Nana's Memories (Beth) is celebrating her 10,000 hits
Many congratulations - she also is giving away some blog candy to celebrate
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Friday, 13 February 2009
Tag
Here is my tag - inspired by Jo's.
As usual, click on the photo to enlarge
The backing paper was a freebie, downloaded from the internet.
I distressed it with blue ink - I wanted to give it a feel of being cold.
I added colour to the blue tit - to make it more pronounced and then embossed it with clear embossing powder to make it stand out.
I put my own slant on the background - it was pale and didn't stand out, and I didn't really know what to do to it.
Then I had a brain wave. I used a white pen to turn it into a winter snow city scene. It completely transformed the look. By highlighting all the surfaces that snow would have settled, it has given it depth. Took me ages to do - but I was pleased with the end result. The bird is now perched on a snowy ledge, roofs, railings, window-sills, steps ground and foliage have all had a dusting of snow.
I finished off with a stamp in the corner - same as Jo's, and just for the photo shoot, I borrowed the ribbon, which is now returned to her or MY tag as it is now.
I didn't have any thick cardboard so had to mount mine on white card - this is the reverse.
You probably wouldn't have noticed - but a glaring mistake is that I have not drawn in any feelers on the butterfly - that will be rectified asap.
This is summer in the city - so I softly highlighted some bits. The butterfly was collaged on, but first I gave it a bit more colour and clear embossed again.
On the skyline and across the city I used some cosmic glimmer powder in a pale yellow/gold. Just to add the suggestion of warmth glimpse now and again in certain light, and at an angle
It's not 'in your face' as you can see in the photo above, it is very subtle
The Art stamp is from a Graphicus plate I bought recently in their sale.
Next week I want to try and find somewhere to buy lovely ribbons - like the organza one that Jo used.
As usual, click on the photo to enlarge
The backing paper was a freebie, downloaded from the internet.
I distressed it with blue ink - I wanted to give it a feel of being cold.
I added colour to the blue tit - to make it more pronounced and then embossed it with clear embossing powder to make it stand out.
I put my own slant on the background - it was pale and didn't stand out, and I didn't really know what to do to it.
Then I had a brain wave. I used a white pen to turn it into a winter snow city scene. It completely transformed the look. By highlighting all the surfaces that snow would have settled, it has given it depth. Took me ages to do - but I was pleased with the end result. The bird is now perched on a snowy ledge, roofs, railings, window-sills, steps ground and foliage have all had a dusting of snow.
I finished off with a stamp in the corner - same as Jo's, and just for the photo shoot, I borrowed the ribbon, which is now returned to her or MY tag as it is now.
I didn't have any thick cardboard so had to mount mine on white card - this is the reverse.
You probably wouldn't have noticed - but a glaring mistake is that I have not drawn in any feelers on the butterfly - that will be rectified asap.
This is summer in the city - so I softly highlighted some bits. The butterfly was collaged on, but first I gave it a bit more colour and clear embossed again.
On the skyline and across the city I used some cosmic glimmer powder in a pale yellow/gold. Just to add the suggestion of warmth glimpse now and again in certain light, and at an angle
It's not 'in your face' as you can see in the photo above, it is very subtle
The Art stamp is from a Graphicus plate I bought recently in their sale.
Next week I want to try and find somewhere to buy lovely ribbons - like the organza one that Jo used.
Thank you very much Jo
I am now the very proud owner of a piece of artwork by Jo Capper Sandon
A truly beautiful tag. Things look so different 'in your hand' as you get to examine them up close.
This is the other side - isn't it gorgeous.
I get to see all the different elements and techniques - it is brilliant. It is made out of thick recycled card - which is 'right up my street' as I improvise and recycle.
I shouldn't be telling you this - but she also sent me some "bits and pieces" bless her - which really cheered me up.
So thank you Jo for your kindness of heart, support, and encouragement.
I am off to make a tag!
A truly beautiful tag. Things look so different 'in your hand' as you get to examine them up close.
This is the other side - isn't it gorgeous.
I get to see all the different elements and techniques - it is brilliant. It is made out of thick recycled card - which is 'right up my street' as I improvise and recycle.
I shouldn't be telling you this - but she also sent me some "bits and pieces" bless her - which really cheered me up.
So thank you Jo for your kindness of heart, support, and encouragement.
I am off to make a tag!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Paper Beads
Today I have had a go at making paper beads for a swap I am entering.
I couldn't get a photo in daylight - so these look slightly darker than they do in 'real life'
Because they are all made by hand - no two are exactly the same, which I think adds to their charm.
They are made with a strip of paper - these were 1" x 9" which I then cut diagonally.
Next I glued the reverse of the paper, and rolled each one up onto a cocktail stick, starting with the widest end first which gave them their shape
Then I rolled each one on a clear ink pad and then dipped it in a little pot of UTEE, used a heat gun to melt it, and repeated that at least four times, turning the bead as I went.
I had a play with glass beads and wire too. One bead (which I have set aside on the right) I made using a left over straight strip and it looks just like some Japanese beads I have. So I am going to experiment making some of those - as they cost a fortune to buy!
I couldn't get a photo in daylight - so these look slightly darker than they do in 'real life'
Because they are all made by hand - no two are exactly the same, which I think adds to their charm.
