This is the time of year when our thoughts turn from Autumn with its colours of reds and golds to thoughts of family gatherings that warm our hearts. This year has been so very difficult for many and so my project focuses on the thought that this is the time - the time to take stock of were we are, the strangeness of the year and to hope for better things to come.

 

I started my project by taking the 6 inch ring from the Wreath and Leaves MDF set and drawing round the outside onto a piece of Craft O'Clock Time of Reflection paper pack which I then cut around to create a panel for the back of my ring. I chose to add extra detail to my paper before adhering it in place by spraying Ochre Flat Matte Spray through the Decorative Leaf stencil carefully placing the stencil so that the filigree area was over the paper and the more solid area off my paper circle. 

I then chose another of the 12 x 12 papers and cut a piece to fit the ring before adding extra interest using Crackling Campfire and Wild Honey Distress Oxides and stamps by Melina Dahl - Tree and Leaves set.

My next step was to stamp leaves, mushrooms and cones from several stamp sets: trees and leaves,  Autumn Collection 1, Autumn Collection 2, and Autumn Collection 3 on to paper from the Time of Reflection Collection using Tea Dye and Ground Espresso Distress Oxide inks.

For added texture I chose some Craftyboards from the Acorns and Brries set and embossed these using Fossilized Amber, Crackling Campfire  and Cracked Pistachio embossing glaze. I also added the embossing glaze to a chipboard sentiment.

Once I had created all of my pieces I then added them to my wreath base using dimensional glue to give them shape. I sat a paper doll on the tree stump  and finally tucked in  some scraps of sisal.