Celebrating 80 Years

Simon Says Stamp and Show would like you to create something inspired by your favourite artist, blogger, quote or author.  We would like to see how you are inspired by someone else's creativity.

I was inspired by two artists this week, Finnabair and Leanne at LuvLee Scrappin.

It's my Father-in-Law's 80th birthday this year and I took this opportunity to create a mixed media canvas adding many layers in the style of two of my favourite artists of the moment. This is one of those pieces that I simply got lost in, adding layer after layer of Claudine Hellmuth Gesso, mini gears, game pieces, adornments metal charms, light bulbs and lots more ephemera. This is one of those pieces that is so absorbing and it's knowing when to stop. Hope my Father-in-Law likes his quirky birthday canvas!

I began by adhering my picture to the canvas using Claudine Hellmuth Multi Medium matt, applying some over the top of my image to protect. I then added layers of tissue for texture and two pieces of chicken wire for dimension. Then began the fun part, layering all my pieces, some of which represent parts of Geoff, my Father-in-Law's life. The game piece with the number 80 obviously represents that he will be 80 years old this year. I added a bird from the adornments metal charms as Geoff and his wife always encourage birds in their garden. The dad plaque is obviously because Geoff is a devoted dad to my husband and his sister. Throughout his life Geoff has also been very creative with wood, tools etc so I added light bulbs, screws, washers etc. The aeroplane is to represent the time in Geoff's life when he served in the RAF during National Service.

The pen nib is to represent the writing of all the proposals that Geoff did whilst working at a computer company, in fact I was the one responsible for typing all those proposals, those were the days! I have added mini numerals again to represent his 80th birthday and the word DREAM, well we should all have dreams whatever our age. The leaf that I have added represents all the years Geoff has spent in the garden, despite not liking gardening much, he has spent many a hard working hour building pergola's, patios, flower beds etc.

The car at the top of the canvas is to represent Geoff's passion for cars, and motorbikes in his time, before an accident prevented him from pursuing his interest further in bikes, however, he did make up for it with the purchase of many cars in his 80 years. I have added GEOFF with wooden letters along with many gears to add to the masculine feel of my canvas. The clock embellishment is to represent the passing of time and the many wonderful years GEOFF has devoted to being a dad, grandad, friend, brother, husband.

I have added a rusted bottle cap and wine charm at the top of the card, well that is to represent the copious amounts of alcohol GEOFF has consumed, maybe not as much these days but he made up for it in his earlier years!

This is one of those pieces where you can keep adding vintage finds, those forgotten pieces at the back of the cupboard and create a piece that is individual and unique, I love this one! Once all my pieces had been added I then applied Wendy Vecchi's embossing paste to fill in some of the areas and to add further texture. I also added the embossing paste around the edges of my canvas, applying with a palette knife. Once I was happy with the finished piece I then sprayed with Dylusions Ink Sprays black marble, vibrant turquoise and melted chocolate. Once dry I highlighted a few of the areas with a touch of Gesso, dry brushing over the top. To complete, I added a curio knob to the top of my canvas.

For more great ideas please pop over to the Simon Says Stamp and Show blog and take a look at my fellow team members they have created some inspirational projects. Remember there is also the chance to win a $50 prize from Simon Says Stamp.  I always look forward to seeing your creations each week.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, much appreciated.  Enjoy your week. Tracy x x 

Products Used:

Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Mini Gears, Game Pieces, Adornments Metal Charms, Light Bulbs, Pen Nibs, Mini Numberals, Curio Knobs.
Claudine Hellmuth Gesso, Multi Medium Matt
Dylusions Ink Sprays - Black Marble, Vibrant Turquoise, Melted Chocolate
Wendy Vecchi White Embossing Paste
Studio Calico Transportation Wood Veneers
Studio Calico Alphabet Wood Veneers
Blossom Bucket Bottle Caps
Prima Bolts and Nuts