Friday, March 22, 2013

A Ladies Diary & Retro Cafe Art + A Give-Away

Well you all know I LOVE  Graphic 45. And the Theatres from Retro Cafe Art are so much fun to work with. So I knew they would be perfect together for this project.
 
Now I want you to know how you can make these. They take a little time, but the rewards are great. I know anyone can make one, and I'll try to show you a few steps along the way.
 
Of course, G45 papers practically put themselves together and need very little else to make them special. To make the colors just a bit richer, I add markers here and there. I also edge my papers with black permanent pen.
 
 
 Kristin has these very cool little Theatre Character Stands that were just perfect for these lovely ladies. They're made out of Masonite as well, so you can move them around anywhere you want like paper dolls. I fussy cut the gals, the roses on the drapes, the Sign on the top, and the Roses behind it. Everything else is straight cut here.
 
This starts with the Large Ornate Theatre Shrine Kit. I didn't paint it or anything....I like the dark brown color of the Masonite as it is. The finished theatre here is 7" wide, 8" tall (including the legs added) and 3  3/4" deep.

 
I used Karen Burniston's Fancy Frame (again, I seem to love it everywhere) for the lady on the end here. It's hard to see, but it's Rock Candy Distress Stickles Dry Glittered up.
 
For paper to paper I use Glue N' Seal, and for adhering paper to the Masonite, I use Matte Multi Medium applied with a large brush.
 
You can see I've cut out and layered a small stamp as filler at the bottom corner, and the end has 2 layers of paper 1/2 inch in difference for the framing affect. The flowers are added over the top of the frame for depth. 

 
 This is what started this whole project....we think this looks like Lady Mary from Downton Abbey, in the Oval Frame. Isn't she gorgeous??? More fussy cut flowers and 3D Black Foam Squares are used here.
  
 
 This is the floor, or base of the theatre. Here I show you how I traced the first layer, then took off about 1/2 inch all around for the 2nd layer. The other pieces are found in the trim page of the 8x8 paper pack. LOVE the lace, don't you?
 
I've also found Tea Dye Distress Ink added to these papers makes the color a little bit richer. So I add it sparingly to edges and lighter colors.

 
 And this is the back wall. Using a darker paper to make a framed piece always makes the colors pop. I also added a few flourish stampings with Coffee Archival Ink for contrast.
 
Distress Markers or water based markers add more color and shadows.
 
 
This piece of paper only has the one green edge (the top) in the paper pack. I trimmed extra edges off and used them to frame in the back piece of paper. You can frame anything you want using trim like this.

 
You can see in this detail shot of the side and front, how the flowers and frame are raised with foam squares to add dimension.
  
Once you get all the pieces decorated, a little bit of glue puts these together. Easy-Peasy. And it's so much easier than trying to get my fat little fingers inside a pre-made piece to measure and glue!
 
Truly!
  
 
The Drapes and front are all one piece traced and glued to that section. I layered another contrasting paper on top of it..a bit smaller, and then the fussy cut Roses as the top layer.
 
The sign on the top is added over the Roses with Black Foam Squares.
 
I painted the stands white after painting them brown didn't work well for me. The lady in the Theatre just has a piece of cardstock folded like an easel stand and glued to the back to keep her in place.
 
To raise the Theatre up I used wooden pieces painted brown.
 
AND.....WHO WANTS TO WIN A FREE Retro Art Cafe piece to make for themselves????
 
Kristin is sending me a box of goodies and we've decided someone should WIN one of their own Shrines/Theatre and a few goodies to go with it.
 
Soooooo, leave me a comment here on my blog and we'll have a drawing for a great prize!
 
Linda 

100 comments:

Helen said...

Me please, me please, lol!! I love this - such a different look to the Paperarsty one yesterday, from the same starting point - this is just beautiful. Thanks Linda.

Astrid Maclean said...

Oh this is soooo pretty and what a totally fabulous give away, please put my name in the hat!!

Anonymous said...

No, pick me, pick me!!!!! ;-))) Seriously, this is so beautiful & very elegant. It reminds me of a tv show called 'The Good Old Days' that was on in the UK forever ago.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful project Linda ! I love the images and the way you've staged it is fabulous ! Would love to get my hands on the give away ! Sue C x

Theresa said...

EEK! I would LOVE to try my hand at a retro art café piece!!! What fun it would be to create my own little stage!!! Yours, by the way, is GORGEOUS!

sue said...

Love anything Graphic 45! When you create with it WOW!

Sugar Lump Studios said...

Linda this is just stunning! Always love seeing what you create next.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Nancy

Gloria said...

