Monday, 13 January 2025

Full of Wonder

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new week on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog.

This week our theme is called ADD SOME TEXTURE and however you choose to create this texture, the DT can't wait to see your makes and projects.

For my make, I chose to feature Tim Holtz idea-ology as the main focal point and I created texture by adding multiple layers using tags, Texture Paste, stitched details and metal to name just a few things that bring this piece to life.

So, let's get started and here's how I created my piece ~ Full of Wonder!

 




ETCETERA PANEL

To begin with I used the larger size of the Rectangle Etcetera Panel and I applied a coat of Black Soot Distress Paint around the edges of the panel. Once the paint was dry, I then applied a good layer of Crackle Paste and allowed for this to dry, and for all that crusty goodness to appear.

When the crackles were ready, I ran a combination of Walnut Stain and Pumice Stone Distress Crayons to accentuate the cracks and crazing before I blended out any harshness of colour with a semi dry wet wipe.

The panel is now ready to add the next layer and for this I chose paper from the Backdrops Volume 3 paper pack and cut a piece slightly smaller than the Etcetera Panel. I then machine stitched around the outside edge of the paper and in between each of the numbered sections, following the lines that are printed on the paper.

After adding some rips and tears around the edges, I adhered the paper to the panel using Matte Collage Medium.

TAG

We're now ready to create the next layer, the tag and to begin with I used a Stampers Anonymous Etcetera Tag and a Mixed Media Heavystock Tag.

Taking the Heavystock tag, I placed the Mini sized Deco Feather Layering Stencil from Set 60 and applied Translucent Texture Paste through the design. After removing the stencil, and working quickly, I sprinkled Speckled Egg Distress Glaze over the top, tapped away the excess and set aside for the paste to dry. Dependent on weather, it usually takes about 30mins and once it is dry, I then carefully heat embossed the glaze until it was molten.

I then added the colour, and for this I used Distress Spray Stains and Oxide Sprays in the following colours:

DISTRESS SPRAY STAINS: Speckled Egg, Black Soot, Pumice Stone

DISTRESS OXIDE SPRAYS: Speckled Egg

I misted the tag with water, before spraying the stains, gave another mist of water over the top and let the colours blend together before setting to one side to dry. You can also carefully heat dry the stains.

After inking the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Ink, I added a machine stitched border and adhered the tag to the Size 8 Etcetera Tag before attaching the layered tag to the centre of the Etcetera Panel using foam pads.

To cover the hole at the top of the tag, I used a Machinery Head which I altered with Candied Apple Distress Paint. To complete the tag, I added an Ephemera Numbers Strip to the top left of the tag, and aged it with a little Gathered Twigs Distress ink.

METAL GEARS

Now we can start bringing this piece to life and I began by altering the metal industrial gears and sprockets and applied a touches of Translucent Grit Paste to the surface to add texture. After allowing the paste to dry, I used the following paints to add colour, and combined them with some Foundry Wax that I added at the end:

DISTRESS PAINT: Crackling Campfire, Black Soot

ALCHEMY PAINT: Prima Marketing Art Alchemy Burnt Sienna Liquid Acrylic Paint from my stash (sadly no longer available from SSS)

Foundry Wax: Distress Foundry Wax Kit 2

I apply each paint layer by layer to build up the colour, starting with the palest and then ending with just a light touch of Black Soot. Once the paint was dry, I then applied the Foundry Wax, Sterling and Statue are always my 'go-to' colours for this process.

I applied a light coverage of the wax, and I don't apply this as a block coverage all over the metal ~ you only need a touch here and there. To set the wax, use a heat tool.

At this stage, if you need to add any more colours of paint...just use a fine paintbrush to add details.

WORD PLAQUE, OPTICAL LENS and PHOTOFRAME

The word plaque and the Photo frame are both altered in exactly the same way as the gears, using the same combination of mediums and to complete this band, I added a Hardware Head to each side, attaching with a dab of Collage Medium...

