Thursday 5 November 2015

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.

17 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, the altered frame is AMAZING!!! LOVE all the elements you encompassed, especially that bee! Gorgeous texture, just sublime!!!

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  2. Whewwwwwwwwwwwwwww - totally ELEGANT EYECANDY here Julia. The seed and flower pods looks INCREDIBLE with the modeling paste. Love the crackle glaze. This is truly a head turner. Your auntie is adorable. WONDERFUL! j.

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  3. What gorgeous details Julia! I absolutely love all of the media around your sweet Auntie! Beautiful touches with the homemade pieces!
    I love that little crown on her! This really is exquisite! xo

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  4. A beautiful project, love the details and the lovely photo you shared.
    Yvonne xx

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  5. Beautiful! Thanks for all the details.

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  6. You never, ever disappoint Julia, this project is quite simply - stunning! xx

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  7. Fabulous, love how the dry brushing really brings out the textures xx

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  8. What a great idea those dry seeds! A fantastic texture for a beautiful frame.

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  9. Fabulous project Julia, love the use of the dried seeds on the frame and the embossed pieces are gorgeous. Sue C x

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  10. Hi Julia , and thank you for your visit , I love this beautiful frame, a wonderful idea with the dried seads and plants ,looks fantastic !!!
    Dorthe,x

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  11. Oh Julia, you have an ability to see the magical possibilities in everything! Those seed heads work perfectly alongside the stencilling and embossed pieces. LOVE this! Jenny x

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  12. Utterly beautiful, Julia. I love the seed heads incorporated into the frame along with all the other scrumptious texture. Such a lovely setting for a special photo. I was sorry not to see you at the weekend. Do hope you're feeling better.
    Alison xx

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  13. Beautiful transformation, and love all the techniques!

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  14. Wow Julia! This is stunningly beautiful, I adore how you've used the dried seed heads and all those wonderful techniques...moulded embellishments dry brushed, gilding, textured details...all layered up beautifully to produce a perfect antique frame for a lovely memory. Just what I'd hoped to see. Hugs Ruth xx

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  15. OMGoodness, your frame is fabulous with such wonderful texture. It must have been fun trying to coat the dried elements and keep them from crumbling. I love the texture inside the frame and especially love the little crown.
    Hugs!
    Cec

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  16. This is a lovely tribute to your Auntie! How clever to use the seeds and stems to create texture and I really enjoy the highlights from the gold. That central image is a keeper and the chippies bring such depth. fantabulous design!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Juliax