Remember Remember. . . . .

Morning everyone. Today sees the start of a new challenge at Stamps & Stencils. Our host this month is the hugely creative Ruth and here's what she has to say:

'Remember, Remember......it may be the 5th of November but for this challenge we want to see mixed media projects inspired by favourite memories.You may interpret this how you like as long as you include some stamping or stencilling.'

I could have chosen so many different things for this challenge - I love it! I decided to go down the memory lane route and use a photo of a favourite Auntie when she was very small in around 1929. The photo is a copy because I didn't want to use the original but the colour and definition are true to the real photo. Here's what I've made:

I've made a shadow box frame to display a photograph of a favourite Aunt. This is a copy of the 

original image which I preferred not to use. The colours and clarity are true to the original.

The box part of the frame was made from foam board. The top layer of the frame is made from chip board which is firstly layered with dried seeds and flower heads, all held down with matte medium.

The blank areas of the frame are stencilled with modelling paste followed by a layer of gesso to seal everything.

The frame is painted with fluid acrylics then dry brushed with various toning shades to define the texture.

The final dry brush coat is done with metallic gold fluid acrylic.

Dry brushing brings out all the texture in the frame background.

The little bee is made from cork clay using a silicone mould. Love how the insect is defined by the dry brushed gold metallic paint. 

The lovely photo is set into an aperture on a die cut which has been painted, stamped and powder embossed followed by a crackle glaze finish. The crown and little button are home made embellishments.

The little button is made from Fimo clay which has been given texture from a rubber stamp. The crown is made from cork clay which has been put into a silicone mould. Both embellishments are sealed with gesso then painted with gold fluid acrylic followed by antiquing cream. 

Detail image to show the antiquing.

A piece of embossed card is painted and dry brushed then glued to chipboard for rigidity. The die cut frame and photo are then applied.

Delicate crackle on the die cut which has been highlighted with paint in some areas. Love how the powder embossing below the crackle becomes an old gold, almost silver colour.

I loved making this piece so thank you Ruth for such a wonderful challenge. Now, it's your turn to come up with something and head over to Stamps & Stencils to link up with us. Just remember to add in some stamping, stencilling or both and you're away.