We are moving right along with our mash-up with That's Crafty! and today is no disappointment either!  Today, we have Lynne Moncrieff and a piece inspired by the stars.  It's loaded with so much texture, you'll wish you could touch it through your screen!  Remember to revisit each post this week, leave a comment, and cross your fingers that you are picked to be our winner of *3* Relics & Artifacts® Matte Resin Craft Blanks of your choosing!

One of many wondrous aspects of creating is when a gathering of supplies magically unveil a narrative, a vignette, bringing meaning to a project.  When the result has personal significance, even though it might not be evident to another’s eyes, that is when creating becomes a multi-layered experience.  This project is such a piece, with the personal significance of my relationship with Relics & Artifacts and That’s Crafty, both companies coming together in this week of collaborations.  I am in such a privileged position to be on the teams for both companies, companies whose products I adore, add to that, the honour of being in teams who are passionate about their creative lives. 

Relics & Artifacts constantly inspire and with a wide range of That’s Crafty surfaces available, it is a wonderful marriage when combining products from both companies.  Often, it is the Relics & Artifacts, whispering their stories into my ear that is the springboard for a project however, this time, the journey began with a stamp, one of my That’s Crafty Lynne’s Affirmations, “Always believe the stars are within your grasp”. 

It is easy, in this world, to become jaded; positive words can seem cliche.  But my belief, Affirmations can surely do no harm so long as the intention is always from an honest place and used appropriately.   The realisation that a Relics & Artifacts Milagros hand paired with the Affirmation stamp, could come together in the form of a shrine, thanks to a That’s Crafty Art Shrine.

In life, we truly are on a journey and as with any journey, no matter the distance, it is not always the smoothest of rides, yet we keep our focus on the destination. This I tried to convey with the elements I brought together such as the Infusions stained corrugated cardboard scrap, set in the niche of the shrine, a symbol of ruts in the road.  Dipping into a Rust Painted Finished kit, I set about altering the silver star Dresden Trim into rusty stars. The contrast of the Diamond Bohemian Jewels on the rusted stars gracing the arch of the shrine, represent the shining light of hope we should try to keep within us.  Barely seen on the face of the shrine and look closely, stamped onto wispy pieces of mop-up paper (Infusions stained kitchen paper towel) are stars.

Lives are busy but it would be wonderful if you found time to visit each Relics & Artifacts and That’s Crafty collaboration project.  Each team artist has created inspirational art with their individual styles shining through.  Today, Nikki Acton has an awe inspiring piece in monochromatic splendor for you.

Supplies:
Relics & Artifacts® Milagros
Relics & Artifacts® Dresden Trim Star Chain Silver
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels - Diamond
That’s Crafty Surfaces Matchbox Arch Art Shrine
That’s Crafty Clear Stamp Set – Lynne’s Affirmations Set 1
PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics: Seth Apter Set 1 (Buff, Midnight)
PaperArtsy Grungepaste
PaperArtsy Infusions: Sleight Blue, In The Navy
Plaid Folkart Painted Finished Kit - Rust
Golden Gesso, Matte Gel Medium
Staz-on Jet Black Ink

Extras: star shell button, black cotton sewing thread, re-cycled cardboard ribbon spool, motif cut from vintage doily, rusty tin wire, re-cycled corrugated box packaging, calico, various Infusions stained laces and mop up papers