Steampunk Santos Doll

This project has been in the making for quite some time.  I started it when I recently made a large order from Retro Art Cafe, where I got the doll base.  

The caged portion of the doll is covered in turquoise Iced Enamels.  I love the shabby metal look it gives.  Since I did not seal it with resin as intended, it chipped a little, but I liked the effect. 

On the bottom of the doll I added lots of fun things. Strings and scraps from Sari ribbon, gears, hearts and even some old vacuum tubes.  A few customized bezels were also added for movement and additional meaning.

My project finally came together once I got some stuff from B'sue Boutiques.  I had been having trouble with the face of my doll, but with this lovely brass stamping my gal finally found her personality.  

I enhanced the face with Vintaj patinas, gilders paste and some stickels. I think it ended up working out quite well.  You can also see another custom bezel is tied on here with some more Sari ribbon, which was from B'sue as well.  I really loved it more than I would ever imagine, with it's bright vivid colors.

I liked the shape of the hearts as well as the colors I chose.  Here I layered on three similar elements to create interest and depth.  It is always good to repeat patterns.

The wings of my steampunk Santos doll are enhanced with Inka Gold, stenciling and lots of gilders paste.  I even edged some things out with graphite to be sure I had good definition. 

This was a super fun project for me that is really outside of my usual work, but I really enjoyed it.  I hope you did too!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Artisan Style Blocks

This project for Graphic 45 was inspired by the new Artisan Style paper line and a score of some blank blocks at an outlet store.  The blocks actually came with paper and embellishments for a Christmas themed project, but I had other plans for them.  

I kept the project pretty simple for once and I was really working to not over embellish or add too much stuff.  For those of you who regularly follow me, you will know that this is indeed a challenge. 

To keep things looking aged, distressed and somewhat cohesive, I used inks, stain and my Dremel tool to bring the project together.

Another element that I wanted to highlight in this project was the new door knockers from Graphic 45.  I just adore these embellishments and the fantastic detail they have.  I aged mine a little with the use of patina colored gilders paste.  To make this detail appear more substantial I also backed it with a filigree and framed it out with a sticker.  

Another tactic I used in this project that is rare is rounding the corners of my paper.  This small detail really added to the project, and I got to use a gadget I have had and rarely use.

The use of the Artisan Style ephemera also helped this project along.  I love that there is no cutting required and you get great imagery to use in your projects.

There are so many ways you can stack these fun blocks to see different views and details.  Yes, I have been playing with my blocks!

I hope you enjoyed today's post for Graphic 45.  There will not be too many of these left as my time with them is up at the end of the month!  It has been an amazing experience and I am excited for the new team that has been set up to inspire. 

Cheers, 

Rhea

Hand Picked Flower Assemblage

This piece has been in the works for so long!  I found these elements several summers ago and I compiled them as a result of a lesson on flowers from an online class through Brave Girls Club. However, as things sometimes happen, I never really put the piece together.

I had taken a photo of the assemblage on the trunk I use as a backdrop.  The pieces were lying around neglected in a dish for a very long time.  I finally had the inspiration to use them when I found the background at a local big box store.  I used stains, gilders paste, gesso and paint to create a fun distressed background. 

The play on words with the title "hand picked" I thought was super cute.  I used a dymo label maker to make my saying and mounted it on a scrap of Masonite and a Tim Holtz frame.

The middle of the flower is a cool old rotary phone dial that I picked up at a garage sale in the Upper Peninsula.  I am happy to finally put this treasure to good use. 

This was a great departure from my usual use of paper, a true assemblage for sure!  Thanks so much as always for stopping by, I wish you much inspiration!

Cheers, 

Rhea