Monday, May 7, 2012

Rather Inkable Flutterbys...

Well, yet again, it's Monday! The time is hurtling by so quickly it's unbelievable... Shouldn't I be running around doing Christmas shopping or something???
I'm in the Bloghouse to share my new piece for Simon Says Stamp & Show where it's all about your favourite stamp.
I could have picked a whole shelf full, but convinced by the amount of ink on these butterflies, I went with the well used and loved Papillon flutteries from Mr. Tim and after quite a stint of colour, I went full on Grungy and shabby...
l knew I wanted to create something with a host of butterflies and if time and muscle power had allowed it, I would have gone for hundreds of them sweeping across a huge canvas. After stamping, cutting and edging fifteen of these Grungepaper beauties my hands and eyes were content with a slightly less extravagant version (one day then...!)
I painted a chipboard block with white gesso sponging it on to create texture. When dry I bashed up the edges and applied Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain Distress Inks. I white-washed a piece of Kraft Resist paper with Picket Fence Distress Stain, flicked on a little ink, stitched around the edges and layered it onto distressed brown card.
I cut a piece of wire mesh, snipped away at the shape, colouring it with Rust Alcohol ink. I played with the composition and when I knew where I wanted everything to go, I glued a piece of rusty scrap metal to the background. I found it on the floor walking to town and have kept it for months! I then sewed the wire to the paper layers with a few hand stitches which I could cover with the butterflies.
l used some vintage crochet lace, parcel string and a metal finding for more interest. All the butterflies are glued with a good blob of Matt Medium and I finished off with an Idea-ology Metal Word Band, again, inked up with Rust. The hanging chain is just a sink plug chain from the hardware store which is both sturdy and fitting for a Grungy piece!

So which stamp are you already reaching for...or will you need to ponder for a while??? Maybe it's best to just choose the one you adore today! Take a look at all the faves from my very talented Design team-mates and read more about the challenge too. I'm sure you could all find plenty to spend this $50 prize on at The Store! Just so many wonderful goodies...

Enjoy the May Holiday Monday if it's within reach and have a great week too. Thanks so much for taking the time to call by!

Sarah.

26 comments:

Candy C said...

Sarah...I love your piece for this week's challenge. Your butterflies are so wonderful! They are grunge...but yet they are so delicate! I love mixing of the rusted metal and then the soft laces. Beautiful layering of papers and textures. Great job! <3 Candy

Scrumplescrunch said...

My GOD it is so unbelievable grungy Sarah, but amazing as well, it is so rusty! Your project is out of the Box, and incredible.
Smiles:)
Sue

Annie said...

Hi Sarah saw your piece on Simon SS and as one of your followers had to take a closer look. This is fabulous and I love all the texture. Like you I love butterflies and the addition of the metal grid adds further dimension. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful creations.......Annie :)

My name is Cindy said...

Love this piece it is gorgeous on so many levels!! Brilliant work (and who doesn't love a butterfly stamp?) Cindy

Helen Anderson said...

Hi Sarah, so glad I found you, I used to work with the lovely Brian, now I hear married to your equally lovely aunty Nik!! I moved to Scotland 6 years ago, but am originally from Hereford.
Nik said you made cards and other things - I've just told her you're in a different league as you design for my favourite ever magazine CS! Am now off to dig out past issues that you have appeared in and will prepare to be amazed!
Am now following and have subscribed by email so really looking forward to joining you on your journey.
Helen x

Unknown said...

Wow, I love this piece, all the layers and textures and using the rusted metal and the wire is brilliant, especially in contrast to the lace and butterflies.

Redanne said...

Not quite sure where to start with my comment! This is a genius piece Sarah, love the wire, the lace, the rusting, the grungy look and most of all the butterflies - stunning in every way. Anne x

Helen said...

Wow, they look fabulous like this!! what a beautiful piece of art.

Nancy Wethington said...

OMG Sarah this piece is gorgeous. Of course, the butterflies! And the metal mixed with lace is amazing.

Carol Q said...

fab creation. love how you've combined metal, paper and lace.

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

How gorgeous this is...omg...lovely !!!

greetings, Alie :-)

Silvia(Barnie) said...

So wonderful, great layers and elements.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

This is to craft for!!!! Absolutely uber cool and gorgeous!!! Love love love your metals, and all your tedious work on the butterflies!!!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Well I'm late popping by today, I've been out yet againplant shopping and got bloody soaking wet yet again, the things I will do for a RARE/UNUSUAL plant is unbelievable. If it says rare or choice plant I buy it. I'm getting a little obsessed, I need treatment for my obsessions. I love love love this grungy creation. The hard work with the butterflies was so worthwhile and very appreciated on my part. I always love rust in artwork and your metal pieces are wonderful and Imlove your found piece,. Love the lace combined with the grunge too. As always your attention to detail is second to none. Enjoy your week Sarah, hope you, hubby and growing bump are all well. Tracy x x

Shelly Hickox said...

This is incredible! Your art never fails to amaze and inspire me - thanks so much for sharing your talent!!

Hettie said...

Wow Sarah! This is gorgeous and if it needs a home I have a place for it right here!
I like your reference to Christmas as I am sat eating Christmas Pudding as I am reading your post! Had full blown turkey dinner yesterday too! Not sure why as I am not keen on turkey but it was rather lush!

Terry said...

Hey there Sarah, first I wanna thank you for such a sweet comment on my blog really I appreciate it a lot and wowzerss what should I say about your Piece of Art, cause that is what it is.I love the grungy look, LOVEEEEE your butterflies and yep the metal look WOWZERSSSS just Love it Hugs and thanksss for sharing Sarah. Terry xxxx

Art By Wanda said...

LOVE this, Sarah!!!

Zuzu's Blog said...

glad its not just me that keeps random bits of rusty metal picked up off of the road then glues it on to things LOL.

this is wonderful. i totally love it.

sara j said...

I absolutely love this piece...it is so fabulously grungy and beautiful. I have a thing for flutterbys anyway, but you've really showcased them here. Beaut-ius.

Ali said...

This is GORGEOUS! Grungy yet delicate at the same time... and hee to you saving random bits of metal! I've done the same... found a strip of rusted metal plate in my driveway and have kept it for future crafting purposes! :D

Ali

Janny Jager said...

How beautiful Sarah
So many details
A great piece of art.

Greetings Janny

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

Another fantastic piece, Sarah! I really love the layering and amazing embellishing on this. Also the sentiment is perfect :)

*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

SusanLotus said...

Stunning artwork!

Sunshine Girl said...

Wow its lovely.

Marjie Kemper said...

Ooooh, Sarah, what a beautiful creation! Love the butterflies and the metal against the lace... such gorgeous contrasts and complements. Thought of you the other day when I was walking and spied a rusted metal circle on the sidewalk. Snatched it up and smiled.