Gumball Machines

I have been wanting to alter a gumball machine for quite some time.  Practicing on small ones seemed like a good idea before taking on a full-sized one.  I wanted to try out a variety of textures to see what I liked best.  I started off with these little plastic bubble gum machine favors.  They are just plain plastic, but the little handle does work and the candy comes out at the bottom.  Love these.  To start off, I primed the bubble gum machines with gesso.  This gave the base some tooth for the texture mediums and paint to stick to.  Otherwise the paint would just slide and/or chip off and it wouldn't do well for the look I was going for.                  

 I have made 4 in total so far.  I used different texture mediums and paint to see what I liked best.  I did completely alter one to give as a gift.  The other three I decided to put metal embellies in and use as a functioning decoration on my desk until I knew who I was going to make them for.  Then I will customize each one for the recipient.  Until then, I will enjoy them.  I think they are cute as they are functional. 

These are the three that are on my desk.  The first one was painted with Artist's Loft Coarse Texture Gel.  It gives it a really nice coarse texture. The second one I used Texture Magic dimensional paint by Delta, but you can use modeling paste to achieve the same thicker texture.  On the third one I used Deco Art Traditions Texture Medium.  The one I used for a gift I used paint mixed with sand.  This gives you pretty much the exact same effect as the first one with the coarse texture gel.   I used different multi-layer painting techniques on each as well.

 Close up of Machine #1

Here are some close ups of the textures...... Here is machine #2

Machine #3

 Now here is the one that I embellished and made for a friend.  Only bummer part was that I didn't get the world's best pics of it.  I really need to take a photography class...  I did figure out my phone takes way better pictures than my camera....or at least I do...lol (pictures above with camera phone...these with the my camera).

 

Texture

I love texture.  I love when you can achieve texture from unexpected sources.  I was looking at a roll of white streamers.  I bought them in a two pack at the dollar store a while back.  Not sure why I bought them at the time, but the never got used.  I was putting the roll in a different spot when I was cleaning and noticed the texture of it.  It has a gorgeous texture.  It just needed a chance to shine.

I don't have much time to craft during the week, but I pulled out a couple of Heidi Swapp Color Shine sprays.  I misted them and let dry.  I tried on piece to use the heat gun - nope didn't work. Shriveled in spots.  So you need to air dry.  The paper is stiff enough even after misted (when dry) to cut into thinner strips in the paper cutter if you want a ribbon like feel.  You can add more layers to these by stamping, layering, inking.  You can use these to make rosettes and other embellies, layer in a background, etc. You could tear and use in a collage...the possibilities are endless so to speak :)
 

Steampunk purse

I made a steampunk metal purse for a co-worker that is leaving.  I got the idea of using a metal lunch pail from Kim Wylie who made a metal steampunk purse a while back for a swap.  It was terrific inspiration.  I did my own take with the requests from my co-worker.  She loves clocks, gears, riveted metal.  I had experimented with different textures and decided I liked this one the best. 

Another take on shabby chic

Last month I made a shabby chic altered book box as a gift.  I used the Prima Romance Novel as a gift.  I better show some projects soon of other styles, or people are going to start thinking I like pink.  (Nope - not gonna happen). :)  It is actually a mauvish color. 

The cover has lace around the trim.  I used a window die cut I received as a RAK and sprayed it with Lindy's stamp gang.  I stamped over the top with a script stamp.  The TH little door knockers are perfect as handles for the window.  I backed the doors with the same paper as on the binding.  I also used a floral paper behind the window.  I highlighted a few areas with some gesso to give it a softer feel and added a little bling to the top. 

I used two layers of paper on the front so I could roll corners and rip edges.  I added black punched trim to the end.  I softened it by dry brushing on gesso.  I dry brushed gesso all over the box in places at the end to soften the feel.  I also dry brushed on some blue as well.

The flowers below the window started as a little spray that was really old and had funky flowers on it.  Loved the spray but the flowers were just beat up.  I pulled the flowers off and added some two tone roses in its place.  I died some rose buds mauve and then wrapped the wire around the handle of a paint brush to spiral it.  I added those to the spray.  I fussy cut some images and added some next to each side of the window.  The resin bird was painted blue. 

