Anything Goes. . . . . . .

Hi everyone. I'm so excited because today sees the launch of the first challenge at the all new Stamps And Stencils challenge blog!! We are a blog interested in your mixed media art and we want you to play along with us for the sheer enjoyment of doing so. Like the sound of us? Let's get started then:

Our first host is the amazingly talented Sue Carrington and here is Sue's challenge:

'To start our new challenge we're keeping things easy and it's an Anything Goes theme ! All you need to do is create a mixed media project including either stamping or stencilling or both!'

This is my favourite challenge theme - you get to do whatever you want with virtually no restrictions! All we ask is that you use stencils or stamps or both on your project and that you work in a mixed media style. No digi images thanks either but if you use image transfer as part of your work that's fine.

I decided to alter a wooden door hanger. I set myself the task of using a word as my starting point which was 'fragile' and here's what happened:

A wooden hanger featuring the use of paints, mediums and stencils.

The hanger is coated twice with gesso and sanded between the layers. Modelling paste is applied through stencils and left to dry. Half pearls are added in the corners. A final coat of gesso is added.

Various colours of fluid acrylics are applied to create the base of the hanger.

Versamark ink is applied on the stencilled modelling paste followed by powder embossing.

The products shown are used to give the half pearls a rusty makeover.

Fluid acrylic is applied through the fish stencils in random areas.

The word fragile is stencilled onto the background and some blue stencilling applied over the writing to help it blend. Quinacridone gold fluid acrylic is thinly painted over the word to age it.

Shadows are added with Inktense pencil, a waterbrush and some noir PanPastel (not shown).

Crackle glaze is applied over the whole of the hanger. Black antiquing cream is used to antique the glaze here and there.

Metallic lustre is applied to stencilled 'water bubbles' followed by crackle glaze. When dry, the bubbles are given a coat of white antiquing cream. The shadows - as describe above - are easy to spot in this image.

The colours are much clearer in this image. The fish has been given a small half pearl eye because they looked better with them!

Love the subtle gleam of the embossing powder through the layers.

Products used on the hanger.

Detail of one fish tail.

Hope you like the hanger!

We really are very excited about this new venture and want you to feel the same way too! So why not pop over to Stamps and Stencils and have a look at the gorgeous work from my teamies. Then it's your turn!

Colour Your World. . . . .

Today sees the start of a new challenge at Our Creative Corner. Your host this month is the wonderful Laurie. Here's what she has to say:

'Here in the United States we are coming into spring - the season when nature comes forth with new life. Soft green grasses grow in the fields and the trees bloom in glorious colors with the promise of fruit. Tulips and daffodils emerge from the soil after a long winter's nap. The colors of spring, the sights and sounds of nature at this time of the year renews my soul. In the spring time the colors of nature are different around the world.

For my challenge this month I want you to 'Color Your World'

For this challenge create a project with the colors of spring time where you live.

Show us what colors renew your soul.'

I love all the spring flowers around at the moment in the UK. People often represent spring with pastel shades and gentle tones. . . . I have chosen the bright bold yellow and orange of the daffodil along with the vibrant green of new foliage. Nothing gentle or pastel about these three ATC's: 

A co-ordinated set of ATC's using some of those wonderfully strong, vibrant Spring colours.

A Gelli Plate print was made as part of a previous post here.

The print was pulled on top of a previous print which didn't work.

The print was livened up initially with some stencils and distress ink.

Three ATC shapes are die cut and further enhancement starts to add layers to the background print. Here are some of the items used. Not all stamps, pens etc are shown.

An image for each ATC is stamped onto acetate using Stazon ink.Once dry each image is carefully cut out.

The stamped images are temporarily taped to the card ATC then machine stitched along some edges.

Each card ATC is stuck onto thick packaging (also cut as ATC's). The edges are then finished with a swipe of Krylon pen.

The following images show each ATC along with detail views:

Further layers have been added to each ATC as required.

Love how the background can be seen through the acetate.

I love the wing shape on this stamped image so had to keep it even though it extends just below the ATC bottom edge.

The stencilled white paint helps to brighten the facial area.

Stamping onto acetate and then applying to a background almost seems to give a 3D effect.

I didn't feel that these ATC's needed words but this stamp just happens to have a very appropriate one as part of the design.

I've used unenhanced pieces of the Gelli Print to punch out these little flowers. The centre of the flower is a little stick on gem - probably almost the only bling I ever use! The edges have been inked with some distress black soot ink.

I originally had an idea to add some little pieces of shrink plastic with the same images onto each ATC. However, once I'd made this first one, I couldn't get my head round what to do with it so didn't go any further. I will keep this little beauty though - she may come in handy later!

Don't forget to pop over to Our Creative Corner to see what my wonderfully talented Teamies have come up with! Keep visiting OCC throughout the month for Sponsor Spotlights from two of the team; the winners from our last challenge; Guest Designer Spot and Top Talent post - so much to see!

Our very generous sponsor this month is: 

Creative Embellishments

Creative Embellishments are offering a $25 gift certificate to our randomly drawn winner - so get started with your entry now!