BELLES & WHISTELS GUEST DESIGN SPOT 2 - 'Use Earthy Colours'

Hi all & I need to start with a quick appology, as I should have posted on Monday. However I'm having major internet troubles at the mo & can't get on it at mine, so am having to use my Mum & Dads (they do come in handy so!). Anyhow glad to finally be able to post & my sincere appologies for the lateness.

This firtnights fab challenge over at the Belles & Whistles challenge blog is 'Use Earthy Colours', which I have to say on the face of it I didn't think was going to suit me, as I'm a definate 'pastel' girl! However I dug out some old 12x12's I've had for years & have to say am lovin' the results. Thats the whole reason why these challenges are so great, as when you're forced out of your comfort zone into something you wouldn't usually do, the results can be great & I think it can really enhance your crafting! So without further ramblings...here's my project...

...I've used a Papermania brown paper bag & decorated it with 'Mia' celloection papers by Crate Paper, which have lovely earthy shades of brown, beige, red, green & plum. I've gone for my usual shabby style & the colour scheme gives it a bit of a vintage look too. I've created a distressed look by inking edges with Walnut Satin & white paint. I've then used some coreogated card from an old box, cheese cloth, twine & an old jeans button to further add to that authentic, vintagy feel...

...This is actually a Whiff of Joy stamp, but still drawn by Elisabeth Bell who's the B&W artist. LOVE her work!!! How fab does this image look, coloured with Distress Inks in deep reds, greens & neuterals to match the collection?!!..

...Flowers are from Wild Orchid crafts & have also been distressed with white paint...

...(above) I've made a bit of a feature on the handle using twine, seam binding, flowers & large vintage button toed with twine. (below) See the lovely large gold butterfly charm hanging from twine...

...Here's what the back looks like, I've added my signature stamp & 2 Martha Stewart Classic Butterflies...