pocket shrine "Seth-style" for PaperArtsy

Hello everyone, today I am on the PaperArtsy blog sharing a folded pocket shrine I created using the newest Seth Apter Stamp Release for PaperArtsy. I was thrilled to receive the three new Seth Apter stamps from PA HQ. Seth's designs never disappoint; and these newest stamps are some of my favorites! It's definitely worth checking out Seth's PaperArtsy Release Blog for these three new sets, it offers insight into the designs as well as inspiration from the designer himself!

 

Seth's stamp designs are so perfect for incorporating into backgrounds and creating mixed media abstract art. For this project I wanted to create something meaningful that allowed a few of the designs to become focal points. I decided to make a pocket shrine, combining my love for religious art with Seth's unique grungy, layered style. 

I share a special technique I used to easily create a beautiful three dimensional frame from one of the stamp designs, as well as many detail photos from the piece. I would love if if you could stop by and check it out! Here are a couple other sneak peeks:

I love the way the project turned out. I have so many ideas for using these new stamp sets from PaperArtsy, and look forward to sharing more! I think I might try my hand at making some of the "bits" Seth shares on the blog. There are so many possibilities! If you are interested in grabbing any of the newest stamp sets, there is a list of stockists on the PaperArtsy site where you can find one that's located in your area. If you'd like to see the entire post, hop over to the PaperArtsy blog here. Hopefully you are inspired to get creative.

I'm so happy you stopped by,  

Ann

 xx

affirmation deck collaboration for StencilGirl®

Today I am delighted to share the affirmation deck I created for the most recent StencilGirl® collaboration hosted by Tina Walker. I realize it has been a while since I've shared here on the blog; I can't imagine a better project with which to renew my feed. For this collaboration, Tina asked that we "create an Affirmation Deck or Tarot Card Deck in any size, with any mediums, but should highlight StencilGirl® stencils."

As is generally the case when Tina hosts a collaboration, the concept itself sparked my creativity and I began with a swirling of ideas about how my project could come to life. I knew from the start that I wanted to use the Sacred Hearts ATC Mixup stencils by Laurie Mika. The sacred heart being a symbol of love and devotion to all humanity despite the suffering that is endured. 

My faith is an underlying constant in my life regardless of what is going on around me; I wanted my affirmation deck to highlight this. Too often, it is easy to get caught up in the moment and our focus shifts, my hope was that this deck would provide positive insights to push through the most difficult days. 

I began with 4" by 4" mixed media art tiles. One side of each card was layered with PaperArtsy fresco finish paints and collaged with torn pieces of hymn sheet music. More layers of paint and stamping created a base for the sacred heart stencil images. 

Using gold gesso, I sponged a small amount through the stencil onto the background and then set it aside to dry. (Note: be sure to wash the gesso off the stencil before it dries.) The Sacred Heart ATC Mixup stencil contains nine different designs. Using a masking technique, I modified three of the designs to arrive with a set of twelve different cards.

While the gesso was drying, I inked pages of old French text with fired brick and candied apple Distress Ink. Once dry, the pages were spritzed with water to give more depth and a distressed look. I used the stencils as a guide and drew hearts onto the inked pages. The hearts were cut out and incorporated into each design. By using the stencil as a guide, the hearts fit seamlessly into the design. After the hearts were adhered, some of the stencils were placed back onto the image and more gesso was used to replace any portions of the design that may have been covered with the text paper.

Using gold leaf paint, I traced many of the details on each sacred heart design. I filled some areas solid and in others, used the paint to add highlights.

Next I began work on the opposite sides of my cards. The inked, French text papers were used as a base layer for the back side of each card. A fleur-de-lis was stamped randomly onto the backgrounds. I searched  through my stash of religious images and selected twelve different versions of the blessed virgin with child. These images were then cut out and collaged onto the base layer. I used a gold paint pen to add highlights and marks. Using a sea sponge, I added sticky embossing and gold leaf to each background.

Random areas of gold leaf were also added to each card front. In a non-traditional manner, I used a sea sponge to apply embossing ink randomly. I then sprinkled with sticky embossing powder; when the embossing powder was heat set, the leaf was adhered. The extra leaf was rubbed off once the embossing had cooled. 

I compiled a list of positive quotes from various Saints onto a word document and printed it onto gold vellum. Each quote was cut out and attached to the card with a red wax seal. I used the gold paint pen to highlight the raised design within the seal.

Using the remaining scraps of inked French text, I die cut small tattered roses and used them to embellish a few of the sacred heart designs. 

