Peace with Graphic 45

The inspiration for this project stems from the tumultuous times happening in the Ukraine right now.  One of our fellow design team members on Graphic 45, Olga, lives there and this project is made with loving and peaceful thoughts for her and her people.

I knew I wanted to make a peace sign with flowers in the classic hippy style.  Bohemian Bazaar and Mother Goose made for a perfect mash up for this theme.  My origional plan was to glue them on canvas.  I found that it really did not work when I was auditioning it.  Perhaps it was the background, or the scale of the canvas, but I knew I was not getting the effect I wanted.

A free form structure was my next thought and I managed to find a press board wreath ring on hand.  The middle portions of the peace sign were simply added with additional chipboard strips.  I used a heavy craft glue to attach all the flowers.  Those were made previously, and I gave them time to dry.

Then it was easy, I just glued my flowers to my frame, layering lots of them.  I made way to many flowers, so this is actually double sided.  Since I had them done, I figured why not!  The ribbon holder was glued in as I was assembling the piece.  Easy Peasy.

Now I must say, I know this project was a hit because my favorite eight year old took it home for room decor.  Melts my heart.  

Cheers, 

Rhea

Twinkle Twinkle Altered Box

As soon as I saw the star themed papers in the new Mother Goose paper line by Graphic 45, I knew I would have to make something with that theme.  I have been fascinated with the night sky ever since I was a youngster.

I finally caved and used one of the lovely door knobs that Graphic 45 makes for their staples line.  It was hard to use, but I think it fits the piece nicely.  Of course to add a little age, I brushed on some patina gilders paste.

In order to achieve dimension and depth, I mounted my focal on some foam I had on hand.  Lots and lots of Petaloo flowers were used too.  When I am making something like this, I will root through my stuff and pull everything I can in the intended palate so I have lots to choose from as I create.

Here is another look closer inside.  It is hard to see, but I did use a glitter pen over all the letters that frame out this project.

Another trick I used in this project was to add lots of ink to tone down the colors.  The yellow was just too bright for my taste, so I used faded jeans distress ink to change the hue and edge my fussy cut flowers.

I hope you enjoyed this fun little project.  I know I enjoyed reminiscing about how often I used to wish upon stars and I have been inspired to do so again.

Cheers, 

Rhea