For some reason, I've been taken with the Teapot Challenge Year of the Rat. LOL I read today's challenges and thought that I wanted to create something that worked for all three. I also wanted to try something different.
I created my background on glossy card stock with alcohol inks. I stamped my birds and the Chinese character for "laughter." I wanted a rat in on my card, so I drew a line for the birds to sit on and then, the experimenting began...
I use alcohol blending solution and an art blending stump to remove some ink where I wanted to draw my rat. It took several times to carefully remove a small area of ink. Then, I drew in my rat with permanent fine line marker. I highlighted with my white gel pen to make his eyes and teeth stand out more. I also highlighted the birds and Chinese character.
I glued this onto pink layer and added gold threads and a gold metal embellishment, then glued this onto a black layer and a white card.
I have a friend who's had a run of bad luck lately, so I thought I'd made her a funny card to cheer her up. Inside says: Rats! Hang in there friend!
Things have got to get better! After all, it is the Year of the Rat! Happy Chinese New Year!
For year of the rat, I used the rat's lucky elements: colors blue and gold, metal embellishment and the number 2, for 2 birds.
Fun challenges for me!
Date: Friday, January 10, 2020 GMT Views: 975
Favorited:7
Registered: August 10, 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 25290
Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 4:33 PM
Gracie, what a fabulous card! I love your hand-drawn rat hanging on the branch with the birds. The Chinese sentiment is perfect as laughing is the first thing I did when I saw your card. The background is gorgeous too. Great job combining the challenges!
Registered: March 29, 2011 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 32470
Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 5:43 PM
WOW sums it up perfectly!!! That was my first response to this marvelous work of art. I'm blown away that you drew the rat, he is so much fun. This card will bring a smile to your friend.
------------------------------ Carla ~ Proud Fan Club Member and Dirty Dozen Alumni.
Registered: May 26, 2015 Location: Oregon Posts: 5534
Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 7:02 PM
Love this, Gracie! We have crows and rats...though the rats' days are now #'rd. Your rat is so well drawn with highlights and dimension. A very successful experiment and your prowess paid off!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni SCS Gallery Moderator Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 132012
Sat, Jan 11, 2020 @ 11:39 AM
Brilliant. I am smiling here. Those birds appear to be gazing at the hapless (but what great drawing!) rat with great interest. And the gold fibres are really dramatic against the rich background colours.