fave is the spinner and flower!

Here's a Memo Pin filled with a kiss and Glossy Accents...! Actually, I really like the Ball Chain one too... The centre stage is held by the Crown from the aptly named Regal Adornments and the wording is made using my Dymo Label Writer and Copper Tape. You can just make out the words 'light-hearted' on the page.

To finish off, I added some metal corner 'thingies' at the bottom and attached an old plug chain to the top using eyelet screws. Get thee to a hardware store or Dad's shed fast!

 Here you can also see the Grungy canvas and stitching in more detail. Well, this gal is all done and now it's time for you to play...

There are lots of roads you could walk with this theme and if you head over The Design Team Blog to check out all the great makes from my teamies...you'll see what I mean!

Every week there's the chance to win this great $50 prize as well as the Top Three Crown or Tiara! I hope you all have a great week and find time for a little artistic therapy. Thanks for calling by and saying hello... it's always nice to see and hear from you all.
Until the next time...Sarah.