Sunday, March 10, 2013

SHABBY CHIC VINTAGE POST CARDS

 Welcome friends! 

This week's challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show is show us some shabby chic.

Shabby Chic can be so many things...from teals and browns, tulle and flowers, washed white to rust and everything in between.  Stamped french script, hand dyed ribbons, butterflies to bows.

I wanted to do something still in the realm of shabby chic but maybe not quite so frilly and fabulously feminine romantic "fluff".

So, I created three 4x6 chipboard "vintage" postcards in a shabby chic-ish style.


Each has its own distinctive style and background technique.

 
The backs of the post cards were done by cover the chipboard with kraft cardstock and then distressing it by sanding off the edges and smearing glue in various places on the cardstock.  Next, I distressed the paper with Vintage Photo Distress Ink followed by some Gathered Twigs Distress Ink and edged with Black Soot Distress Ink.  As you can see, the glue resisted the ink and looks pretty cool.  It also has a bit of a shiny finish, like something was spilled onto the postcards and left a residue.  Then I stamped various "POST CARD" images from Tim Holtz' Postcards stamp set.

The front of the postcards were fun to do because I used various techniques and images to create the dimensional backgrounds.

Life is Good

This postcard features what is probably becoming my favorite background stamp.  It is from Wendy Vecchi's new Heirloom Art stamp set.


I got so "into" creating these postcards that I forgot to take a lot of step by step photographs!  Here is the plain background of the first post card.  It is heat embossed with clear embossing powder over a base coat of Snow Cap Adirondak Ink topped with a coat of Scattered Straw Distress Ink.  Then clear embossed using Wendy's new background stamp.  Followed by a coat of Broken China Distress Ink.  Then I wiped away the excess distress ink, leaving the resisted clear embossed design.  I inked the edges with Gathered Twigs and Black Soot Distress Inks.  Next I wanted the postcard to take on almost a rusted metallic quality so I rubbed an embossing ink pad around the edges of the postcards and sprinkled Antiquities Rust Embossing Powder around all of the edges.  I used a regular paint brush and my finger tips to wipe away excess powder then I heat set the way I wanted it to look.  Below, you can see the results.  It's textural, looks rusty and I like the way it defines the edges.


Here are all of the elements for the first post card:  torn text added to the base, distressed with Vintage Photo and Broken China.  The Door Frame is a beautiful stamp from Darkroom Door.  I inked the stamp with both Coffee and Jet Black Archival Inks and stamped onto manila cardstock.  Then I cut out the frame and place the stamped script (center) behind the opening.  I placed "LIFE IS GOOD" from Tim Holtz' new Simple Sayings stamp set in the center of the frame.


I pop dotted the stylish B Line Design lady who was colorized using a Small Sakura Water Brush and Distress Ink Colors.  I also hot glued the little sunflowers onto the frame for more dimension and color.  I fancy her to be putting on her coat and hat and off to meet "the girls" for a luncheon and possibly a little shopping expedition.


The post card in the center has a sewing theme...thanks in part to Darkroom Door's Dressmaker stamp set.  This working class girl dreams of being a famous designer someday.  The background is manila cardstock glued onto chipboard.  I then sanded all of the edges and distressed the cardstock with Wild Honey and Scattered Straw Distress Inks; followed with a bit of Gathered Twigs and Black Soot edging.  I stamped the repeated pattern pieces in Jet Black Archival Ink.  The B Line Design lady and the tape measure were stamped onto Specialty Stamping Paper and colorized using the Small Sakura Water Brush and various Distress Inks.


The other pieces were stamped using Coffee Archival Ink and colorized using the water brush and various Distress Ink colors.  The spools were mounted onto chipboard and the ribbon dyed to match the inks colors being used on the postcard were tied to the spools.  On the left is ribbon colorized using Broken China and Scattered Straw mixed.  The spool on the right is a mix of Victorian Velvet and a touch of Scattered Straw.  The snaps label behind the spools is popped using pop dots and the spools are glued behind and on top of the snap label for more dimension.


The measuring tape the the top is also curved on one end and made to be elevated from the postcard for added dimension.  This postcard also has a touch of the Antiquities Rust edging, but not nearly as heavy as the first card.


