This weeks Teaparty is for my wonderful Dirty Dozen sister, Cheryl, aka CherylQuilts. I have to frequently remind myself that I have never met Cheryl or her terrific husband Walt, in real life. This is NOT Cheryl or Walt (Cheryl wouldn't be seen dead in biker boots at this time of the year), but it is a picture of what true love looks like and that is how Cheryl always talks of her hubby.
I tried to channel Cheryl's classic, elegant style and exquisite colouring, you should see my desk...it was never going to work, hence plan B was put into action.
Here we have Henry and his gorgeous bride of 40 years, Henrietta. They recently watched Sound of Music, this is where Henrietta got the idea to cut up an old quilt and a faded tablecloth to whip up their new clothes!!
I can't tell you how long it took to paperpiece/quilt/patchwork Henrietta's skirt (I could have made a real live quilt in half the time LOL). Henry's overalls were cut from my stash when I once tried faux fabric. His gumboots were also a stash off cut.
The background (and Henrietta's skirt) were all created with the Smack & Squirt technique - smack distress ink pad onto aluminium foil, squirt on a lot of water and using a foam blending tool, scrub the inky water onto cardstock. Keep applying different shades of distress inks until you have the desired effect. I used a TH brick wall stencil over the background. I used Timmy's Distress Paint over the top of the plastic stencil....ooops I think I was a bit rough, the foam top now looks like a badly pecked chicken!!
Before adhering the happy couple to the card, I stamped on a little garden which was a lovely RAK floral stamp from our very own Sabrina (Cook22). Liquid pearls were added to the hanging berry tree branches and a few flowers. A doodled border and a little bit of grey shadow completed this card.
Handy hints:
When making hats, clothes, boots, legs etc, I always draw them on acetate and try them out against the body/head. Once they look right, cut out the acetate template and trace around the shape onto cardstock or scraps.
The crazy birds were stamped in MISTI, I leave the rubber stamp in place while colouring the birds, then I put them back into MISTI for a refresh stamping. Fussy cut after you are happy with final stamping.
Thank you for looking. I hope Henrietta and Henry have a safe trip to Florida.
Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 GMT Views: 4888
Favorited:22
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 132001
Tue, Mar 01, 2016 @ 11:13 PM
Oh! A gorgeous garden of little Susie flowers . I still need to get mine inky. I'm loving the little cherry-blossom style branches you are filling your backgrounds with just now, they have such a fantastic Spring feel. And as always, such amazing creativity with the birds. I've always thought that Henrietta looks as if she's wearing what I call a waistcoat but I think Americans call a vest and I don't know about you...and adding a skirt is genius. It reminds me of the first outfit I sewed for myself which was a little elastic-waisted skirt and matching waistcoat in an orange check. Your DD sis is "sew" going to love this.
Registered: July 22, 2007 Location: Carshalton, Surrey. UK Posts: 62973
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 12:14 AM
Susie - knew this was yours straight away. Love that cute little skirt that took forever and the whole scene you have created for your loved up couple.
------------------------------ Janine (aka Jay_Bee) Find a few favourites and share some love - check out theFavorites ForumDirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 83609
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 2:46 AM
Totally fabulous in every way. THat is for Cheryl is fabulous, that you used a stamp from Sabrina is fabulous and then more fabulousness: the bg (wow, wow, wow), the coloring, the clothes (double triple wow), the recreated birds (they look smashing btw), the doodles ----- EVERYTHING! Love, love, love this card my friend. Hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: February 5, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 92578
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 3:06 AM
Talk about LOVE...a LOT of LOVE went into creating this card, Susie. I studied it for a LONG time just taking in all the little detailing that you did to create this fabulous one-of-a-kind card. A lovely tribute to Cheryl and her husband.
Registered: August 15, 2007 Location: Twin Cities MN Posts: 50660
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 5:03 AM
The patchwork skirt is AMAZING!!!! WOW!!! Your whole card is fabulous...the details of the flowers and hanging branches are wonderful...a total delight. Cheryl is going to be smiling from ear to ear when she opens this card!!
Susie, I always look forward to your cards, because I know they will be so unique. You take the crazy birds to a whole different level. Love this card.
Registered: February 10, 2006 Location: Mid-Atlantic Posts: 13122
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 6:00 AM
Your couple really do look as though they are deeply in love .... and so "well dressed". Susie your art always brings joy!!
~ Rita
------------------------------ Rita
God demonstrated His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ... being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:8 & 9
Registered: May 23, 2009 Location: sunny california Posts: 9825
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 7:04 AM
I can tell this was made with love, Susie. It is just AMAZING. This just is beyond words fabulous...pinned, faved.i am just sitting here absorbing all the terrific details, which is a bad thing to do because I have to get to work. LOVE IT!
Registered: February 28, 2010 Location: Eastern Ohio Posts: 6288
Wed, Mar 02, 2016 @ 7:43 AM
Sure does remind me of Spring yet in looking out my window is snowing, but Spring is hiding around the corner somewhere. Susie, where to start as is sooooo much to see and all is great. From your darling skirt, the shoes, the berry bushes, back ground---it is terrific!