A WALK AND A MANDARIN DUCK

On one of our regular riverside walks we discovered a new member of the local duck clan.  He apparently arrived about a week ago, and according to a dog-walker he's caused quite a stir and become a bit of a celebrity.  Sadly, he makes the other ducks look rather drab!

Several years ago, on seeing my first Mandarin duck I fell totally in love with the colour scheme of aubergine and copper.  Just look at the wonderful deep feathers on his chest and the contrast of the tan/copper brown against them - heavenly!

This is a card I made all those years ago, after rushing home and having to do 'something' with that colour scheme!

I stamped a background pattern onto aubergine coloured paper and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I then sprayed Moonshadow mist (walnut ink with a metallic mauve sheen) gently over the background.  Finally I rubber stamped the flower and butterfly onto the paper and embossed with metallic copper embossing powder. 

TAG TUESDAY AND VALENTINES CARD

The Tag Tuesday theme for this week is 'Valentine's Day'.

So I decided to make a tag that could be turned into a card for the man in my life.

It had to match certain criteria though:  he wouldn't like it if it was covered in ribbons, bows, lace or hearts (so that narrowed the field!).  He also wouldn't like it if it was pink or red, or had words that were overly romantic (or 'soppy')!

Taking all that into account here is the tag I made, followed by the card I turned it into.

I was inspired by my collection of old, antique printers blocks.  I absolutely love them and have them scattered around most of the house!  I love the patina - beautiful well-used wood and ink stains. 

 To recreate this look on the tag I painted it with Golden fluid acrylics, in a orangey-brown colour.  I sprayed it with Moonshadow mist (walnut ink mixed with metallic copper), and then I flicked Paynes Grey fluid acrylic onto it to create the ink splatters.

I cut out the letters for the word LOVE, but unlike my printers blocks I turned the L round to face the right way.

I then entwined copper wire threaded with beads around the tag and added a terracotta coloured ribbon to finish it off.

For the background to the card I used transfer gel and the text from an old hand-written letter.  I distressed it with Tim Holtz distress ink (Pumice), and singed the edges with a heat gun.

The antique printers blocks that I used for inspiration