The final card is done in orange and yellow tones against a greenish background of Tim Holtz' Carte Postale stamp that has been heat embossed onto the background using Antiquities Rust Embossing Powder.  Mixed with the heavy texture of the Antiquities Rust Embossing Powder all around the edges, this postcard really does have that metallic feeling.  The classic B Line Design Lady is standing next to a stack full of luggage with her Tim Holtz distressed train ticket in the background.  Holding her dimensional flowers, she reminds me of a young woman who is off on a romantic journey to meet her husband to be and live happily ever after.


Three different ladies, three different life stories.  But all very chic!

Join us at Simon Says Stamp and Show.  The Design Team has some beautiful shabby chic projects to show you. Then enter our challenge.  You could be the winner of our weekly 


$50.00 credit voucher.  You might also be recognized as one of our TOP THREE entries for the week...which is a very nice honor considering the quality of the projects we have posted each week.  I hope that my vintage postcards have inspired you!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and good luck on the challenge!

Here are the products available at Simon Says Stamp that were used on these
 Vintage Post Cards ~











42 comments:

  1. I love all your art, Candy. I dont understand however if I am on your mailing list for posts why I never get them? I signed up again tonite and it says I am already a follower on email.

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    1. Hello suzieq23. I don't know why you are not receiving them posts either. I have not changed any of my settings. I'm so sorry that you've having trouble receiving my emails. <3 Candy

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  2. Candy these are just beautiful shabby chic postcards. You have created a wonderful set of designs and stories and the different layouts, colours and techniques are fabulous and unique. Love these.
    hugs {brenda} x0x

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  3. These are just fabulous!! I love how stylish and elegant the ladies look and the design of each one is wow.

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  4. Hi Candy, I am inventing a new word - these are 'fabby' chic as well as shabby chic! I have just spent half and hour going over and over these wonderful creations - that Antiquities EP is now a must (if I can get it here), it looks so realistic. The B line design ladies are gorgeous and I love your stories about them. Love the sewing theme and a little thing like raising the tape measure - wonderful little details. A truly stunning and inspired creation, really love your clever design. Hugs, Anne x

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  5. At last, time to linger in Candydom! These are pure vintage loveliness! So many wonderful details, layers and colours. The ladies are just fabulous! I have always loved B line stamps but when I go to buy them I can't make a decision! Amazing work Candy. I would love a secret rummage in your crafty space. Also loving what is coming up on the DT blog. Sorry I have been a bit AWOL. Life is so busy here, but I'm still admiring all your fabulous art from afar, have a good week. Sarah xx.

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  6. Hi Candy: these postcards are fabulous,as always for your work. Thanks for explaining all the details of the creative process, but I particularly like your "stories" for each card - what the ladies are doing in their lives. I feel as though I'm reading a period novel with beautiful illustrations!!!

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  7. Lovely, lovely ladies! If I'd seen the door stamp and the lady I wouldn't have put them together as the scale would appear to be incorrect. However, the way you've used them doesn't give me this feeling at all. Once again, you're going to make me go shopping, aren't you? lol These are just so, so gorgeous!!!!!!!

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  8. Oh Candy, you've done it again! I love the stories that these beautiful post cards tell. Your backgrounds are so unique and interesting. Love the various ways you have achieved the wonderful aging and "shabby chicness" (new word). The rust embossing powder looks amazing as does the combination of Distress inks and colours. The softness you achieved with the watercolouring is so romantic and pretty. Great combination of stamps. I feel like I've just been to a fabulous workshop. Thanks!

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  9. Gorgeous postcards Candy! What a great idea! The back of the cards is stunning and the fronts just shine. Love all the stamps you used and the great backgrounds and colours.

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  10. Lovely! These challenges look mighty interesting, wink. Miss you and hugs.

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  11. Loving your pretty postcards Candy. Hugs Annette

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  12. These cards are soooooo beautiful, love every details

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  13. They're breathtaking, each one of them. Thanks for the descritions on how to. So many thoghtful and adorable details. I'm always struggling with the shabby chic theme ... hope I'm able to come up with something. Suzanne

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  14. These are wonderful Candy! I love what you did with these.

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  15. Hey there sweetness, lovely and fabulously made shabby chicness wowwzerss love the ladies, love the shabbyness and the colours are just wonderfull, loving your postcards sweetness. Amazing as allways, hugs terry xxxx

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  16. Hi Candy,
    I love your beautiful shabby chic postcards and the lovely vintage ladies.There are so many details on each card and it was exciting to see, how you created them.
    Have a nice week.

