Sunday 13 May 2018

2018 Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals {Topic Introduction and Challenge}

 2018 Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals

Well hello everyone, Darcy here, This week I am squirreled away working on my end of year module for my degree course, I am up to my elbows in paint, so I am handing the latest intro back over to Leandra. She is going to find some fabulous creations to inspire you as we look at a beautiful, elegant and peaceful colour scheme. Mindfulness, and taking some time out for ourselves, to destress, to contemplate, to just breathe, these are all important to our well being, and this colour scheme fits so well. 

Before we start, let's see who won the Topic 8: Boxes Challenge...

The winner is: Catherine from Inky Fingered Cat check out her post as she has a video of her process. 


Email Darcy to claim your prize. Darcydotneedles@gmail.com


This topic is one of those elegant zones, where you can be very classic, a little bit modern or shabby-chic through to grungy Vintage. Something for everyone then!


Let's take a look at some ideas from those friends in the PA family whose go-to style is vintage, perhaps with neutrals, but maybe not. It's not at all hard to find stunning examples of this genre, and I hope that something will tickle your creative tastebuds and tempt you to join our challenge this fortnight! 

....Or if you do nothing else, come and join our new facebook group 'PaperArtsy People' , because we WILL be talking about Vintage Neutrals there the next 2 weeks! And much more!

Onto the new topic...


Lynne Moncrieff always generously shares her creativity on Facebook with such amazing layers and shades. In this post for us, she used infusions, different papers and stitched a gorgeous journal together. I adore how this looks so serene with grey-blue shades and sepia tones contrast against cream.


You can see Alison Bomber always weaving her wand across the blue, white and beige palette. She really is a wonder, and often lets the texture and contrasts speak for themselves. Look at her perfect splats! I have splat-envy!!



This was a standout post on the PA blog last year for me from Alison in the 'assemblage' Topic year, but equally the concept would work for this Topic of Vintage Neutrals too. Yes I am her biggest fan, it's true!



We can always rely on Liesbeth Fidder to create some magic with Lynne Perrella stamps and those stunning shades of Sepia. Follow the link to see more samples in the same vein.



Autumn Clark has a gorgeous way of pulling her layers together perfectly too. Some people are blessed with the perfect composition gene! She is one! Here is a lovely Shabby-chic styled card from her blog that is adorable. Simple yet detailed, clear contrasts, texture, it tickes every box. Lace is an element that works so well for this topic, and don't forget, PaperArtsy infusions can be used to stain it too!


Interior Decor might be something that inspires you for this topic. Putting your art on the wall  or around your home offers a warming sense of achievement; good for the soul. Here are some achievable ideas for the mixed media goddess within us all!


Mason jars are so easy to paint and decorate, particularly with chalk paints. 
Paint, sand, label, tadaaa.


They make beautiful vases, but I'm sure you can think of others things too.


This is how a set of shutters should look! I have seen so many ideas on pinterest with doors. They can be bedheads, shelves, cupboard fronts in kitchens, screens. J'adore!


Vintage books are a cool thing right! People are even being recommended to turn regular books the wrong way around on their shelves so that they look a consistent neutral colour; off white- with the pages facing out! You're a bit stuffed if you want to find a specific book...but all a sacrifice in the name of interior decor huh!


Now I'm not going to suggest you spend the next 2 weeks changing your splashback so that you can share a link with the challenge ... but these patchwork tiles are very on trend right now! You know you want to....


Perhaps this is a more achievable idea! Buttons! Linen. Old frame. 




This is a beautiful, elegantly arranged collage from Mixed Media Artist Catarina Giglio
Infusions are perfect for this type of idea!. But maybe with watercolours, or paint...


Gift wrapping - so beautiful when done in neutral shades...especially if your Xmas tree is white themed too!

In this topic there really are no boundaries as to colours and type of make, so I hope you have a bunch of ideas buzzing around already!

Don't forget to follow Darcy and Leandra's Pinterest boards if this topic pushes your buttons, you will see plenty more examples to whet your appetite there! 

~ Darcy



We always hope that you  learn something interesting from our blog

Our creative team love to read your comments so much, so please take time to let them know you've been inspired!  

You must complete step 1 AND 2 to be entered into the draw. And we have a new apron dropping soon...the Zinskis are on the loose!!!

To join our challenge:
1. Leave a comment on the Topic Introduction Post and go in the draw to win a PaperArtsy Apron. 
2. Make something arty relevant to the topic, and link your creation from any social URL (eg. Instagram, Pinterest, Blog Post etc) sharing your original make to this challenge page.

The current topic link Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday 27th May 2018, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.



All links go in the draw to win a PaperArtsy creative apron. Please make sure we can contact you as a prize winner - it helps if you share your contact info from the platform you opt to use.

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

15 comments:

Miriam said...

Awesome topic.... So beautiful and soft, great effects and amazing insoiinspir

Helen said...

fantastic subject and some great inspiration.. which is what I think Miriam's fingers were trying to say.....

Mac Mable said...

Beautiful inspiration and wonderful new theme x

Artmadnana said...

Congratulations Catherine! Hope to see that apron at our Derbyshire retreat! Great theme.

Lin said...

Ooo great topic will have to try and find some time to play

SewPaperPaint said...

An absolute favorite color scheme! So happy to see this one taking the spotlight and am honored to have my card featured among the inspiration! <3 <3 <3

Catie Cuddles said...

Absolutely! X

Hazel said...

Yeah Ive finally got round to enter the challenge. Ive made cards in the past but never got round to entering them doh!!This topic was perfect for my Dads birthday card,
Crafty Hugs
Hazel xx

Carol Plume said...

What lovely colours - I must post what I make this time!

Preeti D. (aka Dutt Preety) said...

Beautiful theme!! Thanks for all the inspiration :)

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

What a wonderful inspiration post! You caused my mind to wander and the studio cleanup to come to a screaming halt. I just had to play and what a lot of fun I have had.

Julia said...

Vintage neutrals are such good fun, the most difficult part of the challenge is deciding what to do. Lovely examples and a great topic. x

Glennis F said...

A great topic, one of my favourites

Hazel said...

I've entered twice Numbers 2 and 7. I couldn't find out if this was allowed but if not I apologise and please delete one,
Knd regards
Hazel xx

Carol said...

Have loved looking at all the design teams projects and the topic post - great theme Have a lovely weekend everyone xx