Aug 26, 2010

MY FIRST HIP HOP THURSDAY with UNITY!

First of all, I can't believe I'm doing a UNITY hip hop!  This is so exciting for me to be able to share with you the awesome news that I am a member of UNITY STAMP CO.'s scrapbooking design team!  I have been a fan for quite a while now, and I just love love love their red rubber stamps.

When I first discovered this hobby, I started out stamping on my layouts when I was part of a kit club that offered stamps with each kit.  I thought everyone stamped on layouts!  I then got into making cards and other crafty projects, but now I am back to my first love.  Memory keeping. 

Unfortunately, I don't have a layout to share with you today, but a project I made using UNITY's "She Sprouted Wings" available in stores. This stamp set designed by Melody Ross spoke to me, and I just knew it deserved a themed project dedicated to my late Grandmother, Rita Louise Minion.  This was made using a 7 Gypsies Printer Tray.


Here is the set so that you can find the stamps in the project.

I have wanted to make bottle cap art for a while now, and I had an idea to use this woman as my first piece of art.  I stamped her once on the glimmer misted paper, then again on white paper.  I colored her head with COPICS, then cut her out and placed her into the bottle cap (which by the way is from a Bud Light Lime Beer - YUM!).  I put a good amount of Ranger's UTEE into the cap and melted it in the toaster oven. 


I really tried to stick to a color theme of brown, blue, and cream.  I threw in a little lime green here and there for contrast.


My grandmother was diabetic, so I added the Jenni Bowlin sticker (drug store), the R is for RITA, and the The End signifies her passing, with a beautiful butterfly to remind me of her beautiful life.  The stamp set has empowering sayings, worthy of my grandmother's tale.  She was a woman of great class, and spunk, and she lived her life beautifully and with passion, and with heart.  She LOVED.  She always SMILED.  She had her own hat business, sewed, knit, created art, she was inspiring!



I felt like this project needed journaling, so I created 2 tags to be hidden on the back.  I spent some time hand writing my thoughts on the back of these misted tags.


She and my grandfather loved to travel, and experience new things.


I often wonder what her dreams were.  I wonder if she ever felt like her dreams didn't matter and that her family always came first.  She was a giver, always thinking of others.  I wonder if she ever took any time for herself.


I used buttons, and these Maya Road shapes (sewing machine and dress form) to signify her craftiness in making hats and clothes, knitting, etc.  I colored the chipboard, then applied Glossy Accents by Ranger.  I also distressed the printer tray by painting streaks of cream colored acrylic paint.


I hope you enjoyed your visit and I look forward to making more projects with UNITY stamps!

If you want to win yourself some UNITY stamps, simply leave a message on this post and I'll draw one winner to win this cute KITCHEN LOGIC stamp set!



Now onto the next blog to continue the Hip Hop...


Next Blog

91 comments:

Angie Blom said...

Welcome Lesley, what a fabulous project! I love all the details , everything so special with lots of meaning! Great photos and love your journaling tags!! You are going to rock Unity!!

Ria said...

Oh, Lesley.....congratz on being one of Unity - team....so happy for you! And your project here are AMAZING. Really.

Ashley Newell said...

WOW! This project is amazing! Congrats on the position! What a dream!

Karen said...

Congratulations!!! Looking forward to following your scrapbook inspiration!!

Carolina said...

Huge congrats Lesley on joining Unity's scrappin' team! Your altered tray is adorable!!!

Martha galvez said...

OMG!, Thank you so much for such a wonderful inspirational project. I Love it. I lovethe stories behind each item plae on your tray. I look foward to seeing more beautiful work from you. Congrats and Good Luck...

liannallama said...

what a beautiful project! Congrats on your new position!

Martha galvez said...

what a great project. Awsome job and beautiful details. Love the stories behind each detail. Thanks for sharing.

Handmade Creations by Stephanie said...

Wow this is amazing and big congrats to you!!!!!

Dara Lynn said...

What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother! I heart the Unity Stamps used especially the lady with wings!!! Each cube to remember her is so heart felt and turned out just beautiful!!!! So inspiring :)

Anonymous said...

This is just beautiful! What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother. I love how you used the bottle cap. Inspiring piece of art!

jennifer mitten said...

Wow - what an amazing project! I think it qualifies as a scrapbook:-)

Candace H said...

Congratulations on your exciting Unity DT news! Can't wait to be inspired by your lovely creations! And congrats on making the Up the Street DT too - Tara's kits are gorgeous!

Shaparak L. said...

This is an amazing project! Thanks for sharing :)

Kelly Mahany said...

Wow Lesley!! This is a most amazing piece of art that will be treasured by you and your family for many years and generations to come. What a beautiful tribute!! Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Unity/Ippity family!! I look forward to the pleasure of working with you!! ♥

Cindy said...

Oh my gosh! This is absolutely gorgeous!! Great job...thanks for sharing!

Tara said...

Just gorgeous Lesley!
Congrats!

