Monday, June 17, 2013

A Crafting Curtain Call...

Hello there! Well, this weeks post is both a little inky and teary as this will be my LAST design piece for Simon Says Stamp & Show. Sniff, sniff and gulp indeed.
After much thought and quite an emotional struggle, I have decided to take a break from the fabulous but also demanding world of DT life and spend more time with my family. Not any DT though.The amazingly, wonderful, awesome team here at Simon Says Stamp. I have had THE most incredible time and I couldn't have wished for a more rewarding and fantastic creative journey. I am truly honoured and thankful for such an opportunity. I just want to say a HUGE, heartfelt thank you to Heidi, Steph, May (and Linda Elbourne!) and all my wonderful team-mates who have become good friends. I will miss them dearly.
As many of you know, I became a mum to Ruby last year and she will be one this week already! Everyone warned me that my crafty time would be scarce. I was ready for that, but I wasn't quite prepared to completely lose my heart to my little gal! Also, as much as I still adore designing, I have found it increasingly difficult to combine family life and quality time to create on a level with which I am happy. Yes, I am a self-confessed perfectionist. My uber-fab hubby works long hours so I can be a SAHM and we need more time at the weekends to all be together. As I said to my team-mates, my ink-pads will wait, but Ruby's baby days won't. I still plan to create, just in a lower gear, so hopefully it is just farewell, not goodbye.
With that, let me make the most of today and share a bit of Krafty crafting...
This week is all about Kraft - in every shape and form. Be it some yummy cardstock, an office envelope or even a lunch bag, let the brown tones rule! I ended up dabbling with Kraft tags, corrugated cardboard and some Amazon book packaging!

I decided to break open my still uninked set of classic Tim stamps and pondered how to combine the three images in one piece. A pear, a dragonfly and a compass. Hmmmmm. After thinking on a more symbolic level and using wording, I thought they all could represent phases in life. How apt for my own moment in time!

I started by stamping the images onto scraps of Mica sheets in Archival Ink. I heat set them and also let them dry overnight to avoid smudging.

 I didn't worry if the image was incomplete. I like the fragmented look! Then I set to work on creating the tag bases. Good old stitching and stamping!

To create more dimension and to allow the images to stand out, I used torn cardboard to create layers adding gesso for more contrast. They needed a bit more interest and depth so the string was a good trick to achieve that and give support to the Mica.
If you don't have any Mica you can use a roughly cut piece of Acetate sheet and colourize it (on the back so as to protect the stamped image) with a little Alcohol ink. I glued the mica to the tags with Matt Medium. I  carefully applied small dots on the back where the stamped image was so it would not be seen from the front.
These are definitely my favourite and signature tones so I just had to dive into my Idea-ology stash, grunge them up and let myself get carried away in metal fun
Trinket pins, Philosophy tags and Swivel Clasps are all so versatile and great to play with. I have used Alcohol Inks to darken the metal.
The base for the tags is a piece of Tissue Wrap which I have white washed with Gesso and then aged with Distress Ink and splatters... I added a length of old crochet lace for texture and what I call "grounding" for my tags. The lace connects the tags to the base...
Here you can see the words I added to each tag to create the right mood and connection. I used my typewriter which gives me all the wordy freedom I could wish for....
Seasons, grow, fleeting, flight, destiny, journey... plus a few vintage buttons and inky ties for good measure.
The white base is then set on a piece of sturdy cardboard. I think the Amazon book packaging is  fabulous for this kind of thing. It is so sturdy! They breed under my crafty table... as do dirty stamps and ribbon rage bags. I finished the piece with the word 'Voyage" which really tied it all together.
Here is a more angled view to give you an impression of the layers. I really enjoyed creating this piece and felt very inspired... and happy with the finished piece. That was a great way to round off things, don't you think? On a high...
Let's stay on a happy note and allow me to say such an enormous thank you to ALL of you. So much support, so many wonderful visits, loyalty and compliments. You are all so good to me. I appreciative all your time and words. Thank you is not enough. I just hope you have been inspired along the way. I will now love you and leave you with a picture of Ruby, which kind of says it all. She is my joy and I am so blessed to have been given her.
So now it's over to you and time for you to get busy with some Krafty Crafting! Take a look at how the rest of the Design Team played around with the challenge here! All their creations are fabulous as always. Do join in! Simon says Stamp are on the hunt for the top three artists and there is this very generous $50 voucher to be won too.

