Sunday, February 28, 2016

Nelson Loves Millie


This is the story of Nelson and Millie, who are on their honeymoon in Paris in 1946.  

They met while he was serving in the second World War, stationed in England. 

She was a refugee
 from France, where she had been a cabaret singer prior to the occupation by Nazi Germany June 14, 1940. 

 I cannot imagine what this must have felt like.....just as I cannot imagine now the suffering of the thousands of political refugees still trying to escape Syria and other notorious homelands. 

But back to Nelson and Millie..... this is my tag for Tim's February challenge.  

I started by staining a #10 manila tag with Tumbled Glass stain, and drying.  Then I used the stencil technique described by Mr. Holtz, using Peacock Feathers and his fabulous Flourish stencil.  I do not yet have the mini version, but I did use the larger version thrice horizontally as he describes to cover my tag.



I love, love, love the watercolor effects of this technique!!  Even though this stencil has large areas of stencil material, it still registers beautifully as a watercolor.  I chose this because I envision Nelson and Millie ensconced in a lovely Paris hotel, with gorgeous wallpaper!  

I distressed the edges with Frayed Burlap DI, and then I sponged on some Pumice Stone DI through the Harlequin stencil....I don't have a picture because I moved right onto my image.

I had thought to use a very sweet image from the Passport Photos collection, but I did not like how the left side of the image cut off the potential Millie's face....even though I adore the couple.  So I went online, and located the image I used.... printing it on regular copy paper at 90% of the original.  This size cut off the gorgeous velvet brocade curtains on the right of Millie, and the fact that she is actually sitting on a faux Roman pedestal... but I wanted the detail for their faces, and also to eliminate the evidence of Nelson's lit cigarette!



Now to the frame.  I made this by using two nested dies, and one of my mop-up tags from this.  I also cut a small heart lock from a Sizzix lock and key collection from the same tag, as well as the little Movers and Shapers Eiffel Tower.   Not the right color, I know - but trying to keep to the color schematic here, lol!  The heart lock represents the now discontinued Love Bridge...imagine 45 tons!!! 

I used some left-over letters from the same previous piece, using the coppered-colored card, and as "N" and "M" were there.... well, you can see where this went with the names!

Next, I applied Ranger texture paste with the small Valentine sentiment stencil, and added some detailed copper embossing powder - got a little messy on the "adore", but better on the "you and me".



Last, I made a bow from seam binding spritzed with Tumbled Glass Spray Stain, and then aged with a new Prima powder specifically designed for this purpose.



And here is the finished piece.


Thank you so much for visiting.... and if you've time, please do leave a comment!  I love hearing your thoughts! And PS - I am reluctant to put on the new craft sheet from Santa, since this one still works even though it is a bit scrungy.  I did get some oven liners per Lisa's suggestion... now I just need to clear everything off to put them in place, lol!! 

xxx Lynn

21 comments:

  1. Awwww! They look to be having a ball and yokin it up! What a wonderful story about the lovebirds and so original. Love that you were able to get the picture you wanted and the end result is so worth it! Your watercolor efforts paid off big time! Magnificent! I am very intrigued about that Prima powder you used to age the ribbon! Gears are spinning in my head. Hugz! ~Niki

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  2. Lynn, I always enjoy my visits to your blog, although they are sporadic, but that's the way I roll these days! I can't seem to keep up with all the blogging action, but I want to get to see EVERYTHING you do, eventually! I love your version of Tim's Feb. tag, especially that watercolor background--perfect choice of stencil, I think! Wonderful story and fabulous copper embossing. Like Niki, I've got to find out more about this Prima stuff--your ribbon looks amazing! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your sweet, sweet comments on my blog. They have made my days brighter! Hugs!

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  3. What a beautiful version of the original Lynn and I love how you have woven your story into your creative process! The water colour background/wall paper effect is truly stunning and such a worthy background to your two love birds. It seems all of us are intrigued by that Prima powder, off to google it. Have a wonderful week!