I've always loved the Ladies Diary papers, and this is a beautiful way to showcase them! Delightful creation ~ as always.

Sharon Y said...

Love these ladies and their theater. Nice work. Thanks.

Karen B said...

The details in this are so rich, layered and stunning, Linda! A beautiful one-of-a-kind piece!

Kathie said...

I love how you use Graphic 45 papers!!

Kate Yetter said...

Such a masterpiece, Linda! Full of beautiful paper layers and dimention. You have such a way with everything you touch. I love these vintage ladies and the stage you have created. Every angle is full of eye candy. Well done!
Kate

Theresa said...

Your 3-D art is always so inspiring. And the details you add make it fabulous. thanks as always for sharing.

Elaine A said...

Hi Linda -

This really looks amazing. How long did it take you to make? It looks like you did a lot of fussy cutting? One of my favorite things to do (Weird isn't it - LOL?). Really loving all the detail you incorporated, again, simply gorgeous!

Elaine Allen

S@ndy Diller said...

Beautiful piece - the SHRINE IS FAB and don't you just love Graphic 45? Nice Job!!!

Lynne Forsythe said...

Can I just say.....I am standing here at my computer....scrolling down your post....just SHAKIN' MY HEAD......WOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!! You are my "crafty hero" Linda!!

Virginia said...

Love this! I love Kristin's theatre shrine plus all of Retro Cafe Art's products. The Graphic45 paper lent itself so well to your project. Great work!

Anonymous said...

I simply love this piece. what woman wouldn't? Love the Graphic 45 papers you used. Sure would love to win!


Debbie Emmons

Lori said...

Oh my garsh...this is awesome! Those theater stands?? Must have.what a great idea for paper cut outs!!! Love it!

Kay Wallace said...

I am a Graphic 45 fan in general, but "A Ladies Diary" in my most favorite of all their collections! And, you have just added interest by enhancing these papers and then creating the stage! Brilliant work, Linda! Just love this!

jude said...

Absolutely awesome love the theatre ,and graphic 45papers go so well. Thanks for chance to win fingers crossed would give them solving home!

Rockin' Robin S. said...

Simply AWESOME !!!! and yes of course I would love love love to WIN !!!!!

shari said...

Your project is just beautiful! I would love a chance to win, thanks so much for the chance.

Donna Gibson said...

I love these theater kits and you certainly make it look easy! I ordered a few things from Retro Cafe after you featured them in another post. They have some great stuff!! And I love the way you turned Karen's Fancy Frame end-on-end! Don't think I would have ever thought to do that!!

Linda M. Cain said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
TinaW said...

What fun! Retro Cafe has such great goodies.

Anonymous said...

Linda, this is just WAAAAY too cool for words!! Love it!

Heather said...

ah i hope I win. These are so awesome!

Jackie said...

The shrine is lovely and the ladies are divine. Isn't it fun that at our age (whatever that may be) we can still play with paper dolls and more. Thanks for the chance to win.

Rhonda Z said...

The shrine is awesome! I would love to win.

Paper Profusion said...

Fantabulous and gorgeously theatrical Linda. Nicola x

ionabunny said...

Hi Linda, I love Graphic 45 papers. Your shrine is lovely. Thanks for sharing

Mo said...

Ah Linda, You've finally won me over. Lol. I can't resist this theater combined with A Ladies Diary. Love it. Thanks for sharing all the extra touches you use to enhance the paper - such great know-how to have at hand.I've been following you closely at PaperArtsy too. Enjoying it all immensely. Now if Retro Cafe would just design a mini walled garden to build my dream of a G45 Secret Garden in, I would have enough in the way of projects for years.
Hugs
Mo(Mori49)

mamablitger said...

Oh dear...Linda your art is awedome..Love how this cafe theathre turned out. So pretty and very vintage..
Thanks a lot for sharing and for an option to win....Please pick me...LOL
Hugs from SPAIN

Terri said...

This is just so cool. I have always wanted my own theater, and this one would fit in my house!

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

I've not seen these before, and oh...they are wonderful! Ladies' Diary is one of my favorite collections. I've hacked mine to bits! I'd love a chance to play with this fabulous theater. Once Upon a Springtime would be a great choice!

Words and Pictures said...

What a perfect combination of the theatre with the G45 ladies - amazing creation Linda, I love it! And what a lovely chance to win one to have a go ourselves - thank you so much!
Alison x

Tarnished Rose said...

Beautiful. Love the way everything looks.

Msrilyn

sam21ski said...

Ooooh, ooooh, ooooh, Linda, what a fantastic little theatre you've got going on there.

