Steampunk Soul

It has been a while since I have made a page for my book, so I decided to make this little 6x6 piece.  I was inspired by all the lovely feedback recently received on my book cover!  Thank you for affirming my creative spirit.  I think this will be the "title page" of my little challenge book.

This is my first attempt at a hybrid challenge piece.  I loved that I had two requirements to use in the project.  I combined lovely Linda's Grungy Monday challenge along with Simon Says Stamp and Show's weekly challenge.  Linda requested the use of Ranger alcohol inks as inspired by Tim Holtz. SSSS asked their followers to create something with a word.  Well as you can see, mine has two words...I hope this is acceptable!

I started out with an embossed piece of chipboard.  I did some great coloring with distress inks.  The gears were die cuts given to me, I sprayed them with Glimmer Mists and layered them on in a pleasing formation.  Small metal gears were attached to provide more texture and interest. 

The letters were eyelet type things that I failed to figure out how to correctly apply with my tools.  Instead, I altered them a bit in the back and glued them on.  I like that it gives a bit more depth to the lettering and I accept the imperfection (not really, but I am trying!) 

The winged heart was made from my vintage Spirofoil.  I used both silver and gold pieces.  The red heart was colored with a direct application of alcohol inks.  I combined three different colors to achieve the look.  Don't you just love the rich dark color?  The wings were left their natural silver and the background heart, the natural gold. You will also notice that I used several embossing folders on my foil elements to provide more depth and character.  A reproduction clock face, a gear and a spinner add a steamy touch to the heart.  A final spritz of water and a moment with the heat gun and I called this one done.