Saturday 9 July 2016

Life is a journey and Easel card

Hello there, welcome to my blog where I've used lots of
SCRAPMATTS products, including some new releases.

The acacia tree and elephant chipboard sparked the idea for this page. I’ve had the Lion photograph for many years waiting for the right paper and the Graphic 45 “Safari Adventure” was just perfect for my theme.

I fussy cut lots of the G45 papers and attached them to a 13@rts sheet,
"Timeless", Today, tomorrow, always.



The new webbing chipboard formed a “hide” for the lion.



We slept in tents like this on the Masai Mara.



I love the way the chipboard responded to painting and glossy accents.



I tried to replicate the texture of cracked soil by using crackle paste through a stencil and adding destress inks.



The journalling on the back of the page.

Our trip to Africa was a holiday of a lifetime; something I’d longed to do since childhood. To sleep under canvas and hear the lion’s roaring at night; then in the morning light to spot them in their native habitat, was absolutely breathtaking. The whole trip was filled with extraordinary moments like this. We saw Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant and Cape Buffalo and Rhinoceros, as well as hundreds of gazelle, zebra, warthog and giraffe.

The migration of the wildebeest happened while we were waiting at the side of the Mara River. I learned so much about other cultures, foods, and ways of living and am richer for the experience. There is something about the big skies, the Acacia trees silhouetted on the veldt, the golden light at dawn and dusk, that feeds the spirit and constantly calls me to come back.

SCRAPMATTS PRODUCTS

CB 5151 Webbing 01
CB 5134 Africa 02
CB 6103 Scrap Words 21
ST 5029 Stencil webbing

The second project is a box easel card for a friend’s significant birthday.

I found the idea on You Tube courtesy of Katherine Skipper

Whilst it’s a bit fiddly to make, I think it’s worth it for a special occasion.
She loves Autumn colours and the Graphic 45 papers, “Children’s Hour”, seemed just right for the project.



The Flannel flowers were wet embossed with seed beads added to the centre.



The drawers are all lined with paper scraps.



There are four little drawers, one on each side, each large enough to hold two or three chocolates.

SCRAPMATTS PRODUCTS

CB 5146 Flannel Flowers 01
CB 1028 Butterflies 18
CB 1107 Clocks 08
CB 1244 Scrap Words 30

Thanks for calling in to say hello.
I truly appreciate any comments you may care to leave.

9 comments:

  1. OH wow Helen love you layout of Africa, all the textures and details are amazing, (love to go there one day) and your card is so special, love all the little drawers, great gift idea :)

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  2. Hi Helen I must say your layout is outstanding as was your African experience by the sound of it. Love the webbing under your photo, and a fabulous card with those amazing drawers for chocolates! Very clever creating! I hope your weekend is going well!

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  3. Oh my, this is one awesome post Helen. Your African layout is spectacular .. fabulous texture, amazing chippies and wonderful colours and design. Your holiday sounds amazing .. I would love to go there as well. Love the card too .. such a fabulous design and so very pretty! Love all the little drawers .. fantastic! Enjoy the rest of the weekend! hugs xx

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  4. I ADORE Your African page.... that lion photo is stunning! And my favest bit is the 'scene' along the bottom that you've created. Works a treat, I reckon..... as for your card. Jaw DROP! LOVE it.....could never be bothered myself.....well, maybe...cos it DOES look sensational:):)

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  5. Wow Helen your layout is stunning and the photo of that majestic Lion just magic and beauty. What an experience you had, one you will treasure forever I am sure. Love the webbing chipboard and the scene you create along the bottom of your page. I am sure your friend is going to love the beautiful card you made , such a lot of work gone into it. Hope your week is wonderful
    Mary

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  6. Stunning page Helen, to showcase a stunning photo. I love the cracked earth effect and the beautiful way you've altered the tree. What an amazing experience that must have been. You've captured that safari atmosphere perfectly - not that I know, I've never been on one, but it's what I imagine! Also love that card, what a fantastic idea to incorporate the drawers which your friend can use to keep little trinkets in later. May have to pinch that idea! :o)xxx

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  7. Your page is gorgeous Helen and the lion photo is fabulous! I applaud all the fussy cutting...so many gorgeous bits and a gorgeous design with a fabulous background! Love the mixed media touches. Your easel box card is stunning too and definitely very special! I can imagine that it was made with lots of time, love and energy! ;-) You go girl! xx

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  8. Wow Helen! Both projects are fabulous! Love the layout! Gorgeous photo! Love all the texture and African embellishments! The easel box card looks fantastic! So fun and creative! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  9. WOW Helen... just wow. Firstly I can't believe that I haven't been to your blog for so long. I seriously just don't know where the days are going. Every time I think I have seen my new favourite layout wham there is another one.. This african one is mind blowing and I love how you created a scene on your page without overpowering the original paper... that takes some serious skill. I don't think that you can ever get Africa out of your head once you have experienced it.
    I don't know what to say about that card. It is a complete work of art and I am sure the recipient will be delighted... I really hope that they appreciate the amount of work that went into making it.
    Visiting your blog is balm for my soul <3 thank you <3

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