January Swap

Theme for this first swap of 2018 is .... Elements.
Sid has asked us to think outside the box ..... this calls for my Stamp File I think!

I drew up a list of the Elements and then looked through my pages to find stamps that inspired me ......
.... quite a list and then I went through it again, narrowing down the list of stamps.




I decided on a Crafter's Companion stamp to depict the Element Air.  I cheerfully stamped him out and then found he was too big for my ATC!
I could've cried but then the old grey matter kicked into action ....
.... I photocopied the stamped image on my printer!! 

yeah!  

now it fits!

I spent a lovely day painting all these images .....


Once attached to the base card they look like this ....

Air

I painted the background with blue watercolour and mica paints and put to dry after adding mica powder to the yellow paint to add sparkle to his brace and goggles.  Once fussy cut and attached to the card, it only needed a touch of clear acrylic paint on his eyes and goggles.  

Earth

Another TH sentiment added to finish.

I used a SU stamp to imply the Element Earth.  This could be anywhere but it makes me think of Italy.  I have walked many a street like this whilst travelling with PJ, we are very blessed.  

Water

I am using this Sheena Douglass Peaceful Lakeside stamp to convey the Element Water.
I just coloured this au naturel as it were.

Fire

This stamp image I found in my stash, I thought that as I had used red ink it could be good to symbolise the Element Fire.  

I added a green and brown background to suggest the speed of this engine.  I washed over the engine itself with red wash adding a bit of black at the front.

A few swirls of light grey to indicate steam coming from that mighty fire that roars deep within ........

The cards I received back:

Air

Fire

Super blue Butterfly on a darling shaped card!
Thank you Jennie D.

Logs glistening in the flames ....

Thank you Michelle M.

I love the way Tim's stamps has been used here......

Thank you Teresa M.

Water

Thank you Sid for hosting and sorting and swapping and posting another great swap.