Birds and Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap




I have never participated in a swap before where you actually send artwork to be exchanged, but I just couldn't resist this one. Karla of Karla's Cottage and Beth of Gathering Dust seem like a wonderfully creative duo. I have peeked into the world of their parties, swaps and adventures. They never seem to run out of ideas to have some creative fun, and they always include others to join in on the joy.







Birds and Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap is a swap that they are jointly hostessing. They asked that we decorate four panels 4 x 5 1/2 on both sides for this swap. They provided beautiful papers to download, including vintage wallpaper, women in bonnets and fabulous bird graphics.







When I saw these images the song Somewhere In Time seemed to serenade my creative muse. Each image was from another time, a romantic era of women wearing beautiful bonnets. We get to keep these and I am so thrilled to create with such lovely images. Now all I needed to know was...where to begin.




I chose a lovely black chipboard that looks finished on the edges. I learned this from my favorite shop called Ink About It, and yesterday when I needed to finish them I stopped by to use their art room.





Just being around all that inspiration and the lovely creative women that work there, helped me get in the zone.






When I finished completing the panels, the best part awaited me...the icing.


I closed up all my art supplies and roamed the shop in search of just the right inspiration for my bling.








I found these wonderful teeny tiny envelopes and cards, some pretty ribbons, lovely teeny tiny pearls, and the rest of my embellishments came from my own supplies at home.







Each panel seemed to take on a life of it's own, and when I finished them and lined them up I felt just like I had gone back somewhere in time.






When I returned home, I embellished my heart out, and thankfully they are finished.





I guess what I enjoyed the most was being able to take the images and use my own style of design.








This is one side of the four panels:




And this is the other side of them:



So, now I will wrap them up with a little "somethin somethin" hostess gifts for Beth and Karla for hosting this wonderful swap. Lots of work ahead for them both as they select, punch, ring and send them to each of us. I can't wait to see what I receive, I have peeked at the pool of entries and they are all wonderful.




I learned so much by creating these panels with lovely images of Victorian ladies, and I always love any image of birds. I was reminded how much I love the fashion from that era, and why when I visit shops, I always am attracted to this time. The song for this post seemed so fitting, Somewhere In Time.






My creation
Kathleen Grace said...

You did a fabulous job Karen, They are beautiful!

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Congrats on your first swap... I've just signed up for my first!

Pop over to my blog where you'll see you've won my giveaway!

Victoria xx

Alison Gibbs said...

Karen they look fabulous.
Alison

Gabriela said...

Hello Karen,

I really love the work you did! How about using some on a banner?
I am sure they will look "smashing"!

Warm regards,

Gabriela

Linda said...

Hi Karen,
You have done a fabulous job on your panels. The lucky girls that get them I'm sure will be pleased.
Have a great day.
Cheers Linda

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Karen, those are amazing! Someone is really going to be lucky to receive thoses.....
Hugs,
Penny

Celestina Marie said...

Karen, your panels are spectacular. What an amazing job you did with the graphics, although I am certainly not surprised. Someone is going to be very blessed to have yours.
I loved the movie "Somewhere in Time and especially the music score. I have it and play it on the piano often. It is very fitting for your post.
Have a special Mother's Day!
hugs, Celestina,
La Rea Rose

Birds of a Feather said...

these are fabulous! how did i miss this one! they will be treasured. xo heidi

Lori said...

Karen, what you made for Karla and Beth's swap is amazing!!! the colors you used are just perfect with the images...you GO girl!!! someone is going to be VERY happy when they get a piece of your art!!!

Our Hands For Hope said...

YOU'RE DONE!!!!
Well guess what I'll be doing this weekend! Actualy, after I figure out how to get music on my site like you...if it's easy then the swap stuff will get in the mail on time. Yours came out great. So where do I buy black chip board? I ws going to use cardboard.
Blessings,
Terisa

SweetAnnee said...

Oh I love it ALL!!
deena

Nancy said...

Love the way your panels have both a softness and vivid color. I think that's not easy to do. Crossing my fingers I get one of yours! Nancy

Unknown said...

I love your Victorian ladies! I am new to blogging and I am thrilled with all of the wonderful artists I am finding in this community! I am not an artist myself, but I love to play with a variety of media. I will visit you often.

Mahala said...

Those panels are beautiful.

- DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -