Monday, October 25, 2010

Oddities: an ATC swap

As part of my October ATC swaps, here are my Oddities.

I only needed five and one for myself, so I will pick the best of the 8. Once again, I had some problems. I admit, had it not been near Halloween, I probably would have put a different head on the steampunk inspired image I doctored up in Photoshop.

I tried using my Tim Holtz gear masks for these and somehow or other, I made a mess of the background. I obviously do NOT know how to use these masks, because they just look like a big hodge podge of ugliness to me. Also, when I was washing the chalk off the masks, I think I also washed the "sticky" off the mask backs. I thought you could wash them in warm water, but apparently not. If anyone knows anything about these masks, what I did wrong, and how to care for them, please let me know.

For my second set, I started once again with the little girl freebie I got from Terri at Pringle Hill Studio, only this time I printed her in color. I added a touch of pale pink chalk to the image that I cut and adhered over a background I made using Staz-on and 91% alcohol, one of my favorite quick dry backgrounds. The one of the right is the first one I made, and I felt the birds pecking on her ears was too much, so I didn't add them to the next ones. The one in the middle has the bird facing inward, which was my original design. I ran out of birds going that direction that I cut from some paper I colored with H2Os, so the one on the left is going the opposite direction. To be honest, I think I like that position the best, but it is the only one I made like it. Not too odd, but they will have to do, since this swap will soon be in the mail.

Today I'm featuring a web site of a British company that makes lovely prints. Bold and Noble, an eco-friendly design company, specializes in affordable prints. It is run by Jane Tobitt and David Wardle, who design all the prints they sell. According to their web site, David is a 10K runner who represents England with what seems to be pretty impressive times. But the designs are what drew me to their site. I especially love the "many hands" print found on page 2 of their prints. Bold and Noble may have something that will make you smile, too. Happy Monday everyone.

11 thoughtful remarks:

donnalouiserodgers said...

Hi Elizabeth, am Back Home, and able to Follow Again,

love your ATC's and Imissed viisting your blog whilst I was away last week and I confess went into a bit of a retreat...

Dx

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

I love the ATCs and the head looks fine to me. Also the background looks fine - I suppose it depends how much contrast you want, I've sprayed through them but also inked over them and think I like the inking better. Try out some different sprays. As for washing them I just rinse them under the tap and they've been fine. I would expect them to be ok in warm water :-/
Anne xx

Healing Woman said...

I love the way you continue to experiment and give such honest reports on the outcome. I've never used the products you mentioned so cannot be of any help there. I see nothing wrong at all with your cute ATC's.

elle said...

The coloured background for that sweet girl is wonderful.

Terri Kahrs said...

To be honest, I'm not a fan of Tim's masks - I just haven't had any luck with them. Maybe it's just me. I have a small set to use for ATC's and the backing didn't last very long at all. So now, if you spray ink them just a little too hard, they slip from position. That said, your atc's are perfect for the season!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Diane said...

I have those masks too, but have yet to try them--now I don't know. The technique is great...as long as it works. When I try them, I'll let you know. And yes, these ATC's are great for this time of year--I love anything odd, especially now. I love Halloween!

~*~Patty S said...

You've been doing some fun things with Terri's pretty little girl image!

Bold and Noble looks like the company that does the BE CALM AND CARRY ON?oxo

Lori Saul said...

You are inspiring for trying so many different types of art projects Elizabeth - great job and remember there are no mistakes when creating. Everything we do we learn from!

Debrina said...

I've never heard of the Tim Holtz mask packs - but whatever you've done "wrong" (is there such a thing as that in art?) it doesn't show. I really love your second series in particular...how neat to be able to play with the same image again and again. I reckon that would be a useful little experiment to try.

Gayle Price said...

Wow Elizabeth have you ever been busy since I last came by ( when you were cooking metal ) I love your girl with the bird hand- bag and I actually like the ones pecking her ears only I would say they whispering in her ears,20th Century communication over-load. I also love some of your photos from Sunday, especially the first one of the organ with the sun coming in on it, beautiful.

Dianne said...

gosh, didn't realize how long it had been since I visited...you've been a busy gal, despite not feeling well. hope you are doing better very soon! I always enjoy your experiments & adventures. Love the 'white pages' & these atc's! take care...