Friday 4 April 2014

A little bit French for A Vintage Journey

Hello everyone and lovely to see you.
I am super excited to be hosting the 3rd challenge over at A Vintage Journey. The theme I chose was "A little bit French. You can read all the details over on the blog there.

For my project I created a little mini book inspired by Tim's new Collection Folios, only as I don't have one yet, I decided to create a kind of mini version myself.
The little book tells the love story (Histoire d'Amour) of the dashing young Francois Du Pré. You can see him here on the cover (ok so I found him among Tim's Found Relatives....).
I made the cover for my little book out of Ranger manila card stock.
 I cut it to 6" by 11 3/4" (I did not want it totally square) and scored at 5 1/4 from both sides leaving me with a 1 1/4 spine.
The inside of the book was constructed following Laura Denison's Stack the Deck method. Here is a link to instructions on how to do that. I made mine out of Kraft Card. This is what it looked like from the front and the back:
I used two 6 x 6" envelopes and some tags and tickets to make the inside. You will need to glue the envelopes shut and then trim one side to the size you want the pages to be. The opening will fit over the hinge bits as you can see from the photos below:
 Envelope trimmed to size
And slid over the hinge bit. Please note, only do this after you have covered your envelopes with your chosen papers and decorations.

Alright, let's look at the pages now and hear the story of how Francois found the beautiful Rose Delieux...
Here you can see Francois, born just outside Paris, the son of a well to do industrialist. He is an avid writer and writes the most wonderful love letters. Hence one of his many inkwell and quill pens on the cover.

One day on a trip to Paris, while visiting friends, he met the beautiful Rose, dressed in all her finery, still young and demure, but oh so lovely, Francois fell in love with her on first site:
Here is one of the many love letters he would subsequently write to her, but alas, for many a month, he never got a reply...
As the months and years passed, Francois started to pine away, until one day he decided he must return to Paris to meet her again, he asked his friend and mentor to come along with him...
On the left a tag, depicting this trip and on the right, his mentor, the stern monsieur La Blanche. This is how they fit into the folio:
Now on this trip, something special happened, you will see it on the back of these tags: (I will only give you a brief outline of a very long story)...They met Rose's younger sister, sweet Geraldine. The moment she saw Francois she remembered him, and with a twinkle in her eye told him to just be brave, go and see her big sister and ask for her hand in marriage. The reason she had not written back was only because she was not sure that his intentions were honourable, but really she had been pining for him terribly too... You see Geraldine below, when she was still very young
Well, Francois, did not need to be told twice, and off he went to see Rose again, this time much more mature but just as lovely as before.
As you can imagine, what happened next was wonderful, - he fell on his knee, proposed and soon the wedding was celebrated. Below is one of the pictures of the wedding, unfortunately a little damaged by time. Rose still looks a little uncertain, but in her heart she was blissfully happy.

For their honeymoon they decided to go to London; not long after Rose fell pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful little girl, they named her Geraldine, after her sister, because she had been instrumental in bringing them together.

Their trip to London, you can see one of the tickets of a theater performance they saw, and of course they also saw the changing of the guards and Big Ben.
Little Geraldine aged 3. (This was a photo transfer using gel medium. Shelly Hilcox has a brilliant tutorial on how to do this, you can see it here: )

The back of the tags and the end page showing some of Francois's illustrious ancestors, all worthy industrialists too.....

Here you can still see the outside covers when the book is open and with that I have come to the end of my story.
Hope you liked it and that you could see more or less how I put it all together. The papers were from the French Industrial and the new Wallflower collections. All photos from the Found Relatives cards,  I used several different stamp sets, but mostly Paris to London and Nature Walk and of course loads of different bits of Ideaology. Almost all product used can be found at Country View Crafts who are the sponsors of our challenge.
Well, thank you so much for dropping in and maybe some of you even stayed with it until the end. Hope you will check out the Vintage  Journey blog and see the amazing projects my team mates have created and of course we all hope you will join in the challenge!

I apologize for this very long and photo rich posts and hope you will have a great weekend and enjoy some inky creative time!!

80 comments:

Nicole Wright Designs said...

I love all the photo's! This is really beautiful! Great timing, I'm working on a Mini with this paper too! Book is build now for all the fun bits. I love all the stuff you loaded in here. It's helpful now I have so many pages to build. Awesome inspiration!

