Meet Akira!

Yes!  We are at release #12!  Can you believe it?  Now we have 38 images available in our line and we have a lot more to come! Later this week I'll be introducing our guest designer for this release, so check back all this week to join in on the fun.

First things first... our first introduction for this release is Akira.  No, he is not named after that popularly epic anime cartoon that everyone talked about in the 80's.  This image is actually named after my friend's (Miyoko) son. (Who knows, maybe that's why they name their son Akira?) He is very active, so I thought this image fit him well.  He is always doing something... baseball, hiking, surfing, paintball... you name it!  So the boy flying the kite was a perfect match if I do say so myself.  

No, on to the project... Recently, all of my internet time has been focused on You Tube.  I'm positively hooked on watching tutorials, project shares, and haul videos from fellow crafters.  My family makes fun of me because they often find me on the couch or in my bed with my ipad open and the tutorial playing while I'm sleeping.  I'm telling ya... if you are having a hard time sleep.. craft videos seem to do the trick.  Even when I want to stay awake to watch them!  

One of my favorite channels (don't worry, it won't put you to sleep) is by LiveLoveScrap.  She has great ideas that just floor me every time.  I was so inspired by this project... that I made this... using the Tim Holtz pocket watch die and circle inserts.  Yes, I'm still on the shabby chic bandwagon, but shabby + boys do not mix, so I had to think of how to incorporate this cool project  using my new boys.....

Then in hit me.....Akira was the perfect stamp to go with this project!  It reminds me of Ben Franklin (no not the store) when he flew his kite... didn't he have a pocket watch too?  Well, if he didn't... let's just pretend that he did.  ha ha ha.  So I decide to use Akira and FINALLY try out Amy's sepia copic techniques.  Not sure if I followed her correctly, but here's my shot at it.  You should really check out Amy's tutorials.. They are awesome! Thanks Amy!  I finally did it!

So I went with a vintage feel- which works nicely with our vintage Japanese images.  I cut several layers of chipboard with the circle die inside the pocket watch to create the layered pieces.  Then I cut one without the circle cut out for the back piece.  On the top layer, I cut another piece of the pocket watch using acetate.  Before adding it to the top, I filled the watch using some trinkets from Prima, a coin from my stash, and the Tim Holtz movers and shapers gears.  Also added in some cherry blossoms and roses from Wild Orchid crafts.  Do you like the bird on the gear?   While we are looking at this photo, I want to point out that I replaced the string on the image with actual twine.

Here's a better look at the kite and the flowers I added. to the top... Oh and the chain you see is really a chain.. I added some gems to the ends of it.  If you scroll up you will see it better.  You can also see the crystal flourish I added by cutting up parts of the prima flower crystal flourish.

This was the first time I made something so vintage looking.  Even though it was a boy project, I couldn't help putting flowers on it.  At least it was brown flowers right?

So do you want a chance to win Akira?  Here's all you gotta do:

1.  Leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite You Tube channel is.
2.  Tell me if you've ever watched Akira.  I did when I was in high school, but for the life of me, I can't recall what it was about!
3.  Oh yah.. deadline to post is Sunday, March 31st 11:59 HST.  Good Luck!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow to meet the Taiko Drummer!