Tuesday 3 February 2009

Copy Cat?

Do you ever get days when everything you touch turns to rubbish - art wise - or is it just me.

Yesterday I braved the snow and blizzard to get to the end of my garden to do some crafting in the 'studio'.

I spent quite a few hours trying out new techniques - then trying to rescue them - only for them to end up worse - and in the bin.

Today the snow has gone, the sun was shining, and after walking into the village to post some letters and get some milk, I intended to spend time again 'playing' and see if today would be more productive.

I posted the letters - the village shop still had no milk and no idea of when they would get some, and on the way back I slipped on black ice (no warning or icy puddles) and crashed to the ground. Phew it knocked the wind out of me - but no bones broken, lots of bruises, and now I am stiffening up.

BUT

After lunch I decided to pay a visit to Jo Capper-Sandon - to see if she could inspire me to make something.

Not in real life silly - but in February's Craft Stamper - yes I am still reading it. Over and Over.

I wanted to make some ATCs - but instead I had a go at this.

I had to do a heck of a lot of improvising of course, as I didn't have the stamps or other bits and pieces.

So I started out with one of these

I painted it with thick white Gesso - which gave it some texture. Then I tried to get similar colouring with some little ink pads.
My tree stamp came from here and is a different size from Jo's by the look of it.

I didn't have a bird stamp, so drew those on, neither did I have the lovely butterfly stamp - so I found one in a magazine, cut it out, added pink ink, and embossed it - it looks paler and pinkier in daylight.

No Sentiments stamp - so I typed up something relevant as I looked out of the window, on my computer and cut it out.

No gauze ribbon so that will have to wait until I go into a town -that might or might not have a haberdashery shop - ditto the lace. So I have improvised for now with a bit of fibre - but it is too heavy I know.

I want to make one tag a month - and on the reverse put an 'Inspirational Quote' or even two from here where there are 65 of people's favourites.

The idea is to force myself to try something 'new' to me, and also to have a collection to hand of lovely quotes too.

Once it is finished I will add some pretty ribbons and fibres to hide the O wires.

Sometimes when ideas just won't come, or you are feeling a bit 'down' perhaps - it is nice to get out the magazines and have a go at something I think. Far better to feel good at achieving something, than feeling fed up because you can't.

So am I being a Copy Cat? I like to think the magazines are there to inspire us to do something we might not have tried otherwise. Well the inexperienced people like me!

Then, having produced something half decent - it kinda spurs you on to try other things and give you ideas. Well it does me. Or else I might give up altogether if I don't improve bit by bit.

This month's magazine is out again Friday - and my village shop has mine on order each month - I can't wait!

6 comments:

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

Loverly :) Now you could do the same with a book and enter it in the Objet D'art challenge ? :) New challenge on Saturday
Hugs
Jennie

Anonymous said...

The originality of a subject is in its treatment (Disraeli)

No Lottie, you're not being a copycat. You are taking inspiration from something which is, ultimately, what we all do - be it a sunset, a child's picture or whatever.

It's easy to see how original we are when we all get the same materials and end up with a different piece of work.

This is lovely and your improvisation inspired.

Hope the bruises aren't too sore!

Oh, more sayings on Sara's Time for Crafting site too - thanks for this link.
xxxxxx

Beccy said...

that is really beautiful.

Jo Capper-Sandon said...

You know Lottie, its reading posts like this that really make it all worth while... to think that its given you inspiration like this is what its all about- you read the mag, get a few ideas and make your own take on the theme...its perfect!! I love that you had none of the items yet created something so beautiful because that makes it your version. And so far away from being a copy cat...its using your own initiative. :0) xx

Claireabelle said...

This is fab Lottie! Jo has created a fab article for inspiration!
xx

sam21ski said...

Fantastic Lottie xxxx