It's that time of year again - time to gather up stray leaves that have fallen from a neighbours beautiful Ginkgo tree and press them for future projects! There's something so appealing about the shape of a Ginkgo leaf. However they are rather delicate to work with so I needed a Ginkgo leaf die too! This one also embosses the leaf with veins but I've managed to completely erase them with my enthusiastic layering of crackle paste, glossy accents, antiquing cream and Metallic Lustre!
They are both on MDF bases and the blue one is going to be the sturdy cover of a small journal I'm planning on making. I had two ideas swimming around in my head so had to try both out - I think the blue one wins!
Happy mistakes - I accidentally dripped some dirty paint water onto the little pipe stems and I rather like the resulting splodges so I added more to both stems and leaves!
Ooooh, gorgeous. Janet Fairythoughts used to love Ginko leaves too so I always think about here. Youv'e used them so well and while I'd normally go straight for the blues version, today it's the reds that grabbed me. Great for a Valentines card/prezzy!
ReplyDeleteHugs LLJ 11 xxx
Hi Diana, love what you've done with the leaf die. I like both versions, but the blue just a smidgin more! Isn't it great when a happy accidents comes along? Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #5 XxX
ReplyDeleteI think the red one appeals most to me but I am torn between the two to be honest. Such beautiful work! Think I am probably thinking of warm colours today - maybe because the garden is covered in leaves again despite the mammoth efforts of three men yesterday to clear it. Just wish our were ginko leaves and not sycamore and beech. Beech leaves are from two properties away, bet they don't get any - they all blow to us.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Neet 10 xx
How beautiful are those leaves!! Well done. Love the happy accident....
ReplyDeleteChristine #22
Love your backgrounds of " crackling " ,-wonder if it is a stencil or something totally different :-) but whatever it is , it gives a gorgeous effect , for the beautiful leaves, and details. I am on the blue one too- it has something special , something soothing and calming, Diana , which speaks to me, but so beautiful both .
ReplyDeleteHugs, Dorthe - xo
I love the hot red one Diana - but of course both are gorgeous. I didn't know about Ginka leaves - they are lovely. xx Jo
ReplyDeleteI saw some beautiful gingko trees at Kew last weekend, I should have picked up some leaves! they both look amazing, I couldn't choose between them! I loved the poppies at the Tower (even though they were there such a short time, and 4 years ago I really miss not seeing them when I go back.) So I must make an effort to go and see them at the IWM. Helen #1
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about Ginko...as in it grows happily here. How marvellous! I understand why the blue one wins, but I love the vibrancy and warmth of the red one. Not sure, but feel you may just have to make two notebooks!
ReplyDeleteHi Diana, loving how you've used the leaves. I'm sure somewhere I have a stamp with Ginkgo leaves, must have a look for it. Hope you have a great week and a lovely woyww, Angela x15x
ReplyDeleteHi Diana, oooh nothing better than a happy accident. I like both the red and blue gingko leaves. My garden is full of leaves, but none so pretty as yours. I have to make do with my stamps! Thanks for stopping by earlier, I do like my Scan & Cut, and I'm sure I will do lots more with it next year. Have a lovely week Heather x #7
ReplyDeleteI love both Diana, but particularly the red one with the combination of real and crafted leaves. Thanks for visiting. Sarah #17
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful, subtle work as always, Diana. The red one is full of fiery beauty, but it's the blue that wins for me. I love the aged blue crackle and the splodges on the pipe stems and, of course, that glorious gingko leaf - absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteAlison x
What beautiful work! I love Ginko leaves. Can I ask where the die you used to make them comes from?
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm pretty sure the die is by Impression Obsession. Thanks for your kind comments - Diana
DeleteHi Diana, i'm not sure I could choose between the two as they both have their own personality. The leaves are a beautiful shape, how lovely to have found a die to use all year round. Those wee little splodges give those clay pipes really do add tho their character. Beautiful creations, thank you for sharing & Happy woyww.
ReplyDeleteTracey #3
I adore Ginkgo leaves as well. Someone in our neighborhood has a couple of them, and they always arrest our attention on walks (and I have to tell my husband every time what kind of trees they are). I love how you put the one through a pipe stem (and LOVE those pipe stems, I always do when you use them). I hope you show us your journal when it's complete - it's off to a great start with that as the cover, for sure.
ReplyDeleteOoooh absolutely fabulous projects yet again, Diana! I adore ginkgo leaves too, as they are such an unusual and attractive shape. I love your use of crackle, and especially the happy accident with the spots on the clay pipes which really add texture and interest. Where do you get the pipe stems from? Thank you for your visit - I am so glad you like the colours of the knitting. I enjoy this sort of knitting that more or less makes itself if you make a couple of large balls of yarn made up of different colours and textures simply tied together, and you knit in the ends as you go. Now I've got the pattern sorted I can almost do it in my sleep! The peacock feathers are proving very labour intensive but I think the result will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the oven is the problem with the sourdough because a) it collapses before it goes in the oven and b) I use a Dutch oven which creates a constant micro-climate. I've found a different recipe/technique and am in the process of experimenting with that, so we'll see how this weekend's bread turns out!
So glad you enjoyed the kitty photos and the pet service. It was such a lovely event, really relaxed and friendly and you could feel the love! It is lovely to have this annual opportunity to give thanks for our beautiful furry family members and to celebrate them! My hubby and I were saying this evening how blessed we are with these 2 and that we've really fallen on our feet with them. Not only are they really pretty (the most beautiful ones we've ever had) but their little personalities are so sweet, and so different from each other, and we love how they love each other as little sisters should! They fill us with delight every day. As soon as I saw their photos on the internet it as love at first sight and I knew they were the ones for us.
Still waiting or the other 2 pairs of pants which I hope will arrive this coming week, and my oncology appointment on Thurs. was good - everything is fine, and no sign of any cancer which is a relief.
Sorry for the delay in visiting but it's been a busy few days.
Happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshi #13
I'm naturally drawn to the blue one more, but the red one is amazing as well! Oh those crackles! Just lovely and the leaves look awesome too. So unique and creative! Let's hope your neighbour does not claim to be a copyright holder on the ginko leaf LOL! Thank you for your earlier visit - and sorry for a late return - I've only just got around to it. It's been lovely visiting again and being inspired by your beautiful and very unique art! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info about the clay pipes, Diana. I had visions of you out with your little bucket and spade... It's amazing what you can find online these days, isn't it. I love how you use this sort of thing in your projects. I can't get over how gorgeous your pieces are this week! Thank you also for your good wishes re my health. So far so good!!
ReplyDeleteNot making much progress on the creative front this week because I've got a lot of preparation to do for my Bible study group. You are right, the time goes all too quickly and I can't believe it's nearly time for another WOYWW!!
Shoshi x
Both are gorgeous, but I agree with you on the blue one. Probably because of the add-ons. I love happy accidents! Thank you for your visit, and sorry for the late reply (work does get in the way sometimes!) Lindart #32
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