Monday, August 15, 2011

A siren call

I am a big fan of mermaids, I have been since I was a child.  Since I am newer to altered art, I have not yet had the chance to use the theme in my work all that much.  Today I changed that.  This was made for a private swap,  I hope she likes what I have crafted, it is going to be a tiny bit hard to send away. 



This all started with a cork coaster.  The background is paper that was altered with a shaving cream technique.  I spritzed with glimmer mist and then added a bit of tissue tape to finish the edges.  I created layers of beachy stuff including a large slab of beach glass, which the centerpiece is perched on.  The mermaid was a charm I purchased at a big box store.  To give it some character I painted and wiped off several acrylic paints.  I did the same on the small charms to imitate a patina.  A bunch of shells and charms were added around the mermaid to create the scene.  There is a teeny tiny lobster in the corner that is too cute. 

In order to give the piece texture, a ton of distress stickels were used.  I layered two colors, frayed burlap and peeled paint. This filled in a multitude of glue oozes too.  The seaweed is actually a felt floral border I purchased on clearance.  I snipped the flowers to alter them and make them look more like leaves.  I had some little sticker bubbles that I added glittery stickels too, providing a bit more sparkle and bling.  Adding bling is the theme over at this weeks challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show so I thought I would send my mermaid along.  I got a two-for on this one because the challenge over at Linda's for Grungy Monday, was using distress stickels!



The coaster was finished with two eyelets and a bit of silk ribbon I colored myself.  You would not believe how heavy this little guy is.  Hopefully the recipient will enjoy!

10 comments:

  1. Absolutely gorgeous, I'm a little keen on mermaids myself.
    TFS

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello Rhea. LOVE your piece. It's absolutely beautiful! Love the mermaid and then how you incorporated all of the sea shells into your "bling". It's just amazing! Thanks for sharing your piece with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. <3 Candy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great piece! Love all the metal and how you used the vines as seaweed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this piece (I, too, love mermaids). You did a great job with the charms. Great textures, great palette.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful!!! You are so creative!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Really beautiful piece! Love the encrusted pieces on the bottom - I'm sure the recipient will love it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful card and great images.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Absolutely gorgeous. Your swap partner will be thrilled!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is utterly fabulous. I really wish I could see it IRL - the texture and effects are wonderful. Just full of wonderful elements and techniques. So happy you joined in the fun with us this week at Simon Says Stamp and Show.

    ReplyDelete

All the comments and feedback you leave affirms my creative spirit on a very deep level. I am grateful for your time and readership!