Juggling life through a bi-polar lens. Sometimes up, sometimes down. Mostly trying to tread water in the middle. Creating a likeness to a normal life. Whatever "normal" is...

Tuesday 12 March 2013

ATCs

Miss Peach's momma, Karla, encouraged me to join an ATC swapping group that she's been a member of for a while. I'm really enjoying it :) 

Here are the ones I did for February's swaps...

Theme: "Yellow and Orange" 
I didn't sign up for this one originally, then I thought "Aha! I know: A ginger tabby!" and then I HAD to do it... This pusscat is a "Magnolia" cat stamp, and I drew the rest. He is sitting on the wall on 3D foam pads and he's holding a silver charm fish. For colour, I've used Promarkers.


Theme: "Children With Wings" 
I love doodling stained glass....
I found a website that gives free vintage photo images. You can't make them very big but they're ideal for ATC size...
That's my Indigoblu gilding flakes on the wings there...Promarkers again for the colouring, little paper flowers and baker's twine.

Theme: "Nautical"
I covered the card with gloopy PVA glue, then stuck some kitchen tissue onto it, and pushed it about, squishing it and moving it, leaving raised, squashed ridges in it. It had a pattern of blue and purple squares on it and I used this to form a suggestion of blue ocean, or perhaps the distorted view of mosaic in a swimming pool..... then added some acrylic bubbles... I like this one.
 

Theme: "Wordsworth"
I didn't want to do daffodils, I thought that would be too obvious :) so I looked up some more of his poems and found one called "The Wren's Nest", in which the little nest is hidden from predators by a primrose... I used an old farthing for the bird as these cute little coins had a wren on them. The flowers & leaves are made with a small cutting die (I've acquired a die cutting machine at last!) and as I didn't have yellow paper I used a post-it note pad :) In the background, I originally went over the card with blue Promarkers and then stuck a gold skeleton leave to it.
Ah yes, and this is Little Baby Bear Bob Jr, or Elb, for short.
 

I'm pleased that for this first swap, I am partnered with Karla :) I love her style and all her arty stuff, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what she's made. It's lovely to be looking forward to your mail in the morning, isn't it?

Thanks for getting me involved, Karla!! :)
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Love, tea & cake,  
Helena

6 comments:

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Karla is a very sweet lady. You are right, she does beautiful work and so do you. I love your cards!

Di said...

WOW Helena, these are gorgeous!! I especially love the wren, so inspired to use a farthing!

Not sure if you fancy it or not, but I bet some of these used up little leftover scraps or snippets. You're always very welcome to link into the Snippets Playground - the girls are so friendly and welcoming. Mind you, they'd frisk you for sweeties :)

Have a lovely day, hugs, Di xx

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

oh i am so glad you have joined the atc group helena! (typing with one hand because i am holding Hope in my arms:)
she is such a delightful litte cat...we adore her!
your art is amazing and yes i can hardly wait for envelope to arrive. you should get mine soon...
lyn got mine already...
luv you lots <3

mrsnesbitt said...

Lovely H love these. When I am back to normal I may join in. (Me normal???? lol)

Julie said...

ATCs are great fun and you've made some beautiful ones. I'm glad you're enjoying some creative time :-)

Gio said...

I love your ATCs, very different and yet everyone so special.