The Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge #2 Delicate... Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge; Let's Be On Time...Leather & Lace

 January has really flown by, so far. Time always passes quickly when it's warmer- or so I think- especially when there is a lot around to keep a person busy when it's warmer. Since I have quite a few photos to this post, I'll keep the chatter down and let you enjoy the pics. I've given up on my Cannon Rebel in trade for the iPhone 12 Pro...yeah; it's really that good! The 12Pro allows you to zoom in better, without the huge loss of pixels, and while it's not exactly a 'real camera' like my Cannon...it sure is a lot easier to tote around- and definitely less parts to deal with. Getting it near the beaches is better also, since all I need to do is put on the water-proof casing I purchased for it. I've had more than one nice camera ruined by sand catching in it somewhere. It's very expensive to take care of those larger cams. I won't be tossing out my beloved Canon- nor any of my collection of vintage cameras- anytime soon, though! 

This newest Challenge from The Funkie Junkie Challenge Blog; Delicate is described as "laces, fragile

flowers, fine stitching, intricate artwork, and exquisite architecture", but I would add to that "pastel or neutral colors", because I think colors play a huge part in creating something 'delicate'. I certainly am in

the right place for it, and I definitely brought all the right equipment for this! I recently added another set of Tim Holtz SA Stamps to my collection; Architecture, and brought it with so that I could use it combined with the TH Alterations Bigz Cathedral Window Die. (I am totally obsessed with the Cathedral Window, Arch Deco Stencil, and now the Architecture Stamps Set!) You'll see from the photos as you scroll down....the timing and place for inspiration is spot on!

I'm also entering this project into Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge; Let's Be on Time. Go ahead- laugh on this title while thinking of ME. I will be the first to admit finding the thought absolutely hilarious...IF I made it in time. LOL!

                               So let's hit the road, here...

I already knew before I left Indiana, what I wanted to bring with me.

Thanks to the purchase of an XXL Crop In Style rolling tote from the ChiefHubby,

I fit 50 dies (12 Bigz, 2 XLBigz, and 36 Thinlit Sets),

 6 sets of full stamps plus a few mini sets, all my stencils, 15 shades of Distress Inks,

all my Distress Crayons, and just about all my major- and most minor- Tim tools!

I really could NOT believe how well and how MUCH I could fit into that thing!

And yes; I could lift it up myself with no trouble.

I first used my paper trimmer to cut a base Tag from white MatBoard.

I planned to have some of the MatBoard showing as the design's neutral white color tied in.

The first photo showed regular TYPING PAPER- very, very delicate paper that tears easily.

I handled that with utmost care and managed to make only ONE practice copy and this print, too!

I stamped the paper, using Black Soot DOxide, then took a candle lighter and burned all

around the edges, This takes a lot of burn-stop-burn-stop-burn-stop kind of work,

since the paper will go up in smoke (literally) if you don't go GENTLY with it.

Then, I cut one 12 x 12 Bazzill textured (tan colored), cut to just smaller than the tag base.

Then ran the tan Bazzille through my Big Shot (which was also fit into the CIStyle tote!)

using the TH Alterations Embossing Folder Flourish.

Then, using plain vanilla cardstock, I used TH Alterations Thinlits SetMixed Media #2

in cutting twice through the paper fit to the base tag; creating a flourish design that could be seen through. I simply fussy cut around the edges of it to give it even more of a floourish.

Thus, I now have several layers- both front and back.

*HOARDED GRUNGEBOARD ALERT!*

Thanks to a kind set of ladies and their annual De-Stash Sales...

I decided since it had 12 generous pages; it was time to break it out and use some!

Here, you can see I have the photos mixed up (intentionally) the one before this already has the

Crackle Paste coating on both white pieces.

And you would not believe how much IdeaOlogy I cannot leave home WITHOUT!

Yep- this fit in there, too,

I tossed into just one of my 6 containers, as much as I thought I might use.... or not. lol!

