Saturday, 3 June 2017

A Change




Have had two full days at home this week!
Put the washing in as soon as we walked through the door Thursday night (about 11.30pm), managed to get it all dry and ironed yesterday, packed again for this week (away again tomorrow!) and then sat down today in my much missed craftie space for a couple of hours.
Straight after my tour (the one here in England not the one abroad) a friend lent us the use of their static caravan on the South Coast. We had a lovely couple of 'down time' days, much needed and it was really nice to relax.
I collected a few shells from some walks along the beach and we generally just lazed about for 3 days. WONDERFULLY FABULOUS!!
I wanted to give them something to say thank you so this is what I've done......
Apologies for the shadows on the pic - it was a right palaver trying to get a decent photo at all!

So I started off with a piece of left over watercolour paper, (might just get in under the gates before it's dark in the Playground then.....) painted the sky with watered down Stormy Sky DI. Masked off the bottom half and did a bit of sponging with Shabby Shutters, Forest Moss and Crushed Olive to make a grassy hill then masked again and used watered down Salty Ocean for the sea.

The sand is sandpaper! Stamped the birdies (Wetlands - SU), ripped the sandpaper and then went over the torn edge with white wax pastel. Ran the same pastel along the sea to make something that remotely resembles waves.

The yacht was on a sheet of laser cut thingies that I bought simply years ago - found it when I was in the drawers looking for the sandpaper - I just snipped it off and stuck it down - surprisingly it looks like the boats on the Solent where we were.
The shells were from those collected and I added a tiny bit of string - for no other reason than it was well - just there in the drawer!
The shadow box frame was painted with white acrylic paint (suitably thinned) then I used a large flat brush and dragged Iced Spruce DI across it.

I am actually rather happy with this - It's only a small piece - about 4 inches square, and I really hope the recipients like it too. It's been a long time since I've done anything other than cards - well in fact it's been a long time since I've done - well- anything!!!
So am sharing this little thank you present with the following challenges -
Scrap + Craft - A/Goes with String (and I know it's only a small piece but it IS String!)
SOTSS - B is for Beach
A Inky Mess - Anything Mixed media
Rubber Dance - Inspiration Photo

Thanks for taking the time to look and I love reading your comments - promise to be round to visit you all very soon. x

23 comments:

Carole said...

Well I never Viv!!...you are a dark horse....this is absolutely wonderful! One talented lady all round. Love how you have created this scene with your sandpaper and mementos and I am sure your friend will have it in pride of place. Meanwhile...safe travels again.......do you have a key in your back that you wind up when you come home...ready to go again??...lol xx

Meggymay said...

I think this project will be treasured Viv. It looks fabulous, a wonderful scene.
Yvonne xx

aussie aNNie said...

Fabulous Viv, take care in your travels.xx

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

This is so beautiful Viv, a real treat to your friend, I'm sure she'll treasure this. You are so talented sweetie!

Love and hugs
Maarit

Cara said...

This is fabulous! So glad that you got to enjoy a few days off, it certainly inspired you x

Dotty Jo said...

This is lovely! Thanks for joining us at SoSS, Jo x

Kathleen said...

Sorry, I didn't realise that you had two posts so a tad later with this comment.
This is a really lovely scene and looks great in the frame, love the little birdies. Glad you had a great time.

Kath x

Megan J said...

Hi Viv a lovely present for your friends and a wonderful scene you have created with your inks and the sandpaper, love that you could add some shells into the shadow box and the length of string finishes it off nicely. Thank you for coming to play with us in Snippets Playground this fortnight, good luck in the draw, have a wonderful week... Megan GD

Sarn said...

This is simply a FANTASTIC work of art Viv.

Hugs, Sarnie xxx

ionabunny said...

What a lovely gift. Love the sandpaper sand. Thanks for joining the Rubber Dance challenge. Hugz

nitisartfromheart.bloggspot.no said...

What a beautiful summery and warm scene! I love this piece of art. Thank you so much for joining the Rubber Dance Challenge.
Hugs, Anita ♥

Di said...

Oh how lovely Viv! Tell you what, you will need a total rest after all this running around! LOVE this wee piece and it's in the Playground so my guess is the string may be the snippet?

Lovely to see you in the Playground!

Hugs

Di xx

Barbara Godden said...

Absolutely fabulous!!! everything is perfect. thanks for playing along with us at the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers for the B is for Beach

Pia S said...

This piece shows your true artistic talents. At first glance I wondered if you'd used photos to make the landscape. A marvelous piece and such a wonderful thank you gift!

Judy said...

WOW this is striking, lo9oks just like a painting. Wonderful. Cheers Judy

Majo said...

This is beautiful! Thanks for getting beachy with the Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers.

Majo - DT ♥

Claire said...

Oh my, its absolutely stunning... love it x

Mac Mable said...

Popped over from the rubber dance blog to say I love your wall art. What a thoughtful gift, so creative and loving all the elements you've put together. Sounds like you had a lovely time too? x

Pat said...

This is gorgeous Viv and a lovely thank you present to your friend. So glad you had some time to relax, that must seem in very short supply in your present position. x

Donna said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful gift!
Thanks for getting beachy with Edna and the sisterhood of snarky stampers!!

Bibi Lindahl said...

Oh, wow - this is so pretty! I would hang that on my wall ;-)
Thank you for joining our challenge at Rubber Dance ♥

Linby said...

This is fab - just the sort of thing I always get attracted to in seaside galleries. I'm sure it was appreciated as it's so wonderful.

Lee said...

WOW.This is Awesome.xx