Found Relatives

I have created a lot of projects for CHA over the years.  In fact, by my calculation I have participated in approximately 16 shows since 2005.  For the majority of those years, I have been in on the design work at some level, so I know what will be in the product box when it's delivered...meaning, I know what to prepare for or think about before the box arrives.  Working with Tim is no exception.  Preparation for a a show can start almost a year in advance and that gives me a lot of time to think about what I want to do with the product.  Found Relatives was one such product.
Tim and I collected vintage photos for this set of cards then laid them out on his table to choose the ones we liked the best.  I wanted people you could cut out, and he wanted some of his signature "men with moustaches" photos.  After a bit of debate, I think we got a perfect mix of men, women and children to create with.

So maybe your like, "why would I want a pack of pictures of people I don't know?"  Well, I hope to show you why over the next week or two in the projects I created.  I personally like to make up a little story to go with the photo, give them a name, a place they came from.  Super easy to grab one from the stack and get started on a project.  I do use old family pictures from time to time but I am limited on what I have to choose from, the contrast is not great on most which makes them hard to cut out and most are a bit blurry when made larger than a 2 x 3".  This pack solves my problem of wanting to create art with photos that are easily accessible.
The cards come in a pack of 24.  I say cards because they are printed on heavyweight paper...nice a thick so the image can be cut out and still stand up. 

The back of each card is printed like a playing card so either side can be used in your artwork as I did in this first piece I am sharing today.

I had this little black case sitting on a shelf in my workroom.  I think I bought it on Etsy or Ebay years ago when I was searching for glass vials.  This one came with vials filled with watch stems.  I took out the vials that were left and removed the velvety cushion that kept them in place.

I used one of the 6 x 6" papers that is at the back of the new Wallflower Paper Stash to cover the left side of the case (it was heavily inked to match the right side).   I also gathered some new (and past) products to add to the mix.

Industrious - frames and trims

mini numerals

Adornments - nature

Corners

2 Found Relatives cards

I inked the back of one of Found Relatives card, then used Crackle Accents over the top.  After it dried I added Distress Stain - Vintage Photo over the cracks.  Some of the crackle broke away as I was wiping the stain away, but not enough to make a difference.  I was very happy with the result.

I cut out the bride a groom from the card, then colored the flowers with a Distress marker.  Because the card is slick, it allows you time to color and wipe away before drying (Just have a bit of a paper towel or cloth handy).  I like how the flower, although a subtle color of Victorian Velvet, added a bit of faded elegance to the bride.  For the groom, I used one of the new Heart Charms held with a Mini Fastener.  Once that was done, I mounted the couple on foam tape so they are popped up on the card back.

Heart Charms come in a pack of twelve with eighteen stickers and matching epoxy.  I like them because the are small and lightweight...a super easy add-on to the top of a tag, a card, or mixed media piece.

On the left side, I used Iced Spruce Distress Paint (you are going to read the word Iced Spruce a lot in the next few weeks...I used the entire bottle doing my projects!) and a couple Alcohol Inks - Mushroom and Pebble over the top of the paint on the Corners, Mini Numerals, Adornments bough and Alpha Parts - framed (together).  I only used the Alcohol Ink on the Industrious Sticker - oval frame.

The new Alpha Parts looks like this.  Yes, it's black plastic but it doesn't have to look like it.  Amazing what a little paint can do to change it up.

So I think I covered about all the info that you might want about this piece.  It's simple but still a favorite.  I love the bride and groom.  They really take on a whole different appearance once cut away from the card...and they are going to work great on a Halloween project too! 

Now what you have all been waiting for....

The winners of the Idea-ology tote bags are:

Beulah Bee
I've always been very partial to all of Tim's Paper Stash and will make a point to look for the new Wallpaper in the stores. I enjoyed the photos (especially the poor fellow needing a charge) and your stories too. I bet you wish you'd had more time to see all the new products. It is mind-boggling how big the craft industry is!

Butterfly
It all looks absolutely stunning - so much eye candy it's not true!! I love the display windows and boxes - genius, and the whole Wallflower vibe is so completely up my street...

I'm so excited to see (and stroke) the papers, I adore the bug dies, and the fantastic confetti/stencil decorative strip dies, oh, oh and the Framelits butterflies - totally fantastic - but I think the ones I'm most keen to get my hands on are those fantastic Frameworks repeated patterns (have a couple of'em on pre-order!!)...

Thanks for sharing your side of the story - it's been such a joy to get a glimpse behind the scenes!

Jo Lynch

Great recap Paula!
OMG!! I love everything!! So many products and inspiration… so little time!!!
I think I need to quit my job just to do all of the things I am inspired to create! =)
However, I L-O-V-E the new Letterpress print blocks!!!! I have several projects in progress that I am going to use them on.
And I am really looking forward to finding my lost relatives to use them in LOTS of projects!
Also, I love your dress form!! Have admired it in past photos, so glad to know it's yours!

If you are one of the lucky winners, please email me your shipping address to paula@oneluckyday.net

now carry on,

paula

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