In my world, a rainy Saturday = project time (and probably a good classic movie). While looking for a little inspiration on a gray day, I stumbled across the work of paper artist, Helen Musselwhite.
I never grow tired of looking at paper cutting, with all of its lovely, lacy intricacies and layers. After admiring it, I usually think to myself, “that must have taken FOREVVVER.” But, this time, with the rain dripping outside and an apartment overflowing with paper, I decided to give myself a challenge: create a similar effect using simpler techniques.
I chose a handful of rubber stamps, black ink, soufflé pens and a few different colors of card stock and set to work! I drew upon Helen’s use of florals, layering, bold lines, color and silhouette to create my own design.
After stamping and cutting out my flowers, I played around with composition on a black sheet of 8 ½” x 11”. When I was ready, I used glue stick and xyron machine to adhere the first layer, then added more flowers using a 3D foam squares to create depth. I added a little more color and detail with the soufflé pens. I then cut out the whole composition so it was in a black silhouetted shape, and layered it on Gravel paper.
When I was done, I had my own piece of artwork, ready to frame!
As a result, we started developing artist inspiration projects in each of our store locations. I would love for you to join in the discussion too, so comment to this post by telling us about an artist who is inspiring your projects.
We look forward to hearing your responses!
–Rebecca, store training & development
PS colors: papaya & cement
Latest fave: Zutter Bind-It-All
Brilliant idea…love it! Trying to figure out how to create my own!
This is gorgeous and the color combination is really striking!
I get inspired all the time by different artists on Etsy. It’s such an amazing community and I love that it’s always changing. New work is being created all the time, so it’s a constant source of inspiration.
This is beautiful!!! I am truly inspired:)
As mentioned before by ‘little black press’ I get a lot of inspiration on Etsy and other creative blogs. They are soooo many!
Now this is what I expect from a great, creative store! What a fantastic idea. I wish there were more classes and kits based on this concept–those would have been a big hit in my former area. I’m trying this today–and then I can teach a class. 🙂
This is beautiful…I really enjoyed her website. Thank you for sending my way. She is truly an artist.
You’ll be happy to know we have a workshop that explores this technique. Come practice and create with us this Saturday! Details are provided in our latest post: http://bit.ly/m6irXo
Great idea. I’m going to try it!
Looks fabulous! Wondering what the final size of the piece is and what kind of frame did you use in order to maintain the 3-D look and feel?
this is gorgeous! I am so inspired as my ma used to make these beautiful 3d cut-outs that I had long since forgotten! Thanks for reminding me where I got my crafty roots!!! I can do this!
This. is. AMAZING!!!! Thank you for introducing me to such a wondeful artist and you take on this is INCREDIBLE! What abeautiful way to use PS stamps!!! SO pinning this!