With my affirmation deck complete, I wanted to create a place for safekeeping when the cards were not in use. I had an old fabric bag that held jewelry at some point. I dry brushed the bag with the same paints that were used for the cards. I then selected one of the designs from the Four Sacred Hearts Stencil by Laurie Mika to adorn the bag. Using a fine tip Micron pen, I carefully traced the stencil design onto the fabric. (Note: before beginning any alterations to the fabric bag, cut a piece of cardboard and place it inside to provide a hard surface to work on' the will also prevent any of the paint from seeping through to the back side of the bag.) Using fired brick Distress Paint, I filled in the heart portion of the design and traced the lines of the floral flames extending from the cross. I then used the gold paint pen to color the remaining positions of the design. The paint pen was also used along the drawstring pocket to give a finished edge. 

I look forward to using this affirmation deck to help me in finding peace and positivity among the chaos of these times.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today, I really appreciate you taking the time.

If you are interested in seeing any of the other decks from the collaboration, stop over by the StencilGirl® Talk blog today and check out Tina's post. It has links to each of the artists projects and there are some truly incredible decks (tarot as well as affirmation) to see! It's always so interesting to see the different pieces that all begin from the same instructions. This collaboration is definitely worth taking a minute or two of your time to see. Click here to go to the post.

I hope that my deck has inspired you to create something to bring positivity to your days, or perhaps one of the quotes speaks to you and brings you hope.

~ Ann

"All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle." - St Francis of Assisi

 

StencilGirl® stencils used:

Sacred Hearts ATC Mixup Stencil (L784) 

Four Sacred Hearts (L782)

hope for tomorrow

In light of all that is happening in the world these days, I want to create a project that expresses hope, hope for tomorrow and all the days beyond. For me, I find this hope when I look inward to my faith. In my religion, during the Lenten season, we prepare for our salvation to come. I find it fitting that the current situation is taking place during Lent. 

Whatever religious beliefs you hold, I hope that you can find some peace from this message of hope that I wish to convey.

I begin with a Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts vintage triptych florentine. Although this set contains four pieces, my final project only uses three of them, I have omitted the central frame piece.  I search through my collection of old religious cards and images to find one that best fits the message I want to convey. With the image in hand, I begin work on the finishes.

Some of my favorite and most cherished religious art is in the form of icons. We have a number of antique pieces that I adore, some formal while others are almost rustic in appearance. I would like this piece to be a blending of the two.

On the exterior facades of the main central panel as well as the two half panels, I add texture using a stencil, palette knife, and transparent matte texture paste. This is applied randomly to give a timeworn appearance.

When the texture paste has fully dried, I add a coat of white gesso to the interior of the central panel where my image will be located. Next, I paint a layer of acrylic paint on all of the remaining surfaces. I set this aside to dry completely.

Using the central frame piece, I trace the open edge onto the rear face of the painted pieces. I paint  in the framed edge with a brushed metallic acrylic paint and allow to dry. 

I flip the pieces and begin to add some of the metallic paint along the edges of the two side panels freehand.

Using two Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts rose border pieces, I trim each down to accommodate the two flanking sides. The trimmed pieces are attached with craft glue and when the glue is dry, they are then painted with the acrylic base coat color. 

A layer of gilding wax is rubbed along the raised rose details.

The image I have selected for the central panel is attached with a layer of collage medium and then covered with another layer of collage medium, once in place. After the collage medium has dried, I sand the edges to remove any excess and create a clean edge.

I decide that the central panel should have an edge like the sides. Using the brushed metallic paint and a medium brush, I create a border around the edge. The paint is not opaque and therefore requires two coats.  Once the edge has set, I cover the focal image with a mask and then using a stencil add rays extending outward from the risen christ figure. One layer of the paint lightly applied through the stencil creates the exact look I am hoping to achieve. A few thin lines of the base color painted along the inside border finish the central panel.

Hinges are used to secure the three pieces together. The small screws are longer than the chipboard thickness, so a strong adhesive is used in place of the fasteners. (Note: You can cut the tops of the screws off and surface glue them into their respective locations after the hinges are secure for a "faux" look.)   

The wax is used to accent the raised stenciling along the exterior face of the triptych.

I hope that you are healthy and remaining safe during the unsettling times. I have faith that with time, we will get through this together and be stronger as a community, a nation, and as a whole. 

Remember to never lose sight of hope, wherever you may find it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by the blog today, 

I truly appreciate it.

~Ann 

supplies:

Art C gilding wax

Distress collage medium: matte

Folk Art acrylic paint:

madeira matte, brushed bronze matte

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts:

vintage triptych florentine

(2) rose border
Ranger / Dina Wakley Media: white gesso
Ranger texture paste: transparent matte
Stampers Anonymous / Tim Holtz stencils:
THMS070, THS116

a collection of little "tin" niches

I love religious shrines, and when I received my DT box from Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts, I was drawn to the selection of little niches that were included. My mind immediately conjured up thoughts of tin nichos/niches. I hope to create a collection of authentic looking treasures.

