Finnabair style and DecoArt

After taking a Finnabair class a while back I started to create a canvas but I was not sure how I wanted to 'finish' it off, so it has been sitting for months waiting for me to feel inspired.... it is my first real attempt at a proper mixed media piece!

I was given a huge box of DecoArt paints, sprays and mediums last year, as part of Eileen Hull's DT and I have dabbled a little with them.  It did not take me long to discover that my two favourite colours were Quinacridone Gold and Cobalt Teal Hue (Media Fluid).  Here is the canvas I created.

I also used Titanium White Media Fluid Acrylic to coat all the elements I added to the canvas (which is 8" x 8") and left this to dry.  I did not take step by step photos because I was not sure where I wanted this to end up but I do like the way it turned out but the items I used are below.

I used a paint brush to apply the two main colours, I misted them with water and allowed the colours to run a little, this mixed the two colours together quite nicely.  Once dried I mixed Titanium White with some of the White Shimmer Mist and water and gently sprayed over the whole of the finished canvas.  It was difficult to photograph because of the sheen that the Shimmer Mist leaves.

I built up the base by using flowers, lace, cogs, buttons and charms from my stash.

The sentiment is from Tim Holtz's Small Talk phrases and says 'it's always the small pieces that make the big picture' which I felt was quite appropriate!

My lovely and very talented friend Neet of  Hickydorums has a challenge blog which many of you will know - Artful Times.  Sadly, Neet will be closing Artful Times and I wanted to show my support for this latest challenge which is 'A Little Bit of Finnabair' by entering this canvas.

Thanks for looking, I hope to be back on Wednesday with another Inspiration Journal DT make and then again on Friday when we we see a brand new challenge at A Vintage Journey.

Hugs, Anne xx

Prima Doll and ICADs

As ever, thank you for the lovely comments on my altered clock for Our Creative Corner, I really appreciate that you take the time to look and comment!

Today I have used my new Prima Doll stamp and Prima tag and watch embellishment to make this:

Click on any photo for a better view.

I made the hanging to fit in with Hels Sunday Stampers, which is to 'make a hanging' and also  Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge where the challenge is to 'stamp on anything other than plain paper'  It is not often that I can work out how to create something for more than one challenge at a time!

I started out with a hanging from Paper Artsy, they are a lovely size and very lightweight box shaped so ideal for painting.  The tag is a gorgeous Prima one which comes in a pack of 48, already lightly decorated with beautiful script.  I coated the hanging base with gesso, then modelling paste through various of Tim's new stencils and then Fresco Finish paint in Mocha Mousse.  I then covered the whole of the embossed base with the Prima tag, with the top part cut off.  I used the same Tim Holtz stencils and used Peacock Feathers DI through the mask and then Weathered Wood through the burlap stencil.  Love how these stencils layer up!

You can see the stencilling better here.  I also took an Indigo Blu script stamp and used the fabulous new Wendy Vecchi Archival ink in Cornflower Blue and stamped randomly over the tag.  I added a Tattered Floral flower (painted with Broken China DI and overstamped, in part, with WV Archival in Cornflower Blue).  The ribbon was ruched to give the doll something to stand on.  The doll herself is coloured with various shades of Distress Ink, fussy cut and raised with glue dots.

To finish off I added one of Finnabair's fabulous mini time pieces.  Inside the watch, which has a removable front I used a Tim Rub on and a chit chat word.

I made a little 'glass' front from thick acetate, added some chain and use a Tim metal tag holder which I poked through the top of the hanging and added more of the ribbon to finish off.  The watch and chain are removable to use as a handbag charm.

The 'time' wording is a Tim stamp which I stamped in Coffee Archival ink.

I know I keep saying it but I love how Tim's products can be used in both grungy and more feminine ways....





Now on to the ICADs, this was a swap organised by the very talented Astrid of Astrid's Artistic Efforts.  I have already shown one that I made and sent which you can see HERE.  This is the second one I sent, which has now been received and Laura seemed to like it.

I received the most wonderful ICADs from two very talented ladies, Joan and Elly.

In order of receipt, this is the one from the lovely Joan, who also kindly enclosed a second ICAD and also some beautiful napkins to use in my crafting.  I love this set of stamps that Joan used, it is now on my wish list:

The second is from the talented Elly who sent this amazing steampunk creation, the holder feels and looks  like real leather and contains some wonderful embellishments:

How lucky was I to get two such fabulous creations by two amazing crafters!  It has been the most wonderful swap, thanks so much to Astrid for organising it.

Finally, I got a lovely thank you from Dianne for sending her an ICAD.  She sent me this beautiful ATC, the butterfly has been stitched by hand and is gorgeous.  Thanks again Dianne for the lovely thought.

Apologies for the long post, I had a lot to pack in, hopefully you have not all been bored!  Take care, hope you all get lots of crafty time.  Big hugs,  Anne xx