Printery Shadow Box

Wow, was I inspired with this one!  In this project I challenged myself to use lots of goodies from Prima Marketing.  The Printery paper line was the source of inspiration for this shadowbox.  

The base is a 7 Gypsies shadowbox tray. I chose to have the small cubbies on the side, as you can really orientate the tray in any way you want for different looks.  

I have paired a fair number of Prima metal trinkets and junkyard findings along with a few special treasures to make a fun nostalgic collection.

To achieve texture in this piece I chose to blend my edges and corners with a treatment of black glass glitter from Finnabair.  I love how this adds some sparkle, but still looks grungy and industrial.

I found myself drawn to using symmetry more than once as I pieced this together.  I framed out the outside corners of the box as well as the large inset. 

One trick that I often use to alter things is to layer them.  By adding the tiny gear inside of the hexagon and framing it out with the watch fobs, it created a whole different embellishment.  You can also see my layering technique below with the faucet wheels. 

The special touch of a few trinkets that are vintage also give this piece a bit more of a story.  A vintage clip, a skeleton key, found safety pins from button cards, anything like this can give a piece personal meaning.  I also love these old jacks and how the color has been worn off of them through years of play!

Cheers,

Rhea

Butterfly Tag

This is yet another project inspired by Miss Linda Ledbetter and her Creative Crew.  This week's technique for the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge was a remnant rub resist.  I love the detail it gave this fun tag.

I went back to my usual brown color palate, but added a small pop of blue to try and spice things up a bit.  One trick I used in this project was to make a "ribbon" for the tag with tissue tape.  Thank you Dyan Reavely for that one!

You can also see the layers of ink, stenciling and distress.  Notice also that I edged the tag with silver gilders paste, the perfect metallic finish.  Lots of metal elements always make a tag feel substantial.  

Again I used lot of vellum elements from Tim.  I just adore these! 

This week's challenge is being sponsored by The Funkie Junkie Boutique, check them out along with all the inspiration from Linda's team.  

Cheers, 

Rhea

Industrial Typography Box

So I always love when I get a design team challenge.  This was the case when tasked to work with Core'dinations card stock along side Graphic 45.  I don't typically use plain paper, so of course I got to altering it pretty quick! The card stock stood up very well to several different techniques.

The gears were cut from the black Core'dinations paper and then embossed.  I also used gilders paste in silver to bring out all the raised images.  Finally I misted them with Perfect Pearls spray ink to add a bit more of a metallic look.

In order to make the saying inside pop, I used some recycled foil embossed wrapping paper.  I thought that the reflective quality of the paper would keep the inside of the box from getting dark.

The gears were attached on both sides of the opening of the box to add dimension.

I also finally used these coveted wheel pulleys by Tim Holtz.  I have had them in my stash for a while and I thought this was the perfect project to use these on.

In these images you can also see the great metal texture I achieved on bare kraft matchbox with stain and ink.  I used water to make them react and leave behind lots of interest.

I could not resist adding a bit of actual metal.

I really loved taking on this challenge.  You should see what the rest of the team has come up with today!  Please stop by the Graphic 45 Blog and Cord'inations Blog for lots of great inspirations and chances to win lots of prizes.  You can even enter right here too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our Love Story

Well I am at it again folks, I could not help but partake in another design challenge sponsored by Vintaj.  With the amazing prize package they just sent me I suspect there will be a few more challenges in my future too.

I just love having a trigger or a prompt for art, I do find that can really inspire me.  The theme this month is "Our Story."  I just happen to have a delightful new story in my life unfolding right now and so I chose to chronicle it through this piece.  Each and every little do dad has a thought or personal meaning behind it.

VOTE HERE (if you want)

#7 Our Love Story

The small blanks I altered from Vintaj are delightful.  I stamped a background with permanent ink and then layered text on top.  Some of them I made domed by thoughtfully adding on the Diamond Glaze, others were kept more even and flush.

You can see below that I added other inclusions to some of the metal blanks as well.  

I was so super excited to find a use for the etched metal tiles that were added.  I happen to be blessed with an amazing clan of local art ladies.  During one of our meetings last year, Beth from Vintage Sweets, taught us how to etch on metal.  When I heard the theme for the challenge I knew I wanted to use these.  I added them to represent sweet nothings, love letters and the secrets new lovers share.  

  

I hope you enjoyed partaking in this little bit of my new story.  Thanks for all of your continued support and readership.  It really does mean the world to me.  Hopefully this piece will also trigger the full on creative mojo return.

