STEAMPUNK TAG

Hi and welcome. This month at ABAC, we've been exploring the very versatile steampunk theme. As it was recently Father's Day here in Australia, I decided to do a male orientated tag.

Firstly I cut a tag from cardstock which was originally an experimentation piece. I then stencilled over it using silver Delicata ink (shown up as white, below).

 
After this was dry, I stamped in versamark and added black embossing powder to some of the edges.

 Cream cardstock was put through an embossing folder and smooshed with Distress Inks (Black Soot, Weathered Wood, Faded Jeans and Barn Door). This was mounted onto metallic black card and attached to the tag base.
The stamped playing card was smooshed with Barn Door. Cogs were die cut (Tim Holtz) from crumpled layers of aluminium foil and attached .

These looked too 'new' so I tipped on splashes of alcohol ink and vintaj patina then scratched off some of the colour in parts. Some black stazon was also added on some of the cogs.
A couple of metal embellishments, also treated the same way, completed the tag.
Thank you for stopping by. There's still time to enter  our steampunk challenge, so why not pop over to: http://anythingbutacard.blogspot.ca/ and check out what the rest of the team has done this STEAMPUNKTEMBER!!!

Cheers for now, Di.

COME INTO MY PARLOUR!

Who'd have thought geometry would have turned out to be so useful in my artwork this month. My DT piece for ARTastic is a retro-inspired piece, revisiting the very popular nail and string designs of the '70's, but using the same method on cardstock.

One of my favourite geometry exercises in my previous life, was to introduce the concept of producing curves using straight lines, teaching the basic concepts and then having the kids come up with their own designs.
I drew up the design on white paper first and then placed this over the black cardstock so I could pierce holes in it ready for sewing, using a metallic silver yarn and a needle threader (one of those ones that are about 10cms long and shaped like an oval). I find that these work well especially with all of the holes pre-pierced, and with my eyesight they're easier for me to thread thicker yarn and still have a fine implement to use.
The photos of spiderwebs were the perfect ones to use for the background. One, taken at night with a light sprinkle of dew, which has reflected the flash of the camera beautifully, and the other taken in the early morning.
The title of course was the only one that I could have used... first line from a children's song.
There's still plenty of time to pop on over to ARTastic and have a look at the inspiration piece for this month and of course, what the rest of the team has done. It's amazing how everyone has such varied interpretations. You'll find us at: http://artasticchallengeblog.blogspot.com.au/
Thank you for stopping by. I love to read your comments when you leave them.
Cheers, Di

EXPLORE

Hi and welcome again. Today I'm showing you my DT piece for Pixels and Paper. Pop on over to: http://pixelsandpaperchallengeblog.blogspot.com.au/  and have a look at our inspiration photo and how the team has interpreted it.

My layout is depicting a set of photos of my son (aged 8) and myself exploring the rockpools at Flat Rock near Ballina, NSW. This is a great rock platform where all sorts of little hidden treasures can be found. Some of our favourite finds of the day included sea anemones, urchins and starfish.

I've framed the photos  with shaped mats and stamped on these as well as on the photos. I've also added some leftover framing from diecuts previously used. These are perfect for highlighting specific parts of a photo, making it look like a slide.

The title was diecut and then painted with a thick texture paste. This was very grainy and gave the appearance of sand.  Some 'crab' trails were added with a gold Kindyglitz (a glitter glue).
Diecut sea creatures  were heat embossed with Opals embossing enamels.  The chipboard pieces were purchased from Julie at  http://timetocreatehandmadetreasure.blogspot.com.au/                       .

The sea anemones were fringed and quilled from textured pearlised  and cobweb papers.
To complete the whole piece is a lovely quote... so true!
Thank you for coming by. Catch you again soon.
Cheers, Di