...you will see that I added some more of the Translucent grit paste to the frame before applying the paint.

Behind the frame I placed a Photomatic Vintage Photo, which I colour tinted using Distress Crayons and a water brush.

At this stage, I used the same paints to alter an Optical Lens which will be sitting over the top of the frame. I added some red cotton to the handle for extra detail.

BUILDING UP THE LAYERS

To build up the central area, I began by adding the ruler pieces. I snap these tiny rulers into smaller pieces, leaving the ends jagged. I then altered the colour to more of a vintage feel by swiping Gathered Twigs Distress Ink across the surface. Wipe away any excess with a baby wipe and blend the ink over the wood.

I then attached the rulers to my piece, placing one directly across the tag itself and two further pieces underneath the tag.

I then layered all my gears, attaching them with Matte Collage Medium, and added the Word Plaque.

Finally, I added the photo frame and the Optical Lens which I attached over the top.


As the finishing detail for this tag, I added the Ephemera Piece, W.P. Collins across the bottom. This piece is from the Field Notes Ephemera Pack.

DETAILS

We're nearly there and all that's left is the details...

I attached screw heads to the centres of some of the gears, painted to match the gears themselves...

...and I also added some to the rulers, which I painted red with Candied Apple Distress Paint.

I placed a Mini Stencil Chip, No.7 to the right hand side of the tag, and again added a screw head to this piece.


On the opposite side I clipped a Hinge Clip into position. This clip was in my stash, but I had altered it with Salvaged Patina, Antiqued Bronze and Black Soot distress Paints.

I then hung a Hook Clasp from the clip. My clasp actually broke, so I couldn't hang the chain but I quite like the way it looks, so I just went with it, and left it as it was.

To complete this make, I added the word "Workroom" from the Labeled Remnant Rubs to the top left corner....

...and on either side in the bottom right and left hand corners, I hammered a nail tack into position, altering these with the same combination of paints as I used on the metal work.


So that's my make for this week's challenge complete and I hope the ideas and techniques have inspired you to create some texture on your projects. 

As always, if you make anything, or if you've been inspired by anything that you've seen here on my blog ~ then please, let me know by tagging me on social media or leaving a comment here and I will be right over to take a look!

Don't forget that every week, one lucky random participant has the chance to win a $25 gift voucher from Simon Says Stamp and you can join in up to 5 times, which means you could have 5 chances to winYou have until next Monday at 8am Ohio time. 1pm UK time, 2 pm CET to join in and good luck....






Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by today...
Love Emma xxx

Recipe for project:

Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous: Etcetera Panel, Size 8 Etcetera Tag, Layering Stencil 60
Distress Paint: Candied Apple, Black Soot, Crackling Campfire, Salvaged Patina, Antiqued Bronze
Distress Ink: Walnut Stain, Gathered Twigs
Distress Spray Stains: Black Soot, Speckled Egg, Pumice Stone
Distress Oxide Sprays: Speckled Egg
Mediums:Matte Collage MediumFoam Pads, Translucent Grit Paste

****These are not affiliate links****

Saturday, 4 January 2025

Bibi Cameron's Intense Liquid Color Launch

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season and you're now ready for 2025!

So, with the start of this new year, it’s time for some new makes and I'm so excited to have been invited to celebrate the launch of some amazing new products from my friend, the very talented Bibi Cameron. Bibi has collaborated with Contact Crafts to create 10 fabulous new products, which includes Intense Liquid Colors, Sparkle Bases and Stackable Stamps.


When Bibi asked me to make something for this launch, I instantly said yes and as soon as the product arrived, I was so impressed with the color palette and the quality of these beautiful paints. 

