Metallics at Stamps and Stencils

Hi everyone, it's the September challenge over at Stamps and Stencils and this time the very creative Rachel is testing your metal, here's what she has to say.

   This month I would like you to make a piece involving metallics in some way - it could be metallic paints, rusted metal techniques, actual bits of metal, metal foil ....the possibilities are endless - also please use stamps and/or stencils. Have fun!

I've created another journal cover using the Eileen Hull die, no inserts to share just yet as they are a work in progress.

I opted for a neutral colour palette this time and used metallics in a subtle way, instead of gilding the lily, I've gilded the butterfly. Lots of texture and layering and definitely a Finnabair inspired piece.

I started off by scrunching up tissue paper and gluing on to the journal, sealing with more matte medium.

Next I layered up fabric, buttons, leftovers, art stones and a prima butterfly I had been hoarding. I've used sculpture medium to adhere and firm up all the pieces and coated with nougat fresco paint. I had wanted to use some crackle paste through a stencil but all of my pots had dried up, so made sure I included some stamping somewhere, although with all the layering of paint it kept going into hiding!   

  Next lots of dry brushing and stamping.

 
 From subtle to overload for the inside covers! Love the richness of this though.  

The layers of dry brushing are starting to build up and this last layer of french roast fresco paint which is translucent is wonderful for highlighting all the details. I could have left it at this, but we were going for gold so a little gilding would be perfect. I've used a mix of gold fresco paint, gold embossing powder and treasure gold to add lustre and shine to this cover.

Still some evidence of stamping to see.

I was in a bit of a rush to thread the elastic through and ended up with the knot on the outside....happy accident, 2 bits of lace on my desk came to the rescue and I tied them in....think I might do this again.  I have to say this was difficult to photograph, the subtle neutrals have shown up fine, but the gold highlights that shimmer so much in real life aren't showing up very well, maybe they are too reflective? The photos don't really do it justice, but hopefully you get an idea of my gilded butterfly book.  

 Are you inspired to explore all things metal yet? Hop across and see what all my talented team mates have created and hopefully you'll join in our challenge, looking forward to see what you create. As always thanks for stopping by. R x