As I said, farewell, not goodbye. Until the next time. Stay healthy, happy and inspired!
With much love,
Sarah.

32 comments:

Candy C said...

Sarah...your farewell piece is so gorgeous and so vintage Sarah. :) I love everything about it. This is bittersweet, you know...having you leave the DT but knowing that little Ruby is such a joy for you. That photo of her is darling! I can't believe she will be ONE this week! Anyway, you are such a a wonderful person and creative artist. This piece is beautiful ... it just makes me sad that it's your last one. Much love! <3 Candy

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Love this Sarah, and what a piece to leave us with! I had no idea you were going, but you have the perfect reason! Ruby is a doll, and I can't believe she is one already! I wish you the very best, and I know you will be back to inky goodness at full capacity in no time, but family should always come first! Congrats to a very healthy wonderful year with Ruby!

RosA said...

Hi Sarah,
That's a beautiful project, colours and design superb! All the very best for the future. I do hope you are only leaving the DT, not blogland :)

Juls said...

Such a very gorgeous project!!! Hugs Juls xxx

Helen said...

your final project is fabulous as always! hope you enjoy this precious time with Ruby and don't forget us - find time to craft for you and show us what you do, sometimes please?! all the best to you and your lovely family. xxx

Annie said...

Fabulous make Sarah x love the way you have interpreted the challenge theme. Sorry to hear you are leaving the SSS DT. Your daughter is adorable and sometimes it's hard to juggle everything.

Best wishes

Annie x

Claudia N. said...

What a memorable farewell-piece, Sarah!
I LOVE every detail and will surely have to try a piece like this. (pinned it aready ;).

I really will miss your projects here with the DT from SSSaS, but I know you will have wonderful years coming up with helping and watching your lovely daughter grow up (much too fast of course ;).

Wishes,

Claudia x

Ali said...

Awww I shall miss so much seeing your gorgeous, inspiring creations. I can very much understand though how little Ruby has impacted on your creative time and you're so right - they're only little for such a short time.

Are you still going to be creating for Craft Stamper? Yours are always some of my favourite projects in the magazine.

Can't believe she's going to be 1 already! It only seems like yesterday that you were announcing her arrival. Hope she has a super first birthday. :)

Ali

Redanne said...

What a fabulous farewell piece Sarah, it is quite stunning! I am truly sorry that you are leaving but what better reason and you are so right to want to devote your time to the adorable Ruby (hard to believe she is 1 already!). You will be greatly missed, you are such a talented artist but as you say, your inks will still be there.... enjoy your precious time with Ruby and hope to see you back from time to time? Big happy hugs, Anne xx

Nancy Wethington said...

This is a gorgeous piece, as usual! Oh Sarah you will definitely be missed and so will your art.

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful project! Lovely all around. You will be missed as part of the team. Definitely enjoy the family! They are and always will be your number 1 focus!

Anonymous said...

you will be missed! Have fun with that sweet one and cherish every moment!!!!

Kaz said...

Gonna miss your posts, this one is a beauty! Totally understand ruby is growing so fast, don't miss a second! Got some changes coming up too, will drop you a line, maybe a visit may be in order xx much love and a happy birthday to your gorgeous ruby xxx

sara j said...

I will miss your talents but you absolutely made the right choice...little Ruby is an adorable little muchkin and of course you don't want to miss any of the time. Your creativity will still be there with you and may pop out in surprising ways...we just never know.
I am totally gaga over this piece tho...so much texture and just lovely blend of colors...beautiful. Happy Birthday to Ruby! And happy days to you all.

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

Sarah you will surely be missed around the Stamp & Show blog but I sure hope that if you get a spare moment from time to time you will still participate in our challenges for fun! Such a lovely & appropriate farewell piece! Love the layering and embellishing :)

*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

ellen vargo designs said...

