I had a great day at Julie's ( http://timetocreate-handmadetreasure.blogspot.com.au/ ) on Saturday playing in her Explore class, trying out some different techniques with alcohol inks, Viva: Glitter Paint, Glass Effect Gel and 3D Stamping Paint. This play led my challenge piece for ABAC (http://anythingbutacard.blogspot.ca/) to go in a slightly different direction by incorporating some of the play techniques. So this is my take on Challenge 14: St Patrick's Day or Green Theme. My project is Irish inspired (Irish blessings and wishes), and green two ways (the predominant colour and using upcycled acetate from packaging).
I've selected a number of Irish blessings and wishes and used these for a shamrock-shaped mini-book, the pages of which are also showing some different finishing techniques.
There will be quite a few photos to show these finishes. A common one for the background for the wishes, was smooshing with Distress Inks: Peeled Paint, Forest Moss and Mowed Green. Some were also sprinkled with water for that lovely mottled effect. These were then completed with a faux stitch finish using either Liquid Pearls: Peacock, or an ultra-fine Sharpie, green. The wishes backgrounds were then adhered to a green background, after the backgrounds had some finishing touches.
The cover for the mini-book is made from up-cycled acetate.The leaves were traced in Viva Gloss Effect Gel: Contour Copper. The reverse side of the design was painted with Ranger Vintaj Patina: Jade and Moss. The whole of the reverse side was then smooched with Alcohol Inks ( Willow, Citrus, Oregano and Sailboat Blue).
The Title Page was done on white cardstock, and given a couple of different treatments. First, I painted it with Distress Stains: peeled Paint, Forest Moss and a touch of Mowed Lawn. I sprinkled it with water and while still slightly damp, smooched over with Picket Fence. then in an 'Aha!" moment, decided to smooch over the lot with Distress Inks in Peeled Paint and Forest Moss and re- sprinkling with flicks of water.... great algae effect! Definitely a background method I will use again. When dry, I gave the page a quick edge of Kindyglitz: Crysalina and added the title. These were bought silver glitter cardstock letters, but to give them more of a moss effect, were coloured, with alcohol inks: Willow and Oregano.
The green background cardstock for this page was covered with a layer of washi tape, which was also roughly pleated to give a ruffle effect edge.
Page 2 was finished with Glitter paint- green.
This page was stamped with Versamark and finished with Perfect Pearls: Forever Green. Just a fine shimmer, hard to capture in the photo.
With this page I had another of those 'Aha!" moments. I've always used a free-form style for applying tacky glue for foiling... BUT!! how would it go, if I stamped on the glue. It worked! I did use an inexpensive clear stamp (just in case). When the glue 'tacked' off I foiled the design in silver.
Page 5 was put through an embossing folder and smooched over with Brilliance Pearlescent ink:Olive. A few finishing touches were added with Liquid Pearls:Peacock.
This page has my play with the Viva 3D Stamping Paint; Metallic Moosegrun. Again I used a clear stamp to see how it would go, because this medium dries so quickly and has to be scrubbed immediately after use. I loved the effect this medium has and will be using it more.
For the final page I've dropped on Opals Embossing Enamels: Furneaux- a deep green, in patches (one section at a time) heated them and while still molten, stamped on a leaf pattern (used stazOn for this). This gave a fabulous texture which hasn't shown up on the photo. The only thing you have to remember with this technique is to leave the stamp in place, until it releases slightly (about 30 seconds), before removing it.
The book was put together using a binder ring and some ribbons and braid to complete it.
I hope you have enjoyed your visit. Thank you for coming and for your inspiring comments.
Cheers, Di
