For safety reasons I opted for the heat gun and not a burning candle. I used white glue on some parts of the paper and clear glue in some places. After heating and bubbling the glue I spread black gesso over everything then hit it again with more heat.
After everything was dry, I used my fingers to smear gold acrylic paint over the brown paper, leaving some areas black to give a contrast. When everything was very dry, I punched out all the leaves.
I stamped Grace (I have used her so much iI figure we should give her a name), on to card stock and did gold and black colours on her gown, fussy cut ready for the leaves to be glued on. My original thought was to do a small cascade of leaves.
The part of my brain that says "throw everything at it except the kitchen sink" took over and before I know it Gracies entire gown was covered. I paper pieced the bodice.
I stamped a grungy stamp on the bag, spritzed it with water and added a few streaks of Viva Gold 3d paint. It looks a bit orange in the photo but in real life it is a terrific rusty colour. Finally Grace was glued to the purchased gift bag.
This bag is for my girlfriends birthday, I will pud a gardening magazine in it and some packets of seeds.
Thanks so much for looking, sorry I am a bit late but this took way longer than I thought. MariLynns technique is terrific, I hope you check it out.
Date: Saturday, September 24, 2016 GMT Views: 2503
Favorited:18
Paper: brown paper bag for leaves & purchased gift bag
Paper Size: app 10"x 6.5"
Ink: Distrtess Ink
Accessories: Leaf punch, white school glue, clear glue, black gesso, gold metallic paint, heat gun, sourdough bread (I needed the brown paper bag it is sold in)
Registered: July 19, 2010 Location: Conway, MA Posts: 7513
Sun, Sep 25, 2016 @ 11:35 AM
Wow, Susie! I studied this for a few minutes to take in the tremendously creative artwork that is displayed here. Such beauty in what I at first thought was simply a leaf bouquet until I noticed the back of an elegantly dressed woman, magnificently detailed, especially the hair adornment! Stunning creation! Lucky girl friend, whoever she is...certain to be overjoyed by your beautiful gift.
------------------------------ Julie Proud Fan Club Member, CC595 Favorite, CC March 2017 Guest Designer, SC Winter 2018/19 Guest Designer
Registered: June 10, 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 7293
Sun, Sep 25, 2016 @ 5:00 PM
Oh WOW Susie - this is incredible. I am still going back to it to check out all the colours and leaves. Gracie reminds me of Peacock Girl and her flowing gown. This definitely must have taken so much work but the results are out of this world. Now I know what the Raiders lost the other night - you were definitely not cheering for them - you were busy with Gracie.
Registered: January 8, 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 40255
Sun, Sep 25, 2016 @ 10:23 PM
WOW, Susie, this is SOME bag!!!! Love seeing your lady, Grace, in her fabulous leaf skirt, that must have taken some time to create!! I love this idea for a gift for a friend, too!
------------------------------ Sue
Fan Club Member QFTD143 FS420
Registered: February 18, 2010 Location: Stuck in the middle! Posts: 4680
Sun, Sep 25, 2016 @ 11:04 PM
Ok I'm not actually looking in the gallery-but rather saw this on the gallery page and of course I could not help but click on Grace and have a closer look! This is so stunning! Your girlfriend will LOVE IT! Who would care whats inside when this is the outside? What a lovely gift bag!!!
------------------------------ Tell someone you love them each day!
My best creation is my children. -Diane von Furstenberg
Registered: November 1, 2004 Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Posts: 9611
Mon, Sep 26, 2016 @ 9:31 PM
OMG how gorgeous is this? I've never seen anythin like it...that dress is pure awesomeness, I want one, to wear!! Those leaves are stunning, but your creativity here screams genius. Love this!
Registered: August 12, 2007 Location: Ottawa Posts: 666
Tue, Sep 27, 2016 @ 5:47 AM
Oh my goodness that is gorgeous! Your inner fashion designer is really rocking it these days. I love how you have stuck with the muted tones of the bag but still made it glimmery and golden!
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Tue, Sep 27, 2016 @ 2:02 PM
Oh, sis! YOU are amazing, and we all LOVE your work. And how dear that you've named her Grace. I love it and love her. What a beautiful gown and a gorgeous bag for your girlfriend. She is going to LOVE It and love your gift! Big hugs! xoxo
------------------------------ Cheryl
Proverbs 3:5-6 My blog
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 82050
Thu, Sep 29, 2016 @ 3:02 AM
Wow - I am so going to try this when a get a few extra hours one day. I love every single thing about it. Grace, the leaves, your extra touches, EVERYTHING. Sorry I am behind, but I am not sorry I am catching up because your latest creations are soooooo AMAZING. Hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: August 10, 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 25290
Thu, Sep 29, 2016 @ 8:15 PM
Oh, sweet Susie!! I'm so glad she finally has a name, and how perfect is the name Grace!! She looks marvelous wearing that "out-of-this-world" gown!! Wow, my friend, you continue to amaze me with your wonderful talent!! This is a top-notch "bag lady", no doubt!!! Hugs!