Monday 15 September 2008

I went to the Southern Stamp show on Saturday and saw Linda Brown from LB Crafts - hi Linda! Had a lovely look around her stand and came away with some very interesting bits and pieces! If you ever get the chance to see her artwork it's worth it - she's got some fantastic stuff. The metal work is gorgeous.
I've used metal foil in this next piece - I was looking for something subtle to show you, believe it or not! (Maybe I don't do subtle!): I made this for an issue of Craft Stamper several months back after a visit to Ikea, where I bought the mirror. It's been sitting in Katie's bedroom and I'd forgotten about it until I saw Lynn's Stampbord mirror on the front of this month's magazine, because of course it uses the same base! If you're ever in Ikea it's worth picking up one of these (looking in my stash, I realize I've already got another 3!):They come in plain wood or black and have that wonderful wide frame.
I covered mine with Artylicious papers that I just printed onto ordinary copy paper - I found white card was too thick. Even though the frame is slightly wider than the A4 paper, I just added two extra strips down the sides and you can't see the join.The flowers and leaves are designed by Leigh Hannan for Impression Obsession. I coloured some glossy card with dye inkpads and then stamped and cut them out:The butterflies are stamped onto thin silver metal - the same type as I used for the copper brooch in Craft Stamper this month: I actually coloured the metal with alcohol inks first, then stamped the butterfly in Stazon over the top. Then I cut it out and stamped the butterfly again on the back and used that image to dry emboss the design.Then I added twiddly bits!(Oh for twiddly bits!):And there you have it - far too small for a mirror but just crying out to be decorated!
I hope the colours brighten your day!

Helen

P.S. You're lucky I've got my glasses on or I could've taken a picture of anything!

9 comments:

InkyArtitude said...

Stunning work Helen! Absolutely beautiful.... I wonder if Ikea knew when they made these mirrors that they would sell more to crafters than they would ever sell to hang on someones wall undecorated? Glad you found something interesting at the show last weekend. I'm still wondering if it will be worth trecking to Harrogate this Saturday!

Paper Engineer said...

Fabulous colours Helen, I love this combination. A gorgeous piece of work. Ikea sell quite a few things that can be altered by us earstwhile crafters. I found that some of their kitchen cupboard handles make fantastic additions to the covers of books. Unlike Inkyartitude I don't have to wonder about going to Harrogate, I'm working there!

craftimamma said...

This is wonderful Helen and I love the colours and butterflies. Glad you told us where to get the mirror because it's saved me asking Lynn. Our nearest Ikea is about 40 minutes away but I think a visit is definitely called for. Love your pieces in Craft Stamper by the way.

Lesley

Anonymous said...

Helen your blog is great - I shall be checking back frequently for inspiration! Love your colour combinations.
Thanks for the kind comment on my blog.
Chris F

acrylik said...

Amazing mirror, Helen, just beautiful. Thanks for the tip about the Ikea mirror, might just have to make a purchase next time I'm passing by ;)

Unknown said...

Oh no Helen ... I am going to have to make a 70 mile round trip now **LOl** If I could be sure mine would turn out as lovely as yours I would leave now! :0)

Phree said...

Love your mirror and the colours you used. The metal butterflies are stunning.

Helen said...

Our nearest Ikea is Croydon which is quite a distance, but I've been having to go up to London that way quite a bit - absolutely fatal! I'd stop for a quick mooch round - that's probably why I've ended up with 3 mirrors 'just in case!'
I also just had to g to the cafe as well!

Lavender Rose said...

I adore the mirror, the colours are fabulous and jewel like, gorgeous butterfly!