Reality has its limits

but the world of imagination is boundless.  This stamp comes from Stuff to Say by Tim Holtz and Stampers Anonymous.  My imagination seems to more bounded than others but by looking to others for inspiration I seem to do alright.  Have you seen what Vivien Keh creates using core'dinations cardstock?  Oh my gosh....it's spectacular!  Using several pieces of hers as inspiration I put them together and created this floral framed sentiment.

I chose to use kraft core core'dinations cardstock for the frame which was run through the Sizizx/Tim Holtz embossing folder Book Cover 1.  Using the sanding block I removed some of the black to reveal the kraft core.  A bit of brown distress ink was rubbed into the sanded portions to further age the paper.

The central portion is a scap of chipboard that had been covered with various distress paints and stains.  It was die cut using a Sizzix/Tim Holtz  Oval movers & shapers die set.  The sentiment was stamped in Jet Black Archival Ink then covered with Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint.  Once that was dry I added Pumice Stone and  Vintage Photo distress inks into the cracks followed by Walnut Stain distress stain.  Some of the crackle paint flaked off but I think that adds to the character of the piece.

The flowers and leaves were cut from black core core'dinations using the Sizzix/Tim Holtz Autumn Gatherings and  Tattered Floral Garland strip dies.  I sanded the pieces before and after I removed them from the strip of cardstock.  Using a ball roller I shaped them into more realistic pieces.  Antique Linen distress glitter is in the flower centers.

From corrugated cardboard I cut a branch from Sizzix/Tim Holtz  Bird Branch Bigz die and colored it with brown distress inks.

A strip of stretched burlap is under the bow of brown silk ribbon that was misted and wadded up before being rubbed across a brown and jet black distress ink pad.  The wood button was included with one of my orders from The Funkie Junkie Boutique.  From chipboard I die cut a Sizzix/Tim Holtz easel so the piece would stand up.

****  My cataract surgeries are just around the corner (10/24 and 11/7) so if I don't create and share much art work for awhile you'll know why.