Bezel Maddness

So my loyal followers will know that I have an amazing crafty outlet store close at hand.  Well a recent score at said score evolved into a full day of inspiration and fun.  I managed to get a giant bottle of Lisa Pavelka's Magic Glos for only $12.50 when it retails for fifty dollars.  With my trusty UV light I set out to layer it up and boy did I have fun!

As you can see I was quite productive.  I just could not stop once inspiration struck and the product was so simple to use, no mixing!  Now, I love my Ice Resin, but the swiftness of this product for the purpose of layering was just awesome.

Other mixed media supplies used included a ton of Iced Enamels, Art Ingredients (glass glitter, micro beads, mica) Vintaj patinas and gilders paste. 

The one pictured above turned out really cute.  It is so outside of my go to colors and I am proud of myself for being brave and embracing these vibrant colors.  I used turquoise Iced Enamels in the background and Heidi Swap embellishments. Her product stood up well to the resin as they are plastic.

This bezel was inspired by the charm that I found while rooting through my drawers of junk.  I thought that a Dymo label would stand up well to the resin and I was right.  I think adding text in this manner with resin is perfect. In this one I also used some of Finnabair's Art Ingredients.  The tiny silver beads look great suspended in two separate layers of resin.

Another sample with a Dymo Label reads "love" above.  On this one I used the Iced Enamels on the outside of the bezel.  The distressed look is perfect for my style.  These other small projects have all kinds of junk inside: keys, watch parts, washers, glass glitter and shattered mica. 

One feature I really liked with this system was the quickness of the resin set up with the help of the UV light.  I was able to create layers and layers very quickly this way by systematically working on several pieces at a time.

Another experiment with color below.  The turquoise, red and black reminds me of Day of the Dead and I am sure I will find a project for it someday!

I kept the one above on top super simple and just layered different types of shattered mica.  I think may add a rub on sentiment eventually, it is crying out for just a little bit more, as is the faux Drusy below that I experimented with.  I can never leave well enough alone when it comes to my art!

This was such a fun day of pure artistic play, it energized me in so many ways!

Cheers, 

Rhea

American Vintage Assemblage

I was inspired to create this project as soon as I saw the new American Vintage paper line come out from 7 Gypsies.  I slowly began to gather found objects as well as my coveted 7 Gypsies metal elements that I knew would complement the theme in order to create this fun vintage letterblock tray.

It takes some patience to make a project with this many elements, the key is to be patient and do it in stages.  Sometimes walking away from the project to let glue dry will allow you to come back and see the whole things with fresh eyes. I find this tactic really helps me to fill in every inch of my art, which contributes to my own personal style.  After coming back to my work a niche will be calling out for extra junk and the search will then start for another element to add.

When I make these assemblage style trays, I try to attach things at many different layers of depth.  In this project I used some scrap cardboard to prop up some of my ephemera and make it stand out.

Another little secret I will share is to mist your project with a sheer Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist at the end to cover up any glue that may have escaped. This trick will not totally cover the glue, but it will distract from it at least a little bit.

I mixed in lots of great elements from the 7 Gypsies line along with my own found elements and treasures to pull this piece off.  I love how the old and the new blend seamlessly together. It is fun to root through your junk drawers and your craft stash to come up with fun personal things to add to your tray. Another great idea would be to plan to make one of these before a road trip and then purposefully seek out your own pressed pennies, ticket stubs and ephemera to capture a memory in a whole new way!

You may have noticed that the base of my tray has been altered a little bit as well.  I used a scrap of paper towel to buff on a layer of patina colored gilders paste to add a weathered look to the wood.

I hope that this post has inspired to go through your trinkets and create a letterblock tray that captures a special trip or memory!

***This post was also featured here!***

Cheers, 

Rhea

Botanical Tea Hanging

This little project for Graphic 45 was so fun and easy to put together.  I have a few of my trade secrets revealed in this post too!  The lovely Botanical Tea paper line made for a perfect pairing on this whimsical hanging that is now adorning one of my antique floor lamps. 

