Cheryl's Paper Artz: August 2014

This challenge was opportune because I can't believe how time is flying by! We're already on CC3C #10 and summer is just about gone! Its already the end of August and here in Colorado the air is cool, the leaves are beginning to turn and the elk are bugling. I've seen two bears in the past week! So an assemblage clock is just the thing. You can find out all about the clock on page 33 of Compendium of Curiosities III. Don't have a copy? Click here and get a signed volume from Tim Holtz!

I opted for a simpler design this time. I colored the clock with Teakwood and Snow Cap white alcohol ink. I absolutely love the Snow Cap with almost any color. Its got a chalky finish and pairs nicely with the gloss of alcohol inks. I took the clock apart and used a tiny bit of felt on tweezers so I could get into all the little spaces.

The cavity in the clock is very deep so I used some foam core and layered behind my surface to pop it forward a little. I covered a chipboard circle with old piano music. I couldn't believe I found a page that said "the clock goes tick! tock!" That had to go front and center! I added Remnant Rubs and an Ideology Metal Bird Cage with some roses inside.

I painted Tim's metal numbers and with Walnut Stain and Antiqued Bronze Distress Paint and used a technique I called Fried Paint. Very complicated. Paint the numbers, take your heat tool and fry them. Ha! The paint kind of bubbles up and I love the look. I used the numbers 10, 2 and 4. Anybody know what that means? ;-)

Of course, I had to add a bird so I used Tim's Nature Adornments for the bird and the floral swag at the bottom. I colored the bird with alcohol markers.

Off you go to create! Check out all the inspiring projects from the Curiosity Crew and leave a comment on the blogs. Other guidelines you'll want to follow to be eligible for prizes are on Linda Ledbetter's blog.

The Altered Clock challenge is sponsored by Funkie Junkie Boutique with a $25 gift certificate for a lucky random winner! The Curiosity Crew will vote for a second winner who will receive a crazy-awesome bundle of goodies donated by Tim Holtz, himself!!

I can't wait to see what all you creative geniuses are going to do with this one!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Stamps and Framelits

Are you a fussy cutter? Do you love cutting out lots and lots of really small, super extra tiny detailed bits and pieces of paper? That are really tiny and small and little???? It can get tedious and take time from other details you want to add to your crafting projects. Tim's stamps and coordinating Framelits can help.

Our challenge this week is a simple one: incorporate Stamps and Framelits into your art. The sky's the limit, right? You guys have proved to be insanely creative and I cannot WAIT to see what you do with this one! You'll find instructions and Tim's example on page 63 of Compendium of Curiosities Volume III, available at your local stamp store or from Tim's website or from Inspiration Emporium.

Here's my challenge tag:

I chose to use Tim's butterfly Framelits. With that beginning, I wanted to incorporate wood grain, flowers, a garden fence and this sweet girl from Found Relatives. Ornate Frames are EASY to work in to almost any project (LOVE them!) and I painted and distressed this one for a shabby chic look. Here's the process.

Using a #10 tag from Ranger (crazy about these oversized tags!!!), I embossed with Tim's woodgrain Texture Fade. These tags are so big I had to run it through twice to emboss the whole thing. You can see the break in the image, but I didn't care because I knew I'd be adding embellishments.

I used a technique we learned at Ranger U and which is included on page 50 of the first Compendium of Curiosities book, which I'm sure all of you already have!!

After the tag was prepared I just layered on my embellishments. I can't get enough of these Ornate Frames! I think they're perfect. Covered with Distress Paint, dried for just a bit till the paint is tacky and then rub away the high places.

I just had to include one close shot of this pretty little one. Such a sweet expression. I just have to believe she would have LoVeD butterflies, don't you think? Found Relatives is an awesome collection of interesting historic images, waiting for their stories to be told by YOU. ;-)

Ready to play along? Two ways to win!! One lucky winner will be chosen randomly and will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to Inspiration Emporium. The Curiosity Crew winner gets a awesome prize package donated by Tim and Mario. Create your project and enter according to the guidelines set out on Linda Ledbetter's blog. There are just a few requirements to be eligible to win, so read carefully and follow along. We want you to win! But to win you have to play.

Alright soldiers. Put on your boots, strap on your equipment and go make pretty things!!!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Faded Layers

Incredible, incredible showing for the Painted Industrial CC3C!! You guys continue to amaze. The artistry just keeps ramping up. Be proud of yourself, keep creating and keep entering!! We've got a lot of challenges to go and a lot of chances for you to win.

Faded layers is a fun technique to play with. Learn it from Compendium of Curiosities III on page 58. You can get your signed copy from Tim's blog. I enjoyed this one because, for me, it took some working with it to achieve the result I wanted. It always seems the art I have to work for is the art I find most satisfying. My project this week was inspired my dinner with life-friends of ours who were updating us on some of the work they do with people who have some pretty difficult life challenges. I was picking through some of my Ideology and saw the word banner "Salvaged" and thought of how my friends were working to salvage the lives of people who are incredibly valuable human beings, but can't see it. Thanks for all you do, Mark, Brooke and Bekah. I love you.

I decided to do an art journal page on Specialty Stamping Paper. If you haven't played with this surface, you must! It takes ink like nothing else. I dragged Victorian Velvet and Vintage Photo ink pads down the paper vertically to create some strips. I think it sort of looks like woodgrain.

Here's a detail shot of the Faded Layers technique. It lends a very cool texture to a flat surface. Give it a go!! Here I've used Tim's Harlequin and Eye Chart stencils.

I used a favorite stamp from Tim to add text to the foundation layer, as well as stamping the same text on Mr. Umbrella Man. It made me think how powerful words are, how they can tear down or build up, salvaging one's heart and spirit. Both for the speaker and the listener.

Our friend Mark works with homeless people in the shelter's bike shop to raise money for the shelter and to build marketable skills for people who need some encouragement.

Another close shot of the Faded Layers technique with some pieces layered against it.

This quote makes me think about who I think I am, who I think I'm not, and of the things I don't even try because I don't think I can make a difference. The challenge made me think a lot this time. Art journal pages are that way sometimes!!

This challenge is hosted by the Funkie Junkie Boutique. A generous $25 gift certificate goes to our randomly drawn winner. The Curiosity Crew Choice will receive a REEEdiculous amount of Tim's signature product, donated by the Duke of Distress himself (credit to Hels Sheridan for that title). Maybe you are following the challenges, but haven't entered yet? Maybe it's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you are not. I just made that up. No I didn't. But maybe you ought to be brave and enter!! All the details are on Linda Ledbetter's blog. Be sure and comment on all the Curiosity Crew host blogs so you'll be eligible to win.