Downton Abbey ATC swap

A while back I noticed a call to join an ATC swap from Terri at Artful Affirmations. Terri is in the US and is a great fan of Downton Abbey. I am not normally a maker of ATCs, I have hardly ever made them and never to swap, but I decided to give it a go!

I decided to make book ATCs as I would never be disciplined enough to  fit everything I wanted onto the tiny space of an ATC (yes I realise that's the point!!!). I started with a photo of Highclere castle and added a pair of gates cut with a gorgeous Memory Box die and a computer generated title.

For the insides I chose suitable art nouveau or Edwardian background papers and embossed a frame image. I inked inside each one and then added pictures of the characters. I managed to find some words for each from an old poetry book that I tried to link to each scenario from the series, some Victorian paper scrap flowers and a little metal key.

I finished the backs with an art nouveau frame from a copyright free CD I have and used some blending seam binding to tie each one.

In return for the swap I got the following ATCs, from Jan who also sent a cute little fabric bag and tag with her ATC - thank you Jan!

From Christine, a bright and vibrant tag, featuring the wonderful Maggie Smith as the Dowager Lady Violet. Christine incorporated some interesting textures in her ARC too.

From Terri, the host of the swap, the tough Lady Mary against the backdrop of Highclere. This ATC incorporated a variety of techniques, including image transfer. Terri managed to visit Highclere last year (which I haven't yet, despite living much closer) and I know she enjoyed it.  Thanks for hosting the swap Terri, it was good to challenge my usual size of art work!!!

 Last, but not least, this lovely creation from Marilou, once again featuring Violet. Love the use of the feather in this one, and the German Scrap edging.

Thank you all ladies for a fun swap and especially to Terri for all her hard work with the organising and posting of packages.

Elaine x