Monday, August 29, 2011

Steampunk Metal Deck

I have recently returned from a wonderful mixed media retreat called Create, sponsored by Cloth, Paper, Scissors.  It was an absolute blast.  I learned a ton and managed to produce a lot of art in every medium imaginable.  If I had to choose, my favorite was probably the project I am going to share with you today. The class was called The Vintage Metal Deck and it was taught by Leighanna Light




 We altered ten pieces of metal with paper, rust, gesso, stamping, distressing, image transfer, paint, ink and lots of cold connections.





I added a bunch of fibers I hand colored previously to add a softer texture to my industrial deck.




Some of the backs of the cards I just left rusty because I thought the color and texture of the rust was so lovely.



I had a tiny problem with the darker pages above and below, so I had to do some additions to save my work.  While this was a problem, it was a nice challenge to have to solve the issue in order to keep the integrity of my work.



A ton of embellishments and charms were used, I did not hold back in my "bling."



This project challenged me to let go of my perfection tendencies when it comes to wire and jewelry making techniques.  It was tough to let the wire be messy, but it was a great creative exercise.




I love the Harlequin pattern on this page.



One of my favorite new craft items after this trip: resistors.  These little buggers are wonderful.  I will be scouting out a source for these for sure. 




This was another lovely rusty back.
 



I experimented with rusting all kinds of items.  This is a technique I can see myself applying to many projects.




I am so pleased with the outcome of this project.  I was incredibly inspired during the entire process and I look forward to creating another metal deck soon.  If you ever have the opportunity to take this class with Leighanna I highly recommend it! 

 
Stay tuned for more of my projects from Create 2011.


Cheers,

Rhea

39 comments:

  1. so what did you use to rust the objects?

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  2. So what do you do with a metal deck? Never heard of it before. It looks great.

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  3. Love it... Love how you incorporated all your bits and pieces. Your metal heart binding is great.

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  4. Wow, wow, wow! Is that ever cool. I had never heard of "Create". Looks like something I'd love to go to.
    Thanks for sharing this Rhea!

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  5. Very Awesome!!!! Sorry I will miss seeing this in person. Beth's 50th dinner with family. Have a great show and tell. I love it!!!

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  6. Incredibly cool! I'm looking forward to seeing this (and more) on Wednesday.

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  7. Wow what an awesome Rusty Metal Deck. You did a wonderful job at the retreat. Will be eagerly awaiting the next projects you post.

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  8. Rhea Girl...you amaze me every time! I see "stuff" and you see art. You are awesome! I admire your talent. :-)

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  9. Wonderful stuff! You did a great job with it all.

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  10. I can see why you are so inspired. What a wonderful project. You work is gorgeous. I just love to come here and look around.

    Jeanette

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  11. wow...looks totally fabulous.... I would love to take this class!

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  12. Your deck is fantastic! Each page has amazing eye candy... LOVE it! Can't wait to see what else you made on your weekend. Sounds wonderful!

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  13. Fab-u-lous! Can't wait to see it close up.

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  14. Really awesome! I second Lynn-can't wait to see in person, and you of course!

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  15. These are incredible - I can see why you love them so - the rusted texture and color is beautiful!

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  16. Incredible! Great project and tons of techniques.

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  17. Ditto to all the other comments! I LOVE how you did the birdcage!!

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  18. So, I wasnt your favorite, huh? Great work. I forwarded your request to Kim.
    Belinda

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  19. I really like your metal deck and it looks like you learned some great techniques. The past two years I've wished I could go to Create. Maybe next year will be my year. I know now, after seeing your work, that it would be worthwhile.

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  20. I second the AWESOME! I was happy enough to wait to see them in person....now I CAN'T WAIT!

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  21. OH MY WORD!!!
    This metal deck is amazing. I love everything about it. You can never have enough "bling" for me. Thanks for sharing. I have some metal tags, can't wait to try this.
    Gail in Oklahoma

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  22. Wow, this is really cool Rhea! I know I'll be gazing at it over and over for inspiration. Can't wait to see more from Create!

    Cheers,
    Susan

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  23. I love metal and I love steampunk. This gave me chills

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  24. If there is ever a class like this in Northern California sign me up!

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  25. what a wonderful project - and I even spied some German items on your pages ...

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  26. Wow, these are wonderful! Producing great work and having a good time, what could be better.

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  27. Very cool! Thanks for sharing to Artists in Blogland. Could you please add a link to the group from this post?

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  28. I love all the different things that you accomplished with the metal cards. So much texture on a ring.
    Belinda

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  29. Wow! Looks like you had fun at the retreat! You managed to make a lot of gorgeous stuff.

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  30. All the adjectives have been used in the above comments and I agree with every one, but I must say...I L-O-V-E, love what you've done here.

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  31. Awesome...Fantastic...Wonderful..and I can go on and on!

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  32. WOW. I want one of these. I love the textured background and embellishments. Karen.x

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  33. Gorgeous, wow I have to make me one, tfs. cheers

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