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

Sweet Sentiments Valentine Wreath

This project started out with a wooden wreath base I picked up at a local garage sale. I am always on the hunt for things with flat surfaces which can be easily altered or adorned with paper.   With the heart motif, it was destined to be altered with Graphic 45's Sweet Sentiments just in time for Valentines Day.  

Sweet Sentiments Heart Wreath

Sweet Sentiments 12x12 paper

May Arts Ribbon

Petaloo Flowers

Distress Ink and Stain in Tea Dye

Adhesive

Wooden Heart Wreath Base

Gesso

To create a nice base I painted on a layer of gesso and once it was dry, I aged it with Distress Stain in Tea Dye.  The paper was added in layers that were stitched together on a sewing machine.  I am not a seamstress by any means, but I do like to add thread as a design element from time to time. 

In order to make the edges of my central image disappear, I fussy cut small elements and camoflagued the edge.  This little trick makes such a huge difference.

Another trick used in this project was to age my ribbons from May Arts.  The ribbon was pink and white to start out.  I thought it was a bit too stark, so I simply wet the ribbon and then added some distress stain.  I love how the aged look really pulls it all together! 

So the next time your shopping around a garage sale or estate sale, be sure to keep your mind open to finding fun things to alter. 

Cheers, 

Rhea