Saturday 1 February 2014

A Three Colour Challenge - With No Black At Our Creative Corner



Hello everyone. It's time for a new challenge at Our Creative Corner and this month our hostess is the wonderful Jenny from Pushing The Right Buttons. Jenny has come up with a real treat of a challenge which will have you putting your thinking caps on!

The challenge set requires us to use three colours: Blue; Plum/Purple and Brown. No black lines are allowed at all! This had me thinking for a while but I eventually decided to choose three colours of paint, some stencils and a stamp to see what I could come up with.

Before I show you what I've made, don't forget to visit Our Creative Corner and see what my very talented Teamies have come up with. We all show together at the start of the month now so you're in for a treat - so many different makes from the same starting point! Check the rules and details of our fab sponsor while you're there too.

For me, the colour combination had a contemporary/retro feel and the use of geometric shapes came to mind. My first attempts on card just didn't work and I wasn't getting anywhere fast. I then decided to substitute fabric for the substrate and I was away. . . . . . . . I didn't have a clear outcome in mind but decided to use the colours, stencils and stamp to produce a piece of fabric first. I would work out what to do with it after!

I chose some DecoArt paints, one of their fabric mediums which means you can use ordinary paint on fabric, a piece of white pure cotton, some stencils and a script stamp to make this:

The completed fabric was used to make a glasses case - I can NEVER find my glasses and it drives me mad! I usually have them on a beaded chain but I've now broken two and don't think it's worth buying another!
I started building up the design by using the desert turquoise paint with the 'block' stencil. Some mulberry paint was then used to edge each block. Further stencils were then used to fill in the design.

The script stamp was used with burnt umber paint and fabric medium onto white cotton fabric. I didn't take particular care with this task because the fabric was to be cut into 3cm strips. This fabric was cut on the cross to enable it to be used on the curved edges of the case.
When stamping with acrylic paint, I find it best to brush a thin layer onto a craft mat. Tap the stamp  several times - gently - onto the paint to coat the stamp. I tend to hold the stamp in position a little longer when working on fabric. 
A scrap of fabric was used to cover a 'self cover' button which I thought would look good.
A loop for use with the button was worked in matching thread.
A nice snug closure to keep those glasses safe!
I love how the paints work together and the mulberry paint almost seems blue when it touches the turquoise.
Back view of the case. I should add that there is a layer of cotton batting fabric between the outer and the lining. This is to protect the glasses against sharp objects in my handbag.

Something very different from me this time and I hope you like it. I keep thinking I should use fabric more but I do love to grab card, paper and things to alter too.

So, it's your turn to make something using blue, plum/purple and brown (but NOT black remember!), link up with us at Our Creative Corner and you could have the chance to win a prize from our wonderful sponsor. For more details click here.

Thanks for taking the time to visit today. I will have a second post later today if you'd like to take a look.







23 comments:

  1. this is wonderful julia. amazing use if the colours and the texture loiks amazing.....so useful too x

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  2. Love your retro design Julia which us perfect for your funky specs case, how lovely you could make something for yourself with it. Enjoy the weekend xx

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  3. Wow Julia ! love the fabric you have created with the paints and the useful pouch :)
    Von ♥

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  4. Stunning!! So clever and I love how you have finished it around the edges with the script stamp. It looks fantastic!!

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  5. Your work always reminds me of that famous William Morris quote about having only beautiful and practical things around you. Yet again Julia, something which can be used and which is utterly beautiful. LOVE those close ups so we get to see the extraordinary craftsmanship that has gone into creating this. Jenny x

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  6. Wow, Julia!
    A terrific design and so cleverly made! You did real magic with those stencils and the paints! Awesome!
    Hugs,
    Claudia x

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  7. Wow - so cool! What a modern twist on the colours and the stencilling looks amazing on the fabric, and so dimensional... this should make it easier to keep track of your glasses (as long as they're inside the case, of course!).
    Alison xx

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  8. Super project love the design.

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  9. Wow this looks fantastic and you can use it as well - bonus xxx

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  10. A fabulous make Julia.
    xxx Hazel.

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  11. ...this is a genius use of paints and fabric, totally awesome and love those colours together, easy to follow step by step too...superb Julia...:)Xx

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  12. That's a fantastic project, great colors.

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  13. Ooh this is such fun Julia, what a fab, vibrant way to keep your glasses safe. Lol I never new there was a fabric medium, learn something new every day hey.
    Huge huggles x x x x

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  14. How gorgeous! love it you clever girl x

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  15. Holy moly, I am in awe! The design you created with the stencils is amazing to begin with and then to sew it up into a case, wow, how incredible. A stunning creation. I love the visual depth you created with the paints. Kudos to you, you knocked this challenge out of the park!

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  16. Your interpretation of the challenge is so inspired, the patterns are gorgeous and the colours are stunning. Fantastic work, as always. Anne x

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  17. Wow Miss Julia, this is so creative and gorgeous, your tutorial is fabulous as always, I love the glass case, your brilliant with material too, thanks for sharing..

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  18. A very clever you ;-) beautiful colour choice. That blue and plum together is stunning. I love praticak makes and this is so unique. Brilliant Julia x

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  19. I found this very interesting. I have your site as one of my apps on my computer. I check your blog regularly. I am new to this type of work and bought lots of deco art stuff, but have yet to use much. I am taking a grounds class today and hope to be inspired to try something, as your work is very inspiring already! Thanks so much for your blog.

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  20. Fab project and tutorial, love the patterns and colours
    Such clever construction, really like the script on the piping

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  21. How fun and practical is this?!? Love the bright color and the design is wonderful!

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