Monday, January 24, 2011

Resident Artist

There are so many new stamps, embellishments, dies, etc. I've seen previewed for the upcoming CHA, and the problem is (besides the economic problem, that is) that I already have SO MUCH STUFF.  So, I've decided to try to at least use some of the four boxes of "leftovers" I have on and around my work table.  You know, the odd bits of paper, the solo brad, the unused piece of background made for another project.

I recently received this paper, though I don't remember if it was a RAK or an order that was wrapped inside it.  But it went into my "too good to throw out, but not sure what I'll do with it" pile.


So, I used it to cover a cardboard die cut (Stampin' Up's Bigz Top Note die).
Also in my stash are random lengths of ribbon.  All the fabric flowers you'll see were made with them....just pleating them around a circle of super sticky double sided adhesive.
Well, let me show you the finished pieces and then I'll explain some more.



Most of the ribbons were colors I didn't love, so all were sprayed with various colorwashes and perfect pearls mists.  In the center of each is either a brad or (in the one right above) a plastic rose from SU.

The sentiment on top is a Wendy Vecchi stamp, and I love to include it in anything I make for an artist friend (hint at where these are going).  It is stamped on the banner from Tim's Regal Crest die, as are the small leafed vines.  The large satin leaves are by 7 Gypsies.

The background paper has been inked and bits of it were highlighted with glaze pens and sepia accents.  The curly vine in the last one was leftover from an old project.  It was made by wrapping florist wire with Tim's tissue tape, then twisting it into whatever shape you like.

I think these would look great hanging on a wall in a studio.  What do you think?



25 comments:

Denise said...

Cute! Creative use of your bits and baubles. Your friends are quite quite lucky to be receiving one of your art pieces. :D

Elaine Akers said...

I think you did a wonderful job using your odds and ends.

PlumTuckered's Paper Plays said...

Ohhhhhhhh they're wonderful!! Yes I believe they would look great hanging on your studio wall! Great idea for using up those odds and ends!

Alicia B said...

Eileen, What a super way to use up odds and ends! I think they turned out beautiful and yes, anyone would love to hang them in their ArtHaven for sure! *Hugs*
PS- Would love a tut on how you did the flowers!

Tammy D said...

Lots of fun. Some of my best days are "just use the scraps days".

Lori said...

I think you're right, it would look awesome in my studio..err, I mean, someone's studio... lol.. Fantastic use of leftovers, I LOVE those ribbon flowers, really, really cool and yet another.. note to self..

Anonymous said...

Oh Eileen.....Each of these are SO VERY GORGEOUS!!! What AMAZING paper!!! Shouts Diann doesn't it!!! ;)

Art By Wanda said...

These are all awesome, Eileen!!!!

Neil said...

That's a lovely way of using up all the bits and pieces. I think your friends will love to receive them. They definately do not look as if they have been made from "left overs", I particularly like the way you have coloured and used the ribbon to make the flowers

Inge said...

Hello Eileen,

what a beauties to go in an artist room !
I love this saying ! I hadn't seen it before : Wendy Vecchi is not completely my style, but there are bits of her that I like. This saying is one of it now :)

I think I recognize the paper... I think I have the same and that we recieved it in the circuspagesswap from Julie Aldige.. not completely sure...

I love the flowers you made with the ribbons. The flowers on the first photo are beautifully shaded with different colors. Your sprays did a beautiful work.

I think I recognize the pink ribbon in the second photo... Did I ever send you anything with this ribbion. Don't know... but I have a very similar one that I use a lot for wrapping, but making it into a flower is a new idea.

Your friends will surely be happy !

greetings from belgium
INge

SusanK said...

Tres, tres chic!

Debby said...

These are wonderful! I have stuff like that that needs to be used up. Love what you have created.

Elaine A said...

Hi Eileen -

These are beautiful Eileen! I love how these turned out. That paper is fabulous. You would never know that these pieces of art were made with leftover bits.

Elaine Allen

Kathy Eddy said...

Eileen, these are wonderful. Love that paper, those flowers, and the fact that it is bits and bobs!!!

Marianne in MD said...

Don't you love it when scraps turn into something special? Those florist tape swirls are so clever, great idea!

Vic said...

They are fantastic!!

Anonymous said...

Love your artwork! It is so charming! You are really talented. I think I recognize the paper. It was the bag that I received my orders in--can't for the life of me remember what online store though. I have saved every scrap of it too. Now you have given me some ideas! Thanks!
Carole Gatza

Diann said...

OMGosh....love that paper way too much! Yes, these beauties would look good hanging in a craft room like mine...LOL! They are just fantastic and what a great way to use what you have and make room for some new things! Great job!
Diann

Barbara Mason said...

Great job using up all those bits and pieces...when you have such great leftovers it always makes a great stew--or so said my g'ma!!!

Dorothy said...

Eileen!! thee are all so beautiful!!!

Nancy said...

These are great, Eileen! I'm going to have to try the flowers & use up some of my old stash. Thanks!

Patzee said...

Resident Genius! What great use of the odd bits that hover around the outskirts of your work area. Once again I am inspired.

Kate Burroughs said...

Love your wall hangings. I love it when people take stuff they don't love that much and recreate it as something beautiful. If you had not told us, we would have never known!
Aloha, Kate

michelle said...

I love them and what a great idea . .. you have such a talent.

Angie Hall Haviland said...

FABULOUS Pieces !!! Love that it's from a recycled goodie :)