Friday, June 5, 2015

Anything But Cute Mixed Media Challenge-#2-Make It Masculine

Hello everyone!

 Today marks the beginning of our second challenge over at  Anything But Cute. Thank you to all those who entered our last challenge, and for those who visited and left lovely comments!  I would call our first challenge a huge success, thanks to all of you! The wonderfully talented Cec is our hostess for this month's challenge, and she has chosen the theme "Make It Masculine".

For my project, I went with a steam-punk-ish/John Wayne-ish cigar box tranformation. I made this as a Father's Day gift for my husband, so he can store all those little notes the kids wrote him when they were little.


For this challenge, Cec would like you to make a mixed media card or other project for a fellow in your life. It could be for Father's Day, a birthday, an anniversary or just because you want him to know how special he is.


 I actually started this a couple of years ago.  I was trying out a wax paper resist technique on another project, and I loved the "waste" wax paper so much, I just had to use it! A friend of mine gave me a huge tub full of cigar boxes, and so I got right to work using the wax paper on one of the boxes.  But after doing two sides, I got bored and up on the shelf it went, until I heard about Cec's "Make It Masculine" challenge.

I love leather and rust, and both of these just smack of "masculine" to me. So you will see that I used a lot of both of these elements in my altered cigar box. More is MORE, I say!

My cigar box started out like this.

To get a tooled leather look, I papered four sides of the cigar box with wax paper, which was embossed using Tim Holtz'  Regal Texture Fade.   After using the embossed wax paper for a resist on another project, and therefore, rendered basically wax-less wax paper, I colored the "waste" wax paper with alcohol inks to get this tooled leather look.  After I glued it on, I added some grunge to it, using stencils, texture paste, crackle texture paste, micro beads, Cloisonne High Gloss Granules, embossing powders, Distress embossing powders, stains, inks and paints. Note to self: Open the Closet door before going at all these chemicals!

For the lid of the box, I decided to go with a different leather look.  This time I used a simple brown paper shopping bag as my substrate. I've used variations of this technique several times before; I've used Kraft Core HERE and  a water spritzed lunch bag HERE to make backgrounds similar to this.


I used Distress inks, a Tim Holtz Pocket Watch Texture Fade, a Darice Crackle embossing folder, Glossy Perfect Paper Adhesive,  Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint and a touch of  metallic wax medium to make this leathery-looking lid. Fortunately, I took a photo in progress; otherwise, you would never get to see how textured it is! Ha! Ha!  A little bit of a wasted effort, but at least I know it's under there!

 I used a piece of a  Tim Holtz Weathered Clock die cut from my leftovers pile and added texture paste, distress paints, embossing powders and Cloisonne Granules. I found the metal hinge on  my work table, and I have no idea how it got there. But it was a perfect addition, so I painted it and grunged it up from it's original shiny brass finish.



The tag is  stamped with a  Paperbag Studio image inked in Archival. I added a watch button from my stash--aged with Crackle Accents and black texture paste-- and a Tim Holtz Remnant Rub. I aged the Spare Parts knob with alcohol inks and Distress embossing powder. The number plate is made from a Tim Holtz  Ticket Texture Fade and a pink metal label frame. The brads were given a coat of Tarnished Brass Distress paint.  Here's the "before" when I was working on my arrangement.  The hinge had only been painted with Black Soot at that point.
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Here's  how I made my rusty cogs: I used Tim Holtz'  Gadget Gear die to cut the cogs from Grunge paper and blotted them randomly with silver alcohol ink Mixative and a drop or two of Blending solution on a felt blending tool, leaving some areas unpainted.  After this was completely dry, I wiped on watered down Black Soot Distress paint with my finger and wiped it off with a paper towel.  The Mixative acts as a resist of sorts, and most of the black paint wiped off. Caution: you're going to think you need new glasses when you look at these blurry shots.  There's only so much I can do with an  iphone camera!

                   

Next I splattered on Distress paints, drying with a heat gun between each to build up the color.  I used Black Soot, Spiced Marmalade, Vintage Photo, Fired Brick and Antiqued Bronze. Before drying the last color, I sprinkled on a little Tea Dye Distress embossing powder and then heated to emboss. I then added a few more paint splatters, drying between colors. You can see the cog is really starting to curl up!



