Create Magic

 Gecko Galz has a new challenge this month...Fantasy!

Here is what I created using this month's image...

I printed the image with muted colors then used some mica watercolor paints to add color to and make it sparkle. I wish I could capture the shimmer. It is so amazing IRL.

I also had the perfect wax seal for the canvas....

Go create some magic of your own!

Gecko Galz Fantasy Challenge

New Year, New Challenges - Sophisticated Gentleman

 It's been a while since I've been able to craft a bit but we're having a snow day here today so I took advantage of it and decided to participate in a couple challenges at Gecko Galz (they sell collage images/kits). 

The first challenge I decided to participate in was the Steampunk Challenge....

I used the porthole embossing folder and center die from Lisa Horton which I then used copper and gold metallic rubons to highlight.  I added lots of gears (Memory Box) which I cut in metallics as well.  I used a piece of acetate for the window.

Inside the card I added this sophisticated Steampunk gentleman which was mounted on metallic paper and added a few more gears.  I didn't add a sentiment because I'm not sure what I want to use it for yet. I will add that when I use it.

Gecko Galz Steampunk Challenge Jan 24

Steampunk Altered Trading Block Tower

I don't know if you've been following along or not but this month on the Altered Pages Blog we've paired up with Artists on the Block and Eileen Hull to share a wide variety of Altered Trading Blocks.

I wanted to make a Steampunk block and I sort of got carried away...

I ended up with a tower of 3 blocks instead of just one.

Check it out....

And here are each of the blocks....

The top ~ Steampunk Machines - Enjoy the Ride

The Center block hosts The Inventor and Dreamer along with a few of Frankenstein's Experiments.

This little caged winged clock is hidden between the center and bottom block...

And for the bottom block I took apart a glassine envelope that I inked up with a bit of Staz-On ink the glued onto the block.  It's topped with a bit of guilders paste over the bumps.

And here are the images from the bottom block... The Queen of Steam and The Commander.

I had such fun thinking of fun putting this all together.  

Once I got the idea it was like an obsession to finish it!  

Do you ever get ideas like that?

It's so exciting when your vision comes to life and even more so when it turns out better than you envisioned it.

For a complete list of supplies and links to those supplies please  see 

Altered Pages - Steampunk Altered Trading Block Tower.

Hope you enjoy and have a Steamy Day!!

Vintage Handbag Card + Template

Today I have a fun card and template to share with you ~ a vintage handbag card!  This is a really fun card for all of the women in your life.   The example I made today is sized to allow you to tuck a gift card inside but you can of course re-size it fit your needs.

Below you will find the template both in PDF form (ava. on Scribd.) or a jpeg.

Vintage Handbag Template

Instructions:

1. Trace the template onto your cardstock.  I am using double sided heavy cardstock/pattern paper.  You will notice the little extra piece setting there... I traced the upper portion of the handbag a second time and free-hand trimmed it out.  I wanted it to represent the metal piece that was on the opening of vintage handbags....if I'd have thought I should have also cut out the thumb closure too but I'll have to do that on the next one.

2. I used Guilders Paste (like metallic rub-ons) to color the extra piece...  I then glued it to the front of the purse.  I didn't make one for the back side but you can if you'd like.

3. Next I added 4 eyelets (there are only 2 shown on the template).  You don't have to use eyelets but it makes the card more durable.  You could also just add them to the front if desired for one strap instead of two.  As far as what you use for the strap of the handbag you could use fibers, ribbon, twine, bakers twine, small chain, or even paper.  Leaves lots of opportunity for stylish extras!

4. I just tied the ribbon with little knots but you could just thread them through and tape it down.

And here you go.....

By tucking one of the little balls behind the other it holds the card/handbag closed!

How fun is that?

Now you've got the perfect card for your girlfriend, Mom (mother's day is coming up!!), daughter, aunt, etc....

Altered Pages Trending Tuesday - Stencils in Collage

Yes this month's Altered Pages Trending Tuesday centers around stencils used in collage projects.  I had so much fun with this challenge because a) I love stencils and as you all know - b) I love Love LOVE Collage!!!

Here is the stenciled canvas I made....  

Spring Collage 

 

Supply List:

Altered Pages Collage Sheets: Vintage Eggs; French Millinery for Easter;  Redoute III; Les Chapeaux

Stencils

Canvas Art Board

Gelatos & Big Brush

Guilders Paste

Gesso

Vintage Text

Washi Tape

Oil Pastels

and the process...

I added bits and pieces of various vintage ephemera.

I then started playing with some Spring-y colors of Gelatos & a Flower Stencil

Next, a few pieces of washi tape here and there... 

I used guilders paste paired with a harlequin design stencil...

Gesso on these small dots

and some more Gelatos to make these dots.

I then glued on several different collage images I had fussy cut....

A bit of pen work (both black and white); oil pastel details and the word spring which I stamped with a set of vintage alphabet stamps I have and I call it done!

   

So there you go...my interpretation of stencils used in collage!

Be sure to check out the rest of the projects one the Altered Pages Artsociates Blog.

Happy Spring Everyone!!

