Altered Potion Bottles

So the latest installment of swaps from Alpha Stamps proves to be intriguing as always for Halloween.  Inspired by Laura Carson's Pretty Potions and Poisons Apothecary event, this swap is a fun way to exchange bottles, yet have a more customer friendly mailing format. Please click the button on the right for more information on the swap.

My favorite part of making these was playing with Tim's new metallic stains.  They are seriously dreamy right on chip board.  Add a few splashes of water after a direct application to get the distressed look, then buff in some black ink and cardboard turns into metal.  And you all know how much I love metal...  These stains have become my new favorite, which is the theme of the challenge over at SSSS, so I am throwing this post in the mix!

I had fun using the black dazzle lines.  They are so simple, yet when combined creatively they really added great texture and borders on my bottles. 

Here you can really see a lot of the bare chipboard with the stain and ink.  Pretty nice metallic effects.

I used some of Graphic 45's Happy Haunting paper along with classic skulls from Alpha stamps to treat the backs of the bottles. 

I tried to make clever bottle toppers along the way.  I used filigree and trinkets to layer my tops. Layering is a great designers' trick by the way, it makes projects look more interesting and adds additional texture.

I added some funny little cat eyes to this guy and it changes up his look. 

Here I used lots of layering.  There are actually two die cut labels on this separated by a metal filigree piece.

I love the technique I used on the silver spider.  This was simply using a stencil and some stickels.  I can't believe the level of detail.

I hope you are inspired or perhaps learned something new!  I just adore the chance to share with you all. 

Thanks as always for stopping by and checking things out.

Cheers, 

Rhea

A Retro Halloween

It was almost exactly one year ago that I discovered the joy of Retro Cafe Art and their amazing Coffee Break Designs. I had gone to an art retreat in Chicago and they had a booth there.  I went nuts on all their Masonite goodies and developed quite a stash.  Recently when I saw on their Facebook page that they were having a Halloween art contest, I knew I would celebrate by using some of my coveted supplies.

The first entry features two images from RCA's current free collage sheet.  I made the moon peek over the side of the house and I love the altered cabinet card witch.  

I used mica and glitter to line the inside of a smaller cigar box.  The sandy paste I have used in other projects. In fact, this was left over from this post.  You can hop on over there if you would like the details on how to make the paste. 

Other items used on this project from Retro Cafe Art are: picket fence cut outs (these are so handy people), guilders paste and the wonderful star washi tape.  I am a sucker for designer tapes!  The lace was actually cut from a doily and the house base was found at a rummage sale.  A fun project indeed.  

The second little assemblage I put together is also filled with RCA supplies.  I started with a three hole cubby.  This was altered with guilders paste and decorative tape.  You can also see the use of those fences again.  All of the Masonite products accept the guilders paste very well.  

I used their tiny heart shrine, two sizes of red cotton spun mushrooms as well as a Halloween paper cut out.  I was a little surprised at my Retro craft stash!  

I guess this is the official start of the holiday season in my crafty world!  Here we go!

Cheers, 

Rhea