In Review--Fly Girls + 1 Publication

The fact that two of the three main features I had published this year were made primarily with Unity Stamps speaks to my deep affection for this company.... I was there when they first opened their virtual doors and remain a fan today.  These days I use their images a lot in mixed media, but also have a deep affection for their girlie stamps, the minute I saw the first Phyllis Harris sample I was in a queue and ready to purchase, I love the hair on these, it makes you want to go and stand on the edge of the ocean and have the wind rush through you!

I paired a whole lot of paper and ink with the flashy dance costume sequin trim, which in the end I thought might be a little too much for the "publication decision makers".... they asked to see them in the flesh before they accepted these, which I totally understand.... in the end they published three of my four cards, the forth they thought the text background was a little strong on... but the beauty of that is that you get to see that card here for the first time.

If you look really closely you will be able to see that I chose particular pages from the dictionary that represent the image for each card.... this is a fun way of getting into recycling paper....

I called this set of cards Fly Girls and the magazine wrote them up as:

"Give whimsical images an artistic edge by stamping them on vintage dictionary paper then further the look with spray mist, markers and some selective paper piecing."

I happily paper pieced and added colour to the images with my trusty Copic Markers, and dirtied up the background with a mist, there is also a dash of fine cutting to add texture to the little dandelion on the "every breath is a gift" card.... theses stamps allow you to add interest wherever you like, I am a real fan of Phyllis' illustrations and have a rather large wish list for her other images... might just have to treat myself!!

I must also take this opportunity to shout out to Danielle Daws who used these images as an inspiration piece on the Unity Blog recently, she made my day!!

What's in it? 
Stamps:  Unity Stamp Company: Phyllis Harris--Every Breath, Happiness Is, Your Wings Exist, Present in my Heart.
Paper:  My Mind's Eye: Nostalgia Collection; Vintage Dictionary Paper.
Ink:  Memento:  Tuxedo Black; Copic Markers; Studio Calico: Mister Huey's Boss Lady.
Extras:  Kaiser: Blush Pearls; Buttons from Etsy; Trim from the bargain bin at Spotlight; Spellbinders: Romantic Rectangles, Floral Ovals, Splendid Circles.