6 August 2014

Vintage Travel at Frilly and Funkie

Hi everyone. It's the start of the second week of the latest Frilly and Funkie challenge 'Vintage Travel'. This is what our host, Nancy, has to say about it - "Summer is in full swing, bringing with it the height of vacation season. Our challenge is to create a project, card, or lay out with a vintage travel theme, whether it's far away over the sea or Route 66! The winner will earn a Guest DT spot at the Frilly and Funkie challenge blog, and everyone who enters will have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique."

My idea for a project turned into something of an epic crafting marathon over a few days but it has resulted in something I can proudly use and admire. It is based on the fabulous Eileen Hull Mini Album which is fast becoming a favourite of mine (and DT team mate Trace's too!) It's something of a voyage through my crafting journey, made physical in a vintage style.


A short story to explain where it all started - do you ever get those days where you wonder if what you're doing is any good? I think it's because we put so much of ourselves into everything we create that it matters so much what others think. Or do you get those tiny pangs of jealousy, wondering why other people seems to be getting recognition whilst you feel a bit ignored? Go on, admit it, I'm sure we've all felt that at some point. Don't get me wrong; right now I feel anything but ignored but the trouble is, when these thoughts do come they can be very self-destructive. I figured it would be a good idea to have something I can reach for that would remind me about those times when I've got a great reaction to something; it's a bit like having those 'credits' or 'challenge win badges' we have on our blog sidebars/pages but in a physical form.


The idea was to put those photos, badges, comments and emails into a Tim Holtz folio, but those things seem to be rarer than hen's teeth right now, so I set about altering my mini album to do the same job in a slightly smaller form (about 5" square). The look is completely inspired by the incredible creations of my bestie Anne (Redanne) and also the wonder that is Jim Hankins, The Gentleman Crafter.


The cover (which folds together in folio style) makes use of papers from the Menagerie collection, as both backgrounds and ephemera (all those newsprint travel adverts and the photos). Combining them with Distress Ink stencilling and edging, and Distress Marker shadowing has helped to give those papers an even greater sense of age.


A couple of the pertinent parts have been highlighted by applying Translucent paste through stencils and I've used some of the new Lowercase Block Talk lettering and one of the Debossing Folders to add relevant text to the closing flaps. I adore those metal 'Scrapbooking Corners' on the front covers, easy to alter with Black Soot Distress Paint (or you could use Alcohol inks on them) and simple to attach - just press them together!


I'm not boring you with every page; suffice to say they've each been stamped before printed quotes, photos and badges have been added, together with relevant die cuts, stamping and tissue tape. The joy of these albums is that you can use rubber bands to attach each page, meaning you can add/move/remove them easily. When happy with the completed album you can attach them more permanently with tied ribbons, string or suchlike.



Above, you'll see I've also created one of those fold-over flip spines to add photos and journalling. The Hashtag stamps and Remnant Rub-ons are perfect for adding just the right words to some of the pictures.


At the back there's a pocket for holding more messages and even the inside of each fold has been decorated to follow the travel/journey theme.



I'm planning on taking this out and about with me when doing demonstrations and workshops so if you see me just ask to take a closer look. This is also a project that will continue to grow and evolve over time and it's good to know I've got something to look at when those nagging doubts surface.

There's even more Vintage Travel inspiration from the rest of the Design Team over at the Frilly and Funkie challenge blog so head on over before creating your own travel projects. Then link them up to be in with a chance to win. Can't wait to see what you make!

And fantastic news this morning from Linda; "Things have been a little slow the past month here at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. We have a lot of dies and texture fades in stock that are starting to collect dust. I don't know about you, but I hate dusting! Maybe you would like to help us avoid that chore by taking advantage of our Sizzix overstock sale. From now through August 11th, all in-stock Sizzix products are an extra 15% off. That includes Tim Holtz Alterations dies and texture fades. Some of the older dies are discounted even more. The sale does not include pre-ordered products. Check the 'On Sale' tab at the boutique to see what's on sale. It's a great time to stock up on all the seasonal dies and texture fades. Shop early because quantities are limited." Time to grab a bargain- especially with all that new stuff methinks...

