Steampunk Heart Hanging

The inspiration continues after learning so much from Finnabair!  I have also used a lot of her product in this project as well since I am on such a kick.  It was great getting back to a classic steampunk look, my absolute favorite!

The focal of the piece is actually a Masonite kit from Retro Cafe Art that I have been hording for some time.  I added Finnabair's silver micro beads and lots of layers of resin to achieve really great dimensional wings.  For the mica heart I made a great discovery.  I was able to dye my mica with alcohol inks prior to using them to customize the color.  This opens up so many possibilities with the mica I have on hand!

The heart also has lots of Finabair's mechanicals which were also coated with resin.  I love to layer the metal pieces to achieve different looks.

The base of this hanging is a burlap panel.  I love how this provides for a natural texture to begin with.  I also used lots of die cuts, Masonite shapes, metal bits, found objects and wooden embellishments in the collage.  All of it was brought together with the use of gesso, a dusting of metallic finishes and some mica flakes.

I made this piece specifically to keep my big designing dreams alive.  I have not been active with a team for a while and it is part of my creative life that I truly miss!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Mechanical Row Houses

These fun little houses have lived in my mind for some time now, so I was pleased to finally take the time to make them.  I used small wooden house shaped blanks along with a ton of products from Prima and Finnabair to create these sweet mixed media treasures.

To start things out I primed my houses with black gesso.  I then added my roof lines with 3D Gloss gel and Black Sand Texture Paste, both such dreamy products.  The versatility of the gel is amazing, I was able to use it both with her glitter and mica flakes.

I love the texture of the roof tops.  The sand paste is especially fun for this application.  And yes, it took a really long time to dry!

I went a little nuts with the silver micro beads again too.

There are two more of these fun houses in process, but I just could not wait to show them off to you all!

Cheers,

Rhea

More Finnabair Inspiration

Hello folks!  Sorry it has been a bit quiet on the blog this month!  It has been a wonderful summer filled with vacation days, long weekends, and a little bit of art respite for me.  Sometimes it is best to embrace the quiet times as when my mojo returns, it usually does so with fervor.

I am here today to show off some more work that incorporates a ton of Finnabair products and some of her techniques.  I have decided to also take a creative risk and try out for her design team. I long for deadlines, project constraints and a creative clan that designs and inspires a community of like minded people. When I am doing this, I am so happy!

I created this canvas piece specifically for this entry.  It shows my hidden dream in the corner.  There are layers and layers of mediums on top of a burlap panel.  This provided for great texture in the background.  Some of the mediums used include Black Gesso, Clear Texture Paste, 3D Gloss Gel and silver micro beads. 

As you can see I used a ton of Finnabair's metal embellishments, along with the mediums.  Her pieces are perfectly made for layering to create interest.  I wanted to cover up the place where I tied on the hanger, so combined some of Finn's pieces to some coveted buttons.  I love when a treasure finds the perfect home.  

Now this book I made straight away after taking several of Finnabair's classes.  I was so inspired from her teachings as well as a recent trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts to see the Frida and Diego art exhibit, that I decided to make a book blending these ideas.  The book is actually for a round robin, so it will travel and many people will work in it.

I am happy to report that it is quite sturdy due to the use of the 3D Gloss Gel.  I also layered on lots of micro beads and mica further cementing down my dimensional elements.  This gives me some piece of mind as it makes it's way around my art circle.  

The texture that was created by the Black Gesso base is amazing.  I think it has to do with the book I used.  It was puffy and leathery and perfect for this project.  Before adding the layer of gesso, I primed the book with a layer of 3D Gloss stenciling to make a background.  Then I sanded the 3D Gloss circles which made them appear to have a shaded effect.  

It has been so refreshing coming back to my blog with new knowledge and inspiration!  Thank you so much for following along!  I appreciate your readership as always!

Cheers, 

Rhea