Janet's Joy said...

Congratulations Lesley! Your project is stunning!

Tracy said...

This is gorgeous! Congrats on making the DT...I am looking forward to seeing what you inspiration you bring each week.

StampinCathy said...

Congrats on being on the Unity DT! Your project is just amazing and love the stamps you used and all the details. Thanks for the inspiration. Sweet giveaway too.

Julie Campbell said...

Oh my goodness! Where to begin?!? First of all.... I am ecstatic to have you on the team!!! I told them you would rock! :) And... this project! Oh MY! It's amazing! I wish I could do something like this. It's fantastic!

Jen E. said...

that tray is super cool! i lvoe bud lite lime too!! :)

Jennine Chambers said...

WOW!!! This is absolutely beautiful. I just love how you used Meldoy Ross' stamp set! I think I'm going to have to try to attempt this. Congrats on joining the team you have joined a great group of people!

Jessica Diedrich said...

HOLY SMOKES! What a way to 'ring in' your first hip hop girl! You KNOW I've been a longtime fan of your work and I am THRILLED you are joining us! A super duper warm welcome-I think youre AMAZING !!!!

Rona said...

Congratulations on the Unity Design Team!! I am very much looking forward to seeing all your beautiful creations. The tray is amazing! Just gorgeous!! Your style is so beautiful - I love all your handmade flowers and I can't wait to take a peek at your tutorials.

foursenuff said...

Love the tray. You are truly talented!!

JPScraps said...

What an amazing tribute to your grandmother! Congrats on being on the DT!

Rachel B said...

This project is so AMAZING! It is a perfect memory keeper, even if it isn't a LO! Every element is so beautiful! Love the pop top! Congrats on becoming a Unity Lady! Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeves!

Lacey said...

Wow SIMPLY STUNNING! I ♥ the color combination, mixed in with the stamps and the tray. Amazing work and congrats!

craftymom205 said...

Love your project. Congrats on becoming a part of Unity.

The Paper Princess said...

Congrats on becoming one of the newest member's of Unity's Design Team! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful project- can't wait to see what else you have in store for us!

Anonymous said...

Lesley, this is GORGEOUS, amazing, fantastic!
love it!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, this is absolutely A.MAZing!!! So beautiful and you can feel the love you put into it. Congrats on joining the Unity team!!!

lisa a.

Sharon Rittler said...

Congrats on becoming part of the Unity family! Your projects is absolutely gorgeous and the details explained so beautifully! Love it!

annemk said...

I would ♥ to win some unity stamps!
your project is beautiful and the message & love for your grandmother is wonderful (kind of reminds me of my grandma♥)
♥anne

Unknown said...

This is a fabulous and inspiring project...and I love that it is dedicated to your grandmother..precious! Congrats on the Unity DT...this is awesome and from browsing your other posts, you've got some fantastic mojo! *smile*

NoraAnne said...

Wow, this is AMAZING!!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous project! Your grandmother sounds like a very special women and how proud she would be of this dedication to her! Love it!

Valerie said...

Wow! What an awesome piece of creativity! Very well done. Your grandmother would be proud! Thanks for showing another way to use these great Unity stamps!

Angela Fehr said...

Lesley! Congratulations on joining the design team!
I have a bit of a crush on those printer trays and I love what you've done with this one!

Anonymous said...

Congrates on the DT spt... just spent a while on your blog and WOWl Love love love your work... Can't wait to see what you create for unity. Leida

CharityHand said...

Glad you're on the DT. Love your creation! And your blog is awesome.

Amber said...

Holy Cow!! Leslie this project is beyond amazing!! It is absolutely FABULOUS!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the DT!! Your project is amazing!! What a beautiful tribute to your grandma!!

danajedwards said...

Fabulous. I love the teal color. Welcome!

Unknown said...

wowee!! that is one amazing project!!!!
so excited to have you on the Unity DT!

Lori Craig said...

Literally squealed out loud when I read the Unity Blog!!! Yeah, Lesley!!! LOVE THIS NEWS! Congrats! Can't wait to see your stuff on a regular basis. Hugs!

Karen said...

Welcome to Unity!!! Oh my word..this is drop dead gorgeous! I love all the details, colors, and special touches!!

Hugs,

Jules! said...

woW! WhAT A fABuLOus PrOJeCT! aNd a BEautIFuL trIBuTe to YOuR GrANdMa♥.

shuggy said...

this is amazing!! congrats on the dt!!

Jingle said...

Congratulations! This is an awesome tray!! I really love it!!!

scrappyteacher said...

Welcome, welcome lady....It's just so good to now that we will have some more exciting inspiration....I hope you enjoy your journey.

Scrapycandy said...

I really need inspiration like this! And this stamp for the giveaway would be perfect for the recipe book I need to make for my college kid. Thanks for sharing!

Marilyn Nimmo said...

What a fabulous project!!! LOVE it so much.

