There was so much inspiration for this piece. It all started when I spent hours on Gabrielle Pollacco's website ... her videos are exquisite! I just went into my studio and started working with no plan for what I was going to create. Paint here ... torn paper there ... swipes of gesso on top ... add a spritz and a spray of Tattered Angels! One of the techniques that Gabrielle demoed that I tried was adding texture using a stencil and modeling paste.  Love that!
Then last week I watched Tammy Tutterow's online demonstration Euphoric Ephemera. I didn't know what I would use for decorations, but her examples were perfect. I downloaded one of the (or maybe both of the) vintage graphics from The Graphics Fairy. I also used Tammy's idea of embossing cardstock to look like a cabinet card. In addition, I added half of a doily that I stained with distress inks with a little pink feather tucked under the bow. I love the way to make the bow that Tammy demonstrated.

The postcard is attached only with the swirly paper clip and is tucked under the bow to hold it in place. That way I can change it as needed and even add a photograph. Instead of using foam squares to attach this part of the project, I cut a piece of foam just a bit smaller than the "cabinet card" and attached it with double-sided tape. I like how this adds some real stability to the grouping.

Today was the day to put it all together. I had a strip of glossy paper that I made using alcohol inks, a technique that I learned in Tim Holtz's Creative Chemistry 101 class. I love the way the paper looks like it has many layers of color.  That strip of paper went onto the canvas.The little Eiffel Tower charm was a make and take that I acquired at "convention" last summer in Arlington, Texas; sister and I had a blast that day! Isn't this shrink art just the cutest thing you've ever seen?

• Frilly and Funkie's Stencils and Texture
• Cheery Lynn Designs' Flowers
• Simon Says Stamp Paste