Cheers, 

Rhea

Steampunk Cabinet Card Curiosity

One of my recent Alpha Stamps assignments included the creation of some interesting old relatives.  We were asked to alter two cabinet card cover sets, making each of our relatives have a curious element or trick.  I really struggled with the content, but here is where I landed with one of my projects.  There is a swap afoot if you are interested.
 

I used the same dude in my steampunk card.  He was quite popular with the design team ladies!

I went with a grungy look, using embossed aluminum tape to bind the book.  Lots of seven gypsies rub ons and metal hardware add to the industrial look.  

I used some old acetate from packaging to add a curious element to the project.  I was able to float the goggles and gears by doing this. 

Stay tuned there is another cabinet card installment coming soon. 

Cheers, 

Rhea

Embossed Metal Box Tutorial

In this project I will show you how to take this humble little box from Alpha Stamps, and turn it into a grungy but elegant steampunk box.  This was also the technique used in my Altered Dress Form, posted a few weeks ago.  I am happy to report that this dress form was chosen to go on tour with an expo show for the next year.

Here is a peek at the finished product. This box is 4x4 so it is perfect for small chunky books, altered coasters or just random junk.  

I started out by prepping the box feet with both black and patina guilder's paste.

Then I moved on to prepping my box.  I applied one thick coat of black gesso.  

While these dried, I worked on embossing my aluminum tape from the hardware store.  Now, I do happen to have a machine that I use along with embossing folders.  If you do not have this resource get creative.  I was able to sample some textures from around the house.  A beaded place mat, a wire basket, a heat vent...get creative!

To add more dimension and texture, I painted my embossed tape with gesso and then wiped it off.  This leaves a bit of color in some of the indentations of the foil.  It also dulled down the metal quite a bit.   

Now for the fun part, applying the tape.  This is so easy, since the adhesive is already there.  I layered three strips on the top, adding each of the outside layers before placing the one in the middle. 

A bit of tissue tape on the edges gives it a finished look.  To blend the tape in with the project, I wiped some black gesso on and then off of the tape to grunge it up.  I also added a bit of spray glimmer to shine it up with another layer of texture.

Now it is time to add the hardware.  I simply used a heavy duty glue for the feet.  Make sure they are all level as it dries!  A vintage clock gear is held on by the faucet handle, which was screwed onto the top of the box.  Be sure to do this before embellishing the inside and the backing of the handle will be hidden. 

Now I chose my wonderful Alpha Stamps imagery.  The round things collage sheet had many options, so I chose a few.  A few large spinners add my favorite element of movement to the project.  

Simply glue inside with a bit of coordinating paper, and you are done.  

Hard to believe this was a simple little gift box to start, eh? :)

I hope I have inspired you to step outside the box with your embossing.

Cheers, 

Rhea

Altered Dress Form

A few weeks ago I posted here about a creative challenge I was about to embark on and this post showcases the results.  I was offered an opportunity to alter a dress form, with the chance of it traveling for the next year at the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo shows throughout the United States, if selected. 

7/14/12:  I am so pleased to report that my Industrial 

Glamour Girl was chosen!!!!!

The project is entitled Runway Re-View, and the challenge was to use repurposed items and not spend more than twenty dollars on materials.  Since the challenge this week on Simon Says Stamp and Show this week is "Anything Goes," I am going to enter this there as well.

I would gather that the value of the stuff I used on this was right around ten dollars.  The dress is made from embossed aluminum tape from the hardware store I had on hand.  I grunged it up with black gesso by painting it and wiping off the excess. 

To add a bit more bling, I added a belt made of an old chain and a broach.  I am always on the hunt for old jewelry on the cheap at flea markets and estate sales.  I recently went to my first auction and that was even better as far as affordable altered art supplies, but I digress...  To take the sheen off of the chain I used a bit of black Guilders Paste.  I am in love with this product, I want it in every color.   It is hard to see, but I also spritzed the dress with Perfect Pearls mists.  These work really well on metal. 

The bottom was embellished with a few bits I found on a half off sale in the wedding section of a big box store. I really loved the little sprays of wire and gems.  A few light bulbs were also added to go with the industrial feel and add a whimsical element. I detailed the trim of the dress in a black sequin trim I had on hand, although I have no recollection of ever getting it. 

I hope my little industrial gal is chosen to travel.  Perhaps some of my readers will actually get to see her in person, that would be cool.  No matter what, it was a fun experience to participate in and it really challenged me artistically.   

Cheers,

Rhea