Thursday 19 May 2011

There's no Present like the Time (posted by Jo) and, yes, you did read that right!




I was excited to have Debbie's great project to work with this month as we have come very close to choosing her projects before. She is a designer we all admire. But strangely, the things I loved most about her box card were things I didn't carry through when I made my own. I intended to go with Debbie's colours and to choose a similar stamp as I love anything with even a hint of ironwork. But things changed along the way as they often do. I was going to go with architectural stamps and make something for my son who is a student architect. But I eventually settled on a time theme. I made a masterboard using stamps by Paperartsy and The Artistic Stamper. I embossed in gold and inked the background with Tumbled Glass and Vintage Photos Distress Inks (I've always admired people who can pull off the blue/brown combination). I used the resulting papers more sparingly than Debbie did with hers as I thought it would look cluttered with all sides of the box covered. On the front page I mounted a strip of the paper onto a piece of watercolour paper edged with Vintage Photo and gold embossing and matted this on brown card. I wanted a cluster of chipboard flowers but was surprised at how small the card was when I made it up to Debbie's dimensions so I settled for just the one flower with a clockface centre. I stuck this over my favourite flourish from the Inkadinkado Dotty Flourishes set and completed the page with the time adage from The Artistic Stamper's Time and Keys plate.


Inside the card I used another strip of the masterboard mounted onto another piece of watercolour paper. This time the paper had been embossed with Creative Expressions' Time embossing folder and inked, again with Vintage Photo. Over the panel I added a clock charm using a chain and swivel clasp.


One inspiration for the contents of the box was the Sizzix label die that is shaped like a watch. But the die turned out to be slightly too big for the box front so I had to improvise. The watch inside the box is rather special. It belonged to my late father in law and is a treasured possession of my husband's. So the box is a display box for now but will maybe become a gift box when my son inherits the watch.


We didn't see the back of Debbie's card in Craft Stamper but I couldn't resist using Crafty Individuals' lovely watch and clockmaker label on the back. On the watercolour background I have used clock stamps from The Artistic Stamper and also the free clock stamp from February's Craft Stamper which features Debbie's project.


Looking at Lesley's and Elaine's posts I am struck by how differently we work with the magazine projects we take as our inspiration. It's especially surprising as we have quite similar tastes. I sometimes wonder if I would do things differently if I saw their projects first as I am very easily influenced. But then this one has turned out very different from the one I had in my head when I started so it's all a bit of a mystery ride.

7 comments:

Elaine said...

Jo, I love everything about your project. The blue brown colour combination is special isn't it and you have worked beautifully with it. I am really interested in how textured that watercolour paper seems to be, as it adds an extra dimension. I love the words from the Artistic Stamper plate, the way you have used the embossing folder and the cog charm. Plus of course adding the Crafty Individuals on the reverse would always be a hit with me.

What a lovely idea to make it a box for that special watch. I am sure it will be treasured. A great interpretation of Debbie's project. I am sure she would be chuffed. Elaine x

judith@poppy cottage said...

Beautiful colours Jo, and a lovely theme. You have caried this off with great aplomb. I love the idea of the card as a display case, and then a gift box for an inheritance. The charm on the chain is a fabulous element on the inside cover. You have used a great mixture of stamps and embossing to continue through your theme. I like the openness of the watercolour paper, giving a light airy feel. The weave of the paper adds a great dimension too.
The whole piece gives a feel of consideration, balance and care. Another great interpretation of the project, Judith xx

Aquarius said...

What a lovely idea to make this beautiful box to hold the watch and the colour scheme is working so well. It is really interesting to see the differing interpretations of the CS articles. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

wonderfully unique and creative project.

craftimamma said...

Once again you have shone my friend! What a wonderful interpretation of Debbie's project. I have always loved the blue/brown colour combination and your balance of the two colours is perfect. I also like the combination of stamps you have used and they set the tone beautifully for the purpose of your box/card. Once again you have put a lot of thought, care and love into your project which makes it the perfect place for safe keeping such a special and precious timepiece.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Shirley said...

What a great gift and what a beautiful keepsake to give with it!!

Moira said...

It's really lovely