Gypsy Prayer Flags with Intentions

 This month at Gwen's,she had challenged The Artist Tribe to create something using the embellished trims she carries in her store.
Have you looked there yet?Seriously gorgeous and exquisite selection!

Right away I was totally excited about this challenge as I had so many ideas of which to make!
After seeing what clever and brilliant creations my Tribe sisters (links at the end of the post) had made I was even more enthused!

   But,I have to say,when it came right down to actually USING my coveted trims,I froze with thoughts of,"what could you possibly make that would really showcase these exquisite trims?" and"where would this creation end up-on a shelf, in a bin,where no one could see it?"   as well as "what happens once you cut the trim?-measure twice cut once,because that's all there is..."

 

 When I was done brow beating myself-lol,
I went into my studio,pulled out my trims and looked into my stash for other beautiful pieces to go with them-that's when the idea came to me.

Again with the upcycling...
I pulled out a garment that I had been saving since my folks handed it down to me.It was the slip from my First Communion dress(the dress to be upcycled at a later date).
A piece of fabric that had meaning but only to me.
This is where I thought of,not so much a prayer flag,but intention flags. Beautifully detailed flags with a gypsy,bohemian flair.Each one hand sewn with special intentions known only to me.
I would hang these where they could be seen; and certainly not out in the elements where those precious trims would be destroyed.

 















  

I set to work,cutting pieces from the slip
 and then stenciling with Gwen's Decorative Medallion Stencil  
and using DecoArt's Metallics to accent the richness and lusciousness of these trims

 

  Four panels,each receiving some gold,and the rest with color found in the trim(full color list at bottom of post)

  Once the stenciling was dried,I chose which trims would go best with each panel and set to work,matching up vintage laces and other fibers and beads to honor each intention.

BTW...this is where you need to fill your cup-many photos ahead!

The first panel I used the
Gold Embroidered on Orange Proud Peacock trim

 

 as you can see,I fussy cut around the peacock,leaving just enough of the orange to highlight his golden embroidery-such a fine bird in all his gold glory!

 The next one has one of my favorite trims Red&Blue Flowers from the Fabulous Florals trim collection

 again some fussy cutting adding a few more leaves here and there

This third one has the most exquisite trim! and it is called,

 Red Flowers with Gold again from the Fabulous Florals Trim collection

and finally the fourth one.This was actually the first intention flag I put together.

 In case you are wondering,yes,this is the same Decorative Medallion stencil,just using the inside design. 
Tribe sister Jill McDowell of Infinite Possibilities has a super post on this technique

 This stunning trim comes from the
 Irresistible India trim collection-Teal and Gold Scallop 

are those teal and gold scallops not gorgeous!!

 I added a few beads (from my save for special projects stash)

For the binding,I choose to use some of the
  Istanbul Sparkle Silk Sari Ribbon  
that I recently ordered from Gwen!

This is the cluster I made trying to pick which parts I wanted to use! heehee

Some close ups of this exquisite Silk Sari

 

 For the back I did use some pale green silk to cover the stitches as even though I am showing the flags on the wall of my art barn in the photos,I intend to hang them across the barn over the table for inspiration as well as something beautiful to look at!

Phew! now that's a lotta photos!! 
and trim?some real gorgeousness here-wouldn't you agree?
 I joked with Gwen the other day about feeling Extravagant when I use her mixed media supplies. I really have to admit,these materials really do make me feel like I can create anything,and it will be beautiful!
The supplies Gwen carries are all amazing,all carefully chosen by her from all over the world,just to be shared with us! 
ahhhhh I feel so #Lafleurish!! Thanks Gwen!😉

And thank you my dear readers,for your visits and comments! 

When I say,they make my day,I really mean this-you make my heart smile and my world a bit brighter!

Namaste'

Jackie

Posts from my Tribe sisters for the November Trim Challenge~
Linda Edkins Wyatt
Sandee Setliff
Lynda Shoup
Jill McDonnell 

DecoArt Dazzling Metallics~ 
Peacock Pearl
Festive Green
Amethyst
Worn Penny
Champagne
Splendid Gold