2014 Technique Calendar - November - Rub-On Stenciled Resist

2014 Technique Calendar

November

Rub-On Stenciled Resist

I don't know if you've ever tried Craf-T Products Metallic Rub-Ons before but they are a wonderful creamy medium that adds a shine and shimmer to any project.  These rub-ons have been around for quite some time but they are similar to newer products such as Rub & Buff or Inka Gold type products.  I have several kits but I love my metal metallics the most.  You just can't beat 'em for a brilliant finish.

Normally used to add highlights or a metallic luster to a project I had it in my mind that they might just work for a resist technique so I set out to give it a shot.  Sure enough it worked like a charm so I thought I'd make it the technique for November's calendar page.

Supplies:

Tag
Metallic Rub-Ons (or other similar product)
Stencil of your choice
Dye Spray Ink
Stamps (optional)
Ink
Embellishments to finish off calendar page

Instructions:

1. Place the stencil over the tag, either use a bit of removable tape to hold it in place or simply hold it in place with your hand (which is what I did).

2.  Use your finger tip or a foam applicator to apply the metallic rub-ons over the stencil.  I used a bit of cut & dry foam from Ranger.  I tried my finger but my hands were so cold it didn't want to work - LOL!!

I used several different colors over the entire tag...you could use one color or more for your own.

3. Spray on desired color of dye ink spray...I used Dylusions Squeezed Orange since it's a fall type design I'm going for.

Now, don't waste all that ink, To help sop up some of the excess and resisted ink I used other tags to soak it up....

I was actually able to color two additional tags from the first.  Now I have a start on two more tags!

Here's what the tag looks like once it's dry...I wanted to show some of the shimmer you get from the metallic rub-ons....  It's so hard to show just how beautiful the color and luster is.

4. Optional - If desired you can add a few stamped images over the resist.  I wanted to add a touch of fall to the card since the vintage people stamps I'm going to use aren't really fall-ish.  I love these skeletonized oak leaves from Deep Red Stamps.  They are so realistic.

And here is my finished tag!

All stamps Deep Red Stamps

Stencil - Club Scrap

A closer look at the tag....

Gosh, only one more month left in our 2014 Technique Calendar!

It seems to have flown by and I have so many more techniques to share....

actually, I can't wait to go into some of the techniques a little more in depth. 

They have sprouted so many ideas, I can't wait!

Hope you're all having fun and keeping up!

See you tomorrow for the final page in our Calendar!

31 Days of Halloween - Day 1 - BOO!

Welcome to the 31 days of Halloween!

This is my first year participating but I'm very excited.  I love Halloween and can't wait to share all my spooky goodness with you. The blog hop roll is posted to the right...just click on a name and it will take you to each person's blog.

There will be loads of goodies given away during the entire month including a scavenger hunt each and every day...  Here are a few of the details (from Terra's blog)

"Welcome to Day 1 of 31 Days of Halloween! I'm so excited to be your blog roll host for our 5th annual event, and once again we have a doozey for you! This year we have 36 Wicked Bloggers ready to showcase their superb Halloween and Day of the Dead projects.

Hopefully you will be participating as either a Horrifying Hopper or Sinister Lurker, and we hope you enjoy the month full of powerful inspiration. You are sure to see projects that range from creepy cute, to beautiful, to gory, to downright scare your socks off, but we know we have an amazingly talented group of bloggers this year and we will enjoy every second of it! To refresh on the rules and regs of the hop and the Scavenger Hunt, please see my previous post.

This year I know I will not be able to post projects each day, however I will be posting some projects during the month. On those days you can find my projects below the scavenger hunt information. And speaking of the scavenger hunt... Check out her blog for all of the awesome prizes for the day - Smeared & Smudged.

Scavenger Hunt

To qualify for the Scavenger Hunt prize drawing, all you have to do is visit the Wicked Blogs and find our hidden scavenger image. We will be hiding one each day and giving you a clue, and anyone who finds it will be entered into a drawing for one of the prizes. Each sponsor for the day will have a different winner, so today we will have four winners!

Once you find the image, EMAIL US and tell us whose blog it is on. 

(smearedinkstamps@gmail.com)

To qualify for today's drawing we must receive all guesses by 9am PST tomorrow morning. If you guess correctly you will get one entry into the daily drawing. The winner will be drawn using randon.org and we will announce the winner tomorrow.

Here's your clue for Day 1:

Be wary if I cross your path,

If not your luck will feel my wrath.
Nine lives I live; you do the math.

Do you think you have the answer? Be sure to find the image before you email us.

And now, here is my first creation!

BOO!

Stamp Credits: All Just For Fun Rubber Stamps

Recycling at it's best...all of the frames were purchased at an estate sale for .50 each.  I painted them with black acrylic paint then rubbed Inka Gold on them once dry.  I made fussy cut Custom Letters and mounted them on dictionary pages that I had stamped with a variety of spooky fun rubber stamps.

A fun project that can be used for any occasion or theme!

Be sure to hop on to the next spooky artist - Shoni

Till Tomorrow Friends...

Stay Spooky!