I dabbed on some Vintage Photo Distress stain, and sprinkled this with more Tea Dye Distress embossing powder, then heated.  A few more splatters of Distress paints, heated between layers to finish off the color.  To give it just a little more texture and to flatten the cogs out, I dry embossed them with a Sizzix embossing folder 2 times.  Here is what the folder looks like. I don't know the name;  I purchased it used at a yard sale. It's hard to see the texture in the second photo, but it really adds a lot in real life


I followed a similar routine for the rest of the cogs, but used other products, and different sequence of paint application, and omitting the alcohol ink on some. I used clay embossing powder, Tea Dye Distress embossing powder, and Cloisonne High Gloss Granules on some of the cogs and some were cut using Tim's Steampunk On the Edge die.  I had so much fun trying different combinations, and enjoy seeing the results. (Each one made me smile, Jan!) That is what I love so much about mixed media--there are no mistakes!


The smaller cogs are made with paper clay and a Mod Podge mold. I painted and heat embossed them added micro beads to some and high lighted some of them with metallic wax medium.

The corners on the front of the box and key  are also made with paper clay and a Mod Podge mold and painted and heat embossed in the same manner as the smaller cogs.



I used Tim's Hardware Findings die for the keyhole and hinges using waste packaging for the keyhole and Kraft Core for the hinges. I used black texture paste, distress paint and embossing powder to make the keyhole look like old iron, and 2 brads were rusted for the nails.  The phillips head screws securing the hinges are made from grunge paper-- an idea I got from our super talented and lovely Pamellia at My Little Craft Things.  I changed her technique up a bit by folding the die cuts in half, sanding and painting the ridge with Black Soot.  Then I painted and embossed with Tea Dye Distress embossing powder.




In each of the four corners, I added paper clay medallions, crackle texture paste, micro beads, embossing powder and Cloisonne Granules, to give it an old mildewed look. If you've ever spent time in a barn you know that even the nicest leather ends up looking like this.


Here's a view of one of the sides.  You might have noticed there's a black cord at the bottom.  It's just simple black cord that I dipped in Mod Podge and left to stiffen over night.  It's got a great leathery hand to it and attached around the bottom of my box like a dream.  I used Tim's Measured Layering stencil, texture paste and Peeled Paint and Tea Dye Distress embossing powders and clay embossing powder to make the design.  I wiped on some metallic wax medium to high light.


The opposite side; more of the same. The clock hands were done the same way the key hole was, and fastened with an altered brad. A couple more paper clay gears and cogs.





And finally, the back of the cigar box.  I had removed the label before adding my wax-less wax paper, and so I added it back and distressed it in keeping with the vintage look.  More cogs and gears and a steampunk clock made with the same mold but this time with Sculpy, because paper clay just wouldn't cut it for this shallow mold. I cut my "leather" (Kraft Core) using Tim's Ticket Movers and Shapers die and added some "nails" made out of grunge paper.




Here's another look at my steamy-leathery box.


That's it for today! Please let me know if you have any questions.Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your lovely and encouraging comments!  I hope you will be inspired to join in with our "Make It Masculine" challenge at Anything But Cute. I can't wait to see what you make for the man in your life! Hugs and Blessings!

Sara Emily

I would like to enter this into the following inspiring challenges:


Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #13 "A Year of Choices" I chose MMMC #2 Around the House.  I used wax paper as "tooled leather" and a paper shopping bag for "leather" in another background. If a cigar box counts, well, I used that, too!  It's just not commonly found around our house!


Our Creative Corner "What Makes You Smile?" Knowing I was making a special gift for my husband had me smiling the entire time I was creating this. Rust and grunge always make me smile.  Altering things and making something from junk makes me smile.  

A Sprinkle of Imagination "Anything Goes" I used lots of Distress products, which A Sprinkle of Imagination sells in their shop.

Sandee and amelie's Steampunk Challenges "The Ravages of Time" This is my first time entering this challenge, and so excited to find it. I may just have to enter more often, now that I've given steampunk a try!

78 comments:

  1. Wow Sara, I just completely lost track of time as I have been reading and clicking and clicking and reading for goodness knows how long now!! Even if I looked at this beauty a hundred times, I think I would still find something new to ooh and aah at! IT"S A FREAKING WORK OF ART, is what is it, is what it is!! (doing a "Friends" bit there, tee hee) I'm seriously gaga for this box Sara, your textures and range of techniques are just blowing my mind! All I can muster at this point is a big fat loud WHOOP WHOOP! Your hubby is going to treasure this forever! Love it! hugs :)

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    1. Awww, gee, thank YOU, Pamellia! This is such a HUGE compliment as I am thinking the absolute thing about your Dad's book! I'm happy you explained the Friend's thing; I've never seen the show, but seems like it's the show to watch! Anyway, now that my head is 3 times the size it should be, I'll just enjoy your weekend, and a million times thank you! I have a great big smile on my face, thanks to you! Big hugs!

