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

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

OWSE Guest Artist

I was so surprised and honored to be invited to be a guest artist for the first time.  This connection was made through Outlaw Women Scrapbook Emporium, which is a wonderful Yahoo community complete with its own discount store and blog.

I made this cute little guy and showcased some interesting techniques over on their crafting blog here. 



I really love all the texture I was able to achieve using metal and gesso.  Here is a closer peek. 





Please use the links provided above if you want to check out some wonderful crafty resources. 

Cheers,

Rhea

Steampunk Metal Deck

I have recently returned from a wonderful mixed media retreat called Create, sponsored by Cloth, Paper, Scissors.  It was an absolute blast.  I learned a ton and managed to produce a lot of art in every medium imaginable.  If I had to choose, my favorite was probably the project I am going to share with you today. The class was called The Vintage Metal Deck and it was taught by Leighanna Light. 

 We altered ten pieces of metal with paper, rust, gesso, stamping, distressing, image transfer, paint, ink and lots of cold connections.

I added a bunch of fibers I hand colored previously to add a softer texture to my industrial deck.

Some of the backs of the cards I just left rusty because I thought the color and texture of the rust was so lovely.

I had a tiny problem with the darker pages above and below, so I had to do some additions to save my work.  While this was a problem, it was a nice challenge to have to solve the issue in order to keep the integrity of my work.

A ton of embellishments and charms were used, I did not hold back in my "bling."

This project challenged me to let go of my perfection tendencies when it comes to wire and jewelry making techniques.  It was tough to let the wire be messy, but it was a great creative exercise.



I love the Harlequin pattern on this page.

One of my favorite new craft items after this trip: resistors.  These little buggers are wonderful.  I will be scouting out a source for these for sure. 

This was another lovely rusty back.

 

I experimented with rusting all kinds of items.  This is a technique I can see myself applying to many projects.

I am so pleased with the outcome of this project.  I was incredibly inspired during the entire process and I look forward to creating another metal deck soon.  If you ever have the opportunity to take this class with Leighanna I highly recommend it! 

 

Stay tuned for more of my projects from Create 2011.

Cheers,

Rhea

Under cover

This week over at Simon Says Stamp and Show their challenge is metal.  Boy, am I obsessed with metal right now.  I dream of someday expanding my repertoire of jewelry creation by stepping into metalwork.  For now, I just try to incorporate it via mixed media.  This time I made a book cover for my various challenge pages.  I only recently discovered this crafty online world and when I started doing challenges, I thought to start a chunky book to hold my collection.

The metal foil is from 10 Second Studio, I believe.  A lovely crafty pal gifted it to me, so I am not totally sure.  I embossed the foil and then sanded. The paper that frames out the metal is from Graphics 45.  I added a tiny bit of Tim's newer tissue tape, along with some ink here and there.  I also added corner shaped brads that I glued down and then hammered for texture.  Grommets were used on the cover as well as on each page to reinforce the holes for the bookbinding rings.  I love the fact that this allows me to easily add pages.

The inside cover has a great piece of embossed chipboard.  For this I simply inked it up with distress inks and glimmer mists.  I clipped another piece I did for a challenge inside.  Opposite the inside cover is my very first entry into a SSSSC, which just happened to make top three.  What a way to start with this lovely community!

Thanks for stopping by, I really do love to share my inspiration with you!

Cheers,

Rhea