Netty said...

wow Astrid, this is a book and a half, every page is fabulous, Annette x

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

Suzanne C said...

Fantastic! I enjoyed the journey through the pages and the story behind them!

Scrumplescrunch said...

Hello Astrid,
Just one word: Fantastic!
Smiles:)
Sue

Marisa Job said...

This is absolutely beautiful!! Love everything about it!!

Rita said...

Good Morning Astrid. What a wonderful shabby French style book. A very interesting creation with lots to see. I just want to feel it in my hands. Have a Good Day. Hugs Rita xxx

Anonymous said...

Astrid you have taken my breath away with this gorgeous piece. I want one of these. Thanks so much for sharing this magnificent book. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Karen.x

Susanna said...

Beautiful book and what a lovely story and happy end! Have a nice and inspirational weekend Astrid! And thank you for visiting my blog ;)

Jenny Marples said...

Having got so lost in the story I had to scroll back to look at your beautiful creation again!! Love the way you've put this together and the veritable feast of ideas on display. Jenny x

Jane said...

Hi Astrid I came over from the Vintage Journey to see your book in detail. Wow what an amazing creation with such sweet details and a story to boot. This is such a work of art, thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity. I really hope to have some time to join this challenge as it really is a fun one with lots of possibilities x

Ink Art Designs said...

This is one of the most incredible pieces of art that I have seen! The thought and process...amazing!
Dot x

Valerie-Jael said...

Absolutely fantastic, so much to see, so many wonderful details, I am most impressed. Hugs, Valerie

Maryann Laursen said...

Oh my goodness Astrid, this is sooooo fabulous and your book is stunning, and I just loved to read your little story with it too. You are such a fabulous crafter and I absolutely LOVE your stunning work always.Such amazing and facinating work all the way through and filled to the brim with amazing details. I´m totally blown away with the beauty here. You really rock lady.
Have a wonderful week-end.

Redanne said...

Oh I do love a happy ending! Your story is wonderful but your book is fabulous Astrid! I love every single detail you have added - stunning work. Hugs, Anne xx

Ruth said...

Gosh Astrid, I'm in absolute awe, it would take me months to make anything even remotely like that, so beautifully done, absolutely love it, GORGEOUS!!

Meggymay said...

Wow, a stunning, amazing, project. Loved the story of the pages and the details take more than one look to take in their beauty and content.
Yvonne

rachel said...

wow astrid - I love it - your words have taken me off to drift in a pool of romance - wonderful details and lovely story xx

Claudia N. said...

This is utterly brilliant and beautiful, Astrid! LOVE your album!

Claudia x

Kath Stewart said...

gorgeous album Astrid and thanks for the tutorial on how to make it...great challenge and one I will not be able to resist playing along with...hugs kath xxx

Unknown said...

Wow, what a monumental project Astrid - it's stunning! I love everything about this, the design, the composition of the pages, everything. Fabulous! Chris xxx

Zuzu's Blog said...

Wow Astrid! what a treasure. I think this is maybe one of my all time favourites of yours. I hope you still have it as i would like to see it in RL next time we get together. it needs held and touched and gazed upon.... Oooo

Elaine said...

As someone else said I love a happy ending too and your mini book is a very happy ending to lots of work. Fabulous vintage feel and I can tell you really immersed yourself in this project. Fantastic work. Elaine x

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Stunning Astrid, love your story and your design is gorgeous. Love all the vintage images and each one is embellished so,beautifully. Love the soft vintage feel to this. Tracy x

Heather Jacob said...

so amazing, inspiring and so so beautiful. you are the mistress of vintage ... wow wow wow !!!

Ros Crawford said...

Beautifully told and illustrated ... A wonderful treasure here Astrid!

Unknown said...

marvellous and so romantic many emotions thank

Unknown said...

I want to participed at "positivity journal" also i take the logo thank you very much

Sophie said...

Es ist so schön, dass mir die Worte fehlen, liebe Astrid.
Ich kann nur sagen: CHAPEAU!


Herzlichst Sophie xx

Candy C said...

Oh Astrid....I am in LOVE with your mini book about love! :) Every page is brilliant done. You've used Tim's found relatives with perfection! I have got to check out Shelley's technique for that beautiful background you've done. I love that effect! Thank you for all of the beautiful pictures and wonderful write up. I felt like I was peeking over your shoulder as you were creating this beauty! <3 Candy

Maryanne said...

