Trendwatch | Old West
With vintage inspired products being so popular, it comes as no surprised that products that are reminiscent of the old west have been seen popping up lately around scrapbook stores. From cowboys to horses, boots to bandannas, all kinds of products are available in a wide variety of styles. In fact, while researching this article, I'm finding that not only are cowboys and the wild west popular, but there is also an increasing presence of prairie and farm life themes as well.
The Tim Holtz stamps, Creative Imaginations "Wild Spirit" line, Melody Ross stamp, and Fiskars punch shown above are just a few of the offerings I've found recently.
What I like about the products available is how useful they are. The old west products being put out could be anything from a general kid layout to pages of a county fair or pony ride. They are also good for layouts of being out camping or in the wilderness, or just a general "moments" page as well. The aged look and classic patterns of the old west give a great feel and mood to projects, without forcing the western theme.
Here is a card I created with the new Webster's Pages line "Western Romance" :
Supplies - Patterned Paper: Webster's Pages (Western Romance - Country Fresh). Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Victorian Velvet). Die Cut: Making Memories Slice (Happy Trails). Alphabet Stickers: Glitz Design (Teeny Alpha Wood Grain). Misc: white card, green thread.
What I really like about the Webster's Pages "Western Romance" line is that it is soft, feminine, and feels very romantic. The patterned papers all have one side that is very neutral, and the embellishments could be used in any number of ways. I can't get enough of this new line - it truly is, as the name implies, a beautiful Western Romance.
Looking for something more bold and lively, more man-friendly? Then watch for the new Sasparilla line coming soon from October Afternoon. With a more playful approach, and lots of fantastic double sided patterned papers, I think this one will be a hit with scrapbookers with boys, and those who just want a fun western feel.
I made a gift tag with a piece of this comic-style patterned paper from the line:
Supplies - Patterned Paper: October Afternoon (Sasparilla). Die Cut: Making Memories Slice (Happy Trails). Ink: Distress Ink (Brushed Corduroy). Paint: Tim Holtz Distress Crackle Paint (Rock Candy). Embellishments: Tim Holtz idea-ology (Metal Foliage), My Minds Eye (Lost & Found 2 - Sunshine brads).
October Afternoon also has a line coming out called Farmhouse, which has the feel of vintage farm life. I believe we will continue to see more vintage western and farm inspired products in future releases as well. Jenni Bowlin has always had a country vintage vibe, so check your stash for inspiration and products to use for a western look.
shown above: Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess - Farmers Market paper, Crate Paper Farmhouse - Farmer's Market paper, Jenni Bowlin Homespun - Chicken Feed paper, GCD Studios bandanna paper.
Want to bring more of the wild west into your stash? Use brown papers, pens, and inks and don't be afraid to crumple, stain, and otherwise age your products. Look for fabric in western motifs, add in bandanna or denim as well as gingham and other classic patterns as well. Play up the metal too- get out your metal brads and photo corners and play.
The best part about this trend is that it is not gender specific - the look works for all kinds of themes - and while new products are coming out, it is possible you may already have some great older products from companies like Cosmo Cricket, Jenni Bowlin, and more. What's old is new, and I'm holding onto my hat for a wild ride into grungier, western-inspired pages in my near future.
If you would like to see my favorite "grunge-i-fied" technique, I invite you to visit my blog today for a tutorial.