Here's where the Grungeboard came in... using the TH Alterations Bigz Die Hardware Findings.

It was time to get that out to use with the Architecture stamps.

Some Antique Linen Distress Paint and some Antique Linen Embossing Glaze: YUMMY!

If you haven't noticed: I'm going backwards from my usual.

This is the pic of all the tools used...

...and the main dies and folders used. 

I tossed in whatever was left that I'd forgotten.

Results:

Perspective View; shows the MANY layers built up together.

TEN to be exact- unless you count the backside as well, then it's 12 layers.

Front View

Back View

Closeups...

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge; Let's Be On TIme REQUIREMENT

The white washed time piece and gears worked perfectly for this theme.

While the TH IdeaOlogy Story Stick is actually Christmas, and I could have

gone with a regular Story Stick (saying 7/24/365 on it), I went with the No.25...

to mean the 25th hour of the day. It's a play on golfing with the "19th Hole".

That's why there's no TH Clock Hands on this TH Time Piece!

In keeping with the distressed look, I scratched up the gears & very well done so.

That TH GLAZE.....

Front View of "Leather&Lace"

Back View of "Leather&Lace"

Backside of Tag- all the delicate layers close up.

My source of INSPIRATION...

Lake DeFuniak in DeFuniak Springs is one of only 2 natural, perfectly round lakes in the entire world!

(Click here for all the facts: Lake DeFuniak - Wikipedia) 

It's surrounded by park, which has 1 mile walking distance at the bottom, and 1.5 mi walking distance on the road surrounding the park. The Annual "Christmas Reflections" lighting takes 2-3 months for workers to wrap lights on every tree, and put up all the displays- of which the Nativity is front and center as "Christ is the Reason for the Season". It takes another 2-3 months (going on now) to remove all the decorations and put the park back into summer mode.

SIGHTS ALONG THE ROADWAY:

Beautiful church spires pierce the sky.

My favorite home...among all the ones that rival this one!

I can seriously live with all the palms...

DOWN NEAR THE LAKE...

If you pinch the photo- you can see the many kinds of ducks and birds,

as well as the buoy that still holds the wiring to the no-longer-lit Christmas Tree in the middle.

The Church spires can be seen all around- flat, sandy land.

The Educational Building is one of several places to see; there's also an outdoor amphitheater.

AND THINGS TO SEE IN BETWEEN THOSE LEVELS...

               

                

Among the palms (Date and Seago are my faves),

long-needled pines, Southern-favored, huge Magnolias, re-planted Orange,

 and 'drippy-looking' Spanish Moss.....

you may find the occasional Mardi-Gras tree!

It's easy to see why I was thinking ahead of what to bring for crafting;

we've been coming here to see part of our Family for going on our 18th year.

When we were first coming to Florida, over 30 years ago, we'd always gone to 

the Atlantic side, without having seen all the Gulf Side has to offer in beauty.

It's exciting when your Bestie is an Architect and knows all the details-

and has even drawn up all the main buildings in the town for an assignment during

classes for her BA Degree. She's a walking Encyclopedia for this area, and 

I am thankful to have learned so much from them in these years.

That's all for now!

But not without the shoutout of THANKS! for the comments

and congrats over my Guest Designer Spot for TFJBChallenge #1!

Until next time;

STAY SAFE, Wear the MASK, Wash the HANDS,

and

HAPPY BLOGGING!! 

The Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge #1 ... Put A Good Word In... 2021 Fresh Start Cards (Guest Designer)

   HAPPY NEW YEAR; 2021!

   For those of you who may be new to my blog, my name is Lyla Larimore and I've been blessed to have been Guest Designer for The Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge Blog several times now. I've been crafting with paper in some way or form just about my entire life, beginning with making my own dollhouses, furniture, and then worked my way up to reality as a homemaker. Those skills came in very handy when my kids got into school. I spent my afternoons making whatever paper project the school's hallways needed for each subject of study, event, or holiday where help was needed. My projects since having to retire from school and photography have toned down quite a bit- but not in the sharing of it! And just this very week- Monday the 4th- my ChiefHubby joined in on the retirement- living the dream of being able to stop his paying job so that he can still have time to do the work he wants to do for The LORD. Papers were signed and we rode off into the sunset- literally- crafting gear came with!!