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  2. WOW!!! You put so much work into your creations and there are just sooo many little details to admire here!! What an amazing project! Love the cogs, texture and choice of color...I guess I could have just said EVERYTHING...BRAVO my friend!!!

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    1. Wow, Samra; this is such a wonderful compliment coming from one as talented as you! You have really made my day! Big hugs!

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  3. OMG, Sara, I've never seen anything like this before! Holy cow, this is FANTASTIC! It's like an antique rare piece from ancient times! I can't even count how many perfect techniques you used there! You are a real mixed media uber talented artist, my dear friend! It's a breathtaking steampunk piece of art with outstanding textures so amazingly embellished! This is the most wonderful way to show how special is your husband for you and he is going to be so thrilled! Have a great weekend!
    Sending you a lots of love, dear Sara!
    Huge hugs :)
    Branka xxx

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    1. Geez, Branka! I think I need to sit down! You are too kind and very generous with your praise! But I'm so happy you like it! I'm also glad it looks ancient to you, because I was hoping to give it that look. This was lot's of fun, once I got over those voices in my head saying I don't do steampunk! You are such an inspiration to me; thank you, my friend! Hugs!

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  4. I am so happy that you found our challenge blog, Sara,

    and your project is absolutely gobsmacking! I can see that a lot of love and labour went into it and the faux rust looks brilliant! Well done and thanks for sharing a how to as well! :)

    Good luck and thanks for playing along with us at SanDee&amelie's Steampunk Challenges.

    Claudia x

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    1. Thank you so much, Claudia! This is high praise coming from you! I really appreciate your visit, and I'm looking forward to giving this type of project another try in the future! So happy I could play along!

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  5. oh...scrumptious texture...and the rusted elements are just so fabby! I had to laugh, because I just featured a John Wayne card on my blog today...although a totally look from this, isn't it funny? And a whole box of cigar boxes? You must be in heaven! But I digress...I am totally intrigued by the paper molds....we have to have a play date so you can teach me how. This is such a wonderful mixed media piece, and your hubster will love it!

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    1. Hi, Kathy! Yes, so ironic that we both had John Wayne on our mind! One of my husband's favorites! And I love your graduation card! Oh, and I was so lucky to be the recipient of those cigar boxes! I've only decorated a few--one I gave back to the friend who gave me the boxes a couple of years ago, decorated for Christmas.

      I'm happy you liked my rusted and leathered box! I'll be in touch soon! Big hugs!

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  7. OMGoodness, how fantastic is this transformation. I love all the techniques you used to create the leather and rust and the vintage images are fabulous. I have to beg the smoke shop to give me cigar boxes and when they relent, they are always cheap paper covered ones so if yours are all gorgeous wooden boxes like this, then I am totally jealous.
    Hugs!
    Cec

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    1. Cec, your comment really made me smile! I'm happy you like my "old" box! Yes, I was SO happy to get my friend's boxes as a gift. All the same box...she had them from a friend who passed away..he smoked a lot of cigars! I have a lot of "paper" one's too, that I've collected at sales which I find very useful. I just wish I had more time to make them all pretty! Big hugs!

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  8. Wonderful masculine project Sara, with fab details and textures.
    Julie x

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Julie! I appreciate your visit! Hugs!

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  9. Stunning textures and rusty gorgeousness! Nxxx

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    1. Thank you so much, Nikki! Your visit made my day!

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  10. Three Ts from me Sara, I love the wonderful techniques, textures and fabulous transformation. Great job xxx

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    1. Wow, what a huge compliment, Brenda! Thank you so much for stopping by for a closer look and for this fabulous comment! Hugs!

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  11. Very cool ravaged box! You've created an awesome texture on your box, and love the embellishments you chose for this. It is fabulous! Thanks for joining us at SASPC! have a grand day.

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    1. Thank you, Maura! I had fun ravaging in my Closet! So much fun to make!

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  12. SARA!!! I can't believe how many art supplies went into making this holy mother of mixed media fabulousness! Wowzers and Wowzers! I read and re-read your post to absorb everything, and will need to read it many more times. Question-what is Cloisonne High Gloss? Your textures and layers and the kitchen sink are so yummliscious! If I knew how to pin this, I sure would! Hugz to you muffin! ~Niki

    DT mode-Thanks so very much for joining in our "Ravages of Time" challenge this month at SanDee&Amelies Steampunk Challenge! So happy you found us!

