Indian Ink

Over at Country View Crafts Challenges the theme this month is ... Something new to you! I thought this was a great idea for a challenge because you could use any crafty stash you might have had for Christmas or perhaps try a technique that you fancied but never actually had a go at.

Ooh! I *might* have bought myself a Christmas present or two when I found these little shrines! I bought enough to keep me going for a while and this was my first attempt at using them - so that makes them 'new' doesn't it?! I started by covering the wings in old book paper. I scour charity shops for books that can be repurposed - this one is a gardening book - I probably should read that one before cutting it up!

The lady is a Lynne Perrella for PaperArsty stamp. I stamped her on tissue paper and painted the reverse. She fits very well doesn't she?! The 'Indian Ink' sign disappeared where her shoulders are so I stamped that on cream card and added it where it should be. As it pretty standard for me, I added brown Distress Ink round the edges of the whole piece before gluing her together. The crown was painted with gold paint and then sanded - I wanted it to look a little 'faded glory' rather than the bright blingy gold colour. The final flourish was to add a pen nib in the aperture!

My lady's currently placed on top of my pile of acrylic blocks (guess who tidied up over Christmas!?!) but she needs a name - suggestions very welcome!