SSS Monday Challenge: Use a Photo

I have not done a challenge or added to my blog in oh so long. I had a widow maker heart attack 2 months ago and have have been using crafting as part of my therapy. 😀

Here is your public health message of the day -- I have no cardiac history, had no high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. I am 55 and was in pretty good shape, exercising often and only slightly overweight. The symptoms I was experiencing for several months was pressure in my chest. I was diagnosed with GERD (heartburn). They even did a stress test and I wore a heart monitor and still only GERD. Had I pushed for an MRI I would not have required CPR, spent a week in the ICU, followed by another 2 weeks in the hospital. My message to women out there is to be sure to advocate for yourselves, listen to your body, and take your symptoms very seriously. Don't be afraid to be pushy.

Okay, off my soap box now and back to fun stuff!

This challenge was so much fun!  I have had a week to get my entry ready for the latest Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge as well as the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge. Monday's challenge is to use a photo in my creation. Here is the link to the challenge: https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/ Wednesday's Challenge is Anything Goes. Here is the link: https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

My parents wedding anniversary is coming up next month so as part of their gift I decided to use a photo I found in a box of old photos my Dad had given me. Don't we all have a box of photos -- not frameable, but too precious to get rid of too. The photo is of my grandparents (my Dad's parents). It was taken on their 25th wedding anniversary.

I was inspired by Kath Stewart's creation -- see it here https://kath-allthatglitter.blogspot.com/2020/09/simon-says-add-photo.html

I started with a 5"x7" piece of Distress Watercolor paper and, using my Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat I put some Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap Distress Oxide ink on the mat with a spritz of water. I dragged the panel into the ink, dried it, and then continued the process a few more times until I was satisfied with the background.

Using Altenew Crisp Ink in Moon Rock, I stamped randomly on the panel with one of the stamps from Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Vines and Roses. I then stamped the script and the butterfly from Tim Holtz Papillon on the panel using Ranger Archival ink in Jet Black.

I blended some Vintage Photo Distress Ink behind where the photo will go. I also blended some Distress Ink in Black Soot along the edges of the panel.

I took some Tim Holtz Collage Medium in Matte and mixed it with some Vintage Photo and applied it to my grandparent's photo to give it a more sepia look. I matted the photo with a piece of Antique Linen Distress paper that I distressed with the sand paper tool. I also stuck some Tim Holtz Design Tape French on there as well.

I stamped two butterflies from the Tim Holtz Flutter stamps and cut them out using the matching Sizzix Die cuts. I colored them with Distress markers (spiced marmalade, carved pumpkin, blueprint sketch, salty ocean, and stormy sky) and a little water. I used a white gel pen to add little white dots on the blue butterfly. Then I used my Versamark embossing stamp pad and patted the butterflies with the ink pad. This was followed by Ranger clear embossing powder. I applied them to the panel with some Scotch thick foam tape. I drew on the antennas with Nuvo Crystal Drops in Ebony Black. 

I also added some little stars I die cut from a Lawn Fawn set I have (My Lucky Charm). I used Wild Honey Distress Ink on them to give them the yellow color.

I die cut the word Remember from Tim Holtz Sizzix Friend with brown cardstock and backed it with black cardstock. I blended some Distress Black Soot along the edges.

I matted the whole thing with brown and black cardstock. I added cardstock scraps behind it to give it more substance. I will eventually frame it without glass.

I created two more -- one that includes a photo of my mom from 1964 and then another of my Uncle Mel and Auntie Aeriel  that I will give to my Uncle Mel for Christmas. I am very pleased with how they turned out.

My Favorite Part

I really like how the butterflies turned out. I love the colors on the blue one. Embossing really made them shine (literally).   

What I Would Do Differently
I stamped butterflies with Ranger Archival ink in black that totally got lost and really weren't necessary. I also don't think the stars added much.

I would love to know what you think; please leave your comments below. 

Happy crafting!

Evelyn