Intense Liquid Colors are water based paints which blend beautifully and are perfect for detailed artwork. The pigment is rich and vibrant and they are available in three color palettes ~ Retro, Tuscany Earth and Bohemian Regals. Each set contains eight 30ml bottles of colour. But the fun doesn't stop there, because you can add a touch of brilliance to these paints by mixing the Intense Liquid Colours with Bibi's Sparkle Bases to create metallic or shimmery effect.

Also included within this release are two clear stamps sets, Happy Mail and Good Stuff Inside, which is perfect for adding personal touches to envelopes, boxes or projects and a set of Alphabet Stamps, all of which are available with, or without stacking blocks.

So, you've heard all about the product and now its time to share what I created using them...

*** PROJECTS ***

For my first make, I used a Tim Holtz Clipboard to create a mixed media project. I really put those paints through their paces, and used them to create the background, to watercolour the flowers, to colour tint the photo and I even dyed some of Tim's Mummy Cloth to add a vintage colour tone to this white trim. I also added some of the Sparkle Bases to the paints to add a touch of metallic shimmer to the leaves and flowers.


RECIPE FOR ALTERED CLIPBOARD

Bibi Cameron Sparkle Base 4 Pack Intense Liquid Colors


Clip and Heart Adornment are both altered using Tim Holtz products

For my second make, I created a small envelope and card and once again I used Bibi's Intense Liquid Colours, the Sparkle Bases to add a touch of shimmery magic and I combined these with the Tim Holtz/Sizzix Postale Thinlits Die Set and Stampers Anonymous Embroidery Stamp Set.







RECIPE FOR MINI ENVELOPE AND CARD


Bibi Cameron Sparkle Base 4 Pack Intense Liquid Colors

For my third and final make, I wanted to see how these paints would react with cotton fabric and collage paper, and once again I wasn't disappointed as I created another mini envelope using vintage sepia tones before I added a touch of colour to the image, taken from Tim Holtz idea-ology Photographic Collage Paper.
I added the paint directly to the cotton fabric before I painted the collage paper, adding the colour onto the back of the paper. I allowed for the paint to dry before adhering it to the fabric with matte collage medium. I then mounted my finished layers onto a 





RECIPE FOR VINTAGE STYLE ENVELOPE

Bibi Cameron Sparkle Base 4 Pack Intense Liquid Colors


I hope you've loved the projects I've made using these amazing new products and if you're looking to try some new paints and stamps, then these are definitely a must have to add to your collection. As you can see, they will work for any type of craft, from mixed media to watercolouring, they are a joy to work with. If you would like to try any of these then just click the link below to check them out!


Thanks so much for stopping by today and I'll see you again very soon!

Love Emma xxx

Monday, 23 December 2024

The Second Star to the Right ~ Happy Christmas

Hello everyone, and Happy Christmas Eve, Eve!

Today is the last Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge of 2024, because the DT are having a two week break over Christmas, but we will be back on the 6th Jan. This week's challenge is all about being COLD & FROSTY and whatever you choose to make, you have 2 weeks to join us, and play along.

For my make, I chose to make some favour boxes for the Christmas table and embraced the cold and frosty theme using old and new Sizzix dies by Tim Holtz, before adding a touch of vintage sparkle with Mica Flakes and Rock Candy Glitter.



So, let's get started and let's make some favour boxes, just in time for Christmas...

To make these boxes, I used the Sizzix Curio Box die set by Tim Holtz and cut the top and bottom from White Mixed Media Heavystock card before assembling them.

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

BOX

We'll start with the snowman box and for this I cut panels of woodgrain card that will fit the sides and top of the box. I actually used Tim's Grey Woodgrain cardstock which I have stockpiled in my stash but if you haven't got any of this, then you can use the white woodgrain card and ink the surface with Lost Shadow Distress Ink to create the same look.

After inking the edges with Pumice Stone Distress Ink, I adhered the side panels to the box. For a touch of added sparkle, I brushed some Sparkle Paste over the surface. You can see the subtle twinkle in the photo below.

