Monday 1 March 2010

And finally .........

Well at last I have finished my February project - I just missed posting in February as I had such trouble getting a photo in the gloomy weather we had yesterday.


Here is my "love" themed project inspired by Valentine's Day in February. As you will have seen I chose a rich red colour theme. I love textures and fabrics, so that influenced my choice of materials. My envelope was made from a red backed rose paper. I lined my envelope with red illusion film to give the effect of moire silk. I mounted the envelope on red satin mirri card, so beautiful I had trouble persauding myself to take the scissors to it and mounted the whole thing on burgundy velvet paper.

My objects inside the envelope were an original vintage postcard that I edged with some fancy metal corners, my only stamping was the rather passionate Crafty Individuals stamp embossed on more red satin mirri in Ruby Obsidian Moonglow EP and the little jewelled frame that I posted earlier. I wanted to include family love in the theme, so this is a picture of my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. The outside of the envelope is decorated with the beautiful rose trim that I found in a little haberdashers.  All the metal heart, ring and key embellishments were different colours, so I painted them all with gold Viva precious metal paint to give them a more consistent appearance. I added a red paper flower with a red heart button, a metal flower that came from a very cheap necklace I bought to dismantle for embellshments and a little burgundy tassel on the key. Last but not least , I used a quote from one of my favourite Thomas Hardy poems - if you want to read it - you can find it here and a tiny quote cut from the box of my favourite chocolates - another kind of love!!


I added something extra into this project that no-one can see but me, inside the envelope are two little letters that are precious to me, one my husband wrote to me and one my Grandmother sent me when I was a child. I wanted to add these things to make it an extra special memento.

Thanks for sticking with us for our first four Craft Stamper projects - I hope you have enjoyed looking at them,as much as we have making them.

Elaine x

11 comments:

judith@poppy cottage said...

This is very rich and romantic Elaine! Again, completely different to everyone else's projects. I love the contrast of soft and hard textures that you have used. The vintage postcard with the metal corners is lovely, and your rose trim is gorgeous, such a deep, rich colour. I'm sure that the photograph does not do justice to how striking the whole thing is, and can understand why you needed to capture it in a good light. The poem is beautiful, and it is so lovely to know about the letters in your envelope. The different aspects of love that you have incorporated make it a lovely warm, rounded piece, very multi-dimensional. Great job, Judith x

craftimamma said...

This is sumptuous Elaine. Absolutely gorgeous and it conveys the emotion of love beautifully. I really like the idea of the hidden letters, such a lovely touch. The tiny photo in the heart frame and the beautiful vintage postcard help to bind the whole project together. As Judith said the different textures make the project really interesting and I can certainly see why you fell in love with the lovely rose trim.

I think it's really great that we have all come up with projects that are so diverse from a single idea.

Here's to the next one.

Lesley Xx

Jo said...

Elaine, I think you have captured something really quite special here. It has the real feel of something discovered in a chest of family treasures and knowing those letters are in there too makes it feel even more authentic. I love the way you have presented the poem and the way you have used the embellishments. The tassel on the key is a lovely touch. Think I may have to steal that idea. The papers you have used give a luxurious feel to the whole project too. I think you have made a genuine keepsake.

Isabelle Norris said...

Another stunning piece!!! love it
isa

Val said...

Elaine - this is simply beautiful and so exotic and sumptuous. The personal letters really give it that mysterious feel of love. Well done you.
Hugs
Valxx

Suzanne C said...

Beautiful! Love the rich reds and the textures. But most importantly is the secret notes tucked inside. I think that is so sweet that you put these important notes in this beautiful arrangement.

Aquarius said...

This is lovely and how great to include really personal items. It is interesting to see the four different takes on the one challenge and I will be watching out for the next one.

Anonymous said...

very romantic and tactile....a wonderful creation!

Annette said...

Stunning piece of art. sandra x

Christine B. said...

A beautiful keepsake to keep your treasured letters. So rich and lovely trims. Can't wait to see what you come up with next time.x ChrisB

Janet said...

Sublime!

Janet xx