Jun 29 2009
A Teapot from Willits
Happy new week to all! It’s back to the daily grind for me, as I’ve returned from vacation and will now resume my regularly scheduled activities, such as going to work (sad face). I had a mere three days at home when we returned, during which I made a valiant effort to catch up on everything. I did not, by the way, catch up.
When we were on the road, we spent a night in the small northern California town of Willits. Anyone here from Willits? It’s a lovely little town in the redwoods. I was leafing through a merchants’ catalog in our motel room when I spotted an advertisement for a shop called The Goods Stamp Shoppe — thousands of original images. Well, of course, I couldn’t leave town without investigating. As it turns out, the Goods are sisters who, in the past, designed their own wood mount rubber stamps. They no longer design stamps, however, and there were very few of those original images left in the store. In fact, most of the stamps were quite dated and many were stamps which are no longer in production, such as PSX. I couldn’t leave empty handed, though, so I browsed till I managed to pick out a couple of images unlike anything else in my collection. This teapot by All Night Media is one of them.
I watercolored the image with Stampin’ Up! inks on watercolor paper. Some of the tiniest details were added with the fine tip of an SU! marker after the ink was dry. The flowers are shades of Plum and Blush, and the teapot is Saffron and Mustard. Something new to me — I’m now the proud owner of a Bow Easy (hooray!) and it certainly does make pretty bows easy to accomplish. I followed Sharon’s tutorial here. Thank you, Sharon!
I’ve made my mind up once and for all that it’s simply okay to use these old stamps and share the cards here on my blog. It has to be about stamping for the sheer joy of it or I fear it will become a job, rather than a pastime. I have lots and lots of beautiful or fun images I yearn to color — some are new, and some have been sitting in drawers for years. Oh, I’ll still shop…there’s no doubt about that, but there’s a practical side of me that insists upon getting my money’s worth in terms of enjoyment. I may not be able to provide links to every product I use but, as far as the images are concerned, I’ll bet all of you ordinary, everyday, regular old stampers like me have drawers, baskets, closets, boxes, bags, shelves — whatever — full of once loved images. Some of them may have lost their appeal. Perhaps their appeal came and went before they were even inked. Yes, that has happened to me. Oh, for shame!
So…I’ll beg your indulgence while, interspersed with my latest acquisitions, I occasionally share something “just because”. Now…back to catching up. Have a great day!
Stamps: Teapot by All Night Media, sentiment from Flourishes Sweet Violets, Hero Arts zig zag stamp (old and probably retired) Paper: Pale Plum, Very Vanilla, watercolor, retired SU! designer paper Ink: Palette Umber, Chocolate Chip, various SU! inks for watercoloring Accessories: Ribbon, crocheted lace, pearls, Spellbiners curved rectangle dies, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
Oh I so agree with you on the old images, Leslie! There are plenty of them on my blog… I love them!
This teapot image is so beautiful, and with your coloring skills, it is enchanting!
Yvonne.
Leslie, I just ADORE this gorgeous teapot with roses — what a beautiful image! And in YOUR hands any stamp, regardless of age, comes to life and is one again NEW! Thanks so much for sharing — as always, your coloring is just to die for!!!! And a darling little bow — LOL!
Of course I’ve been to Willits amidst the giant redwoods and I’m so happy to know you have too. What a wonderful find this Stamp Shoppe and your darling teapot image. What exquisite detail! Your card is so sweet and what a gentle pink aura you’ve given the watercolored image. My goodness, it takes my breath away! Welcome home!
Use those older materials–call it recycling to make it timely
Color or stamp them with new materials, mat them with new papers, combine them with new stamps, just help us become stampers rather than shoppers.
Yes, I have boxes of stamps I am unwilling to part with and every now and then I take them out and use them. I do have a few that aren’t really “me” but still I keep thinking that someday I’ll use them in a new way and be glad I still have them. I also think these things about Designer Paper. I don’t really buy it anymore unless I totally love it because already have so much. Glad you had a nice vacation.
Leslie, your card is just gorgeous!! I love the teapot and how beautifully you watercolored it! It really looks like gold! The layout is devine using all your pretty papers, diecuts and ribbon. I really like seeing old images and I have many, lol. I still buy some of the new ones but I can’t afford them all. I’m still using my old ones, so it’s nice to see that someone else is, too.
Hooray for you! I am so glad someone has decided to stamp some of the ordinary stamps we all have. I am so tired of all the new things that come out that we can’t buy or don’t want. Keep up the good works. Your stamping is one of the best I have ever seen. Such talent. And I do yearn for SU stamps to be featured.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. New is nice, but older images aren’t taboo, just because they aren’t new. Love what you did with the tea pot. I love your work, and appreciate that you want to show how, rather than just buy!
