Friday, March 15, 2013

Hello Hon!

I've lived in Baltimore about 16 years now, and I love its ever-mingling diversity. We live close to the historically working-class neighborhood of Hampden, which features a yearly Honfest, celebrating "Bawlmer Hons" and all things kitsch. As John Waters said, "Hampden is an uneasy mixture of redneck culture and hipster culture, which I love."


This card idea came to me in phases, but once I settled on a "Bawlmer Hon" theme, I knew I had to use this fabulous rubber stamp from Art Impressions. I adapted it a bit... the "feather boa" in this card is actually the top of her tutu in the original stamp. And Hons don't usually wear tiaras... although they would if they could! But her hair is a great beehive; To quote an official Hon (see video below), "The bigger the hair, the more we care!" 


Pink Flamingos are a huge part of the Hon culture (hence the title of John Waters' movie), so I knew I had to add one. For the flamingo cut files, I used an image I found online for the body, and created the wings in SCAL with a butterfly svg. The grass border is from a freebie set by SVG Cuts.

For the background, I used a white/brown sheet from Core'Dinations Whitewash Collection and embossed it with the brick-wall plate I made out of cardboard some time ago; I want to make another one with smaller bricks, I just need to rally the patience to glue a gazillion tiny pieces! I inked it with Terracotta and Brick inks (Memento).

The sentiment is set in Atlas (a font I've had for ages, but I can't find a link for), and digitally placed it in a frame by TLC Creations.
 
I used spellbinders dies for the circle, scallop, and card base. The window die is Memory Box's Small Madison Window with the partitions cut out (partly so you can see the Hon, and partly because that's the style of window in Hampden).


Inspiration/Challenges:
Crafty Catz Challenge #174: Make Us Laugh
Little Red Wagon #176: Window
Speedy Fox and Friends Challenge 150: Shaped Cards
The Paper Players #136: Colour Combo


Update: This was one of the "Featured Windows" for Little Red Wagon Challenge #176.

Here's a great video of Honfest (it's absolutely worth watching the whole thing!):


Thank you for visiting,

13 comments:

  1. Ooh what a fab video and the card its a perfect entry for this thanks for sharing at crafty Catz

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  2. Well, I can honestly say I learned something new today. I had never heard of Bawlmer Hons. Your card is fabulous! I had to sit and examine all of the amazing details. That flamingo just makes me smile and the glitterly boa is wonderful! What a great card! Thanks for joining us at the Paper Players this week!

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  3. great card filled with fun and laughter....

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  4. What a fun card! Cool image and such a decorative flamingo - I like it!!!

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  5. What a great shaped card!!! Love it! Thanks for playing along with us this week at Speedy Fox & Friends blog challenge!

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  6. Love it. Great Flamingo. Thanks for joining Speedy Fox and Friends.

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  7. Fabulous card! Thanks for joining us at Little Red Wagon!

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  8. What a great shape card! I love that you used a window die with the circle!!! Great card!!!! Thanks for joining Speedy Fox & Friends challenge!

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  9. What a whimsical creation! I love all the layers, color and texture. Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at The Paper Players! Now I am off to watch the video...

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  10. What a fun card, love all the different elements you've included and 'Honfest' definitely sounds interesting! Thanks for joining us over at LRW this week.

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  11. great card! Thanks for joining us at CraftyCatz! Kim x DT

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  12. Fabulous card. It made me smile as soon as I saw it. Well done. Thank you for joining us over at Crafty Catz. Hugs Nina

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  13. now I know why I love you so much - flamingoes, Baltimore and John Waters. That's a home run.
    My mother's father was from Baltimore (way back, I think the year he was born the records were lost to a fire - I have to recheck that). I have to look to see if I can find an address.
    I love, LOVE, love this card.
    hugs,
    Chris V (PIO sistah)

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