The handle was clear.  I gessoed then inked brown and stamped over the top.  Added pearl trim around the box to finish the front.

 

 

For the binding of the box.  I stamped randomly with a script stamp and dry brushed with gesso in spots.  I added eyelets and laced the ribbon through.   For the back I covered in the mauve paper and added the dry brushed black punched trim piece.  I then tore pieces of coordinating paper and inked before applying.  I dry brushed in the gesso and blue in random spots.  Then finished it off by randomly stamping in some areas with the script stamp.  The inside of the boxed is lined as well.  Just didn't get a picture of that. 

 

Canvas #1 - Shabby Chic with a Vintage Vibe

Shabby Chic is a softer style that usually incorporates a soft color palette with an aged appearance.  The layers can include lace, trims, pearl, floral, and silver elements among others.  It lends itself to the vintage side, but can have more modern touches.  

For my first canvas, I went with a more vintage feel.  Many of the items and techniques I used can be adapted for other styles.  Let's start with the finished canvas - then I will break down how I completed it - step by step.  (For more info on styles and the canvas I used - please see previous post)

THE "CANVAS" BASE - USING A CRACKLE TECHNIQUE

I used a pressboard canvas as my base.  You can easily use a regular canvas or even chipboard cut to size.  If you use chipboard - coat with gesso first.

Step 1.  Select two colors of paint.  For this style I like to use contrasting colors.  I chose chocolate brown and titanium white.  I really wanted a softer white but didn't have it so I had 4 options:  buy more paint, live with it, tint it before and using spray ink, distress reinker, or another color of paint, or tint it after.  I chose after.  Brand of paint doesn't matter in this technique - I used the cheap brand for the base coat and Americana for the top because it was what I had on hand.

Step 2. Paint your first coat of paint.  Make sure your entire area is covered.  Although it isn't necessary, I like to do two coats. 

Step 3.  Let it Dry.  Do not move onto the next step until it is completely dry.  This important with any paint techniques that require more than one color.  If you don't wait - your top coat will take on some of the color of the bottom coat.  black and white - you may end up with grey.

Step 4:  Apply the crackle medium.  Thickness and direction do matter.  If you paint it on with vertical strokes - the  crackles will be more vertical - same with painting it with horizontal strokes. The thicker you put on the medium the larger the cracks.  Personal preference I put the  crackle medium on to where it ends up being thicker in some spots and a little thinner (more of a medium coat) in others.  I like the variation as it looks more natural. 

Step 5:  Let it dry until tacky.  Varies on the type of product you use.  If you are using a white glue based product then wait until it turns clear.  I used Weathered Wood by Delta and it took about 20 minutes.

Step 6.  Paint the top coat.  I prefer to use a foam brush for this step.  It is important to get enough paint on the brush. Make single strokes and try not to go over the same are more than one (twice at most).

Step 7. Sit back and watch it crackle.  It happens almost instantaneously and it is awesome to watch.  Okay I am easily amused. 

Step 8.  Tint if you would like to.  I did so by just taking my Frayed Burlap Distress Ink paid and rubbing it all over the surface.  Then taking a slightly wet paper towel piece I rubbed over the entire canvas, wiping off most of the ink.  The amount you wipe off is going to determine how much it will be tinted.  I still wanted my canvas to be white, just not bright white.  So it has an aged look.  I did after the fact add a little spun sugar distress stain in a few spots and then wiped leaving me a very light tint.

Step 9: Optional (I did not do) Seal - you can seal with a varnish or other sealant.  I don't usually seal mine but some people like to.

Money Saving Tips:

Canvas - find bases on sale or things from your stash that you can use as a canvas.  I have some cool dollar store small kitchen platters that have a metal finish that would be cool for this.  Chipboard works well too.

Tinting paint saves money use products you already have.