Hi Sarah! I know that you will be missed on the SSS&S DT - your design work has always been top notch and you're such a talented writer too! I loved the time that we spent together on the team and I'm so glad to still call you a friend. Enjoy every moment with your Ruby - she's such a beauty. Remember to keep sharing pix of her - we still want to know how you're doing and how Ruby is changing and growing. Sending lots of love and big hugs from across the pond... Ellen xxx

Maura said...

Sarah, thanks for your creative ideas you've shared with us. Have a wonderful time with your little gem!

Peggy Parker said...

Thank you so very much for sharing the journey with us as you shared your talent! I feel blessed to have been able to view (and own) your art!

Jenny Marples said...

Will definitely miss seeing your artwork regularly but you are quite right - you will turn around and suddenly find Ruby's turning 18 and time has just melted away. Here's to many happy days ahead with less deadlines and lots of joy. Sounds like it's just what you need. Hugs, Jenny x

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

Great layers and details Sarah!

kind regards, Alie :-)

Kate Yetter said...

Sarah, your art it lovely and very inspirational. So sad that you are leaving the DT but we totally understand. Children are a blessing and need to be enjoyed. You are making the right choice. I am going through the same phase right now. Later on when they are older, we will have more time to scrap plus all the memories that we made. Enjoy your beautiful Ruby!
Kate

Mary Elizabeth said...

Sarah -- I'll miss seeing your pieces on SSS&S. You've been such an inspiration and encouragement to many of us. And on that note ... WOW!! ... What a piece to go out on!! Love all the detail (stitching, choice of tags and stamps, even the Amazon book packaging :) ). The rich dimensionality of this piece gives the viewer so many layers to unpack and consider. Incredible project!!! Happy Birthday to Ruby!

-- Mary Elizabeth

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Fantastic farewell piece and wonderful fond farewell speech too, brought a tear to my eye . Love your farewell project Sarah, so many wonderful layers of interest. Love your use of mica and the stamping and imagery is just perfect. Love it. Until the next time my friend, farewell and big hugs to
Ruby. Tracy x

Sandra said...

Gorgeous piece, Sarah! So very Krafty and vintage. Such a perfect last piece! It's bitter sweet indeed, you leaving the DT, but spending much more time with your precious family! Have a great time with Ruby and congrats with her first birthday this week! Big hugs, Sandra

Martha said...

Sarah, WOW, this is FABULOUS!
I always LOVE all your creations.
Love the darling photo of your daughter.
Best wishes to you!

Janny Jager said...

Great and fabulous project Sarah with a lot of fanatstic details.
The picture of Ruby is very cute and lovely.
Greetings Janny

Marjie Kemper said...

Ooooh she is darling! I can't believe it's been a year. You are right... the ink pads will wait. Though I sure do love what you've made here as your farewell piece. Enjoy our Mum & Me time and craft at will when time allows! xx

Hels Sheridan said...

Blimey! A year! Where did that go! As I always say whenever I see a photo of Ruby, she is an absolutely beautiful gal and I am not surprised that you want to make the most of her baby-days... as ever Sarah, I LOVE your style... and that will still be there when you have a little more time to indulge in all things inky... take care sweetie... lotsa love and a big squidgy cuddle for that special little darling xx

Michelle said...

This project is fabulous! You really knocked it outta the park. I was thinking to myself, "How sad that she's leaving". And then I saw that sweet baby's face and knew that I would've done the same if I were in your shoes. Take it from a woman whose baby just graduated from college: they grow up fast. Enjoy your time with your little one and thank you for being such an inspiring artist.

Words and Pictures said...

So sad that you're leaving the SSSaS team - we'll miss your amazing work - but it couldn't be for a better reason! You and Ruby should make the absolute most of every minute...

And what a finale - one of your best ever makes, I'd say - really beautiful. I'll still be following, too, just incase anything bobs up here anytime... so you won't get rid of us all that easily! Thank you for all the amazing inspiration...
Alison x

Unknown said...

Such a gorgeous piece, but not a touch on the your best creation, Ruby. Enjoy.

nathwest said...

nice, nice.,nice