    Anke x

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  17. Dear Candy,
    that's an awesome collection of little art works.Every single one of them is a unique fabulous creation, wonderful combined and the beautiful decoration fits perfect.
    xox Anja

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  18. Hey Candy, I love your trio f postcards. The glue resist works beautifully, lookin just like something has been spilt, really ageing it. Love the Wendy background stamp too, looks particularly eye catching embossed. All three postcards are such a wonderful design and I love how each one showcases a different theme/style. Gorgeous as always. Tracy x

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  19. I love these, they are fantastic! I think I have to have Wendy's stamp lol! I just love all the details you add to all your projects.

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  20. Not just shabby but TRES chic postcards, Candy! :) I love the theme and how you embellished!

    *mwah*
    Steph
    Simon Says Stamp!

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  21. A fabulous take on the challenge. Great backgrounds and I love those ladies.
    Fabulous postcards and a great how to as always.

    Crafty hugs Candy

    Annie x

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  22. Holy cow!!!! I'm so glad, that you used the more chic than shabby style because your cards are High - Class - Fashion!! I'm so in love with your cards, that i could just jump right into the computer to get them. Naughty girl i know, because it's a lot easier to buy the stamps (:o)

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  23. These postcards are so pretty, Candy! They're really vintage looking! Love those classy ladies! Beautiful colors! Hugs, Sandra

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  24. LOVE these! Fabulous trio of postcards.

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  25. AMAZING, FABULOUS, FANTASTIC.....really I could go on and on! You rock Candy!

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  26. Absolutely fantastic postcards, and their life stories are the best! Each one is just so special and so much to see and so many techniques! I love them all Candy! Absolutely fantastic!!!

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  27. Oh wow, Candy! These are beautiful! Love the vintage feel to these postcards. The images are so lovely!
    Kate

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  28. wow this is amazing - such a wonderful card!!! Oustanding! I love it!
    XOXO SanDee

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  29. Oohh Wow,this cards is amazing!!Love he colors and the beautiful shabby chic.
    love these all, candy.

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  30. Candy, these postcards are amazingly beautiful, and your aging technique is outstanding. Blessings!

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  31. absolutely fantastic ladies! Wonderful piece of art!!!!!
    Hugs BArbarayaya

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  32. Liebe Candy, ich bin wieder begeistert von dem neuesten Kunstwerk! Die Damen mit den verschiedenen Mode-Zeiten wurden auf den Postkarten so wunderbar in Szene gesetzt, dass jede Dame ihre Geschichte erzählen kann. Mich begeistern auch die Farben und die schönen Stempel, ein großes Kompliment an Sie!
    Vielen Dank für die lieben Kommentare auf meinem Blog, ich freue mich immer sehr darüber.
    Liebe Grüße, Bärbel

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  33. Any single one of these would get a huge WOW from me, but as a trio they are exceptional... glorious details, embellishments and images specific to each one make them so individual, yet they also work so brilliantly as a set. I also LOVE the shabby kraft reverse sides - amazing work as always, Candy, and these go right up into my favourites of yours!
    Alison xx

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  34. Another fantastic project, Candy! Love your glue technique to 'age' the paper - had to try it straight away and it works fab! Now need a project for it to be used on! Your attention to detail, as ever is just amazing and I love the stories behind the images - I'm totally there with lady one, off to meet the girls for lunch, I'll have the special and a white wine spritzer please! Hugs, Lisa x

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  35. these are SO lovely Candy!!!!

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  36. what beautiful art. wow!
    I love every last detail!

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  37. Candy you never fail to amaze me ! These are just so gorgeous and I love the little stories you have for them all. Stunning ! Sue C x

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  38. P.S. Just worked out how to Pin it too !
    Sue C
    x

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  39. You are very kind, thank you for visiting my blog!

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  40. I found your card on Google images, while searching for some of my cards. I LOVE your work! This vintage piece is SO nice. Your newest follower,

    Laura from Sundayview.blogspot.com

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I am so happy that you stopped by my blog! I truly appreciate your time and thank you for leaving a comment! Have a wonderfully blessed day!