If you don't have crackle medium, you can use white glue such as Elmer's, generic Elmer's, Aleen's tacky glue.   - Just make sure it dry's clear before adding your top coat.  Here are examples of using the other two brands.  On the Aileen's I should have added more paint for my top coat (had more on the brush)...On the Cheap Elmer's knockoff...would have done a thinner layer.  All in all they will work well.

 THE MAIN IMAGE - USING A IMAGE TRANSFER TECHNIQUE

First let me start with I have tried this technique using different techniques. Sadly, not always with great success...some worked better than others.  I tried something different than this...and if I could...I would do a backflip.   It work absolutely flawlessly.  I will not do it differently again.  I am in love with how it worked out.

Step 1.  Cut an image out of paper.  I used an image from the Graphic 45 Le' Romantique collection.
Step 2.  Cut a piece of canvas the same size as your image - doesn't have to be exact.  (I am die cutting it later).  I used Claudine Helmuth sticky back canvas because I had a piece close by.

Step 3.  Slather your image in Modge Podge Matte.  Don't be skimpy in your coat.  I have tried other mediums...this worked best for me.

Step 4.  Place your image on to the canvas face side down.
Step 5.  IMPORTANT - make sure you rub on the paper so that it you get a good seal with the canvas.  I used a clean brayer to roll over the top and it worked terrifically.  This step is where something could go wrong...if you have a little spot that doesn't get a good seal the transfer in that spot may not come out as well. 
Step 6.  Let dry completely  Steps 1 - 5 take just a few minutes....so I do before I go to bed then it is ready for me in the morning.

Step 7.  I just use a spray bottle or mini mister, you can use droplets of water.  Spray the back of the paper and start rubbing of the paper.  As you go through the layers spritz some more water.  Let dry and see if you have spritz and rub some more. 

Step 8.  Once you have removed the paper...you will still have a little fuzz and the image may appear to be a little faded...this is how it is supposed to look - don't panic.  Step 12 will fix all of that.

Step 9.  I cut the image out using the Tim Holtz oval die.  I also cut a piece of patterned paper the same size. 
Step 10. Distressed the edges on both pieces and inked the edges.  Then I cut little nicks in the edges here and there of the image so that it gave it a more worn look. The picture below doesn't show the full color because of the lighting - it is still as shown above under step 8.

Step 11.  I removed the backing and placed it on the pattern paper.  Just tiny little peaks of the pattern are visible. 
Step 12.  This is where the magic happens.  Paint a coat of Glossy medium - whether it is modge podge glossy, Aleens Glossy Modge Podge, or Claudine Helmuth's multi-medium glossy.  The point is it has to be glossy for this to work.  It is will brighten your image without making it "bright" - you will still have that vintage look.  It will eliminate the look of the fuzz left behind.
Step 13.  I added trim around the edges.  I used double sided tape on the back. 
Step 14.  I added a silver shabby charm to her hat.

Step 15.  I dry brushed a very little bit of white gesso in just a few spots to lighten the image.  (Dry Brushing - add a little paint to a coarse paint brush. White most of it off with a a paper towel so that there is very little paint on the brush (almost dry) then just swipe some on back and forth.  

The over all effect looks like the image had been painted or printed directly on the canvas.  The texture shows through.  I found by using the modge podge and having a good seal I could rub the paper off without worrying about the image coming off as well. 

THE CAMEO BASE:

To be honest I didn't get a ton of pictures of this step.  I was starting of with a Tim technique from chem 102 so out of respect, I wasn't going to show that part.  I ended up not liking the result and did my own thing in the end.  So as you create...don't be married to an idea....if it doesn't work - tweak it until you do like it.

