Monday, April 18, 2011

Grunge Goes Romantique

What do you do when you want to participate in all the cool challenges, get gifts and cards out in a timely fashion, but have a ton of other things on the must-do list?  If you're clever (as I like to think I am, or can be at times), you combine.  You become the master of the twofer or even threefer.  Like today.

For this week's Grungy Monday, Linda had us watch a video of Tim (what a chore that was, LOL!) demonstrating two techniques for using his texture fades (AKA embossing folders) and distress inks.  We could use either or both in our projects.  Over at Simon Says Stamp and Show, the UK Linda just said, show us a Tim technique.  Duh!  Instant twofer.  However, I need an anniversary card this week.  So, unlikely as it may seem, by pairing Tim with Graphic 45, I wound up with Grunge Romantique (Romantique is the name of the G45 line I used, not me trying to get all French and fancy).


For the background I applied bundled sage distress ink to the inside of the damask texture fade, and ran it through my Vagabond on pink prima paper.  All the images are from the Graphic 45 Romantique collection, and I cut some up, distressed them and put them together collage style.  The sentiment is from a Wendy Vecchi stamp.

As for the butterfly, that poor little thing went through so many changes, I'm not sure it still qualifies as using the challenge technique.  Here's what happened......first I cut it from Tim's new mini die set.  No problem there.  Then I decided to use the texture fade/distress ink method once again, and did, with bundled sage and the gridlock folder on the same pink paper.  Whoa!  Way too light.  It barely showed up on the card.  So, I edged it with forest moss.  Still didn't pop enough.  Then I covered the whole shebang with tea dye. Uh uh.
Finally, I gave it a spritz with lettuce color wash.  Bingo!  Somewhere, under all those layers is this week's technique.  I promise.

So, not the color palette of my comfort zone, but it seemed fitting for the project.

Anyway, later this week the card is going out to two of the best people and good good friends who just so happen to be married to each other.  You know who you are.  If you're reading this, just act surprised when you get it!


25 comments:

Nancy Lynn said...

This is a beautiful piece of art Eileen. I love Graphic 45 and Tim together. Hope you have a great week.

france papillon said...

sweet sweet card, and yes, very clever of you! ;) don't care how far the technique is on the butterfly, he looks perfect! and didn't you once or twice tried some french in a com on my blog? lol

Vic said...

I love it! It works for Hels' Sunday Stamper, too!

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

Very nice!!! The texture on the butterfly is fantastic! I love the different pieces you have together here : )

Thanks for sharing your work with us at the Simon Says Stamp Challenge!!!

-Sarah

Tolegranny said...

Great card.

Gillian .... said...

Aren't the texture fades just the best for distressing, I like the colour combo you have adopted for this card, it works for me:)

Helen said...

Wonderful, card and I am sure the recipients will love it. I am in your situation too with the number of challenges I hope to do. Got to get my thinking cap on though.

Anonymous said...

Oh how pretty!!!! A wonderful double duty project!!!!

Dorothy said...

Its beautiful Eilee!!

Debbie said...

Love it! Love the textures. Big fan of Graphic 45 and TH. Perfect pairing!

teri said...

I love the way you layered the images on the card -- it gives the eye a nice flow.

Elaine A said...

Eileen -

A wonderful "marriage" of Tim, Wendy and Graphic 45! I think you are becoming the Queen of More than Onefers! I don't know how you always manage to do it, but you do. Gorgeous card and I think your friends will love it.

Elaine Allen

Candy C said...

Beautiful! I love your card...so pretty! <3 Candy

JulieD said...

Love this card - the effects are lovely and I also love Graphic 45 - I managed to pair up G45 with TH recently on a steampunk box using Steampunk Debutante papers. Just proves, we can do girly grunge!

Lori said...

What great ideas! LOVE the background, and that butterfly looks awesome! Of course, the G45 paper is beautiful, but your techniques really enhance it. And.. thanks for joining the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge!

Karen said...

Beautiful! Love the colours, texture and romance of it all.

Bearcrazyman said...

Very Nice Indeed. My more than one -fer inspiration Queen!

Nancy said...

Love this!!

LaStamper said...

Me thinks you protest too much, You are very clever and innovative! Love the combo. Always like to stop by and see whatzup on your blog, and am never disappointed.

Maggie said...

Fabulous works so well for a romantic anniversary card. Love all the details!

Jenny said...

Beautiful card Eileen... loving all the layers...

Hugs
Jenny x

Claudia said...

Wow, this is beautiful!

Shelann said...

The colors go perfectly with the Graphic cutout. The background is a great detail with the ink highlights.

Sarah said...

Love the tones and vintage feel. Great papers and images!
Sarah

Linda Ledbetter said...

Okay, this is just sensational, Eileen! Your GM technique is fabulous on both the background and the cool butterfly (which totally qualifies!), and the design is great! I think Tim and Graphic 45 make for an awesome combination.

Bravo... as always!