Our Creative Corner Goes Live Today With Their First Challenge . . . . . . .

Hello Everyone and welcome to the relaunched Our Creative Corner Challenge Blog! Today, we bring you our first monthly challenge and I'm delighted to say that the theme is (drum roll please):

Anything Goes!

Don't you just love this theme? We ask that you make anything you like, using any materials that you wish and link it up so we can all share your creativity. The design team have made some wonderful inspiration for you and because we've been split into two teams you get a second dose of amazing creations in a fortnight's time. No excuse for not entering in the challenge at Our Creative Corner really is there?!

For my first piece I decided to share a project made at the monthly Andy Skinner club I attend. Andy gives instructions about layers but you can choose your own colours, where to apply them and in what combination. If you're not familiar with Andy's work, then I strongly suggest you pop over and have a look at what he does.

The little chap you are about to meet started out life as a plain bisque figure and ended up looking weathered and old (just how I feel sometimes!). He is called a 'Grotesque' which is very cruel, as I love him!

Image in a shady location in my garden, compared to the following picture. . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . .which was taken in a sunny corner of the garden. I couldn't decide which I liked best so thought I'd show you both. Once sealed, he can live outside and I'm looking forward to finding a perfect little spot for him, on full display of course!

The time worn and weathered finish was achieved using Americana acrylic paint in various colours and layers. This included full strength paint and a number of thin washes to add extra age. Look at the size of those ears!!

Around the eye socket area, he has a rusty look, again to denote the passage of time. You can clearly see the various colours of acrylic that were combined on the surface. I love how his hands are crossed over his legs - so quirky! (a certain AS designed the bisque blank for this gorgeous figure).

I wish I had a 'before' picture to show you but alas, this was forgotten in the excitement!
Some areas have been painted white to make it appear as if time has worn away the top layer. This draws attention to areas such as his knees, toes, ears and so on.

Crackle glaze was applied to key areas to highlight them further. 

You will either love or hate this little figure but I've learnt a great deal during his transformation about using paints / paint washes to age something. A thought about the process working in reverse on my face springs to mind, but that's never going to be successful is it?!!

So, what will you use to make your 'anything goes'? Will it be paint, inks, paper, stamps, clay, fabric. . the list is endless. Go and get those hands painty/inky and link up with us this month. Look forward to seeing you over at Our Creative Corner. 

(Please remember to have a quick read of the rules and turn off your word verification so we can leave you a comment.)