Cutting Antique Ephemera...Choosing Backgrounds...

I am very careful in selecting which antique images
I use in my mixed media designs.
Most of the pieces I select are single pages.
They are not part of a complete collection...
they don't have stories or news articles on the backs.

When I find a piece I immediately examine
the image on the reverse side.
This is what is on the back of my new lady...
I took a photo for future reference and
also scanned both pieces into a digital file.
That way I have a nice, clean reference copy.

I use cutting mats.
Some people prefer cutting on wood surfaces, glass etc.

With a very fresh/sharp, clean blade I trim my
image as close as possible.

Keep at an angle... this prevents tearing...
Papers are very fragile~

I'm not too fussy with the bottom of the piece.
That can be changed during the design layout...

She looks so sweet with words as her background...

The "empty" silhouette shell can be used...

Changing backgrounds- changes moods...
Patriotic!

Pride & Prejudice?

Living room wallpaper?

Whoops! She got lost a little in this pattern...

Simple, yet elegant...

Fun, spring-like!

Cottage?

Next... adding the frame, that matches the image,
that matches the paper!
HOPE YOU WILL TRY ONE!

Don't forget!
This is the giveaway prize... just leave a little note
here (or on one of the previous giveaway posts) or
join me by following along. Your name will
be put in the collection of fantastic friends who have
a chance to win this February 10th!

Thank you for all of your sweet comments!
I hope to have time later today to visit your
blogs and see what you have been up to~