Botanical Tea Easel Album

With all the excitement of my publication, I am late to post this project for Graphic 45 with their new Botanical Tea collection.  This is my personal favorite of the newest releases.  The imagery is perfect as always and I love the colors they chose.

I just love this vibrant blue bird image.  I also love all the lush botanical images.

As always, it was hard to use some of my precious things...like the metal staples doorknob, but I managed and the project is much better for it.

The bottom of the easel book is actually the side that now opens.  I cut the album along the seam and used the new washi tape to seal up the edges.  A fun latch gives the book more character.

Inside I made several two page layouts.  I simply let the papers speak to me as I went.

Lots of paper flowers by Petaloo were added along the way, as you can see they are a perfect compliment.

Some of the images were simply matted and some were fussy cut to add interesting but simple additions to each page.

Since I did not have any of the coordinating embellishments I created some of my own, like the tiny pink corners used to frame the fern.

I just cannot get over the beautiful muted tones of this palate.

More sweet floral patterns along side classic botanical prints.

A tip for the inside of the book:  before adding my papers I stained the inside of the coil with picket fence distress stain.  Adding this muted white really helped with the shabby chic look I was going for.

I got a bit carried away with matting images.  It is such a simple way to add detail.

Here you can see one of the shabby chic metal keyholes.  I really love the new finish.

Thanks for sticking with me to the end!  I hope you were inspired just a bit.  I know looking at these nice spring images was fun, especially in the midst of all this snow!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Birds in Hats!

The theme for my last design team kit from Alpha Stamps was really quite fun, it was all about "Birds in Hats."  There is a swap and a sale that is worth checking out, I will be joining in on the fun of this one for sure.  For the swap, participants will create and exchange three 4x4 coasters that will all be decked out with feathers and finery from Alpha Stamps.   If you decide to join, you may just get one of these little dandies. 

I think this one is my favorite.  I am not sure if it is the dapper hat, or the odd combination of grunge meets nature, but I really like it.  The wings and gears are cut from waste material that I picked up at an industrial outlet.  

One of the elements I like on this one is Tim Holtz's new word bands, I have been wanting these forever and finally caved and got some.  I cut the hat out of ephemera and used a bit of stain to give it color.

On this coaster, I made a nest by gluing down bunches of brown fibers.  

Here is another quirky steampunk one.  The cap on this guy was cut out of a really old Sears and Roebuck catalog.  

I am looking forward to see my return on this swap.  I think it will make for a very fun exchange.  All are welcome so fly on by and check it out.  

Cheers, 

Rhea

  

Pure Michigan

It has been a bit quiet around here because I have been off enjoying the splendor of the Keweenaw Peninsula.  I have loads of family that resides up here and I try to come up this way at least annually.  This trip was amazing as it always is. I spent time exploring, going to a hockey game, making pasties with family, taking in nature, gathering apples and plums, canning, shopping, checking in on my ancestors and spending quality time with family.  A beautiful trip overall, but as I type, I am anxious to get home tomorrow. 

Perhaps the biggest surprise on this trip was my discovery of the love of the art of canning.  I made tomato sauce, apple plum chutney, bruschetta, salsa and a wonderful apple spread.  I found the process very similar to creating art.  I just love to transform things into something else.   



I poked around a few mining ruins that are off the beaten path.

I found inspiration and art in churches and art galleries.

                   

I took in the stunning peak of color season in the UP.



    



This is the monastery where the monks of the Jampot reside.  Heading up here has become part of my annual pilgrimage.  They sell delightful baked goods, jams, jellies and candies.  Not too far from the Jampot is one of Michigan's lovely waterfalls.  

                       

 

Just one of the beautiful views from atop Brockway Mountain.

                      

I even managed to get here...

I can't wait to put all the inspiration I gained in motion when I return to my creative space.  Thanks for joining me for a tiny sample of my UP journey.

Cheers,

Rhea