We made it! We're officially retirees; "snowbirding" from snowy, frozen Indiana to warmer, sandy Florida Emerald Coast for the next three months! We took off on Tuesday, arriving in the evening, and

by Wednesday afternoon, we were all set up for housekeeping in the Panhandle. A huge THANKS to the  Tri-State Christian Camp for use of the (original) Director's House! This house was built, and originally occupied by family which we've been part of for 23 years now. And while we have been working at, staying in, or helping with this Camp and the First Christian Church of DeFuniak Springs during all that time- the camp itself has just made leaps and bounds in changes! They are now equipped to host handicapped campers in full! (Removing The Barriers). That makes me very proud since I am handicapped myself, but the pride is for GOD. Totally!! This is what we came to do for our retirement time down here; to help at the Church and the Camp. Our current situation is temporary since our hope is to work for the Church, bringing things up to date, and give help on the side to the Camp. It got switched around for this year, but until we decide to build a home or purchaser a larger RV than we already have (the option we are leaning with- for use in future travels as well). So this next few months is our 'dry run' so to speak. As far as my own usual crafting... I'm all set!! I was able to purchase (after finally FINDING one) an XXL Crop In Style box/rolling tote, and I am amazed at how much I was able to fit into that thing!! For weight concerns;  I brought along the Big Shot instead of my Vagabond, totally leaving behind the CriCut. Stowaways included all my Tim Holtz brands: a dozen Bigz Alterations Dies, and at least 20 Alterations Thinlits Sets (extremely easy to travel with), and some matching sets of SA Stamps and all my Stencils (those take up almost no space at all).I had a little 'fit' trying to choose just 15 Distress Reg/Oxide Inks, but took all three sets of Distress Crayons, all my TH Tonic Scissors sets, and almost all my little TH tools, quite a bit of my newer TH Pastes, Emboss Powders/Glazes, plus a good  bit of my fave papers. When the ChiefHubby saw me stressed out over which papers to bring, he said "Now Dear... we can always FIND you the paper you need down there- you don't need to try to take it ALL with you. He's just sooo gonna REGRET saying that, lol!

After my surprise win of The Funkie Junkie Boutique's Challenge #25; "Celebration", I was happy to find out the timing was perfect; winning the 1st spot as GD for January, meant having almost 3 weeks free. I needed that time to finish packing and for the trips we made. We'd driven up to Red Wing, MN, to see the younger set of kids and Baby Pecan (who is growing by leaps and bounds both in body and mind!), then back to Indiana to see the older set with Peanut and Princess Pistachio, then down to DFS.I think we need to invest in our own plane, or rail car. In any case; during those 2 weeks, I DID manage to get my project totally finished, with only the blogging and turning in of the deadline blurb/photos. I must say that I am very pleased how these turned out! So....LET'S GET TO IT....

                                                                          The start:

                 The first FIVE photos are a repeat from previous card posts-                 having prepped the entire deck all at the beginning of all projects done with this deck.

 (And MANY THANKS to all the Tim Holtz Addicts folks who made ATC Cards from a deck of        playing cards- or their own ATCs from which the inspiration came! You know who you are!)

I started out by playing with a full deck.

;)

I really wanted to keep the backside the way it is: pretty old and well used.

The gesso job I wanted needed to be LIGHTLY done.

I really wanted the card itself to show through- at least for now.

I did the entire deck- thinking if I wanted to cover any of them more, I could do it as I crafted them.

So here's the first batch lightly covered...

you can see I was fighting my usual "coat it thick" habit.

The very first thing I did was come up with WORDS.

My ChiefHubby helped me with this- I was shouting out to him about my WIN!