And I was in ore of your fabulous make over on the PA blog. So yeah, I'd love to be in with a chance of winning one of these wonderful shrines. It took me ages to read the blog post as I hopped over there from the PA post and spent ages there, I could of spent loads of money there too!! I know Leandra has been trying her hardest to source some, but up to now, to no avail!! So to have one first would be fabulous!!

Sam xxx

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

Oh, this is darling! I would love to give a theater a try - my penchant for creating scenes in tins would translate well, I think! Thanks for the inspiration and a chance to win!

Cheers,
Susan

Unknown said...

You can't beat Graphic 45 and your project is fabulous

Marijane said...

This is so cool! It reminds me of a crafting technique called "paper tole" (a type of layered decoupage) from back in the '70's, only "kicked-up" on steroids! You may have done some of that, Linda, the crafty person that you are! We used "Holly Hobbie" prints and created dimension by layering. That's where I learned to "fussy-cut" pretty well. I always love Graphic 45 papers and the theater is the perfect vehicle to showcase the papers.

Samsmitty said...

I would love to win this !! NO one around here sells Graphic 45, so anything I find I have to buy on line ! I ration my purchases as I am on a fixed income besides!! Thank you for all your inspiration !!

Debby said...

Another lovely project from you Linda. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the chance to win one of these pieces!

wwilloww said...

I love your theater Linda and would just love to win my own to alter!!! I'm with you about Graphic 45. just incredible art papers!!!

Linda M. Cain said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Theresa Merkling said...

I was thrilled with the last collection of goodies I got from you and am a Graphic45 fan too. LOVE the new shrine showcased and would be thrilled to win...

krcmasterpiece said...

You never disappoint! This project is using my favorite G45 paper. I love the fussy cut ladies. You always ROCK!

Unknown said...

Well your little theater is simply the sweetest! I sure wouldn't mind making one for myself. Would be a lovely gift for a little girl to play with or just have it up on display. G45 is my all time favorite paper company and would be ecstatic to win a prize like this! Thanks for your tutorial!

Sheri said...

The theater turned out cute. very pretty.

reno272 said...

This is so beautiful, you are a very talented. I love Ladies diary. Thank you for posting the tutorial.

Christine Slak said...

Absolutely adore your theater. I have to let you know you know this piece is inspiring me to create new and bigger things. Lov, love, love it!!

Marianne B in AZ said...

Quite Impressive! Love G45 Ladies Diary!

debpaint16 said...

This is so Beautiful!!! You had such a Lovely Canvas in the Ladies Diary Collection!! Thanks so much for the great tutorial!!!
debpaint16@aol.com

B said...

Absolutely beautiful creation! Very inventive idea!! LOVE G45 papers. Great job, Linda....

HappyScrappin said...

OH my gosh . This is so creative and absolutely beautiful. I too Love Graphic 45 and this collection, A Ladies Diary, is my favorite. Thank you for the tutorial on how to create this. Oh and thank you for a chance to win the theater. Have a blessed day.

DarcieGlam said...

This is so beautiful! I love all of the fussy cutting, the gorgeous details and how you brought the theatre to life!

Sandy said...

This is so elegant. We have changed so much over the years. What a wonderful era that must have been. One of my favorites. But then that is why I'm so in love with Graphic 45 papers.

Jean Bullock said...

Oh, my goodness! I just popped over to see your wonderful project and then I found out you are also giving us a chance to win something. Talk about icing on the cake. Score!
This is a great project and I am popping it into my grab bag of ideas. Thanks, so much!

Unknown said...

This is amazingly lovely. I can't even begin to imagine what the creative process is that leads to a creation like this. I can only copy what I see others do, but I wouold love to tackle a project like this to give to my two little grand-nieces. I think they would cherish something this lovely.

cyndie2010 said...

Wow that is so amazing. Your ability to take paper and create such stunning pieces of art is spectacular. Thank you for sharing and the opportunity.

Claudia N. said...

I love paper toy theatres and the G45 theatre just looks amazing! Ypu are right about the G45 papers putting themselves together perfectly but one still has to have the imagination what to create with them!

Awesome job!

Hugs,
die amelie x

Sandy said...

I wish you could see the smile on my face - fabulous Daahlin" Absolutely fab!!!!
Sandy

Jackie said...

Your theater is absolutely beautiful!! I would love to try it!

Sue Eldred said...

Just beautiful and you make it seem like anyone could do it. Great project.

Unknown said...

Fainting- what a beautiful!! piece!!

Pamela said...

What a gorgeous work of art!, What a perfect way to show off these Graphic 45 papers. So inspiring, thank you for sharing.

