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Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge- Grunge it Up

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Grunge it Up!

Hello and Welcome!

This is the third week of my time in the Designer Spotlight at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge and it has been a blast!

This weeks Challenge theme is Grunge it Up. I decided to dig out one of my vintage family photos of my Grandfather. He was born in 1902 and when he was 15, went to work in rural Canada at putting some of the first electric lines in across the country. It amazes me that he would have left home to work at such a young age..times were so much different then.

I was inspired by his photo to create a vignette with a Tim Holtz 6×8 Burlap Panel, one of the new Etcetera hardboard #8 tags and some lovely vintage items that I’ve collected that related to him and his adventure. Grunge it up was the perfect theme for all these lovely grungy goodies.

As always, Simon Says Stamp will be giving away a $50 gift certificate to use in their shop! Good luck!

 

Let’s begin!!

First I began by creating a tag that my photo would be displayed on. I blended Distress Oxide Ink in Twisted Citron, Faded Jeans and Walnut Stain onto the tag and then smushed those same colors onto my craft mat, sprayed it with water and then dipped my tag into the ink. With each new dip into the ink I dried in between with my heat tool until I had the tag to my liking.

Next I used my sewing machine and some cream thread and stitched around the outside of the tag. I blended a bit of Walnut Stain Distress Ink around the edges and thread with a blending tool.

I then stamped a couple of images from the TH Stampers Anonymous Distress Damask set using Walnut Stain Distress Oxide, and then embossed it with clear embossing powder.

I then decided to add the tag to one of the new TH Etcetera #8 tags to give it some more stability. I knew I wanted to make the tag into a “clipboard” so that I could just clip my photo on and not make it permanent. (I only have a couple copies of the photo but wanted to use the actual photo and not a copy because of the color and delicious wrinkles. Natural distress is the BEST!!!)  The Etcetera tags are made of a thick sturdy surface called thickboard. They are an awesome base for embellishing or for photos.

To make the clipboard I added some of the TH ideaology Merchant Design Tape around the edges of my Etcetera Tag. Then I adhered my inked tag with Multi Matte Medium on top.

I distressed my hinge clip by painting it with White Gesso and then added a bit of Mushroom Alcohol Ink. Then it was sewn on through the hole of the tag with some string.

I then sat that aside and began working on the burlap panel. First I painted a bit of  White Gesso around on my panel, then sprayed it with Distress Spray Stains in Faded Jeans, Frayed burlap and a bit of Rusty Hinge. I then added some grit paste through the TH Stampers Anonymous Layering Stencil – Rosette. I let that dry then added some Distress Paint onto the areas with the grit paste with Broken China and Ground Expresso just to add a bit more grunge.

Then I found a piece of scrap watercolor paper that had been inked with various Distress browns, added a couple of borders with Black Soot Archival Ink onto the scrap with the new TH Stampers Anonymous Ornate Trimmings Stamp set (CMS326) and made a background for my vintage knickknacks.

I then cut an old leather belt and distressed the leather a bit with my TH sanding block. I then colored the indented writing with a Black Soot Distress Crayon onto a TH Word Band, rubbed off the extra crayon with a paper towel and then the band was sewn onto the belt. The word band fit perfectly in-between a couple of the holes that were already punched into it.

I typed out onto watercolor scrap paper “grandfather” and “inspire adventure” and inked then with a bit of brown distress inks. I stamped a label frame from the TH SA Stamp set and stamped it with a couple stamps (Star, Postal Telegraph, Leaves Emblem) from the TH SA Correspondence Stamp set with a couple of the previously used distress inks.

After I decided the layout I added the belt. I borrowed my husbands heavy duty staple gun and stapled the leather onto the back of the panel. I then added all of my vintage pieces to complete my project.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! This project has got to be one of my absolute favorites so far!

Thank you so much for sharing the journey of it with me!

Creatively Yours,

Stacy

Gather your supplies:

Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous: Stamp Sets- Distress Damask (CMS190)Correspondance (CMS225)Label Frames (CMS264) Layering Stencil- Rosette, Etcetera Tag #8

Tim Holtz/Ranger- Multi Matte Medium, Sanding Grip, Dina Wakley White Gesso, Grit Paste, Palette Knife, Mixed Media #8 tag, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat It Heat Tool

Distress Ink- Pumice Stone, Chipped Saphire, Walnut Stain, Black Soot

Distres Oxide Ink- Twisted Citron, Faded Jeans, Walnut Stain

Archival Ink- Black Soot, Coffee

Distress Paint- Broken China, Ground Expresso

Distress Spray Stain- Faded Jeans, Frayed Burlap, Rusty Hinge

Distress Crayon- Black Soot

Alcohol Ink- Mushroom

Tim Holts/Ideaology- Hinge Clips, Merchant Design Tape, Word Bands

Other: Canson Watercolor Paper, Sewing Machine, Thread, Crochet Cotton, Staple Gun and Staples

Vintage items: Postage Stamp, Buttons, Star Charm, Compass, Belt, Stick (I’m a bit of a pack rat and have picked these items up at estate sales, garage sales and junk shops throughout the years.)

Comments

  1. I think this one may be my all time fave…I so love all the vintage items…so much character in this piece…LOVE IT!

  2. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite, such a lovely tribute to your grandfather and just a FABULOUS composition of grungy goodness. You are, no doubt about it, so worthy of this designer spotlight. Congratulations Stacy!

    • Thank you, Ann! I’m so happy that you like it! You are the sweetest! It’s been so fun to participate at SSS. ❤️
      ~ Stacy ❤️

  3. Amazing panel, Stacy! So rich in details, beautiful colour combo, lovely family history and heart! You are so talented my friend!!! Hugs xxx Simona

  4. Simply inspired, I am in awe. Every element is just perfect. Thanks for sharing such detailed steps, really helps to know how each was done and then how to assemble those elements to make such a statement.