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    1. And thank you, Niki!!! Your visit really made me smile! I visited your blog and answered your question a few days ago. I hope that helps! My mouth was watering over everyone's frantage, and here I had a similar product tucked away in my toolchest! Big hugs, Punkin'!

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    2. I got it! Thanks for the answer and info darlin!

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  13. BRILLIANT colours used here my friend and just adore your creation...xxx
    enjoy your weekend. ♥
    {aNNie My Personal Blog}

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  14. Sara, I love all of the delicious photos you've shared and I also love your comical side as I read your posts-teehee you make me laugh as well as smile!
    What a fab job on this cigar box- aren't you glad you remembered you had it on the shelf? I think the getting bored thing is in all of us artists, we just can't wait to try the next thing! Speaking of...what and where do you find these cloisonne granules you speak of? Curios minds want to know! heehee xo

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    1. that was supposed to read curious!! lol too much coffee this morn! ")

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    2. Jackie, it just makes me grin to know you get a kick out of reading my posts! I love to create, but I don't think of myself as a very good writer, so I usually just say what's on my mind. I'm so happy to finally finish this box! It's been staring at me for a long time! but I'm glad I waited, because I think my creativity has really evolved over that time, and I could make it really special.

      I visited your blog to tell you what I know about the granules, which isn't much, but they are similar to this frantage I read about, I think. Hugs!

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  15. Hi Sara, firstly let me just say how sorry I am in being so late in getting here! I got through the other DTs and then just party panic hit with a phone call here and there and then wrapping presents and cake ingredients buying etc etc - but we're on the other side now.

    Anyway on to the important bit of why I am here (scrolls back up to take in the gorgeous mixed media beauty...) oh my gosh hun, this is just the most handsome cigar box I have seen, loving that little door knob on there by the way :). What a feast for the eyes with all that rusting and embossing, such little details like the measured stencil and those teeny tiny cogs. The colours are perfect, leathery and rusty - what a dream!!

    Great project hun and deserves to take pride of place in your home for your hubby's little kid-notes!
    Hugs
    Georgie xx

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    1. Georgie, never late, my dear, so no worries! Wow! I have deep respect for someone who can throw a party together in hours! I hope it was a great party!

      Your comment just really made my day, my week, my month! thank you so much for that! I consider you such a talented artist, so this really means a lot to me! Huge hugs, my friend!

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  16. Thanks for the excellent review of your cigar box - with so many details and rusty gears showing the ravages of time.
    Thank you for participating in SanDee&amelie's Steampunk Challenge.
    Hugs, Susan

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    1. Thank you so much, Susan! It was a pleasure to get to join your challenge this time!

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  17. Great textures and rust. It's absolutely awesome!

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  18. Wow Sara, another amazing mixed media project, the effects and all the textures and elements look amazing! Once again, thanks so much for adding it to our challenge at MMM

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    1. Thank you very much, Astrid! So happy you like it, because I consider you to be a fabulous artist who inspires ME greatly!

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  19. BRILLIANT!! absolutely love this the way you have built everything up and even better that you started it 2 years ago. It has come of age!! an amazing treasure. x

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    1. Thank you, Dee! The most difficult part about waiting 2 years to finish, is that I couldn't remember how I made the wax paper layer on the 2 papered sides! Duh! Was happy I could re-create the "recipe"!

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  20. This is so DISGUSTINGLY RAZZED, AGED, GRUNGED, LAYERED, POUNDED, PLUCKED, WAXED and RAVAGED that if it doesn't win some type of award.... then we are all high on the wrong kind of creativity. SERIOUSLY AMAZING, ASTOUNDING, FABULOUS work of art Sara. XXj

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    1. Joi, it is always such a JOY to read your comments! I need you on the nominating committee of some of the blogs! In the meantime, I'll just revel in the fact that YOU find it all these things! You're a real sweet heart! Big hugs!

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  21. Can I confess that I hoard cigar boxes?!?! But I haven't made anything so amazing with them as you did here! LOVE the wax paper base ... I will have to try that!! And the texture and all the details are amazing! Thank you so much for playing with us at The Mixed Media Challenge!!

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    1. Oh, Karen, you don't even want to go there! But if it makes you feel better to confess, you may! I'm hear to listen, dear! Ha! Ha! I hope you will try the wax-less wax paper thingy; I'm sure you will make the most amazing project when you do! Thank you for your comment; it really made my day, and made me laugh out loud!

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  22. Hi Sara, Wow Wow Wow! Yes you made me smile! I loved those rusted cogs too, the colour and texture looks fab. Your husband will love this box. How many different processes you used to get that faux leather look was really interesting to read. Thank you for joining in my challenge at Our Creative Corner, hugs Jan x

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    1. Something tells me you were smiling way before you looked at this, but you made my day with your visit! Thank you for your sweet comment! Great challenge, my friend! Hugs!

