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: 4846
Favorited:22
Registered: May 7, 2008 Location: Sioux City, Ia Posts: 5837
Thu, Mar 03, 2016 @ 5:11 PM
Where do I begin? First of all, how tall are you?
Now lets discuss this fabulous card you made for our friend. I love every detail from the brick BG to the multiple of pearls. And let me also add Henrietta and her man are so fabulously dressed for a night on the town.
Well done!
Registered: March 6, 2004 Location: Casa Grande, AZ Posts: 28932
Fri, Mar 04, 2016 @ 2:53 AM
SUsie, your time and effort are certainly evident in this wonderful card. As for my comment - just read all the previous ones. That is what I want to say! You always amaze with your creative talent. TFS these wonderful loving birds.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member
Registered: June 19, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 6005
Fri, Mar 04, 2016 @ 6:26 AM
My friend, you are AMAZING! This card, and the intricate, detailed work of the clothing on the crazy birds is nothing short of a labor of love -- perfect for the loving couple Henry and Henrietta. Susie, I am just awed by this remarkable work of multi-media artwork. You are truly a master of this style - with write-ups that could be a new chapter of a very whimsical book. My suggestion: Put your photo's and write-ups into a book (you can do it with many different applications). Can you imagine the smiles both would bring years down the road? I once saw a book done that way called, "Pieces of Me" I loved it! And I love this!! FAV'd and deservedly so!
Registered: February 21, 2007 Location: Bay City, MICHIGAN Posts: 17556
Fri, Mar 04, 2016 @ 9:54 AM
Such a creative couple - imagine using old quilts and faded tablecloths to make our clothes!! Susie, this is another of your masterminded creations, leaving absolutely NOTHING to the imagination. You have personified true love (like Cheryl and Walt's), forever freezing in time the 'look of love' in her eyes! Love the smack n squirt background and the romantic hanging berry tree blossoms and the lovely garden underfoot as well. If this doesn't cheer Cheryl up from the top of her head to the tips of those crazy boots, NOTHING will!
------------------------------ SUE aka GREENIE - Twisted Sistah Handmade cards because..No one displays an email on their mantle, or saves a FB post in a box of treasures! Nothing is impossible with God!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46766
Fri, Mar 04, 2016 @ 10:24 PM
HAAAAA! Oh my goodness mate, this is just too much! I LOVE it! I didn't know this tea party was for Cheryl...I had better look into that right away!
I love your paper pieced clothing and funny story!! I love your cards so Susie!! They are real works of art!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, DRS DT.Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT.
Registered: February 22, 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 43340
Sat, Mar 05, 2016 @ 12:02 PM
What a fashionable couple! Henrietta's skirt is fantastic - she must have found it in a specialty boutique. Once again, your imagination is boundless and the results are so much fun to see.
------------------------------ Priscilla (aka - PJ)
QFTD187 My Gallery
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Sat, Mar 05, 2016 @ 4:06 PM
Oh, sis, I love you so much and love this amazing card you made with Walt and me! I do love that man so much! And I always love your descriptions and also the adorable story about Henry and Henrietta! I think she did an amazing job quilting for "her man" so he could look finer than fine! Hehe! I so adore your birds and the amazing squirt and smack technique, and I love the "garden" using the stamp from Sabrina. It looks like we are standing in our yard with the flowers blooming here, just a little under one of our robellini palm trees. I would never want you to channel me but just be you, the amazing and loving and talented Susie, my DD sis - forever! I love you so, and I am so touched by your coming to the tea party for me! I am so encouraged and feel so loved. Thank you, sis! xoxo (warm and squishy, right?)
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: June 10, 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 7293
Sat, Mar 05, 2016 @ 4:23 PM
Oh Susie - this is just so wonderful. I love the patchwork clothing and the patience you displayed gluing them down - not to mention the sticky fingers. Fantastic garden too with the brick wall and the flower beds. Cheryl will love this.