They are made with a strip of paper - these were 1" x 9" which I then cut diagonally.
Next I glued the reverse of the paper, and rolled each one up onto a cocktail stick, starting with the widest end first which gave them their shape
Then I rolled each one on a clear ink pad and then dipped it in a little pot of UTEE, used a heat gun to melt it, and repeated that at least four times, turning the bead as I went.
I had a play with glass beads and wire too. One bead (which I have set aside on the right) I made using a left over straight strip and it looks just like some Japanese beads I have. So I am going to experiment making some of those - as they cost a fortune to buy!
Altered Box
I altered this cardboard domino box which you can see if you click the link, and turned it into this...............for a lovely lady.
(As usual, click any image for an enlarged photo)
It took three coats of Gesso to hide all the pictures, and I painted all of it inside and out and underneath. Left it to dry overnight. The next task was to swipe over some ink - to make it look grainy. That took all morning the next day to soak in and dry.
It was then that I stamped onto tissue paper, in black ink, the image, and once dry glued it onto the lid of the box.
The next day, I painstakingly painted it all with a tiny paintbrush - some places took several coats to get the depth of colour. The creamy white background along the outer edges is the 'woodgrain' effect I made with the Gesso and ink (it's not all hidden under the dark paint)
I then used UTEE to cover the image - to protect it - that took four coats of melting and maneuvering to get it to flow over the butterfly panel.
The next day I gave it two coats of acrylic paint - in burnt sienna to cover the creamy stained sides and edges.
The next day I embossed the top edges with copper embossing powder.
And lastly rubbed over all the burnt sienna paintwork with a copper rub and buff metal paint - waited for it dry and shined it all up to give it a nice sheen and to make it look solid. Which sadly these photos do not show!
I took the photos in a rush on Sunday morning as we were going away to the coast for the night - but I wanted to finish it and wrap it up and get it in the post the next day on the way back.
Lastly I wrapped in tissue a few little surprises, and used petals and leaves from a spray of artificial flowers which I pulled apart.
What it lacks in 'talent', I think is made up for with effort LOL, and I had great pleasure in making it for a particular person - to fit in with their 'other life' apart from their art work.
It felt like a wooden box when I had finished with it - and I have to admit to feeling rather chuffed that for a few pennies, and lots of patience, you can create your own little work of art without a huge amount of materials.
And yesterday, it arrived at it's destination hundreds of miles away!
(As usual, click any image for an enlarged photo)
It took three coats of Gesso to hide all the pictures, and I painted all of it inside and out and underneath. Left it to dry overnight. The next task was to swipe over some ink - to make it look grainy. That took all morning the next day to soak in and dry.
It was then that I stamped onto tissue paper, in black ink, the image, and once dry glued it onto the lid of the box.
The next day, I painstakingly painted it all with a tiny paintbrush - some places took several coats to get the depth of colour. The creamy white background along the outer edges is the 'woodgrain' effect I made with the Gesso and ink (it's not all hidden under the dark paint)
I then used UTEE to cover the image - to protect it - that took four coats of melting and maneuvering to get it to flow over the butterfly panel.
The next day I gave it two coats of acrylic paint - in burnt sienna to cover the creamy stained sides and edges.
The next day I embossed the top edges with copper embossing powder.
And lastly rubbed over all the burnt sienna paintwork with a copper rub and buff metal paint - waited for it dry and shined it all up to give it a nice sheen and to make it look solid. Which sadly these photos do not show!
I took the photos in a rush on Sunday morning as we were going away to the coast for the night - but I wanted to finish it and wrap it up and get it in the post the next day on the way back.
Lastly I wrapped in tissue a few little surprises, and used petals and leaves from a spray of artificial flowers which I pulled apart.
What it lacks in 'talent', I think is made up for with effort LOL, and I had great pleasure in making it for a particular person - to fit in with their 'other life' apart from their art work.
It felt like a wooden box when I had finished with it - and I have to admit to feeling rather chuffed that for a few pennies, and lots of patience, you can create your own little work of art without a huge amount of materials.
And yesterday, it arrived at it's destination hundreds of miles away!
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Luke's online workshop - Octopus and bird - taking bookings somewhere near you!
I am glad that my three year old grandson has inherited at least some of my genes LOL
Look at that concentration.
He's a dab hand with the glue stick
And is not messy with the PVA like I am. He is so dainty using cotton buds to put the glue on and to stick on the feathers
Voila - I hope that it is for me!
Look at that concentration.
He's a dab hand with the glue stick
And is not messy with the PVA like I am. He is so dainty using cotton buds to put the glue on and to stick on the feathers
Voila - I hope that it is for me!
Altered Bottle Caps
I had a go at altering some bottle caps. I see one of them has a bit of black on the side - didn't notice it when I made - I must wipe that off!
Why is it that the smallest of things seem to take the longest time to do. I spent several hours over two days. This little one has a photo in it and I have 'bashed' the rim to make a frame. The 'pearl' looks lovely in real life. It came from a necklace that I bought in a charity shop this week. I have looked for months and never found anything suitable. This one had lots of little charms on it - too me ages to get this one off - but finishes it off nicely.
This is another vintage photo - the lady is collaged on to script.
And yes - this is the one I need to wipe off the little bit of black paint. I painted the backs of them black to hide the brand name.
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