Craftylyn said...

You've done a beautiful job of this theater - A Ladies Diary is the most stunning paper. I'd love to try my hand at creating something like this.
Linda

2amscrapper said...

Fabulous project!!!! I would so love for you to pick me, Linda!

Norma Gomez said...

Really gorgeous project! Thanks for the chance to win some goodies :D

Connie said...

I am not surprised at all the comments and all the people hoping to win your art price. Visiting your blog is an adventure in wonderful. I adore what you do.
Thank you for sharing.
Your blogging sister, Connie :)

Catherine SIWCZAK said...

this is an amazing creation linda ! Congratulations and thanks for the giveaway !

Louise@ElsieMayandBertha said...

Oooh I've not seen these before. When I was little we used to stay in a flat in a big house in Penmaenmawr, Wales and the lady of the house let me and my sister play with a little card and paper theatre that had been her children's. I'd not remembered that until I saw this blog post, so thank you :-)

Viki Banaszak said...

That is a beautiful shrine! I agree. Those papers are so lovely to work with.

Claire Selby-pinkdilla said...

So sweet! I would love to wine a kit! Thank you for sharing how you got the imensional details and how you used the ink.

Claire Selby-pinkdilla said...

Dang phone buttons, that is supposed to say win and dimensional!!!

Kathy said...

What a gorgeous creation! You are so talented. I love your theme and what you did with the theater. It is beautiful. Thank you for sponsoring the giveaway!!!!

Unknown said...

I found Retro Cafe Art because I luckily came across your blog. I love your creations and am inspired every time I visit. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent!

Unknown said...

I have always loved Graphic 45! Thank you for sharing! *hugs*

Kim B said...

Absolutely gorgeous!! I would lvoe to win such a fab. My fav show is Downton Abbey. Thanks for a chance to win such a wonderful giveaway. I would love to create.

Julie S said...

She DOES look like Lady Mary! Your work is such eye candy. I don't know if I'd have the patience to make such a spectacular piece but I certainly love looking at yours. The little stands are perfect.

julie case said...

Wow, this is gorgeous Linda!! What a fantastic giveaway! Thanks so much for the inspiration and the chance to win!

Momma Bear said...

you always have such great ideas, thank you!

Lin said...

Linda this piece is absolutely gorgeous with a capital G!!!
Love your work and Downton Abbey was a brilliant series loved it!!

Karen Buchanan said...

Wonderful shrine! Love Graphic 45.

Lillian Child said...

I simply adore theatrics!!! These ladies are so LOVELY!!

Jackie said...

Oh My! Linda- this shrine is simply fantabulous! Count me in to win!

Diana Fernandez said...

Wow! What amazing work! I would love to win! I adore g45 products!

Bonnie Irvine said...

This is an amazing theatre. I love all of the details and dimension. It's a gorgeous paper line but your imagination and creativity have taken it to an entirely new level. Love the fussy cutting and use of dimensional foam. The theatre shrine is a great substrate. Awesome.

Boni said...

Oh wow I thought Retro was so kewl by itself I never thought of Graphic 45 so together they make double wow

Anonymous said...

Wow, your theater is absolutely amazing!!!
I feel like pulling up a seat and waiting for the show to start! Great job!!!

And who doesn't love goodies from Retro Cafe? I love that store

ann said...

Wow this is totally amazing, I love G45 so thank you for the chance to win.xx

Wanda said...

that is incredible! and yes, I would love to win :-)

nelda said...

I have really been wanting to make a theater and your piece is so inspiring. Thanks for the chance to win!

silvergran said...

How absolutely gorgeous! A theatre, G45 papers, and your amazing creativeness - fabulous combination!

Cocofolies said...

FABULOUS theater WOOOOW !!! I realy love Graphic45 papers too, and you're right when you say need not much extra stuff to shine... Thank you for the giveaway, please count me !! Have a great Easter week-end, very best wishes. Coco xx

Brenda Brown said...

Fabulous creation so beautifully designed and created.
Have a happy Easter.
Hugs Brenda xox

nicki_sew said...

Simply beautiful! You have a gift!!!
Happy Easter!!

Eniko said...

Goodness! What a fabulous post and gorgeous projects! I've never heard of Retro Art Cafe before...so glad you've acquainted us! I am a diorama maniac!!!! I would LOVE to win this prize!!!! Thanks for the chance!

Linda said...

Just found your blog and it is like finding a kindred spirit. I love vintage and this is right up my alley. I hope Retro Art is at CKC. I will be looking for their booth. It would be great to win this prize.