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    2. Something tells me you were smiling way before you looked at this, but you made my day with your visit! Thank you for your sweet comment! Great challenge, my friend! Hugs!

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  23. What a beauty. It makes a fabulous gift. Thanks for entering our challenge at ASOI this time.

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  24. Wow Sara this is a bit wonderful! Love all the texture and it's perfect for our vintage theme over at MMW, good luck ;)
    Big hugs
    Donna xxx

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    1. Thank you kindly, Donna! I'm so happy you like my box! Hugs!

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  25. This is superb!! There's so much amazing texture and gorgeous elements I am in awe! Thank you for entering our challenge at Mixed Media World! Ingrid x

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    1. Ingrid, I'm always so happy when you visit, and this compliment just made my day! I'm happy you like my vintage box! And what a fun challenge right up my alley! Hugs!

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  26. Actually, my first thought was... you must be a sister of Pamellia.(:o) Really the same strong influence and timeworn character on your box. Love all the different texture. Amazing!!

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    1. Elly, thank you! You couldn't have paid me a higher compliment! I love Pamellia's work, and you are right, we do have similar thought processes in creating...she's just so much more talented than I ever hope to be! And she does inspire me! Thank you so much for visiting and leaving this fabulous comment! Hugs!

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  27. Holy smokes Sara, that is spectacular! So many amazing techniques, textures, embellishments, colours, products ... I am blown away. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing project and for sharing your techniques and processes, your hubby is going to be speechless when he gets this gift!

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    1. Thank you, my friend! Your Thank You card has really gotten me inspired with my latest project! Hugs!

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  28. Great altered box! Love all the vintage, steampunky details. Thanks so much for playing with us at the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge.

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  29. Wow Sara! All that rusty crusty detail is incredible! I love it! Thanks for the inspiration! A real work of art!

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    1. Thank you, Mona! A lovely comment to read from you! You are quite an inspiration, and I love your work!

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  30. Sara, this is out of this world fabulous! So many cool techniques and ideas for the rest of us to steal, err, borrow! :) This will truly make an excellent gift for your husband and a great place to store those notes from the kids. The best rusty crusty project I've seen!

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    1. Thank you, Heather! What a pleasure to read your comment. I would like to return the visit, but I cannot find a way to contact you!

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  31. What a fantastic altered box - such brilliant grungy rusty textures and embellishing - just love it!
    Alison xx

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    1. Thank you, Alison! You just really made my day!

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  32. This is wonderful. Thanks for joining the Mixed Monthly Challenge!

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  33. Wow wonderful Vintage Artbox with lot of details. I looks really old.
    Greetings
    Sabine

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    1. Thank you, Sabine! It was a lot of fun making it! Hugs!

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  34. Wow !!! Amazing, great project Sara!!!
    Very informative work with paints. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you, Irina! I'm happy you liked my project and found the post informative! Hugs!

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  35. Your question (need to learn how to do that - how about a tutorial ???)
    Thank you very much for your interest, Sara! I will try to explain clearly (something with my English?):
    In fact, everything is done very simply. Once all the the details are glued onto the canvas, take a black acrylic primer and paint over everything carefully.
    We look forward to when dry (about an hour), take acrylic paint (metallic silver like me http://irinar2709.blogspot.ru/2015/06/blog-post_24.html or gold, if we want to make the shade in bronze or some or other) with a finger neatly take the hand and gently goes through all the details.
    If somewhere has got too much paint, you can paint this place a black primer, and again put a silver paint.
    Hopefully, you will have to repeat. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you, Irina! This is very helpful, and your English is better than most Americans! I will be giving it a try! Hugs!

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  36. oh i just LOVE how easily you make paper look like rusted metal. fantastic cigar box, your details are always so spot on! Thank you so much for playing with the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge and celebrating our first birthday!!
    -Rachel
    rwkrafts.com

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    1. Thank you, Rachel, you've really made my day! Happy birthday!

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  37. AWESOME project! Love all the details and the photo tutorial was excellent! Thanks for helping us celebrate with this month's challenge!
    www.lynnkopas.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Lynn! I'm happy you enjoyed my step by step, too! It was my pleasure to join your birthday celebration!

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  38. What a beautiful gift! Love the old look and all the details! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  39. Wow Sara, you rocked my challenge! How many techniques in one creation??? Congratulations you made my Top 3! Blog badge on the way soon.
    Hugs Jan xxx

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