Tuesday, October 22, 2013

London's Calling - Castle Guard Edwin


Hello Sweet Readers,

I'm not feeling very well today, so this post is going to be very brief. I hope you miss my cyber chatter! LOL!

There is a new challenge starting today at the

Magnolia-licious Challenge

Blog!


The new challenge is

Anything Goes


Here is my card:



As I began pondering this card, first choosing the stamp, I had the song lyrics to England Swings stuck in my head! I couldn't get them out! I'd wake up and there it was. I'd be brushing my teeth, and there it was! I kept thinking about Edwin's rosy cheeks and that line in the song that says, "...and the rosy red cheeks of the little children..." Even though Edwin isn't a Bobby, I kept thinking if there was a way to put him on a bike for the line of the song about the Bobbies riding two by two! Oh yes, I had it bad! It took me four days to do this card. That song (scientists call when that happens, a brain worm) was there - over and over and over! LOL I couldn't get it out! It really did help the card evolve, though, One example is that my paper selections had to be British in design. Mostly, though, it was Edwin. It's all HIS fault that that song never left my head!

I fell in love with this stamp as soon as I saw it. I did much research in order to find out the appropriate colors. I knew the bearskin cap was black, but I didn't know that the color and placement of the plume(s) determined the regiment. I chose to use a red plume on the right side which means that my little Edwin is one of the Coldstream Guards. I also learned that the slacks were a very dark navy. In photos, they looked black. The info I read stated they were dark navy. I didn't want to make a mistake, so I contacted a very knowledgeable friend who confirmed that they were truly navy blue. Thank you, Chris.

I used a metallic gold pen to accentuate the gold elements found on the actual uniform. It adds a nice shine to the painted image. I also used some red ric-rac that I had in my stash along with some Frantage, dies, and some British themed specialty paper. I also found a castle charm to finish it off!

Here is a closeup of my Edwin, the Coldstream Guard:



I wanted to make his bearskin hat look like bearskin, so I added some black specialty paper I had and fuzzed the fibers. I think it makes Edwin look just adorable.

Here are the products I've used which are available at the Magnolia-licious Store

Castle Guard Edwin

Castle Doohickey Die

Romance Doohickey Die

So Wrapped Lovely Heart Folded Doohickey Tag

Magnolia Doily Flowers Doohickey Die - these are currently out of stock. Check w/ Diana as to when they are back in stock.

Magnolia Heart Swirl Doohickey Die - these are currently out of stock. Check w/Diana as wo when they are back in stock.

Memory Box Precious Hearts Die - these are also currently out of stock.

I have a favor to ask. I've noticed that many of you who leave comments do not have my blog listed on your blog favorites list. I would love if you might add me, please.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful week!

XO,

Chris


I would like to enter my card into the following challenges:

ABC Challenges - X for Xtra Special - ends 10/31

Cutie Pie Challenge #55 - Cute and Tag-Tastic - ends 10/26

Magnolia Down Under Challenges #219 - Anything Goes - ends 10/25

Crafty Ribbons Challenge #66 - Anything Goes w/Ribbon - ends 10/23

Midweek Magnolias - Song Birds (My song is England Swings - see above) - ends 10/23

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris this is fabulous! I love the choice of paper and his furry hat is awesome, wonderful design my friend, truly a special card
Hugs Julie P

Suzi Mac said...

Oh my!! You've got this little guard off to a tee my dear. I love your cards the castle is amazing. Everything about it is perfect Chris.
Hugs
Suzi x

Kelly said...

You have great attention to detail! I love how you finished off Edwin. Your card is striking! Love the contrasts and embellishing. Beautiful.
Hugs Kelly

Barbara (Jamie) Gudermuth said...

Chris, he is absolutely perfect! Your research on proper coloring is impressive, but the result was well worth it. I admire all your work, but this one is a doozy!

Hugs.
Jamie

RenateKreativ said...

Stunning card with beautiful details.
Hugs Renate

Crafty Moone Cards said...

Beautiful card, thanks for joining us at Cutie Pie's. Sue x

Cathy Lee said...

Hi, Chris. This is such an adorable card. Love your Bobbie Edwin and that hat is fabulously furry. All the special add-ons clearly make this a one of a kind creation.
Hugz,
Cathy Lee

Inky Angel said...

This is awesome Chris! I love your Edwin and the special effect you did with the hat is just beautiful, very clever. Thanks so much for joining us at ABC Challenges, hope to see you soon.
Wishes, Katie

Karen said...

Fantastic card! Absolutely stunning!!!

cabio's craft corner said...

This is cute Chris. Love Edwin's furry hat. Smart idea and love all the pretty dies and design of your card :o)
Hugs,
Cabio

Tania said...

Oh, this is just perfect everything ties in perfectly. The fuzzy hat is a great idea, Hope now the song has been put to rest LOL!

Jane Savage said...

Awesome card, Chris. Love your colouring. Being from the UK it made me feel very patriotic! Thank you for joining us at the Cutie Pie Challenge. Jane xx

Suzi Mac said...

Chris, I just had to pop back with my DT hat on and thank you so much for joining us at Midweek Magnolias. Good luck in the draw.
Hugs
Suzi x

Vi soriano said...

Love the bright coloring and background in your card. Its very beautiful and that cute soldier stands out in that card...very cute image.

Unknown said...

Beautifully done! Love the colors and design. I hope you are feeling better.

Karen

Norma said...

Wowzer, Chris, this is fabulous. You nailed it on the head with bobby Edwin. You brought him to life much better than I would have. The fuzzy bearskin hat is just perfect--and inspiring. Love the shape of your card. You made good use of your dies--they're all wonderful. Love your DP's --great colour scheme. Terrific job on the card--I love it!!!
Hugs,
Norma

CaroleAnn said...

Chris
What can I say about your card other than WOW! Research and all - I love everything about it! And thanks for your kind words on my blog. I am now following your blog! Hugs

Nicole said...

I thought your blogpost was gonna be brief......LOL!! But so sorry to here you're not feeling well. Your card is amazing!! As always! Soooooo beuatifully coloured and all thse lovely details. Just love it!
Hope you feel beter very soon!! Wishing you a lovely weekend.
XOXO Nicole

Simone said...

Gorgeous card! Love all the details! Stunning. Hugs, Simone

Stampin'Piper said...

Stunning card, so much to see!

Thanks for joining us at MDUC this week!

Hugs Tanja

Gem x said...

Super card, I love Edwin. Thanks for entering into the Cutie Pie Challenge. Gem DT xx

Helen said...

Amazing card - so many great details.

Thanks for joining us at the Cutie Pie Challenge.

Helen x

NPurdum56 said...

Chris this is so cute! I love the red, and that hat is super special!! Beautiful creation! :) Nancee

Unknown said...

What an amazing card, love the furry bearskin hat. x

Julye said...

A fantastic fun card and love the effect you created for the bearskin thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

This is such a sweet card! I love the effort you went to, to make sure it was true to the guards :)

Suzan L said...

Hi Chris, your card is gorgeous! I love how you did Edwin's hat! I was surprised to read that it was made with paper, because it looks like fur! Just wonderful!
Hugs,
Suzan