Steampunk Mermaid Box

Hello to my dedicated readers!

It has been a really long time since I have blogged.  Life has been busy and I truly lost my creative mojo when all of my design team commitments stopped at the same time. It seems that good old Alpha Stamps has brought back my magic as they recently asked me to do a guest project.  The theme was right up my alley, so I could not resist.

For this piece I used Graphic 45's Voyage Beneath the Sea paper.  The colors are amazing and the content was perfect for this mash up.

Since I absolutely love working with Dresden, I used a nice selection of turquoise trim to really make this treasure chest seem regal and I think it did the trick!

Of course most of my projects are covered in lots of metal bits, so I used a great variety of metal and chipboard gears, some ocean themed embellishments and I added some tine glass spheres too.

I just loved the juxtaposition of the ocean theme with the industrial gears.

Of course Alpha Stamps has so many amazing collage sheets, so I had to use a variety of steampunk ones to complete my project.

I chose not to hinge my project so that I could just take the lid off, but this treasure chest has so many options to add hardware.

I filled my little box with some sea glass I had on hand. A perfect vessel for my ocean treasures!

I hope you enjoyed today's post!  It was so fun to work for Alpha Stamps once again and I truly appreciate your readership folks!

Cheers,

Rhea

Abandoned Art!

I had made this project quite awhile ago for Graphic 45 and it was recently shared in my awesome farewell post.  I could not believe the outpouring of love and comments, it is something I will certainly treasure.  Anyhow, I decided that this project needed to be abandoned in the wild for someone else to enjoy! It always feels good to put a little love out into the world.

What started as a Facebook Group has evolved to an "art movement" with "art abandoneers" all across the world.  There is even a book that has been published! It is really fun to see the amazing things that people leave as a beautiful random act of kindness.

I had been carrying around my little house for several days with the intent to leave it somewhere, but I could not find the right spot.  My day job took me to Lansing for a meeting and I had the idea to see if I could drop it in a really urban location.  This interactive art piece was a perfect spot. There is a tag on the back of the project explaining that it is free art and contact information to report their experience if they choose.

Here are additional photos of my project.  I love the roof that I made with a die cut by Tim Holtz, it turned out so super cute.

There is lots of metal added to the front of this little fairy house.  I also used a lot of fussy cutting and flowers to add more texture and interest.  

I sure hope that someone out there is enjoying their little bit of abandoned art!

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

Mixed Media Butterfly Box

I had so much fun really altering this box from Graphic 45.  

P.S. sorry about the moody morning light, I was under a deadline and had to work with what I had! 

I even made a tutorial on Snapguide so you can see how I achieved this lovely metal texture on plain old kraftboard!  

Check out How to Alter a Graphic 45 Mixed Media Box by Rhea Freitag on Snapguide.

The addition of all the microbeads at the end really adds to the texture I created on this project. I admit it was a little scary to slather my project in glue at the end, but it was worth it.

I am running low on those amazing butterflies from Graphic 45.  This is a great way to pay homage to a retired supply!

Here is a photo of the back of the project so you can get an idea of what my base looked like.  I even managed to stamp a little in this project, which rarely happens because I am a sloppy stamper.  I used the purposefully messy "technique."

While there is not a ton of paper in this project, I do love the snips of Artisan Style that I used in this project.  What a lovely paper line!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you found a little bit of inspiration to take into your next crafting session.

Cheers, 

Rhea

Botanica Tea Altered Box

This is a fun springy project made for Graphic 45 with Botanical Tea.  

Botanical Tea Matchbook Box

Botanical Tea 6x6 Patterns and Solids

Botanical Tea Flowers

Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Keyholes

Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Key

Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Brads

Small Matchbook Box

Gesso

Twine

Resin Bird

Die Cut Bird Cage

Embossing Powder

This project started off with a Small Matchbook Box that I had primed with gesso one day when I did not have any creative mojo.  The white backdrop made for a perfect Botanical Tea spring scene. 

The birdcage was covered in thick bronze embossing powder to create a gilded look.  I love how the cage looks placed over the hole in the box.  The Shabby Chic metal staples have a lovely finish that coordinate well with the lightness I was going for in this fun little piece. 

Thanks as always for stopping by.  I hope you found a little spring inspiration today!

Cheers, 

Rhea

Spring Shadowbox

So recently Graphic 45 featured the nicest spotlight on me!  Not only did we have to answer a few questions, but we had to make a tutorial in our favorite crafting avenue.  I chose to make a small shadowbox with Raining Cats and Dogs and the snapguide is below.

Check out How to Make a Small Shadow Box by Rhea Freitag on Snapguide.

The color palate in this line is great.  There is so much contrast.  It makes for a busy project, but I usually like lots of layers!

The metal flower above was faux enameled.  This gives it so much texture and age. The same technique was used on the filigree below.

I found yet another place to sneak in those cute red mushrooms.  I just adore those things!

The resin butterfly below has some patina colored gilders paste added to highlight the edges.  It also helps to bring it more into the intended color palate.  

Thank you so much for stopping by!  Happy Spring to you! (at least there is sunshine in Michigan...but it is still way too cold.)

Cheers, 

Rhea

Springtime Bunny Box

This project was recently featured in Graphic 45's newsletter. I thought it made for a fun piece of springtime decor, but it could easily be modified for any season, holiday or even a memory.

For this project I used Time to Flourish. This paper line is beautiful and super versatile too!

For those of you who are interested in seeing how this was put together I have created a snapguide for you to check out.  There are so many great tutorials on this site!

Check out How to Alter a Small Graphic 45 Book Box by Rhea Freitag on Snapguide.

I absolutely adore the lace sticker edging I used on this project.  Sad that it was the last bit I had in my stash...  Another great trick here:  I used a layer of 7 gypsies tissue paper that I covered in resin over the bunny rabbit that I cut out of chipboard.  This makes for a cool textural element.

I was super happy to have finally used one of my resin bezels I made a while ago with lots of Graphic 45 goodies sealed inside.  

I hope you enjoyed today's springy offerings!  I know one thing for sure, here in Michigan we sure are happy it is indeed the first day of spring!

Cheers,

Rhea

Altered Art Letters

Hello all!  Today I am so excited to be able to offer you a peek of my feature over on Paper Crafter's Library.  Please stop over there to see more detailed pictures and more information about this project.

This is just one of the perks of being on the Graphic 45 design team!

P.S.  The design team call for Graphic 45 is still open...please consider trying out if you love their products, they are an amazing company to work for.  It has been an amazing two years!

Cheers,

Rhea

Dream Tag Banner

Somehow this little project for Graphic 45 got lost in the mix!

I made this right before the new year and I incorporated some secret journaling about my dreams and goals for the year.

One thing I wanted to symbolize in this project, was being free to use my "good" art supplies.  I tend to hang on to the really special stuff...so for this project I used a few coveted scraps of the retired Steampunk Debutante collection. 

This is my absolute favorite from Graphic 45 and I dream of them releasing it again in one of their collectors editions. 

The hinges on this project really help to add heft and weight to the project.  I just love metal embellishments.  The filigrees on the top also frame things out nicely. 

Another item I used that I had on hand were old embossed and gessoed gears that I had die cut.  I am always so happy when something I have been hanging onto finds it's proper home!

The project is double sided.  On the "back" of the tag banner I started off by journaling.

In order to keep my thoughts and dreams private, I decided to add some elements.  This way the meaning that I established is still present, but they are secret.

I used lots of spray inks and layers to achieve interest and texture.

And here are photos of the whole front and back!

I hope you enjoyed this unique way to journal!

Cheers!

Rhea