I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Friday 5 July 2019

Heavy Metal





Hello all!  Thank you so much for your lovely feedback on my little miniatures excursion Around the Fireplace at PaperArtsy.  We're back to regular crafting today with a new challenge starting at A Vintage Journey.

Our host, the amazing Amanda, would like us to do some metalwork for her theme Precious Metal.  You can go with the real thing with metallic embellishments, or create metal effects with paints, inks, mediums or anything else you can come up with.

As always, there's lots of inspiration from my fellow Creative Guides, which you should definitely check out, but before you go, here's my offering.

I've created a pair of heavy metal ATCs using Oxides, Fluid Acrylics, and Treasure Gold.  Not bad for some scraps of paper, eh?!











I'd been planning to try to stick to the "precious" part of the metal theme title, and go with some gleaming metals, but I found myself back in the world of rust again before I knew it.












I was pressed for time, so I decided to go small (not that small is always quick, as we know from the dollshouse work!).  Who hasn't got time for a couple of ATCs, especially when you've got some ready-to-go MDF ones from Calico Craft Parts waiting for you?







There was a leftover piece of embossed card, done with Tim's Foundry 3D Texture Fade, hanging around the craft table (you can see it's been scribbled and stamped on in the meantime), so I glued it down onto the ATCs and trimmed the edges.












Time to start with the mixed media layers... first of all a coat of DecoArt Dazzling Metallics in Dark Patina (hmm... photo missing, stoopid camera), and over that a good spritzing of Brushed Pewter Distress Spray.














I then dribbled some Distress Oxide Sprays onto the surface, just flicking them on from the bottom end of the tube of the unscrewed nozzle.













Next up, the DecoArt Fluid Acrylics, mainly Paynes Grey and Quinacridone Gold in different intensities and mixes.













After that, I did some drybrushing with the Dark Patina and added some Treasure Gold in Pewter with my fingertips to highlight the raised areas.

I kept going back and forth adding rust, colour or shimmer until I was happy.  They've also had some splatters of leftover Quin Gold from the craft mat, of course.












I really like the finished effect.  This is a look I may well want to re-create, so these reminder details are for me as much as they are for you!













The words are just some kraft ChitChat stickers which have had an extra burnishing with some more leftover Quin Gold paint.













There's also some shading with diluted Paynes Grey, and I used a fine-tipped black pen to outline them.
















I added some simple twists of rusty wire...  Who can resist rusty wire?!
















The positioning of the wire and some of the rustiest bits of "metal" was pure serendipity.













I didn't plan it in advance, but it's clear that the rusty wire has "caused" those particular bits of deep rusty texture!














I suppose maybe my subconscious was controlling my hands as I was wrapping the wire!















I have got a little bit of "precious" shimmer to my metal.















Treasure Gold always comes into its own when there's any texture to be found.















And I'm pretty happy with the blues and greens of my rusty patina...















... though of course some of those lovely inky edges and splotches got a bit smoothed out with the later applications of other media.














Because they're on the Calico ATCs, these have a really substantial feel to them...















... maybe not quite as heavy as actual heavy metal, but pleasingly chunky nonetheless.








Do check out the other Precious Metal projects over at A Vintage Journey - they're well worth stopping off for - and we hope you'll be inspired to come and join us somewhere down the road this month with your own metallic marvels.  Happy crafting all!

I were better to be eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motion.
Falstaff in Henry IV Part 2 by William Shakespeare

At the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge this week they would like you to Make Your Own Background - done!
At the Mix It Up Challenge they are playing Anything Goes with an Optional Twist of Foiling - I didn't get quite as far as foil, but since it's optional, I'll offer up my metallic pair there too

38 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What incredible ATCs, Alison. You had me at "heavy metal," then kept me absorbed with rust, my favorite. I was very impressed with the way you made these, because they remind me of a book cover I made a few years ago using metal air conditioning repair tape I pushed faux rivets using a sculpture tool. Yours turned out SO much prettier than mine, though. Both of these are amazing and so well thought out. The composition is perfect, as is the coloring. Great job, dear.

Helen said...

I think these atcs are just fabulous! Amazing texture, gorgeous colours.

Valerie-Jael said...

The ATCs are incredible, so beautiful, well done. Have a great weekend, Valerie

Margaret Mifsud said...

These ATCs are amazing Alison! I so love the metallic look with the bits of rust and the touches of colour .. they look so realistic it's hard to believe they are just made of paper!! hugs xx

Let's Art Journal said...

Wow, what stunning ATCs! The metal embossed effect with the Distress Oxides looks amazing, I love the techniques and effects that you used and the addition of the metal pieces is perfect 😁. Thanks for the inspiration and wishing you a happy Friday and weekend! Creative hugs and images! Jo x

Nan G said...

Fantastic pair of ATCs butterfly! Love the rusty bits and the shine of treasure gold.

Aimeslee Winans said...

Gorgeous finish to these! Thanks for sharing the process, xoxox

Neet said...

As always, beautiful work. As soon as I saw the word "metal" I was hooked, loved seeing the rivetted pieces layered on top and then the lovely colours you used. I would not have thought of using Distress Oxides but these have turned out beautiful. They are so realistic and the rust, well who could not resist putting some rust on. I am hooked on Paynes Grey and Quin Gold and cannot wait to get back creating things like metal and rust.
Love the additional bits and pieces you have added - the words, the cogs and the rusty wire - the perfect finishing touch to two beautiful atc's.
Thanks Alison
Hugs, Neet xx

Redanne said...

A fabulous mix of colours and textures Alison, they really do look like real metal. The rusty ageing is superb and the wrapped wire and words are the perfect finishing touches. Anne xx

Dorthe said...

