The Fleur de Girls have their roots back in 2001 when Carol and Jim, owners of Stampotique had begun producing art rubber stamps. I was an art educator in the public schools and taught at the Stampotique shop every once in a while. Carol suggested I try drawing some images for their new rubber business.School kept me fairly busy. I was also teaching art education classes at the university. Then my husband found himself victim of downsizing.
My response to this was the original "Fleur de Girl" in the upper right of this photo of ATC's. While she doesn't appear very happy she is undefeated. I began drawing girls that looked like and named for flowers. Strongly influenced by artist Paul Klee, all my work seemed to have letters and numbers mixed in, so I thought it was natural to add type and various text within my patterns. I wasn't sure if I was on to anything. When I showed my husband my drawings he smiled, immediately naming them "The Fleur de Girls."
I don't think I knew to scan images back then, so I sent the hard copies images to Carol in a large illustrated envelope. Carol's response was, "Are these mine?"
Fortunately my husband was back to work in no time and the Fleur de Girls collection grew.
These ATCs are cropped images from the collection. They are paper pieced and colored with Prismacolor pencils. The garden themed collection includes sentiments, flowering shoes and handbags that should grow in every girls garden.
Love these Janet, they are so bright and colourful and it's fab to hear the story behind the range xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story, good to know where your inspiration comes from. Lovely ATC's, great stamps:-) x
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and I love your ATCs.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the story behind the images. I've loved them for a long time but only recently acquired one :)
ReplyDeletethese are adorable Janet, and thanks for reminding me!..ha ha! I have a few and need to pull them out soon! You have just inspired me :)
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the story behind the images!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading the story, Janet, and glad they are still available today! The cropped images are perfect for ATCs, but, I have to say, a lot is added by your coloring skills! Beautifully done, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI love these, but will you be making them available as digis?
ReplyDeleteI much prefer digis because you can make them whatever size you want depending in you project. I love your colour mixes too, I have so much to learn from you. Thanks mel x