Take care of yourselves, Jenny xxx




39 comments:

  1. wow Jenny , this is a beauty what a wonderful make and full of so many wonderful times and memories that have been part of your journey so far...but you have many more wonderful and big adventures ahead of you...you may need to make some more...! A really fabulous project x just love this x :)

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  2. Wow! Oh! Wow! Jenny, another of your amazing projects. I love the idea, lots of work but so worth every moment you have spent on it. I even manage to spot a couple of people I know but have never met.
    I had a few days last week where I felt "unrecognised" but not just in the Crafty World.
    Have a great day
    Hugs

    Patricia xx

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  3. Wonderful work on this but I am so impressed by the idea of it all. Your work is always terrific but I do know what you mean by those sort of days.

    Love Chrissie x

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  4. Incredible work Jenny - I adore this. So beautifully made and love all your embellishments and stamping and seeing photos of everyone. Nikki xx

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  5. wow - this is absolutely brilliant - all the details are amazing and so many different vintage transports in there! Fabulous! Hugs rachel x

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  6. Oh yes Jenny, we have all been there and done that (on a daily basis in my case lol...)
    Your project is absolutely stunning and what a fantastic cool idea, each page is just full of interest and cool techniques, wow.
    You have me really, really curious about that Eileen Hull die now, - what does it do exactly and is it available in the UK???

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  7. Such a breathtaking creation Jenny...gorgeous vintage details and surprises. Gorgeous make!
    greetings, Alie :-)

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  8. What a lovely idea Jenny :-) love your gorgeous mimi album and all the amazing details/photos.
    What a laugh we had that night with Jennie, really cheered me up when I read your note.

    TFS and best wishes

    Annie x x

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  9. Loved redwing your post Jenny, I feel like that on a daily basis lol. Love your album, lovely idea . Beautifully embellished too. Love he pictures, did not realise you had met Mario. Great designed piece. Tracy x

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  10. Jenny -- oh wow!!! I just had to pick my jaw off the ground so it's taken me a moment to get to writing these comments. This is fabulous!!!! What a way to encapsulate this amazing journey you have been on. There are days when we have "crafter's block" and don't feel we are creative at all. We all need a journey scrapbook to remind us of the amazing creativity we have locked up inside of us. Stunning make my friend. Love stenciling :) Fabulous stamping too with wonderful paper. I loved your pictures!!!! -- I could keep going on but you will get bored with my ramblings. Fabulous make!!! -- Mary Elizabeth

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  11. Jenny, your album is total amazement! Love all the personal photos mixed in with all those fabulous elements. Love this!

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  12. I doubt you would ever be unrecognized. Your work is sensational and usually leaves one speechless and often times, a wordless voice is in most regards the highest form of compliment. :)
    Now about this little project...FAN-Frekin'-TASTIC!!!
    hugs!

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  13. Oh Jenny I love this idea and yes, I know exactly what you mean and what a great way to capture all your positive statements and pics in one place. I hadn't seen that die before so will be checking it out. Thanks for the inspiration. Margie x

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  14. This is an amazing project and took a lot of time I think.
    Greetings from Veerle.

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  15. Such a fabulous project, all those wonderful elements, love it Jenny x

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  16. Oh Jenny, thank you for the shout out, you are always so supportive of me and I appreciate it (and you) so very much!

    I totally understand what you are saying and by the looks of the comments above, lots of us feel just the same. This album is perfect and what a fantastic way to show what you have achieved, the lovely people you have met along the way and the wonderful accolades you have received and so deserved. It really is gorgeous and I feel very honoured to have the first one you made - I mught just do the same with mine, although I could only fill one page or so - lol! Big hugs, Anne xx

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  17. Jenny this is an outstanding project. Such a fabulous idea with wonderful details. Really a little treasure.

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  18. love your vintage memory album Jenny, you go from strength to strength with your wonderful creations. Hugs Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  19. Okay... now you are telling me you are psychic...???? Yes, I think we all go thru that... and like you I generally don't have real issues with it... but I still have it happen... like Astrid on a daily basis... LOL... but hey... we all move ON... This journal is OUTSTANDINGLY RICH with details, treasures that I am sure the camera also has missed... as this is just the type of thing that I would expect from YOU... delicious. and down right VERY CREATIVE in all ways... love it Jenny and the colors are very nice for this book too.. lovely charming book... and if you ever think that again about yourself... I am glad you will have this by YOU... Love, Light and Peace...Bonnie

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  20. Fabulous book, great idea. I don't have a blog but I love looking at yours. You are SO creative. I don't always comment but I always look and admire.

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  21. Jenny- W.O.W. This is truly a work of art! I am honored that you used my die to create with- it never looked better- trust me! This is a great idea for a project to make. I have those days too- you are not alone. Some of it might be the solitary nature of our work- sometimes we feel alone and ignored but so lucky we can meet on line and share our creations! Thanks so much for sharing- you made my day for sure!