Amen to what Mamajulie said.
Well, you snagged a lovely vintage style image! Your coloring talents bring out the beauty of its details. Lots of nice details on the card itself too! I still love that dp. Welcome back. I’m so with you about stamping for the sheer joy of it. I’ve been in a little stamping frenzy myself lately, and having a great time (and making a major mess!). Talk to you more soon. Linda
Leslie, this is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing such a lovely, and rare, image. You colored it beautifully and I’m so glad you stamped for the fun of it. No need for apologies. What a great memory of your trip and your special find. Yes, I have sets that haven’t even seen ink yet…. I’m sure we all do. I guess that goes with the stamping territory, but I really appreciate your sharing this little beauty and stamping for the sheer enjoyment of the image. Hope you have a great Monday, even if it is back at work.
Leslie this is FABO! Your image is so pretty and your card is elegant and dainty just as it should be. Glad you are back and hope you had a great time. See a whale?? LOL You crack me up with the drawers, boxes, etc filled with stamps and such. What stamper in there right mind wouldn’t have all that filled with stamps. hee heee Welcome back, we missed you! Hugs…
I so totally agree with you Leslie.. Your card is elegant and oh so pretty! I am so tired of the cutesy little cards I’m finding all over the place with some of the newer stamps.. I am ready for elegance and beauty.. your card certainly provides me with that.. Thank you so much!
xxooxx Penny
Leslie, I have never seen a prettier teapot. How sad that it is out of production. I just love what you did with it! Your coloring is gorgeous and the card design is simply perfect! Great job!!!!
Joan
Well said! I was just thinking the other day that reading some blogs to which I subscribe was beginning to feel like so much more advertising. And wondering what happened to stamping just for fun? Thank you for feeling the same! Your vintage teapot is gorgeous, and I learn from your technique and layout more than specific images anyway. Please keep sharing your gorgeous cards, regardless of how new the stamps are.
Simply stunning! Love this one.
Diane M
aka detour3 on SCS, PCP, StampTV, SNR and other great stamping websites (got the picture?)
This teapot is simply elegant! and you colored it so well.
Love your beautiful elegant teapot-a great find. It would be so great for tea/coffee invitations.
I agree with Kay about some of the blogs. I get several in my inbox and can almost always tell by the title if it is something I want to read or delete. I most always read yours, Julia S., Sharon’s, Becca’s, Cindy’s and a few others, although I don’t always post a comment. Since gardening and outdoor season is here I have become more selective. I appreciate you all taking the time to explain the techniques you use-really helps.
How fun to find an antique teapot in a quaint little shop. Your coloring is gorgeous and you made the pot even more beautiful with your creative and dimensional backgrounds. The bow Easy is definately on my wishlist. TFS
What a lovely card…how fortunate you were to find the beautiful teapot image. I think you are being very practical to reuse old stamps in new ways…it is the layout and colour combination that often inspire me…not just the stamped image. I look for ideas that can transfer to the stamps in my own collection without necessarily acquiring new stamps. So keep up your wonderful creativity and be true to yourself.
It’s beautiful Leslie!
Leslie, I have been to that little shop in Willits and also bought a few things to hopefully keep them in business. Your card is lovely. Since I love to go to tea, I’m always on the lookout for tea stamps. I wouldn’t worry about using old images. What you did with the teapot is gorgeous and probably something you wouldn’t have done five years ago. I also agree with some of the earlier comments that some of the blogs are getting too commercial, and they have been dropped off my favorites. Your blog will always be there. Keep on sharing no matter how old the images are. I always learn something from your post.
Have a great week.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
This is so lovely. The image is beautiful and you’ve done a wonderful job coloring it. I don’t think stamps really ever go out of style as it’s what the artist does with them that makes them come alive and I think you’ve done this one proud.
Leslie,
I just love your beautiful card with the teapot image. Everything you do is terrific! You’ve also hit the nail on the head about old stamps. I’ve been stamping for about 14 years and I tend to bond with some of my favorite stamps. I like to go back and dig some of them out and play with them again.
I’ve been a subscriber to your blog for ages and so enjoy your beautiful creations. I’ve just moved into a new Craft House we just had built in our backyard. I’ve been away from stamping for a couple of weeks not and I’me just about to get back to it. Whoo-hoo. If you have time please visit my blog at http://www.bzstampr.blogspot.com for the lastest on my little craft house.
You are such an inspiration!
take care,
Debbie
I just love this teapot - of course, any teapot will do! New images are nice, but I love to go to garage sales and look for old stamps to color! Thanks for a wonderful card!
Your card is absolutely stunning. TFS
Leslie! You’ve put into words what a lot of us are thinking!
Your teapot is stunning and for all the new stamps out there, this card would be ooohed and ahhhed over by anyone who received it.