Taking the top panel, I machine stitched a border around the edge before I adhered the panel to the top of the box.

I then applied some Grit Paste through the Speckles Layering Stencil to create the look of snow and allowed this to dry, whilst I moved onto my die cut elements.

SNOWFLAKE

For both of these makes, I used dies from the Vault Winter Wishes die set by Tim and on this particular make, I used the Snowman, and the Snowflake, which is where we'll begin.

I cut 6 separate snowflakes from Mixed Media Heavystock card and then I layered and adhered three of those pieces together to form two snowflakes. After applying a coat of Speckled Egg Distress Paint over the surface of each die cut snowflake, I dried them with a heat tool before using my Distress Embossing Dabber which I applied very lightly over random areas of each piece. I then sprinkled White Embossing Powder over the top, tapping away the excess before heat embossing the powder until molten. You will see that I have left some of the painted areas untouched, so that it creates a two tone look.

With both snowflakes embossed, I layered them over one another using foam pads, slightly offsetting the top one. I then attached the snowflake to the box, again using foam pads for some extra dimension.

ICY BASE

For the base, I used a die that is included in an older die set, Oliver the Bunny. I cut the base from Watercolour card that I spritzed very lightly with a combination of Weathered Wood, Speckled Egg and Faded Jeans. I then smeared some Glossy Accents across the base and sprinkled it with Rock Candy Glitter for a touch of sparkle before attaching it to my box using foam pads.

SHRUB THE SNOWMAN

Moving onto little Shrub the Snowman and once again, this die is included in the Winter Wishes die set and for this little man, I cut all the pieces from Watercolour Card before adding the colour and assembling him.

SCARF: Cut from plaid Backdrops paper

HAT: Lumberjack Plaid Distress Ink

NOSE: Spiced Marmalade and Crackling Campfire

ARMS: Gathered Twigs

Once he was assembled, I placed him onto my box.

I added some greenery around the base, cut from card inked with Peeled Paint Distress Ink and then I added the Mica Flakes. I used Glossy Accents for these, as I think it helps to keep the sparkle once dry and after I applied the Glossy Accents to the areas on the base, and also on the surface of the snowflake, I sprinkled the Mica Flakes over the top and allowed to dry.

Finally, I added some snowy touches to Shrub using Snowfall Grit Paste.

WISH

To complete the box, I added the word "Wish". This is a die in the Holiday Classic Die Set and I cut multiple layers, 4 in total from from gold metallic kraft stash card. After I'd layered the pieces to form one substantial die cut, I wanted to give it more of a vintage feel and knock back the bright gold ~ so, for this I applied some Black Soot Distress Paint over the surface, allowed it to go slightly tacky but not dry and then wiped away the excess paint with a paper towel. I then dry brushed the surface with Burnt Sienna Acrylic Paint, before setting this to one side to dry.

...and once it was dry, I attached it to the centre of my snowflake, adding a metallic droplet as a finishing touch.

To complete the box, I added some Cello Stickers around the edges...

...and then a silver metallic droplet to the top and bottom side panels.

As an added surprise, I also created a hidden message on the inside of the box...

ICE SKATES MERRY CHRISTMAS

BOX

For this box, I used panels of Mixed Media Heavystock card that I inked with the following colours of Distress Spray Stain and Oxide Spray:

DISTRESS SPRAY STAIN: Speckled Egg, Uncharted Mariner, Walnut Stain

OXIDE SPRAY: Speckled Egg

I misted the cardstock with water before applying the spritzes. I then gave the surface another spritz of water to blend the colours before heat drying the cardstock and cutting it into panels that will fit the sides and top of the box.

I wanted to add some texture to those side panels, and for this I used the texture fade embossing folder in the Celebrate Sidekick Die and Texture Fade Set and ran these pieces through my die cutting machine. I attached each panel with Matte Collage Medium before applying a coat of Sparkle Paste over the surface.