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  22. This is a brilliant idea Jenny. Its like looking back through an old photo album when your down, you will look at this album and remember the good times and remind yourself how far you have come and what you have achieved, I am sure you will need many more pages for your awards soon. Mo x

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  23. OMG! Jenny what an awesome project...and a fabulous way to store and treasure such wonderful memories... Absolutely Stunning...I love it! Jan x

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  24. What a wonderful folder you created to Jenny! A great way to keep it all together - in a beautifully artistic fashion!

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  25. Stunningly beautiful - and I love the content and the motivation behind the content. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  26. A wonderful project Jenny, and a lovely way to store the memories of your 'journey' and something that will grow and develop, as I'm sure there's a lot more to come.
    Avril xx

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  27. Jenny, this is fabulous! What a gorgeous creation with all the papers and dies, but the photos are grabbing my attention too as I see so many friendly and familiar faces. You must love looking through this and remembering all the special moments. Thanks for sharing it!

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  28. Another amazing project! I'm not sure where to start because there's so many details that I love, so I will give you a blanket FANTASTIC !!!!! Hugs :)

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  29. Amazing creation, totally agree with you on every scale. I have lots of doubts and yes a little jealous of other people. I did a very silly thing a few weeks ago, all of the work on my blog that I had made was put in the bin. I just thought all of my work was not worthy. i am so glad i read through your page, I am now going to keep all of my work and try to be proud of my creations. At the end of the day not everyone will like your work...
    Bryan.

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  30. Brilliant post (with so MUCH to relate to). Fantastic idea. Extraordinary crafting. Overall MASTERPIECE! Well done you!! Nicola x

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  31. You really struck a chord in us, Jenny, both as far as personal doubt and as far as being once again blown over by your incredible talent! This is - well words fail, don't they, when something is out-of-this-world magnificent?!

    I'd like to put this on my list of blog topics for someday if you don't mind? No matter our area of talent in this community, we have all received our share of love and compliments to put in such a reminder book. You're work of art reflecting so beautifully on your journey is a great idea for us all to do in some form or another, even if it is just a typed or handwritten reminder list to refer to during those times when Old Man Undermine comes to call. He is insidious and always in the shadows, no matter how great we are feeling about ourselves. Your idea to have something physical and tangible to pull out and shove in his face when it happens is positively brilliant and I would love to be able to pass it on to my readers, with due credit. Please let me know in an email if you would.

    Have a great weekend! Hugs, Darnell

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  32. I am on catch up having been to the land of no connectivity (our caravan!!) This is fabulous and so nice to see the photo of us all included! I often have those feeling of nobody being out there but when I see that such talented folk as yourself and some of the people commenting here have the same feelings I don't feel so bad! Hugs, Chrisx

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  33. What an amazing project Jenny, and such a fabulous sentiment behind it. This strikes a strong chord for me so reading your post has given me food for thought. Absolutely stunning! Sue C x

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  34. Jenny, that is absolutely spectacular! What a wonderful affirmation folio for you to pull out when you need a wee boost. Suffice to say that your work is amazing and you have no need to ever doubt yourself, you are so talented! Thanks for sharing this work of heart. Deb

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  35. Jenny, this album (and post) is amazing! You can see how much time and thought has gone into your work. I'm coming from Darnell's blog and her post today hit a nerve with me. I'm sure it will be used. to inspire a future post of mine. It always amazes me how much inspiration there is out in blog land...and I am sure you have inspired many people with both your beautiful work and words. Thank you for sharing.

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  36. Hi Jenny, just called in from Darnell's to take a closer look at your amazing inspirational album. So glad you let Darnell share your post as I see from all the comments on both your blogs each of us are not as alone in our insecurities as we think we are. I love your album and what it stands for, thanks for sharing this and your thoughts with us all. Hugs Lottie

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  37. HI Jenny, I just popped over from Darnell's blog to take a look at your stunning and very inspirational album. This is such a brilliant idea and thank you and Darnell for sharing this post...it really resonated with me and it was lovely to read the comments on both blogs and see that we all seem to share the same 'insecurities', hugs Carole Z X

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  38. Thanks to Darnell I found your blog! What wonderful inspiration that album is. Thanks for a wonderful idea! Have a great day!

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  39. Jenny, your album is fabulous, love all the details and I can sure see the effort and love that went into the designs.

    Hugs Diane

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Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments - they are really appreciated and will be published when moderated. Jenny xxx

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