Viv xxx
Oh my this is just Beautiful, awesome coloring!! I don’t mind at all that you use stamps that can no longer be found, I just enjoy looking at your talented work.
What a wonderful teapot. I love the image and the way you colored it…fantastic. Whether I can find it or its not available it is beautiful to see these creations.
Hugs
Heather
Every stamp you touch turns into a beautiful creation, new or old. So bring on those aforementioned dusty darlings. We’ll show ‘em some love. Just like this one. It’s an amazing card with the most stunning coloring and layout. Love those tiny pearls.
Oh, Leslie, this teapot is so beautiful! Maybe you could frame it and set it beside a copy of Pride and Prejudice!
This is a gorgeous card, Leslie! Your watercoloring just glows. I’m glad you enjoyed your vacation; that stamp store sounds like a great find! And please keep using your “old” stamps; they are still just as enjoyable as the new ones.
WOW, that is BEAUTIFUL!
Wow Leslie you were in Willits!?! I was born and lived most of my life in Ukiah, which is about 17 miles south of Willits, I hated going up that grade when I was a kid. One way to get to the coast was up the 101 to Willits and then left towards the ocean.
I just love this image!!! I LOVE LOVE tea! If you ever have extra time I would love a few stamped images of this, let me know and I will send you my addy lol.
Your card is gorgeous!
hugs
Latisha
What a great find…but I think you could watercolor a pretty ugly stamp and make it look good! LOL My stamps are part of me and I totally enjoy digging through them and using them for just the right occasion! I always love creations for how they are made and how they inspire me…a lot like music…a favorite song is always a favorite song…no matter how much time passes!
Gorgeous! I happen to own the bow easy too… unfortunately, I still tie my bows around two fingers (a habit I am having great difficulty breaking). Lovew your card and your watercoloring.. thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous teapot and very gentle card, Leslie!
I think that stamps can’t be old or new - they will be always your favorite stamps that inspire you and us, that bring a joy to your life and somebody else (for whom you made a card), they make world beautiful and help to share your amazing talent with us!
I agree with Sue - your cards are like a music for our souls, music that will be always favorite and the only one no matter what!
Thanks for letting us see this stamp colored! I have had it for such a long time and its never seen ink! Love all your wonderful creations….
Lovely card! I collect teapots and tea related things; so this was especially appealing. I am inspired to get out some of my old stamps.
Your talent for watercoloring just keeps getting better and better! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us! I look forward to your posting, to see what gorgeous card you have dreamt up for us! I could stare at this teapot for hours! AWESOME!
I love this image and what you did with it. This is the type of stamp I enjoy and I really don’t care how old it is as long as it will stamp! Thank you for sharing your beautiful card with us.
Wow, Leslie, that teapot almost glows! It is so gorgeous, you know I love your watercoloring! Thank you for sharing something just for the fun of it!
LOL Leslie ~ Of course you have 41 comments on this one…I LOVE this image and I love that you shared your use of SU inks and water colored paper. Vintage images just make me crazy! This is one of those. Never would I have thought of using those Mustard and Saffron colors…Just Beautiful!!!
Absolutely gorgeous!!
This is absolutely GORGEOUS, Leslie…and colored to perfection!! Stamping for the fun of it, usually produces the best stamping of all…so “you go girl”!! (I need to do that more.)
Leslie thanks for sharing this!! I’m so glad you found that shop - that would have been a treasured day for me!! I love the old images and I have several manufacturers that I will not give up like PSX and the older Penny Black. It’s almost cathartic to pull these out and color them. Thank goodness beauty doesn’t expire
You’ve done this such justice.
This is just stunning! Your watercoloring is amazing! This is so soft, and pretty, and elegant! I hope I can use my older stamps whenever the urge strikes, because there are so many worthy and neglected images! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Can I say I am completely frustrated with Wordpress?! It won’t save my info and every time I write a comment but hit submit without re-entering my email address it deletes my entire comment and I have to start all over! I do it all the time too-you’d think I’d have learned by now!
This card is just beautiful! I lve the vintage look.
Charlene
Wow! That’s absolutely gorgeous! LOVE that teapot - especially in those colors!
Thanks Leslie for reminding me of the stamps I have not used yet…….I have resolved to use every one that I have before buying more….it will be hard but…I too need to remember I am doing this for the fun of it not because I need to be up with the very latest bell and whistle. Thanks so much for sharing!
OH, to quote words you often say “be still my heart”!!! I know I commented before, but just had to come back. I can not express my delight in receiving this keepsake in the mail!!! I am SO HONORED! Thank you SO much!!!
Your coloring is so soft and beautiful!! I’m so glad you use all your stamps retired or not. It just makes me wish I had bought it!!