They are fabulous Alison, - they wouldnt have been the same without the rusty bliss , lol- I love it, too , Beautiful to turn the embossed page to metal , and giving it life with the Oxides drips, which looks amazing when you are finished with them.Just love these - Hugs , Dorthe

Sue said...

These are fabulous Allison, and who can resist a bit of rust. Have a very happy weekend, Sue xx

suzyb said...

These are amazing for being so small. Details, texture, colour. Lovely works of art! Alison you have done it, yet again. :)

Chrissy said...

WOW..Fantastic metal look Alison..you always do these amazing techniques..

luv CHRISSYxx

experiments in paper said...

Fabulous little metal ATCs! LOVE your patina, rust and little bit of shine - perfect on that embossed surface! Great use of the Distress Oxides, also - would never have occurred to me! Beautiful little pieces, Alison. xx Lynn

A Pink said...

It was LOVE at first sight for your two amazing 'Precious Metal' ATC's , Alison and nothings changed I've been so looking forward to visiting your post. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing the stages of creativity that have produced such impressive inspiring results. Metal, Patina, Rust all brought together to create a superb duo of ATC's.
The love at first sight lives on ❤️

Thanks for contributing to this challenge and thanks too for your kind words about me *blushes* . Really flattered .
Hugs
Amanda x


Deb said...

What fabulous ATC's Alison, I adore the rusty patina's you created and to me rust is even more precious than gleaming gold so you have fulfilled the brief in spades from my perspective! What a great idea to use the Oxide sprays, will have to give that a go because their chalky finish is perfection for your aged finish. And love how the rusty wire serendipitously ended up exactly where it should be over your wonderful rusty bits. Thanks so much for sharing them, Deb xo

Mac Mable said...

Wonderful little ATC's that pack a huge punch x
Gorgeous mix of colour, metal, texture and rust. Thank you for the step by step and the rust wire looks fabulous x Always so inspiration Alison....Thank you x.

craftytrog said...

These are simply gorgeous Alison xx

sarascloset said...

Wonderful little panels of metal and rust, Alison! You've used just the right colors of the oxides to really make a believer out of me, along with the DA paints. And your sparse embellishments are just the perfect amount to really show off your fab faux foil finish. (was going for the alliteration; maybe not the best choice of words) Sending hugs!

My name is Erika. said...

These look like they are sheeted with heavy industrial metal. They came out gorgeous Alison. Hugs-Erika

Dortesjs said...

Amazing ;O)) I really love your artwork, keep up.

Andrea Ockey Parr said...

Hey girl! Just wanted you to know that you are STILL doing amazing things! I know you said on a comment on my blog that you know how it feels to be in a creative slump, but I see you still shining as brightly as ever. Love what you do with color and texture over and over again. If you are feeling like your muse has flown the coop, hang in there and know that you continue to inspire!

Craftyfield said...

Your wonderful make has finally kicked me into action and I am relishing playing with paints... I did wonder about that rusted wire though... did you rust it yourself, bought it or did you just find it and thought ah perfect for my artwork?! xx

Cocofolies said...

Two wonderful ATCs Alison!!!
Fabulously realistic, and with beautiful shades of Distress Oxide colours. The words and perfect :)
Hugs and happy Summer. Hope you can find some relaxing time with your family and friends... for crafting or just enjoying the sun!
Corinne xx

Roosterhead Designs said...

Hello to you Alison~
I have been away for a bit and see I've missed so beautiful creations on your blog! Hoping to catch up soon.
These rusty ATC's are so cool. Lots of 'metal look', to convey the theme~ Beautifully done with the evidence of rust and wear. The 'riveting' and texture give a wonderful authentic look! TFS and have a blessed week ahead~ Hugs, karen o

Margaret said...

I feel like every time I visit I start with "Oh my goodness!" You have made heavy metal feel like an old friend! Your ATCs look as if we just happened across them, and your tutorial makes it seem effortless (although I am positive it would not be for me...). The wire does appear to have rusted onto your card which works so well with 'embrace imperfection', even if it's quite perfect in my opinion! Another masterpiece, dear friend!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

LOVE the metalicious ATC covers, and with your spots of rust! The leather wrap completes it perfectly!

Fliss said...

Absolutely stunning atcs Alison. The textures and shimmer from the patina are amazing and love those rusty touches which really bring it all together.
Sorry to take so long to come and visit, time just gets away from me these days!
Fliss xx

Mrs.B said...

Fabulous ATCs, you've achieved a fantastic metallic sheen and I love the rusty hues.
Avril xx

Ann Chuang Crafts said...

How stunning ATC’s Alison! I love the rusty effect so much.
Hugs,
Ann x

Gio said...

OH these are so inspirational, I have to stop and comment, GORGEUOS!!!

sally said...

I am in love with these little treasures!


Sally xx

Paper Profusion said...

Grunged to perfection with beauty sprinkled on top! Wonderful makes Alison. x

Monika Gulyas said...

These ATCs are so cool, Alison!!! I love the rusty wire around them!!! Big hugs

Anne Wilding said...

An ambitious project and so well made. Thanks for joining us at Mix It Up this month. Anne (DT)

toni said...

Wow! These are FABULOUS! The metal finish is perfect with just the right amount of rust and patina, you are a master ! Toni x

Barbara said...

I adore these ATCs Alison! love to see your creative process and the result is stunning! Barbara

Julia Aston said...

So sorry to be so late in coming to see your wonderful metal project Allison! seems I looked at all the entries and forgot to look at all the Creative Guides!! How wonderful your ATC's are - I thought they were notebook size or larger in just looking - that embossing folder is perfect and I love the wire tied around them - it adds such a steampunk look to them! the mix of colors you brushed on them are beautiful - you always coordinate them so well - rusty perfection! Julia xx