Heritage Scrapbooking - Otto 1918

I haven't done much scrapbooking, but heritage scrapbooking appeals to me on several different levels so I have hopes of pursuing that interest more in the future.

This is a 6x6 inch piece. Otto, the man in the photo, is my paternal grandfather. I never knew him as he died of a brain tumor before I was born. My dad described him as a hard-worker, a good gardener, and particular about his tools. He also liked a good ball game (softball/baseball) and his beer! Another interesting fact is that he was the father of 14 children.

This picture was supposedly taken when Otto was a student at or had graduated from business school. However, no one seems to know anything more specific such as when he attended this school, the name and location of the school, or what he studied. I estimated that this picture was taken around 1918 or 1919, based on his age and the fact that it would have been taken before my grandparents were married in 1920.

Even though I never met my grandfather, I can certainly see how my dad takes after him. My grandfather was a handsome young man and although he never became a businessman, he looks like a man with a lot of promise in this photo.

Supplies:
Decorative papers: Graphic 45, Karen Foster; black Bazzill cardstock; recycled corrugated cardboard; distress inks: walnut stain, antique linen; oval and scalloped oval punches (Stampin' Up!); square and scalloped square Nestibilities (Spellbinders); Tim Holtz Idea-ology knowledge token and spinner arrow; string wrap closure (Michaels); frond punch (Martha Stewart); ivory skeleton leaves; pewter brads; computer-generated journaling.

Vintage Iron Star

I enjoy making masculine-themed cards and vintage images make them a snap to create. I think men enjoy receiving a specialty card just as much as women do. Guys, am I right?

I sent this card to my Uncle Junior when he was having some health problems. This card illustrates how to use distress inks to stamp images, to dye ribbon, and to age or alter paper. The twill ribbon was originally a bright golden yellow; too bright for the look I was hoping to achieve. I used my brayer and vintage photo distress ink to tone it down. The little price tag was brand new and bright white. I gave it an aged look by first crinkling it in my hands, then inking it with scattered straw and walnut stain distress inks. I even used the scattered straw ink to dye the string tied to the tag.

Have a terrific day. Thanks for peeking in!

Supplies:
Star stamp (River City Rubber Works); letter C stamp (Rebecca Sower); clear embossing powder; distress inks: black soot, scattered straw, walnut stain, vintage photo; black Stazon; Cosmo Cricket decorative paper; kraft cardstock; Bazzill cardstock; recycled corrugated cardboard; small price tag; twill ribbon; copper brads; black brad.

Polished Stone Mona

The polished stone technique is one of my favorites, so I naturally turned to my alcohol inks to make a unique background for some new Tim Holtz stamps that I was thrilled to finally get. I love how dramatic the cool stream and the warm terra cotta look with each other.

Another technique I employed on this 4.5 x 6.25 inch card was to heat the ends of the sheer black ribbon. The heat causes the ribbon to curl in unexpected directions which adds quite a bit of interest. I do need to practice this technique more: I found out that a little heat goes a long way.

This will be a birthday card for a close friend of mine who holds an MFA in painting. I'm no Leonardo da Vinci, but I think she will appreciate this latest sample of my artwork.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a fantastic day!

Supplies:
Glossy white cardstock (Ranger Inkssentials); Adirondack alcohol inks: stream, terra cotta, latte; alcohol blending solution; Tim Holtz stamps; Tim Holtz Idea-ology metal findings; Colorbox metal stencils; miscellaneous seed beads; sheer black ribbon; black Stazon ink; terra cotta and black cardstock (Bazzill); ticket corner punch (Stampin' Up!).