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  4. Oh my gosh Lynn! I so thought of regal wallpaper when I peeked at this! You really used the stencil technique beautifully! The image is priceless and the combo of rust and teal is my favorite! Truly beautiful and meaningful take. Good luck! <3

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  5. Lynn, I've just read through your post for this month's tag and adore your story. Your choice of colour is wonderful and you worked the stencil technique beautifully...it looks stunning. C. xx

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  6. Oh wow Lynn, that background you created is just to 'die for'! The colour is stunning and your embellishments look wonderful, the rust elements look wonderful against the Peacock Feathers... Hugs, Anne xx

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  7. Lynn, what a beautiful tag, as always and love how you represented the Love Bridge! I love your story, and the colors are beautiful. Awesome! Thanks so much for your comment left on my blog...I'm so sorry to hear about your cat.

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  8. Gorgeous Lynn! I am just in love that flourish background, wow!! Fabulous colour and amazing technique. What a great backdrop for rustic elements. Love it! hugs :)

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  9. Fabulous interpretation of Tim's February tag Lynne, love your colour palette and the wonderful story that accompanies that great photograph! Thanks so much for sharing it, Deb xo

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  10. Lynn, I was quite swept away with the tale of Nelson and Millie. They sound like such a fun pair, I am sure they liked high jinx and good times! The aged effect is so perfect and I love the symbol of the locket to represent those on the Love Bridge, or those that were previously on the bridge! The actual tag background, I could easily see this as wallpaper in a hotel.
    A stunning tag visually but the story of this couple makes it extra special in my eyes.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  11. I love the story of Nelson and Millie! A beautiful tribute to their love this tag, so romantic and original too.

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  12. I'm a bit overdue for a visit (it's March already!) but my compliments to you for a great February tag. The background is SO dreamy and IMHO an under-estimated technique that's simple and produces great results. You nailed it! I so agree about your comment on suffering and only wish we could learn from the past and not repeat it (maybe someday, when only women are in power :)

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  13. Lovely watercolour stencil effect, and the rusty embellishments look great against the soft turquoise. I'm glad Nelson and Millie found time for love in a world of turmoil, and I hope the world today can find its way to putting love and compassion at the heart of things instead of fear, hatred and capital gain.
    Alison x

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  14. Lynn your tag is gorgeous, you have taken Tim's techniques and used them to create a beautiful backdrop for Nelson and Millie. The stencilled water colouring is so effective and the personalised textures and adornments make this something very special to celebrate this lovely couple and their endearing love story. Love it.
    Hope you are having a good week.
    Hugs Brenda xxx

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  15. What a beautiful tag - I love your watercolour technique and can't figure out how you've done it - I'm going to have to pop over to Tim's Feb challenge now! The rusty embellishments look so good on that fabulous background. I also love the effect of the new powder you've got - something else I'm going to go and have a look at!
    Diana xx

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  16. Lynn, hope you are doin okay? I keep checking to see if you have any new designs here. Just wanted you to know I'm stalking your blog. Haha! Hugz!

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  17. Lynn, you keep leaving me such lovely comments on my blog, I had to pop in to see what I've been missing. I've had a few computer issues and working on a borrowed and shared laptop. I type really fast, and sometimes click on a button I shouldn't so I lose more than I type! That said, I am really behind getting to everyone. So happy I haven't missed anything with you lately. Hope all is well! Hugs!

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  18. Hi Lynn! Where've you been? I miss seeing new projects by you!! I hope everything's okay...
    I do want to thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving me some sweet comments on my latest projects. It's so nice to receive compliments and words of encouragement from talented crafters such as yourself! Hopefully you'll get your Tim tag done - I'm looking forward to another one of your beautiful creations :-)

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  19. Just popped back to say thank you for leaving me such a wonderful comment on my news I so appreciated your kind words and also to wish you a Happy Easter.
    hugs Brenda xxx

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  20. It's been quiet here - I do hope all is okay. Sorry to be somewhat absent lately... we're even working 2 - 11pm today so just time to dash round and wish you a happy Easter!
    Alison x

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  21. Beautiful tag, love how the flourish background was achieved and the colours are so pretty. Ruth xx

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