Maelstrom

Rainbows are very popular in the UK at the moment, as a symbol of hope for a better time and just to cheer people up with bright colours.

I took up the challenge(s) and this image evolved as the combination of the sense of being blown uncontrollably by a whirlwind and the hope that there are better days "At end of the rainbow".

I thought the Visible Image stamp set Ahead of our Time had everything to represent my idea!

I created my rainbow colours background with Gelatos on a piece of card prepared with Gesso.
Then I used the Visible Image Stencil Strobes to remove colour.
I added the "clock" stamp with Versafine and embossed it with clear EP.


I stamped the falling people with Brilliance Graphite Black as I wanted the image to stay matt but wasn't sure Versafine would dry on the Gesso'ed and Gelato'ed surface.
And although I had aimed for solid black silhouettes, the Gelatos had an odd effect on the ink, which I decided was a good thing!

Finally, also a mishap I accepted to live with, I stamped and embossed the "Future" with Wow Yellow EP only to realise that the colour wasn't opaque as I'd thought.... I overstamped with Versamark and applied Vanilla on top, which allowed the image to show but does give a grainy look...

Let's hope for better days...

Thanks for coming by,
I am entering the SSS Monday, Addicted to stamps, Stamping Sensations challenges.

Sunset and zebras

Today I am back on the Country View Challenge blog with another inspiration make. The theme is "Animal Magic" chosen by  Corrie.

Like my previous make for the challenge, I have gone for a CAS design and a realistic look, but, the brayered background gives a totally different feel.

I stamped and masked the zebras (Imagination Crafts Art stamp) on glossy card,  and brayered some dye inks for the sky and water.
I added the sentiment (Creative Stamping issue 57) embossed in white.

Again a simple creation where stamping takes the center stage.

Over to you now to create something with an animal, real or fantasy, and join us in our April challenge for the chance to win a £ 20 voucher!

Thanks for coming by,
I am entering the Unikostudio, Craft Stamper TIMI, Penny Black and more challenges.

Old, new and outright weird

Vintage Journey are encouraging  us to use our Gelli plates and with more time to play these days (!!!) I thought I would oblige...

And even though I have many stamps perfect for mark making and creating backgrounds, I selected tools from my collection of found objects:

You will recognise most of those, including the sequin waste and bubble wrap, more weird are the nerf gun "bullets", which can be used on both sides for mark making. As I did several layers of paints some of the texture got lost in the end but here goes:

 

At this stage I added some proper stamping, especially since I had to test some new rubber… starting with Just the Ticket Border stamp from Crafty Individuals (CI-498) and the old(er) Crackle background (CI-116).

I then die-cut a square from my Masterboard and added the Perching Robin (CI-507, also new in my collection) once coloured with pencils and fussy cut.

Finally, I used one of the die-cut words from the Thinlits Adventure Words set (Sizzix/Tim Holtz).

Do tell me what you think in your comments!

Thanks for coming by,
I am also entering the Allsorts, Penny Black and more, Craft Stamper challenges.

Flying to the stars

Mid month already and time for  second dose of inspiration for our April STAMPlorations Theme & Photo Prompt challenge.

You can choose to follow either the theme or the sketch, and of course both, for the chance to win a prize! If you'd like to be considered for the prizes, please make sure you're linking back to the challenge post and displaying the challenge graphic.

I chose to go with the theme only and made this card:

My "sky" is patterned paper (brand unknown) my hills are Core'dinations cut with the one of the