Taking the top panel, I used clear Versamark ink to stamp some little starbursts from the Christmastime 3 stamp set. I then sprinkled gold embossing powder over the top, and heat embossed until molten.

Along the bottom of the panel, I stamped the wording "Merry Christmas', which is also taken from the same stamp set, and this time heat embossed it using white powder.

I machine stitched the onto a piece of felt, which I cut using pinking shears and then adhered the completed layers to the top of my box.

Finally, I added the ruler ephemera piece across the bottom of the panel.

ICE SKATES

Using Cracked Leather Cardstock and the die from the Winter Wishes die set, I cut the main part of the skate and then cut the heel from black kraft card and the blade from silver metallic kraft card. 

I then inked the leather cardstock with Walnut Stain Distress Ink, and sanded the heel and blades before I assembled the skates, completing them by using a needle to thread cotton through the holes and create the laces. Once I'd threaded these, I cut two separate pieces of twine, tied them into small bows and adhered  these in position on the boots.

I attached my ice skates to the box using foam pads and slightly offset them from one another. To complete the boots, I added some hints of Snowfall Grit Paste to the blades.

GREENERY

Using the Sizzix Vault Festive Wreath die set by Tim Holtz, I cut the card which I coloured using the following colours of Distress Spray Stain:

  • Greenery: Iced Spruce, Evergreen Bough, Peeled Paint and Rustic Wilderness

Once all the pieces were cut, I wanted to add some extra frosty sparkle to each of these pieces and for this I used white embossing powder. I just gently dab the ends of each piece into a clear embossing ink pad, and then sprinkle the white powder over the top, tapping away the excess. After heat embossing the powder, I take one piece at a time and begin to build up the foliage at the top of the skates.

To complete the arrangement, I used a brush to very gently apply touches of Glossy Accents over the tips before sprinkling Rock Candy Glitter and Mica Flakes over the finished piece, tapping away excess glitter before allowing it to dry. I then added two of the smallest sized baubles.

FINISHING DETAILS

We're nearly there and all that's left is to add the finishing touches....

I placed some silver metallic droplets in the centres of the stamped starbursts on the background.

A few of those cello stickers around the edges of the box....

...and I finished the piece by adding some crinkle ribbon from my own stash, dyed with Speckled Egg and Antique Linen Distress sprays and then just threaded through a punched hole in the top of the box. I then pinned some Holiday Bells, that I altered with Black Soot and Crackling Campfire Paint for a rusty, vintage effect.

So that's my make for this week's challenge complete and I hope you love what I've created and the techniques I've used and as always, if you are inspired by any ideas or any of my makes, then please remember to tag me on any of my socials ~ Facebook, X or Instagram ~ or even leave a message here on my blog and I will pop over to take a look!

Don't forget that every week, one lucky random participant has the chance to win a $25 gift voucher from Simon Says Stamp and you can join in up to 5 times, which means you could have 5 chances to winYou have until next Monday at 8am Ohio time. 1pm UK time, 2 pm CET to join in and good luck....






Before I go, I just wanted to wish everyone a magical Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year! 

As many of you know, this year was quite a year for me. In my wildest dreams I never thought that 2024 would unfold in the way it did and this festive season is going to be so emotional, because there will be two very special people missing but I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who got me through the last 7 months ~ your love, friendship and support have meant the world to me.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by today, and thank you Mum and Dad for EVERYTHING...this creative journey would never have been possible without you!
✨❤️ ✨




See you next year everyone...love Emma xxx

Recipe for project:

Distress Spray Stain: Speckled Egg, Iced Spruce, Evergreen Bough, Peeled Paint and Rustic Wilderness
Distress Oxide: Speckled Egg
Distress Paint: Speckled Egg, Black Soot, Crackling Campfire
Distress Inks: Walnut Stain, Lumberjack Plaid, Gathered Twigs, Spiced Marmalade and Crackling Campfire
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