Wow!! What a book and what a story! This is just fabulous, all of it!! I love the book and the way you constructed it. And, the story is so lovely! Just fabulous!

Terry said...

And what a love story you shared and I just know they lived happily ever after! Astrid, your mini is full of so many beautiful pages. Not only do I love the story behind each page, but all the layers that came together so perfectly! Would love to see this beauty IRL! Hugs and enjoy the weekend!

Juliz Design Post said...

This is wonderful Astrid and I was totally absorbed into your story and craft work I wasn't aware of it being a long post until you said, so no apology needed. Fabulous detail throughout.Love it.
Julie x

Words and Pictures said...

What a stunning album, and a glorious post about a wonderful, romantic life and love story. Absolutely no apologies necessary... I could have accompanied these two on the travels all day! Altogether an absolute joy!
Alison xx

Dorthe said...

Astrid, you are a fantastic artist, I have never been so thrilled as seing this book and reading your happy ending love story. This leaves me in awe over your creative mind- and doings...do I need to say I love every single page !!
Hugs from Dorthe,x

Shelly Hickox said...

Astrid, this is absolutely incredible! I love the story that goes with it and each page is a gorgeous work of art. Such inspiration!

unni's scrappeboble said...

Woooow, you're just amazing good at everything you make. Admire and Admire :)

Bärbel said...

Wow, das ist ein grandioses Projekt, liebe Astrid, ich bin total begeistert!
Liebe Grüße, Bärbel

Hels Sheridan said...

absoloutely amazing art Astrid... awesome!!

toni said...

Oh Astrid ! I have fallen in love, not with the dashing Francois but with this glorious album ! So beautiful and inspiring. I really enjoyed reading the story and watching each page unfold. Thankyou Toni xx

Annie said...

Bonsoir Astrid x Magnificique !!! you know what I mean my friend !!!! Its totaly awesome and I love the love story too. You have used the relatives in such a sweet way and each page is so romantic. I adore it and the wonderful challenge theme you are hosting at AVJ

Best Wishes

Annie x

Anonymous said...

Wow!Amazing!Creative!Talent! Words cannot express thow much I enjoyed this marvel.

Daniele said...

so loving this so many wonderful details
hugs

Margie said...

Oh Astrid I love your book and had a smile on my face all the way through reading your brilliant story. What an imagination you have, its wonderful. Margie x

Janet said...

Oh, my. You created a world here, an inspiring way to use different collections. I can imagine making mini-books for anniversaries or Valentines Day. Beyond inspiring.

Gio said...

Wow, it's oustanding! It's so rich in details. Love every single page!

Anonymous said...

This to me speaks of love - love for Tim's products and for your art.
Those ancestors are captivating, each with their own tale to share with us and that soft, muted colour palette is exquisite.
A memorable creation.
Wishes
Lynne

experiments in paper said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inkypinkycraft said...

Astrid i am blown away by how wonderful this piece is , the gorgeous details, the wonderful story and all those delicious colours and textures! Astrid this is simply stunning! hugs x trace x

May said...

O my word Astrid...What a fantastic creation... I adore the images & papers & the wonderful love story...the details are outstanding..WOW,WOW,WOW...Love it... Fantastic tutorial too... Hugs May x x

Margaret Mifsud said...

My goodness Astrid!! You are a lady of many talents, not only a master artist but a master story teller too!! Love the gorgeous vintage album and totally loved the story. No need to apologise for the long post, I for one thoroughly enjoyed it!! Absolutely delightful!! ox

Paula J Atkinson said...

This is gorgeous, Astrid. So much workmanship has gone into the construction of every page. I ♥ it!!
Absolutely LOVE your chosen theme for the third challenge & my piece is underway as I type (just drying a coat of perfect pearls homemade mist ;0) before I start the next part)

Tone M. said...

Absolutely stunning....!!!!

Anonymous said...

This is fabulous Astrid, a real masterpiece! I loved reading Francois & Rose's story.
Alison xxx

Paper Profusion said...

Oh Astrid, this is absolutely beguiling. I love it all! Both your post and BEAUTIFUL book are so so charming. I think this is my favourite of all your makes that I've seen. I'd go with masterpiece too! Bravo! Nicola x

Robin said...

Astrid - What an incredible project - thank you for taking me away to another time & place. What great fun for a rainy Saturday. Bless your heart!

Nancy Dynes said...

