Steampunk Box

At last, time to catch up after a busy few weeks.   Last Wednesday, at the workshop I run locally each month, we had fun decorating a jewelery box in a "Steampunk" style,  perhaps to keep all the Tim Holtz metal creations or just found costume jewelery bits to break up and use again.  Everyone chose different colour paints which produced a variety of boxes, some used the metal embossed tape supplied or just painted the sides.

We decorated a board with different items then overlayed it with a wide sheet of foil tape, using a paper stump to define them.  Painted with chosen acrylic paint then brushed over with metallic paint on raised areas.  (Gary Reef inspired).  When complete this was adhered to the top of the box.

The metal flowers on the top of the box are from the great instructions from Lin Brown on LBCrafts blog (sorry I have not worked out yet how to add a link to her blog) so go check the blog.  Here is a closeup, showing the leaves, which are skeleton leaves dipped in UTEE, plus a beaded stick pin.

close up

Open box

There is a tray provided with the box that sits in the top, but I suggested it might be a good idea to use it separately as a shadow box.  Several decided to keep theirs to decorate at home, but a few decided to paint it and use it in the box.  I did take my camera along but the battery and the spare were dead, shame as it was a picture looking around the hall at all the painted lids, drawers, boxes  and trays.

I had great fun with this tray and although I was in a rush placing all the items, it did turn out okish.

I had a great time at the Stamperama show in Stevenage yesterday, lots to see and buy. Great demo's from Jennie at The Stamp Connection and not forgetting the gorgeous waxy flower and owl that Hels Sheridan demonstrated.  Plus of course Lin on LBCrafts stand, awesome. Must give them all a try.

Lastly I am more than excited and counting the days until THE "Tim Holtz" event on 25th of this month, run by ArtsyCrafts by the wonderful Lin and Leandra duo.  It promises to be fabulous.  I cannot wait.

Framed Mirror at last

Here is the framed mirror we painted and decorated with Jennies (Artistic Stamper) guidance on Sunday (see previous post), now firmly glued down, lots of lovely techniques, want to do it all over again.  Busy preparing for the next workshop I run locally each month. Room is a complete mess, as it will be until Wednesday. As I type I can hear fireworks somewhere outside already.

if you look below I have hidden a face beneath keyhole

photo of Jennie and I before layout glued down

Lastly must share a photo taken a couple of weeks ago in Whitby, well it made me smile!

Monday and it is Mirrors and Mannequins

Well here goes, my first go in blog land!  Had a great day yesterday at Nina's shop in Cambridge, Crafting Time.   A busy workshop with the splendid Jennie of fabulous Artistic Stamper fame. We completed a Mirror Frame with loads of UTEE techniques and lots more besides plus of course a lot of fun, well what else when Jennie is tutoring. A wonderful soup and goodies for lunch. A smashing day with a great collection of crafters around the tables. Will take a photo of finished piece when I have adhered them to the frame, I keep changing my mind as to where they all are to be placed. But hey that is half the fun.  Hubby has suggested we put it in the cloakroom, I am not sure if that means he likes it or it is only fit for the downstairs palace.

Also two ladies who were at the workshop yesterday are also going to Tim Holtz golden ticketed event next February at Newport Pagnell,  on same day as myself so we hopefully will meet up for dinner the evening before, yipeeeeee.

I made a mad purchase last week (so did two friends) of a great mannequin and will be busy adding crafty bits to it over the next week or so.  I thought it awesome so had to have it.  I have used Inka Gold various colours on all the leaves, it was plain black with silver speckle when new.  I intend to make several tags to form a skirt around the bottom.  If you would like info on where I purchased it, give me a shout.

a close up view of Inka daubed lush leaves

more stuff added since