    • You are so kind! Thank you for stopping by to find out the details, Mary! Be sure to stop back!
      ~ Stacy ❤️

  5. I love how many elements and detail you’ve put into this – not to mention the story that inspired it! Your work never ceases to make my jaw hit the floor!

    • Thank you so much, Pam!!! I’m so glad you like it and of course you love the story! ❤️❤️❤️
      ~Stacy ❤️

  6. Absolutely FABULOUS panel Stacy! and the fact that this is dedicated to your Grandad makes this so extra special! All of the details on this are stunning and I spent ages admiring it and following your step by step instructions, this is truly a work of outstanding art!

    luv
    Lols x x x

    • Thank you so much, Lols!!! You are so sweet! I’m so happy to have joined you at SSS and happy for the themes.. they got me digging through precious family photos and memories! Hugs!! ❤️
      ~Stacy ❤️

  7. The detail of the hand stitching gets me every time! I love this piece Stacy! (oh and the photo is wonderful)

    • Thank you my friend!!! ❤️ It is one of my favorite photos of my Grandpa…So happy that you like it too! Hugs!!! ❤️
      ~Stacy ❤️

  8. I love everything about your panel, Stacy. I love how each detail stands out on its own but compliments each other as well. Truly a beautiful piece and so lovely that it’s dedicated to your grandpa. Amazing!

    Cathie ♥

    • Thank you so much, Cathie! It is a very special piece to me for sure! I’m so happy that you like it too! ❤️
      ~Stacy ❤️

  9. Once again you have filled my early morning with delight!! Love the color combinations, love the saved ephemera, love the techniques on the tag and burlap panel and mostly LOVE the fact that you used your grandpa!! Such an awesome photo! Keep up the amazing works!! Thanks much!!

    • You are too sweet, Sheila! It totally tickles me that you are happy to see my emails! ❤️ It really means so much! Thank you for that and the sweet comment! ❤️
      ~Stacy ❤️

  10. This is stunning, I feel your granddad would love it also. The vintage feel has been so well done by you, absolutely awesome ! Great job Stacy and thanks very much for sharing .

    • Thank you, Shirley! I’m so glad that you like it! ❤️ thank you for kind comment and for stopping by!
      ~Stacy ❤️

  12. This is so wonderful. It flooded me with memories of my grandfather and pictures of him sitting on horses. I don’t know how you get every detail just right but it’s inspirational to see.

    • Thank you so much, Linda! What a compliment! I’m so glad it could stir up memories for you…that’s what it’s all about! Hugs!!
      ~Stacy ❤️

  13. I adore what you’ve done here! Not only are your techniques and colors gorgeous, but this piece is so full of heartwarming storytelling elements. I feel like it’s a feast for the eyes and the soul! Thank you!!!

    • Thank you so much, Andrea! It thrills me that you read that into the piece! It really was a special thing to reflect on my memories and make this for him! Hugs!
      ~Stacy ❤️

  14. That’s not surprising at all that this is your fave projects cause is really amazing and so nostalgic. I love the picture naturally ditressed and the story of your granpa. The colors you chose for your backgrounds are totally perfect here and all the mini pieces from those times make a great touch. So happy to have you with us! Hugs, Marzena

    • Thank you so very much for your kind words! It is a really a special project to me and it has been so fun being with you this month! Hugs!!!
      ~Stacy ❤️

    • Thank you so much, Stephanie!I’m so happy that you liked it and thanks for stopping by!
      ~Stacy <3

  16. Stacy I love this piece!! The personal story behind it, all that grunge, and all the little details you added make it such a very special treasure!! As always I love how thorough you step outs are. Thank you so much for always inspiring!!

    • Thank you so much, Jennalee! I’m so happy that you stopped by and even happier that you liked it. As always, your kindness means so much! Hugs!!
      ~Stacy <3

  17. Your tribute to your grandfather is beautiful; the colors and details make it the perfect collage! I am inspired to find some old family photos and do the same! Thanks for the great tutorial and ideas.

    • Thank you so much! This project is one of my favorites and I’m so happy that it has inspired you to go digging through your own family photos…that really is the sweetest compliment! Thank you for your lovely comment and be sure to stop back again!
      ~Stacy <3

  18. Wow! This is incredible Stacy! Definitely a treasure. The best part is the story interwoven in this wonderful piece. Love the belt and all the little bits you’ve added into the story. hugs, Maura

    • Thank you so much, Maura! I’m so glad that you stopped by and that you enjoyed the project…It means so much to me that the story and the love for my Grandpa came through. Hugs!!
      ~Stacy <3

  19. Wow, what an amazing vignette to remember your grandfather! I love the way you created the burlap frame with the grunge paste and all the layers, wording and embellishments look stunning 😁. Happy Weekend! J 😊

  20. This is such a beautiful piece of artwork, Stacy and I love all the details, texture and layering…it’s just stunning and a wonderful way to remember your beloved grandfather, who I’m sure would be so proud of you and this gorgeous piece of work! <3

    • I am so happy that you like this piece, Emma! I really put my heart into it and I’m happy that it came through…❤️ thank you for all of your kind words… I have been admiring your work for years, so to have your praise means so much! Hugs! ❤️😘
      ~Stacy ❤️

  22. such an amazing burlap panel Stacy, it’s been such a pleasure having you on the team and thank you for sharing all your beautiful projects, hugs kath xxx

  26. Gosh that was good. Thank you for sharing your creative process, and a bit about your grandad! I now intend to do something similar for a couple of my relatives.

    • Thank you so much, Deborah! It was definitely a project done in love…I’m so happy that you liked it and have been inspired! That means so much!
      ~Stacy

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