Supplies: 

Botanical Tea 6x6 Patterns and Solids

Botanical Tea Stickers

Botanical Tea Chipboard 1

Botanical Tea Chipboard 2

Ornate Metal Keyholes

Ornate Metal Key

Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Brads

Metal Butterflies

May Arts Ribbon

White Gilders Paste

White Eyelets

Stickels

 

 

 

In order to make my chipboard pieces more substantial I added eyelets and covered the edges in white gilders paste.  While you cannot see it in this shot, I also covered the backs of the chipboard with coordinating paper, in case they we seen.  

 

 



 

 

Sometimes it is a challenge to cut your paper into an odd shape.  I often find that my edges are just a little bit wonky, so I have to disguise it.  In this Botanical Tea Hanging, I did just that.  The oval of paper I used to back my hummingbird sticker was not cut perfectly people, but thanks to my clever use of stickels you can hardly tell.  I simply covered my errors up with this handy glitter glue.  

 



 

 

Another trick I used on this project was the use of gilders paste to make my metals with different finishes look cohesive.  You would never know that they don’t match with my sneaky cover up.  What, no gilders paste in your stash….try acrylic paint, which works too! 

Cheers,

Rhea

 

 

Steampunk Mucha Arch

This project has been lying on my work table half finished for ages!  As I was trying to get some cleaning done in my crafty space, I was of course distracted by this little unfinished object.

The background paper is from Graphic 45's Steampunk Spells.  I also used the tiny gears from the Steampunk Spells Flowers when I was adding all the fun embellishments.

In order to add a bit of mystery, I had to use some glitter.  I added some highlights with stickels glitter glue in two different colors.  Also used were some gear die cuts someone gave me as I still need to purchase this one.  To give the gears texture I misted them with Perfect Pearls.

The base of the project is from Gina's Designs. It was painted with black gesso and then dusted with a bit of copper gilders paste. Of course I had to add lots of metal do dads to give the piece some weight and interest. 

I just love how this one turned out! 

Cheers,

Rhea

Romantic Steampunk Triptich

What a fun project this turned out to be, and I started with pretty much nothing.  I decided to up cycle the chipboard pieces that Alpha Stamps always sends along when you order printed collage sheets.  I turned them into this lovely triptych by using Tim Holtz's arch die, along with the movers and shapers.  You can see all the supplies I used here.

In order to get the plain old cardboard to look like metal, I used metallic stains, ink and gilders paste.  I think it is in the layering of different media that you really get good "faux" results.

In order to create a mystical look, I added a few sheets of mica over each of my images.  I love how this instantly ages the picture.

I added some of Tim Holtz's numeric rub ons through out the project to add a bit of whimsy.  I chose these because they echo the patter in the paper I chose.  I like to use rub ons because they are more dependable than stamping.

The heavy hinges also add a nice weight to this little trifold.  Adding in metal elements to my paper projects is one of my favorite things to do.

I hope you found a little bit of inspiration in the blog post today!

Cheers,

Rhea

Typography Inspiration Box

I am so excited to finally be able to show this Typography project for Graphic 45. This project went in a total direction than anticipated, but that is what I love about art.  

Typography Inspiration Box

Typography 8x8 paper

Typography 12x12 Paper

Typography Chipboard

Typography Stickers

Regular Tag Album

Antique Metal Door Pull

Ornate Metal Key Holes

Ornate Metal Keys

May Arts Ribbon

Petaloo Flowers

Copper Gilders Paste

Tissue Tape

E6000

Scor-tape

Black Gesso

Black Soot Distress Stain

I simply love scouring resale shops, flea markets and estate sales for things to alter.  The starting point for this Typography Inspiration Box came from one such find at a Goodwill thrift store. 