Step 1.  Die cut a shape for your base.  I used the cameo base die.  I love the shape of it.
Step 2.  I primarily used distress paint to do his technique.  Since I changed it after the fact you really could use regular acrylic.  Base coat the die in a darker color - very little of this will show through - I used a dark brown (vintage photo).  (This coat has to be completely DRY...before moving onto next step. - Don't forget to paint your edges.
Step 3.  I covered up the technique - so I will move on to the next step. 
Step 4.  Brush on a lighter color. I used Spun sugar.
Step 5.  Before it completely dries....wipe some of it off revealing little peeks of the brown. 
Step 6.  Dry brush on a little bit of white paint here and there. 
Step 7.  Using a versa mark pad or other embossing pad go around the edges of the die.  I tilt the pad so that I get around the inside edges of the front of the die as well.  I don't like it to be perfectly even so this works well.
Step 8.  Add embossing powder - I used Shabby Pink Embossing enamel by Stampendous.  It has glitter in it as well so you get bits of sparkle in it. Since it is chunkier than regular embossing powder, you get great texture as well.
Step 9.  Ink edges in brown.
Step 10.  Add lace in the middle. (Adhered the edges to the back of the die with double sided tape so I didn't have to mess with glue and lace.
Step 11.  Sprayed with Glimmer Mist - Crème de Cocoa.  Very very little color but lots of vintage shimmer.  Subtle but beautiful.
Step 12  Add image to the top.

DOILY:

Step 1. Die cut doily from MFT from textured cardstock. Then cut in half.
Step 2. Cut a partial circle from patterned paper (same I used to back the image).
Step 3. Distressed edges of circle.
Step 4.  Inked edges of both the die cut and the circle.
Step 5.  Inked the edges of the inside of the doily cuts with a pen. 
(Side Note:  I believe inked edges give projects a more finished and complete look. Ink color and how much ink use can create different effects).
Step 6.  Painted on a coat of Ranger's distress Rock Candy stickles paint that comes in a jar.
Step 7.  While wet ....added Ranger's distress Rock Candy dry glitter.  Don't pack it on just pour on and dump of the excess.  This glitter is going no where and not messy at all.  I couldn't believe it - I usually get glitter everywhere.

ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING TOUCHES

Step 1.  Layer the image piece over the edge of the doily.

 

Step 2.  Add embellishments.  I tend to select embellishments based on scale of what I am working on.  I had some larger elements that I picked out for this piece...but as a personal preference I didn't like how they looked on such a small surface.  Choose what you like best.

 

I added a white skeleton leaf first.  Then layered on two pearl bead sprays and two pink gem sprays.  to cover the stems I added three roses from I am Roses.  I liked the color of the two brown ones, but not the third flower.  It was originally white with a pink center.  I painted on a little bit of spun sugar distress stain and it came out beautifully.  I finished off the embellishments with a triple bow made from dyed snug hug in spun sugar distress stain.   I took a Tim Holtz pearl drop and glued the edge underneath the bow.

Step 3.  Dry brushed a little bit of gesso over the flowers (already had done the image).  Usually I do a little more of this step all over, but felt like since that the base of the canvas was white, it really didn't need very much.

Step 4.  This is my pet peeve step.  I am so picky about this step. Okay, you took the time to make a beautiful piece...why not finish it.    Imagine them taking it out of the box and examining it fully...do you want them to see the back like the first picture or the second?  It just took an extra minute to cut a piece of coordinating paper.  I usually use a piece from the stack that I know I probably wouldn't use.  Ink the edges and presto.  Big difference.  You never know if they are going to hang it on a wall or put it on a plate hanger or tiny easel where the back would be visible.   It just gives a more complete and finished look.

COMPLETED CANVAS

 If you have any questions, put them in the comments section and I will reply to them.  I would love to see your take on a shabby chic canvas.  Please put a link to your creation in the comments section so we can all check it out.







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Ramblings and upcoming projects and tutorials

It has been a crazy time lately.  Since I have been on a swap break, I haven't crafted as much as usual.  I have done a few things though and will start posting them soon.  You know it gets....work a long day, come home and make dinner, clean up (maybe - lol), then sit to eat. By the time I get some quality time in with Josh, I am beat.  When I had swap deadlines, it gave me motivation to go up and craft any way.

