Fresh Beginnings at Artist Trading Post Exchange

Best Wishes to everyone for 2015 and huge apologies for my lack of blogging/commenting but I have been so busy with work, Christmas and making the invitations/decor pieces for my son's forthcoming wedding. 

Over at the Artist Trading Post Exchange blog its time for the first challenge of 2015 and the uber talented Sue Carrington is the host of this great theme "Fresh Beginnings"

Here is Sue's challenge description:

"Now that the festive season is over and thoughts turn to what lies ahead in the New Year, take a look through your craft supplies and share with us a new product/technique/ or even a new item to alter ! Remember we are a Mixed Media challenge and and stamping must be included, but no digi images."

 

Here is my make, which was to alter many of the canvas boards that I purchased and to make more use of my Ranger Melt Pot

I have highlighted items used that can be purchased from the fabulous Artist Trading Post online store as well as their shop in Wirksworth, Derby, UK 

As many of you know I love vintage and so I decided to take a La Blanche stamp, inking it up with Ranger Jet Black Archival Ink. I knew the image would not be so clear but as I was adhering the same stamped image on tissue paper it gave me a base to work around. I also wanted the TH Doily stencilled area to be as close to the stamped image as possible so placed some masking tape over the top and bottom of the base stamp prior to applying my Ranger texture paste. Once dry I carefully removed the masking tape and was happy with the result. ( I should have wiped excess ink off the corners of my stamp but I was aware that I was going to paint over it so it was not a problem on this occasion)

Whilst the paste was drying I placed some Clear UTEE Powder in my Ranger melt Pot and then added some Gold UTEE powder. I also melted some UTEE Flex in the mix too as it does give a bit of flexibility to the end product. ( think this has been discontinued)

I carefully poured the molten mixture on to my Non Stick Craft Sheet ( special offer on the craft sheet at the moment) and also stamped part of the same La Blanche stamp in to the UTEE mixture. 

( I did this twice as you will see later.) I was not too happy with the other pieces so returned them to the pot ( no waste here !!) While the stamped mixture was warm enough to handle I trimmed around the watch part with my TH Tonic scissors.

Below you can see the image on tissue paper, which I stamped with Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil ( one of Wendy Vecchi's range of inks) The tissue paper was applied on to Ranger Glue n Seal and then sealed over with same. The TH Distress Paint used to cover the canvas was Shabby Shutters and a second coat was applied on the over inked areas.

Here you can see the 3D elements I created using the UTEE mixture. I also added a piece of chain from my stash. Part of the LB stamp was inked and stamped on to card then cut out and edged with Distress Ink in Walnut Stain. Distress Markers were used on the eyes and lips (Broken China and Barn Door)

Prior to adhering pearls/lace/metal embellishments etc I applied Treasure Gold Renaissance Gilding Wax to the stencilled area, using my finger. TH Bubble Stencil was placed on the rhs and then inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Once complete and lace was adhered with Power Tape at the back of the board I took Walnut Stain Distress Ink, applying it around the edges of the canvas to give more definition. 

For more inspiration click HERE, which will take you to the ATP Exchange Challenge blog, where you will find the fabulous makes created by my DT sisters. 

The winner of this challenge will receive a gift voucher to be spent at the Artist Trading Post online store. We also have blog badges for the Top 3. 

Hope you can join in with us...its always inspiring to visit your blogs and view your amazing entries.

Best wishes and crafty hugs xx