Carisa said...

omg, i think i've spent like 10 mins looking and relooing at your pictures. i just love this project. it's stunning & vintage and gorgeous. congrats on the BIG news - that is really exciting!

Shemaine Smith said...

This is so very lovely! I am looking forward to getting to know you! Congratulations!

Erika M. said...

Your creation is just marvelous - what an awesome tribute to your loved one!

Lisa said...

Y'know that 'lil smilie guy? The one that faints??? Insert that RIGHT HERE!!!! This so so beyond fabulous....and thank you so much for doing the closeups, and letting us see the details!!!

Eva said...

Lesley, first of all CONGRATS and you are definitely in GREAT company!!! I LOVE your project and you are totally inspiring me to create one of these trays...LOVE IT!!!

Gwen said...

Congrats on being asked to join Unity's sb dt!! Your project is amazing and what a wonderful tribute to your grandma!

arlsmom aka Lynda said...

Congrats to you! Fantastic project!!

Terri Trotter Earley said...

This project is amazing!!!

It's a good life!
Terri E.

Kelly S. said...

YAY Lesley, so glad to see you with Unity!!!! I miss your stamp designs and still treasure the ones I have that you designed!! Your shadow box is GORGEOUS! So many beautiful details to soak in!! I am excited, thus all of the exclamation points ;0!!!!!!!!!!

Cherie said...

Stunning project and congrats on your new gig!

Lisa H. said...

SHUT UP!!!! this is fantastic. way to set the BAR so high on expectations. so glad to have you as part of the Unity family. looking forward to your creations.

Cindi said...

wow, what a fabulous project you posted today
:)

Nicole W. said...

Amazing project and beautiful attention to the little things ;) Thanks for sharing and congrats!

Dani said...

very awesome project!! =)

Ruby said...

I just love this awesome project. Wonderful work with the stamps.

Lynn said...

Gorgeous project and so meaningful!

Barbara said...

What a fabulous project; thanks for sharing.

stampjourney said...

Congratulations on being a new member of the Unity DT! Your project is amazing and SOOOO inspiring! It's beautiful, as is the sentiment behind it.

Vicki Davis said...

Hello, I've just bought my first couple of unity stamps and am hooked already. I love your creative style. Keep on inspiring all the rest of us.

Toni K said...

First of all, congratulations! This is beautiful! I love that it is about your grandma. I just did one of these last week, but I think I'll do one about my grandma now! Thank you for your inspiration!

Anonymous said...

yay!!! welcome to the Unity family :) I LOVE today's project and am super excited because I have an empty tray waiting to be used....this is FABULOUS :)

Cheryl said...

Gorgeous project, love all the details and espcially the bottle cap art you did. Stunning piece and great way to tribute your Grandmother.

Kimber McGray said...

absolutely stunning!

Karen said...

Congrats on your membership with Unity!!Your project is fabulous. It looks like it would be time consumming but fun too! I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Nancy Bogart said...

You will be a wonderful addition to the Unity DT!! Love, love, love your project and memories of your Grandmother!

Unknown said...

Welcome, welcome, welcome Lesley to the Unity Family... congrats!! I can see that you fit right in!

Your project is absolutely stunning... and I love how I feel like I got to know your grandmother through this!!!

Thank you so much for sharing (especially the details of her) & the chance to win!!!

~Ola
okj83 at live dot com

Maria said...

Congrats!! Love your tray it's fabulous!! All the little details rock!!

Fleursbydesign said...

Wow Lesley this is just gorgeous - what an amazing tribute! I have two of these trays just waiting for some love and you always inspire me!

Unknown said...

BEautiful project! Welcome to the Unity team!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

HUGE congrats:) LOOOOVE all your stuff! So creative:)

Pamela said...

This is awesome Lesley!!!! And I look forward to being on the team with you!!! :)

FibreJunky said...

What an absolutely amazing tribute to your grandmother. She must have been a wonderful woman. I love how every single piece tells part of her story.

Congrats and welcome to the Unity team. It's great to have you here.

littlen said...

Great project. TFS.

Linda (lind) said...

This is so beautiful - I love how you distressed and decorated the tray.
I also love those stamps!
What a lovely tribute to your grandmother.

jcb said...

This would be a wonderful set for me to make birthday cards for my coworkers. I am a lunch lady in a school cafeteria. My coworkers would find this fun.

Tracey said...

Gorgeous! Amazing! Beautiful! I love it!!

AJ said...

THUD.
Wow. This is absolutely FABULOUS! I have been wanting one of these trays for a while now...need to get one!!
SOOOO glad to have you on the team- this is STUNNING!!!!

Scrapcollectr said...

Thanks for the beautiful inspiration. My dear grandmother passed away in 2006 and I've always wanted to make a tribute to her but I always thought in terms of a layout which would tucked away in a book somewhere. Now I know that when its completed it will be hanging on a wall as a constant reminder of her loving spirit. Glad to have you at Unity!