Monday 6 May 2013

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







 

32 comments:

Candy C said...

Tracy...your piece is sooooo amazing! I totally love it and I loved reading about the thought behind each piece that you have on this beautiful 80th birthday canvas to your father in law. This really is such a beautifully laid out and executed piece. Love the colors as well as the design. You can tell a lot of love went into this piece! It's gorgeous, Tracy! <3 Candy

Brenda Brown said...

A superb canvas for your FiL Tracy. I loved reading about the inspiration for the embellishments you added, their special meanings to him, how special that is. Wonderful Finnibair inspired piece.
Hugs Brenda xox

Inkypinkycraft said...

Wow ,thisis wonderful, the are so many amazing pieces to look at and I love this! A sure it will be treasured a, hugs trace x

Helen said...

I'm sure he will treasure it! I love Finn's work too!

Terry said...

Hey there Tracy, love your project wowwzerss, all the wonderfull detaills you have been working on and the colours are just great your father in law will be 80 woww the story behind your project is just fabulous thank you so much for sharing sweets, hugs terry xxxx

Chantal Vandenberg said...

Wow this is AMAZING!!!

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is so wonderful, Tracy, and I love how personalized it is. He will be so touched at all the personal mementoes,

Lucy x

junemac2 said...

What a wonderful tribute piece. Beautifully done and such passion and love gone into it. Fabulous Tracy
hugs June xx

Unknown said...

Wow this is absolutely amazing, i can feel the love that went into making this and your 2 favorite artists are also my 2 favorites as well, there work is gorgeous and this is just Beautiful xoxo

Patricia Howarth said...

Morning Tracy, WOW, this canvas is magnificent, so much detail, so much to see, you are a genius, I absolutely love it.
Your Father-in-law will be over the moon with this gift, what a lucky man he is when he receives this.
Lots of love from Patricia xx

Sandra said...

Wow Tracy, this is really amazing! I understand why you had to pick both of them, they are so inspiring! Your father in law is gonna love this piece! I'm sure of it! Hugs, Sandra

Gail said...

What an absolutely amazing canvas and keepsake for your F-in-L. GailT xx

Suzanne C said...

I just love these pieces where you are adding the embellishments and layering the paste and the soft colors. This is a brilliant idea with his photo in the middle too! Beautiful all around.

Unknown said...

This is fabulous Tracy, one of those pieces you find occasionally that you want to pick up and touch. Chris xxx

Carol Q said...

wonderful metal work Tracy. so cleverly put together.

Terry said...

This is incredible, Tracy! Your FIL will just love this canvas and what a thoughtful gift! Love how you framed him with all those fun elements! I hear you about getting lost in this, as I have done two similar styles and it is such addictive fun! Love this so! Enjoy the week!

Jenny Marples said...

A fantastic tribute, both to your Dad and your chosen artists Tracy. Love it. Hugs, Jenny x

jasann said...

Your piece is so beautiful, I have been making these types of canvases since I found Finnebar's blog,(although mine are not a patch on yours) she does do wonderful work, thanks for sharing such a beautiful piece of work!!!! I'm sure your father in law will love it!!!!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Wow! Wow! Wow! There are so many things going on here...so much to see, and your color is fabulous! It almost looks like a halo above him. Fabulous!

Redanne said...

A totally fabulous canvas Tracy. I loved every minute of reading about Geoff's like and you have captured so much of it in this canvas. I imagine it bringing a big lump to his throat when he sees this beautiful piece of art! Hugs, Anne x

hazel said...

Wow! This is an amazing canvas Tracy.
xxx Hazel.

Barb Cady said...

Goodness Tracy, you've surpassed yourself! What a fabulous gift, I'm sure he loves it. Brilliant! X

craftytrog said...

It's simply stunning Tracy! Your FIL will treasure this wonderful gift! x

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

Cool frame, Tracy! I love the variation of metal and shades of green & blue!

*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

Kate Yetter said...

I love this, Tracy. It looks fabulous with all of the bits of metal and such. I also love the variation in color.

Anna-Karin said...

Wow Tracy, what a special project. Love all the thought you put into all the little details and what they mean. A wonderful gift, I am sure he is going to love it.

Marjie Kemper said...

Oh, Tracy, it's so beautiful! I love all the special details, remembering special times in Geoff's life. What a fabulous gift!

Dianne said...

Oh Tracy this is individual and unique and FABULOUS...When I was reading all the things you added and what they all represented, it touch my heart so... I'm sure your FIL will adore it,sensation piece of art you made here my dear, thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Michelle Webb said...

Oh my goodness Tracy this is flippin awesome! Love all the sentimental details, it really is truly inspirational. Michelle xx

Michelle Webb said...

Oh my goodness Tracy this is flippin awesome! Love all the sentimental details, it really is truly inspirational. Michelle xx

Words and Pictures said...

Completely fantastic make, Tracy - a beautiful, thoughtful gift, with all those personal details and references. Gorgeous spritzed colours and the gesso highlights are a brilliant final touch - wow, wow and wow again!
Alison x

Sue said...

This is truly wonderful Tracy. So much to look at, and all of it personal to your Father in Law - he is going to love this xx