It looks like I'm on a pin streak! This one's for the Technique Lovers' Challenge, TLC151, the Folded Heart Technique. I'm sure nobody ever thought I'd make a folded heart out of Polyshrink, but I did!
Cindy (Mothermark) always has a story to tell (see her name under her avatar- it reads- *This is my story*!) and now I have a story to tell, too! But first, see Cindy's card and her story here- It's All about the Texture by Mothermark at Splitcoaststampers
Now this is MY story. On Christmas Eve day my DH and I and our 2 golden retrievers hopped in the car and drove 11 hours from NY to NC for a surprise visit to my very dearest friend Judi. See her card about this visit here- TLC149 Maddy`s Christmas Visit!! by jovialjudi at Splitcoaststampers We all enjoyed a most memorable Christmas! Judi's mom (who lives with her) is 88 years old, and, while cognitively intact, she is nearly blind. Almost from the moment we arrived, my dog Luna, sensing the need, took over *protecting* Ruth, and lay at her feet for the entire time we were there, even following her to the bathroom door and into her bedroom at night. Tragically, just last week, Ruth suddenly took seriously ill, and has just been diagnosed with Leukemia. I made this pin for her, and, although I know she can't see much of it, I hope she will enjoy the dimensional shapes and textures I put into it. She loves jewelry and absolutely loves dogs, so I hope she will like wearing this pin.
I started with a Formica sample chip in dark woodgrain with writing on it, so I covered it with 2 layers of Brilliance White ink and White EP, followed by a layer of Iridescent Ice Ep for sparkle. All the images are stamped onto sanded white Polyshrink in Staz-On inks, and colored in with SU! markers. If you look very closely you can see Luna's name over the door of the doghouse, and the tag that reads, *Happiness is knowing you.* I sponged pink alcohol ink onto the background of the large heart, and stamped the smaller hearts onto it with purple and pink Staz-On inks. I've used 2 layers of red and white Mulberry papers underneath the heart for more texture. Pink wire, clear Swarovski crystals, and red and silver wire swirls provide further textural embellishments. Finally, a coat of Crystal Effects gives the big heart and the tag lots of shine.
Don't worry, no dogs were harmed in the making of this pin. My dogs live in the house with me and not outside in a doghouse, even if it IS cute!
I hope Ruth enjoys this remembrance of our fun visit to NC. Thanks for looking!
Maddy
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 GMT Views: 1319
Favorited:2
Stamps: Bow Wow, Two of Hearts, Winged Things, Teeny Tinies
Paper: Mulberry white and red
Ink: Brilliance Moonlight White, Staz-On Blazing Red and Purple, Basic Brown
Accessories: White EP, Iridescent Ice EP, Polyshrink, sanding block, SU! markers, SU! large and small tag punches, pink wire, red and silver wire swirls, Swarovski crystals, Crystal Effects
Registered: October 13, 2006 Location: North Attleboro, MA Posts: 7485
Tue, Jan 15, 2008 @ 6:08 AM
Wow, what a beautiful pin. A true work of *heart*! That's a great story to go along with it. Love that little dog image. I have a golden as well. A spoiled baby is what he really is! They are a smart breed!
Registered: April 23, 2006 Location: Looking For Teapots! Posts: 59742
Tue, Jan 15, 2008 @ 6:29 AM
Maddy! How wonderful this pin is! And how wonderful Luna is! She is truly Ruth's angel. What a heart warming story and this pin will just touch Ruth so much! I love that you made this awesome piece of art for her!
Your story is so touching. I have doxies and they tune in to people too. Cute pin, I sure she'll cherish it and her friend Luna's devotion every time she wears it.
Registered: November 7, 2006 Location: Willamette Valley Oregon Posts: 34508
Wed, Jan 16, 2008 @ 5:21 PM
There and back again, I followed the stories and all I can say is WOW! What friendship, human and fur babies. This is truly why we create. To nuture the artist in each one of us and to pass along a small part of ourselves. I love Ruth's pin, I am amazed at the detail on the pin, the Luna you created is adorable and I am certain a tribute to the real girl!
------------------------------ Susan~~~One4Joydaily I'm a FAN CLUB member, U? MY GALLERYof visual Delights MY BLOG
Registered: March 29, 2005 Location: Nevada Posts: 11671
Thu, Jan 24, 2008 @ 10:13 PM
Maddy, this is such a fabulous story of love and friendship I know Ruth will love this awesome pin you created for her! I love all the wonderful details you put into this!!