Oh my G.O.S.H.!!!! I don't even know where to start. I can't stop looking at your album, and every time I do I find some beautiful little element I missed during my other viewings. This is over the top FABULOUS!!
Hugs,
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Completely & utterly, spectacularly gorgeous & stunning.

Martina said...

Wowwwwww, ASTRID.....your vintage book blows me away. This is such a beautiful piece...every detail is perfect. Standing O from me! BRAVO!!!

Have a wonderful sunday!
Wishes MARTINA

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Wow, I'm at loss for words, your book is stunning. I hope you are doing well, Shirleyx

Crafty Lark said...

What a wonderful post Astrid, a magical project which I am delighted to have seen. xx Flora

Claire said...

Wowser Astrid, what a wonderful project such a beautiful story brought to life with your gorgeous artwork
Claire xx

artwolf2009 said...

what more to say, it´s a masterpiece, every page of it

Barbara Rankin said...

This is truly amazing, Astrid. Each page is an absolute feast for the eyes.

BLockHEad said...

Fabulous book, Astrid. I just love all of the details!

Jennie Atkinson said...

I just love love this minibook/album Astrid - it is just stunning. And I love your wonderful story too - it just brings it all to life. Fabulous tutorial and thanks for such a great challenge. Sorry to be so late visiting but poor internet signal where I was staying xxx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

The made to order folio is an excellent idea! Love everything you've put in! GORGEOUS cover too! Fabulous project!!!!

Brenda Brown said...

This is utterly divine Astrid, I am sitting captivated by the awesome design and embellishing of your project and reading the wonderful love story of Francois and Rose. I wonder if they ever met Cécile and her beau? Thanks for sharing how you put this magnificent folder together too. xx

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Silvia(Barnie) said...

You see me speechless, such a WONDERFUL project. It's a treasure.

Jools Robertson said...

Fabulously fantastic, love the tutorial on the construction
But the detail that you have created is just amazing
Totally beautiful, a lovely treasure to behold

Jools x

XxJULESxX said...

Oh wow stunning and love the story with it your one talented lady!

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

oh how awesome! Love your book and your story!!! You are so amazingly talented!

Almo said...

Astrid this is Amazing. I just love every single page and what a wonderful story to go with it. Mo x

Ana K. said...

Hi Astrid, I missed some really stunning projects here! This one I like the most...great composition, textures and colours! Awesome!!

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wow Astrid this is a real masterpiece, so much beauty in this book, every page is a delight to see, I really love it in every detail , you really are a great ARTIST!!

Greetings
Maria

Marjie Kemper said...

Astrid, this is just extraordinary! Lovely pages, each so unique and scrumptious all on their own. Off to pin so I can look back at it another day. Did I say GORGEOUS?

Andrea Ockey Parr said...

Wow, Astrid! These are truly remarkable! What I love the most about them is how you combined the vintage elements with wonderfully unexpected pops of color and eclectic elements. This is full of life and energy despite it's "dusty" vibe. You have an amazing eye and it's always truly a pleasure to see what you're up to. Thank you for the inspiration I constantly find on your blog!

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Astrid, thanks for stopping by my nest, I taking the whole day off to just visit, I've miss that a lot.WOW 78 wonderful well deserved comments, this whole book is ** THE BOMB **, the story is lovely and all that gorgeous work is just FANTASTIC, so much inspiration I loooooove it, thanks for sharing..

pcake62 said...

Everything you do is amazing. Thank you for all you share with all of us.

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

Astrid I will add my voice of wonder to your many admirers.
Your art is so deliciously detailed it must be awesome to see in real life. I think the way you have combined vintage images, modern products and interesting colour combinations is inspired. I will be back much more frequently.
Thank you also for your words of artistic encouragement to me.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

One World One Heart

Photo

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed

Birthday Card

Birthday Card
Just got a whole lot of new stamps from a brilliant place called the Stamp Smith. This is the image that I first saw on Docraft and really liked. I asked the friend who has used it in an ATC, where she got it. Well she borrowed it from a friend who got it from ebay as a one off. But.... it had a title. I googled the title, and hey presto found the site. They have great stamps and offer a really friendly fast service. I highly recommend them!

Gothic Arch Trifold inside

Gothic Arch Trifold inside

Back of Gothic Arch Trifold

Back of Gothic Arch Trifold

Gothic Arch Within the Heart

Gothic Arch Within the Heart

Gothic Arch, the Key

Gothic Arch, the Key