As I read the details from Cec what was expected from this project to match the theme,

I said to him "I need to come up with - I'm choosing FIVE - words that

are important and fit this coming year."

Not surprisingly; we came up with the very same 5 words at the same time.

After the COVID19 of 2020, and the tumult of the 2020 Election,

we were both on the same thought level.

*A needed note here...

You'll notice later on in the photos that the ribbon tape is light blue OVER black.

The reason is hilarious...

I actually began with black, and during the last thing (splattering with Black Soot Distress Paint)

I accidentally MELTED the black ribbon tapes! The wording disappeared but left the black tape intact.

Not being discouraged since I was not all that fond of the black tape look overall;

I simply cut new letters from light blue and clipped the words closer so that the black ribbon 

showed up underneath as a backdrop. In the end: I liked it much better.

EMBRACE MISTAKES !!!

Also in that order was TH CRACKLE PASTE!!!! 

Can you tell I am excited to finally get my pallet knife on this stuff?!.

I'm going to want more if I keep going at this rate; it's TOO FUN to use!!!

Here, I'm using the TH Stencil Numeric. I thought using words or letters was overkill.

(PS: I really wish they still added the title to the stencils- to make it easier for "How-To"s,

but having my iPhone Tim Holtz app is a huge help during this- I simply look up

the items I have on my "Inventory" list to find the correct names of what I used.)

I finally chose to get the Speckled Egg Distress Ink- in Oxide-

and am VERY PLEASED with it!

YES, folks, it IS that cool of a color!!

Packing was a chore; only in CHOICES.

Step 1 (for this project) : I shaded the entire surface with Speckled Egg Oxide,

then heat dried.

Step 2: I colored HEAVILY -onto the Crackle Pasted areas only-

using Chipped Sapphire Distress Crayon...

 

then used a paint brush, with plain water, to rub all that Distress Crayon into all the cracks

and around the raised edges of the numbers.

Heat dry again.

Step 3: I went around the EDGES with full force on the TH Blending Tool...

...by holding it in one hand and "hitting" the edges all around.

This really coats the edges and actually 'fogs over' the numbers again.

*Note: The usual way to add ink with a Blending Tool is to start on the GLASS MAT (or Craft Sheet)

rubbing circles as you go onto the paper, going back to the glass mat/craft sheet to pick up more ink.

Repeat Heat Dry.

Step 4: Using Distress Spray Stain in Brushed Pewter,

spray a good-sized puddle onto the Glass Mat, and scrape the card edges through.

Heat Dry.

REPEAT UNTIL EDGES HAVE BUILT UP TO SATISFACTION.

Isn't that cool?!

I now had the background for embellishing with Tim Holtz IdeaOlogy - to my heart's content.

Here's where I "Put A Good Word In"...

I sincerely believe we - as a United States- need these words desperately,

and need to put their meanings into practice IMMEDIATELY!

The LAST STEPS: 

-Distressing some IdeaOlogy items with Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Ink

-Choosing and adding TH Paper Dolls (using same Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Ink)

-Punching out ribbon type (not TH brand) in light blue with chosen words

- Adding various Tim Holtz IdeaOlogy items (distressing with same above Ink) such as:

*Mirrored Hearts

*Salvaged Stickers: Crowded Attic (retired)

*Ticket Booth

*Snippets Ephemera

-Lastly; splatterings of Black Soot Distress Paint.

Again: I've left the backs the same- other than where I needed one TH Long Fastener.

I've added a TH (retired) Salvaged Sticker on top.

What FUN this has been to be the first Guest Designer of 2021!

I pray that these WORDS- and all the words chosen by the various Crafters who chose to join

The Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge Blog: "Put A Good Word In"

will have a positive and lasting effect that will ripple through the rest of the world!

So come join in on the FUN, and be included into the $25GC random drawing

Sponsored by:

The Funkie Junkie Boutique

Until next time...

Stay SAFE, Wear the MASK, Wash the HANDS, &

HAPPY BLOGGING!!