Let's Go Retro...

Hello Everyone,
Here in the UK it is a public holiday for many, so for those still lounging in your PJ's - indulge,  and to those being chased by Monday Morning Mania, we think of you! The new week brings a new challenge over at Simon Says Stamp & Show where we say, "Show us your favourite stamp..." Now that's one for everyone and you'll know in a flash or be pondering all day. No doubts from me on this one, I cannot resist the allure of the mademoiselle in Pattern Pieces. The challenge with a beloved stamp is finding new ways to let them shine... so inspired by fashion icon Jackie Onassis, this lady has gone Retro.

I think she radiates all the glamour of the late 50s/early 60s which I wanted to combine with the sleek and modern design of that time. A red Chanel suit, a New York skyline and handbag were the three elements I chose to create the mood.

I stamped my lady onto card, cut her out and then water-coloured the image with Claudine Hellmuth paints. Then I stamped the image again onto red checked paper, embossing it in black for extra detail, and then cut out just the suit, hat and gloves. I then glued these onto the first image. It was a fiddly bit of cutting but well worth the effort as she is dressed for success.

I really wanted a skyline in the background and as I possess the grand total of five dies I cut it by hand after sketching it out on paper. It was great fun - loving all the straight lines and corners. I then embossed the stars by moving the Cuttlebug folder along the whole section bit by bit, matching up the overlap. I applied Black Soot Distress ink over the surface to make it really black and then set it on card for strength.

I wanted to keep things slick and clean but I also wanted to add a bit more contrast and mood. The two words "City Chic" in white cut using the Chip Block Alphabet and a line of red ribbon were just the job. Red and white are always a strong duo! All I had to do then, was place them all in a frame. A handbag seemed the perfect setting. I drew a template free-hand which allowed me to create exactly the size, shape and look I wanted. I cut it from card, added an old but fab design paper and inked the edges in Black Soot. Add a handle and two big shiny buttons and she is good to go!

I layered them up to create a feeling of depth and I'm really pleased with how things turned out. Very glad to have given my favourite stamp a re-vamp. I did have to be very precise with the cutting and between you bad me, this is lady number three. The first two didn't pass the screen test...don't call us, we'll call you. I'm glad I did the paper-piecing as now she really is wearing that suit!

So there you go, now it's over to you. Which stamp have you got in mind? I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone will come up with. Still wondering...? See more fabulous ideas from the rest of the Design Team over at the  Simon Says Stamp & Show blog. There you'll also find all the details about the challenge and prizes...

Be inspired, be creative and I'll be seeing you all soon. Thanks so much for calling by...would love to hear from you, so do leave a few words.... Bye for now.

Sarah.