I was craft skyping with a friend and we were talking about projects.  She had started the beginnings of something for herself....and I said I want that but...with this, and this, and that, and this.  (I don't ask for much - not).  She agreed...I wasn't sure what to feel excited or guilty as it was to be quite a bit of work for her to do it for me.  So to ease the guilt before I said something stupid like don't do it I will make one myself....I thought I could make her something in return.  She wanted canvases in the different styles...ranging from cutesy to grunge.  That is something I could do and got excited about it so I agreed.

Let's talk a little about style....

First about me....my style is somewhere in the industrial grunge area.  I am not a dainty person and prefer bolder colors.  It took me a while to really discover my style and even then it is still evolving as I learn new things. When I first joined the CMB I had to answer a list of questions  for a swap including one that asked what my style was.  I had no idea what a style was. So I put down what everyone else was putting down - shabby chic - such a lemming -lol.   Once I learned what it was....not a fan or at least in part.

Truth about styles and art.  If you look at different creations, you will see hybrids of styles.  I think that is really cool to take the elements of different styles that you like and combine them into one.  The thing is some styles have have similar elements with very subtle differences.  For example:  Let's take vintage for an example.  Vintage is aged either in actuality or made to altered to be that.  When I first thought about vintage, I thought of grandma wall paper and lace doilies.  Not necessarily my thing.  Then my mind was blown when I found out that there are all kinds of variations of vintage....and I fast became a lover not a hater.  The spectrum of vintage goes from grandma to grunge (think Tim Holtz - much of his style is a vintage grunge)and a whole lot in between.  So don't box yourself into a category and experiment and blend styles to find your own.

The canvases....

On the series of canvases, I will be using these little pressboard ones that I had in my stash.  Since they will be a gift, I like that it has the beveled edge for a more finished look.  You can easily use small canvases or even chipboard.  When doing these small canvases, I usually cut chipboard into 6 x 6 squares to get 4 canvases from one sheet.  If you are using the chipboard as a canvas - treat with gesso first before adding tons of sprays and inks..etc.

It is my intention to incorporate various techniques into each of the canvases.  Many of the techniques can be used for a variety of styles and can be changed by simply changing the color palette, image, embellishment, etc.If you are going to play along, you don't have to buy a ton of supplies for each style. For the most part, things that we already have can be altered to fit a style.  I will also be showing some money saving tips along the way if you don't have a particular product in stash..  The tutorials will show everything step by step and include tons of pictures.  If there is an element you don't like or something else you want to substitute for your own....go for it.  By no means do you have to duplicate what I made to follow along. Please post a comment with a link to your blog if you posted your take on the style.  I would love to see the different variations.

First canvas:  I made a canvas in a shabby chic style with a vintage feel.  Shabby chic typically uses a softer palette along with layering which usually includes pearls and/or lace.  Shabby chic doesn't have to be vintage but lends itself to the combination of the styles.  Hopefully I will have a chance to post the tutorial tonight along with the pics (after The Walking Dead of course.)  For now I am off to play and get some things done before the work week starts.

K

A time to play

For a long time now, I have been doing swaps. Don't get me wrong as I do love them, but I was a little burnt out.  I love the part about creating for others and making new friendships, but I don't like the part about not having enough time sometimes to take time play with your supplies and create for my self.  Like most, we have other things that fill our time besides crafting so the time we do get to spend doing it is very valuable.

So for the very first time in a long while I played.  It was so much fun.  it didn't have to come out a certain way as long as I liked it.  I decided to rescue two items from the unloved bin to create my project today.  What is the unloved bin....it is where projects that aren't turning out live until I have a chance to or want to finish them.  Needless to say the bin is overflowing. 

Here is my very first finished altered canvas:

 

 

 Here is what it look like as I rescued it from the unloved bin.

 Here is the frame - it was the lid to a jewelry box where the glass had been broken.

 While things were drying I decided to alter this little box that I use to keep my most frequently used tools.

 I just kept it simple....covered in foil tape I embossed. Covered with black alcohol ink then then covered with metallic distress paints.  Then pounced with a blender tool. I wanted some of the black to show through.  Simple but perfect for what I need it for.