'What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday 14 October 2011

I’m just sneaking in by the skin of my teeth for the Gingersnap Random Redhead challenge, which is ‘Shared Moments’ but I didn’t realise when making it that this would also fit the Colour Challenge, which is Blue, Turquoise and Purple, so I’m entering it for both challenges.

This is also my Stampbord swap for KCUK and yes, it’s late – as usual (hangs head in shame).  In my defence, I’ve had a few really busy weeks with work and other stuff but that doesn’t really excuse me.  Fortunately, the recipient of my swap doesn’t blog, so won’t see this and I can upload it.

I made a little ATC sized book, using Stampbord ATCs for the covers, with the theme of Friendship.  I have to confess that I cried while making it, but that’s another story and this isn’t the place to share it… lots of memories, some happy. some sad. I used to make a lot of mini books, especially when I was running workshops but it’s been a while and I really enjoyed this for a change.

I used my favourite medium – pigment inks – because they blend so beautifully, even with fingers, and always look really vibrant – added to which, they’re PERMANENT, so won’t fade, unlike ALL water based inks.  The covers are embossed with 3 layers of clear embossing powder, then the corners sprinkled with Suze’s Bedazzles. Looks as if I've covered part of the wording on the cover, but it's still readable in real life.


I’ve noticed that my scanner doesn’t seem to be picking up the nuances in shades, which has really been frustrating me, so I’m going to show you the scans first, followed by a photo, so you can see the difference in them. The real thing is probably a little between the two for the covers, because the sun shone for a few moments (it really did, even in North West England!!) and the light reflected off the glossy finish of the EP.  I used Prisma pencils to colour the images and, unfortunately, semi obliterated the faces of the little girls on the front cover, but the overall effect is OK, so I’m happy with it.

SB BOOK FRONT COVER 
 <KENOX S1050  / Samsung S1050>
The cover images and words are from Crafty Individuals.
SB BOOK BACK COVER
<KENOX S1050  / Samsung S1050>
This is a scan of the outside covers and the back. The colours here will give you more of an idea of the colours and shades of the whole piece, which isn’t quite as dark as it looks, although it is edged and shaded with the deeper (True) blue.
SB BOOK BACK
This is the inside – colours washed out because the little girl’s dress (far right) is actually yellow and the man on the right hand side of the first page is wearing a green shirt!  The images are a mixture of Paperartsy, Art Journey and Stampinback.  The words are computer generated, apart from the Hero Arts Friends background and all images are masked, then coloured afterwards, apart from the boy and girl, who come in a frame and I couldn’t face cutting it out today… so I used an image I’d already cut out.
SB BOOK INSIDE
I won’t upload the individual pages cos I’m sure you’ve had enough by now, lol.  If you really want to see them more closely, then (as usual) click on each image to enlarge.
Just noticed I now have 250 followers – wow!  I’m still amazed that anyone at all is interested in what I do but I’m grateful for all of you who come to see my attempts at artwork, lol – thank you VERY much and especially to those of you who leave such encouraging comments!
This calls for a celebration, methinks, so I may have to give away some Blog Candy!!!

27 very kind comments from lovely people:

Chris said...

Oh Cath, this is gorgeous. I love the colours and images. Such a lovely theme too.

Chris x

Sandy said...

Oh wow this is darling.
So wonderful colors and work. Love them.

Have a lovely weekend. xoxo

Paula Whittaker said...

truly gorgeous stamping and sentiment wise.Hope you have a great weekend x

Unknown said...

This is stunning - and so cute - gorgeous soft colours

Martina said...

Oh, Cath this is fantastic! What a great inspiration piece!

Wish you a nice weekend.
Hugs
MARTINA

Von said...

This really is a wonderful book full of emotions evoking happy memories :)
Have a fun weekend
Von xxx

Lynne Moncrieff said...

Beautiful colours, beautiful art and congratulations on 250 Followers.
Wishes
Lynne

donna said...

Your book is fantastic. I love the colors and images. I have been going back to using more pigment inks lately for the reasons you mentioned. Brilliant project..Donna

Ann B said...

Beautiful Cath, a truly lovely piece of art from cover to cover.

Carol Q said...

this is beautiful Cath. much prefer the photos - they are more subtle and show up more of the work you've put into it. sounds like it was quite an emotional process

Petra Tillmann said...

Hi Cath, this is GREAT! Love the colours and the stamps are so lovely. I have them too. Have to use them more often. Have a nice weekend! Petra

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, I'm missing words, such a fantastic project.

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

OH I love it too. The soft coloration is dreamlike beautiful.Background pattern, stamps and coloration fit perfect together.
Hugs Anja

Isabelle Norris said...

superbes tes ATC !! les couleurs sont parfaites.
isa

Hermine said...

They all are fantastic

Anke said...

WOW WOW WOW Cath absolutely stunning, I love your book, so beautiful, fantastic work.

Have a nice weekend
Hugs
Anke

Anonymous said...

The images on this little book are just lovely,also love the colours.
great work, Cath, love Anne C.xx

G Peplow said...

Hi Cath, Beautiful art here, love the colours and what a great sentiment throughout:0) Thanks for dropping by and sharing your funny story, crafting can be so much fun, :0) Gay xxx

Di said...

Really beautiful Cath and such gorgeous colours. I see what you mean about the photos versus the scanner. Ain't technology wonderful?! :( Have a super weekend! Di xx

hazel said...

I love everything about this Cath. The colours and images are beautiful.
xxx Hazel.

Jean Franks Beck said...

What a gorgeous piece - I love the beautiful coloring and wonderful composition, and it's a delightful entry for both challenges! Thanks for playing along once again at Gingersnap Creations!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous little book. Can't wait till I'm 'off duty' so I can do some more swaps. xx

Art Chick said...

This is so beautiful. I love how you used all the colors and texture and details. It's wonderful!

SmilynStef said...

Love the close-up views ... those little beads add such great texture ... gorgeous little book ... so glad you joined our color challenge at Gingersnap Creations.

trisha too said...

Really gorgeous, Cath--I like using microbeads, too!!

Congratulations on being chosen as a Ginger Gem in the color challenge!

:)

Lucy Edmondson said...

Gorgeous! You have coloured this so beautifully,

Lucy x

Art By Wanda said...

A fabulous little book!!! Just gorgeous!!!