My little  box was fifty cents and it was quickly transformed into vessel for a few inspirational tags.  I creatively used the Ornate Metal Key Holes in groups to emulate feet along with lots of other Graphic 45 metal staples.  And yes, they are colored with copper gilders paste. 

The rich warm tones of the Typography line are just absolutely luscious! I have to admit, this paper line has grown on me a lot, I love it more and more with each use.

I layered chipboard elements with flowers and metal staples to create simple adornment on each tag.

I also adore the addition of lots of Petaloo flowers to each of my tags.

By simply adding a bit of twine or ribbon to the chip board pieces, it is easy to add texture and interest to a tag.

I also love all the great quotes and saying that Graphic 45 added to this line, there are lots of gems for sure. 

Cheers, 

Rhea

Tiny shrine of Mary

A few weeks back I had shared that I had been on a shrine/assemblage kick again, this post shows off another bit of that art attack.  

I used an Alpha Stamps image that I printed to make a rub on and then adhered that to a sheet of mica.  I just adore how you can see the text through the image.  Yes, I am easily amused when it comes to art techniques that add so much interest in super simple ways!

The edges of the assemblage were covered with my standby, tissue tape.  I also used a ton of gilders paste on this project, in fact this is the only medium I used to color the elements. 

I gave my mom another small similar shrine with religious imagery, I think this one may be destined for her as well!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Shabby Chic Round Robin

Well this is the last I will be posting about my Kindred Souls round robin contributions.  Sadly this swap is coming to an end.  For this post I will be showing off two pages both with shabby chic themes.

The first book page here is for Carol.  Her theme was inspirational sayings with a shabby chic feel. She also mentioned that she liked things with wings.  I used a variety of Graphic 45 paper including sheets from A Ladies' Diary and Botanicabella.  The key and key hole were aged with acrylic paint and gilders paste.

Gloria's book continues the same theme, so I stayed in a similar color palate.  I stretched myself to use some old trims I had on hand.  Lots more Graphic 45 with chip board parts and more metal staples.

One of my tried and true strategies when edging out this type of page is to use decorative tapes.  I love that this hides my sloppy cutting.  The edges were waxed with gilders paste as well.

On the back of this page I have used a sheet from an old Sears and Roebuck catalog.  I thought the imagery fit the theme well.  I did add a subtle layer of shimmer with a spritz of ink and a stencil.

I really had a nice time stepping outside of my usual style.  This is why I like to play in swaps such as this.  I am eagerly awaiting the return of my journal.  I will be sure to post when it arrives.

P.S.  Gloria, I could not resist adding a few bits of junk to the outside of your book.  I hope you don't mind!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Steampunk Spells Triptych

The thrill of getting my hands on new crafty stuff for my design team work never seems to wear off.  The new Steampunk Spells line by Graphic 45 has to be one of my favorite papers to date.  I feel so very blessed to start my role as a designer for a premier paper company!

The base is a triptych that Leslie is working on sourcing over at Alpha Stamps.  I will be getting a few more of these for sure once she does.  It was really simple to create a thoughtful piece.  There was a bit of a challenge for me to keep the inside flat, so that it could close.

The clasp was altered with gilders paste.  In order to thin the paste out an help it get into all the cracks of the fancy rectangular latch, a bit of mineral spirits was added. 

Inside I let the paper do most of the work.  The middle portion is not altered all that much for two reasons.  First off I had to keep it flat. Secondly, I just wanted the lovely paper to be highlighted.  I always like the "title pages" that Graphic 45 comes up with to set the tone of the line.

I am absolutely in love with this print.  Here again, it was used it in an area where it could be fully appreciated and not covered up with all my crazy embellishing.

The central portion of this piece is topped with several ornate filigree, also buffed with gilders paste. The focal piece is an old set of souvenir wings from an airline.  I added a rusted metal button and an ornate key from the Graphic 45 staples line.

I absolutely love this paper line and I can't wait to see what else I can create with it.  I am also looking forward to seeing how it looks in the hands of others!  

Cheers, 

Rhea