Today I am on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts blog sharing the pieces I created.
This collection uses the little niche pointed, little niche scalloped, and little niche sun burst.

I assemble the bare niches without any glue to get an idea of the basic shapes.
This helps me to envision how I want the final pieces to appear. Next, I cover the outer surfaces of the flat front panels with metal foil (HVAC duct sealing) tape. I purchased this roll of tape many years ago, and have used it for many projects, this tape is an inexpensive alternative to metallic foil sheets, however, those would also work well for this project.

 
For the box portions of the niches, I tried different methods for adding the metallic surface. The first method involved gluing the chipboard into it's 3 dimensional form and then covering it with foil tape. Another niche was covered with tape before being assembled. Both methods produce similar results; adding the metal foil tape while the niche was flat may be easier. Be sure to leave any areas that will be glued together uncovered.

When the niches are covered, attach them to the back side of the flat panel. I prefer to finish both sides of my projects. Once the glue is cured, cover the back sides of the pieces with metallic foil. Now the fun creativity begins. Gather any Dresden that you may have in your stash, or create some of your own faux Dresden using 3D impresslits embossing dies. Using metallic Kraft stock, slightly dampen the paper and create the dimensional die cuts. 

When you have a selection of pieces, try different patterns, designs and shapes onto each niche.

When you are satisfied with the design, attach the trims to the face of the niche with adhesive.

 Collage medium or even hot glue works well to secure the pieces.

The little "tin" niches are complete. The possibilities for what to display within them are endless. 

As I mentioned, I love religious art, and these became the perfect shrines for some favorite images of Mary. I fussy cut and layer the pieces of each image to create interest as well as take advantage of the depth within. I also add gilded accents to the layers. 

These are my finished pieces: 

(using the little niche scalloped)

(using the little niche pointed)
 
(using the little niche sun burst)

If you are inspired or enjoy making small shrines/niches like I do, be sure to check out the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Store. They have a wonderful selection of different shapes in addition to the three that I have used here. I have other ones that I intend to use in a very different way. There are eleven different little niche designs in total.

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today, 

I truly appreciate your visit.

~Ann

 xxx 

   

supplies used:
Distress collage medium: matte
Dresden trim
religious image ephemera

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts:

little niche pointed, little niche scalloped, little niche sun burst
hot glue gun and glue sticks
metal foil (HVAC duct) tape
Tim Holtz Ideaology: metallic kraftcore silver
Tim Holtz / Sizzix impresslits embossing dies:
3D burst, 3D fanciful, 3D lattice trim, 3D medallion, 3D provincial mini, 3D scallop mini

the other side

Have you ever observed something so beautiful you were compelled to see what was inside?
The sheer beauty of it so incredible, you are drawn to it with no resistance.
That you succumb to the pull,
 only to find that what is inside is not at all what you had expected?
The other side is different,
 it is not glistening, it is somber, and quiet.
There are is no shimmering glory, only a dark and contemplative place.
This shrine was created drawing upon such an experience.

The Relics and Artifacts Gothic Arches Set spoke to me.
 Throughout my creative journey I have always admired the designs of the past.
The truly gifted architects and craftsmen that created everlasting structures.
I learned of them in my architectural studies, I researched them in my field experience, I draw upon them for their principals and attention to detail. I want to create a piece that reflects these elements.

I hope to invoke the warmth and glow of the stained glass windows that would be found within gothic mullions. The incredible clarity of vibrant colors and golden details highlighting everlasting designs. The same warmth that draws you to experience it from within. The exterior faces are finished using alcohol ink and gold paint, capturing the light like a beacon. The windows are stood on end to form a bay simulating a small chapel or apse.

Inside, I envision an old stone church. One created by masons, masters at their craft. The faux stone finish is stenciled on with texture paste and painted stone by stone, just as the structure would have been erected. A "wooden" floor mimics the timber floorboards.

And within the niche created, a statue of our lady, the Mother of Mercy stands. She is sculpted from Apoxie Sculpt and a Relics & Artifacts face, as taught by my fellow Muse, Sherry Matthews, in a 2016 Live from the Tribe video. The sculpture is painted, crackled and gilded. A somber presence, a reason to pause and reflect on all of the graces we have been given.

I have been blessed with many opportunities in my creative journey, 

both in the architecture field as well as the arts. 

I want to thank Sandra and David Evertson for the opportunity to be part of the Relics & Artifacts team these past months, 

and to wish them and my fellow Muse all the best as I continue on my artful journey. 

I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit today.

~Ann

xxx

I am entering this into the following challenges:

 Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge - it looks real