Thursday, January 4, 2018

Intentions for A Vintage Journey


Hello friends and visitors! Welcome to my first post for the New Year! It's time for a new challenge at A Vintage Journey, and this time our lovely Deb has chosen the challenge theme 'Think Inside or Outside the Box'. 

Here's what Deb has to say...For our first challenge of 2018 we'd like you to create with a box. Any box of any size will do, it can be one you have made yourself or one that you are recycling or even one that you have drawn. We'd like you to make your project either inside the box itself or do something imaginative on the outside or both if that's where your muse takes you. As always we like to see your projects in our preferred styles: vintage; shabby; mixed media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn or steampunk. So put on your thinking caps and re-imagine those boxes both inside and out!


I decided to recycle some gift boxes from my stash and trash for Deb's challenge. While I was at it,  I gathered some other found objects and trash to make my 'canvas'. Here are the boxes I used... The smaller ones were all either tops or bottoms of gift boxes without a mate, there's a lovely gilded stationary box I've been hoarding, some trash boxes from the recycling bin and a piece of my spray box that I've been saving  hoarding because I thought the colors were pretty.  (Be forewarned; photo heavy and long post. Please feel free to skip to the close ups.)

Step by Step

I've always wanted to try this style of mixed media, and being the New Year, it seemed like a perfect time to try some thing new. I think I better watch a few videos before I start next time! I began by reinforcing the largest stationary box with the rubber glove box, so that it would handle the weight of what I would be putting on it. I just glued the box on the inside, so it wouldn't shift around.


I kind of got carried away in the making so there's a bit of a pictorial gap in my story. I replaced the cover, gluing it closed and adding design tape to further reinforce the edges. I also added a strip of contractor's joint tape around the edges and down the center of the 'canvas' as well as on the edges of the central vignette for texture.  I cut a few strips of the sweetener box to add more texture and extend my focal cluster. The photo below shows how things are progressing after some stenciling  and a coat of gesso. Here I am deciding on what embellishments might work.  I used crackle paint with the gears stencil,and texture paste with the circuit stencil. More circuit was added later.  


I gave all my embellishments and the small boxes two coat of black gesso. The two labels from my label maker, one of my charger cords, and the watch face got a coat of  Raw Umber antiquing cream.



Some stenciling on one of the boxes.


The 'canvas' was coated with two coats of black gesso, and I played around with  my embellishment choices and placement. I love that the gold stationary box had some existing texture.




Part of my spray box got pressed into service to boost my circuit plate and 2018 dial.


And now for the close ups.



Thankfully, Santa left us some new phone charger cords for Christmas!






Here's the little pink plastic spoon from the sweetener box. I mixed up three embossing powders to get that delish texture. Thankfully, I didn't melt the spoon!

 





Jesus is at the center of it all, represented by this little mirrored star. I had fun with this little vignette. The beautiful pearl antique button is from my friend's button collection. Lawton passed away a several years ago, and I got his jar of buttons, among other things from his family. He was quite the collector, but his collections were all very well organized. Their uncluttered home was very tastefully decorated with antiques--he kept his collections in his shed or in the attic. I painted the star with several blue alcohol inks and gold mixative. I elevated the star on a section of drinking straw and surrounded it with the plastic roll of a tape dispenser. I found the watch face roadside.



My Cropodile went kapooie when I tried to punch this hole! What the heck; I may have used it 10 times over the years I've had it! But I was able to use my awl to make a passage for my phone plug. I'll call it a plug, so you understand what I'm trying to say here. I doubt I will unplug totally, so that's why I call my piece "Intentions".


Pretty deep, huh?


The sun was very bright the day I took photos, making it quite difficult to photograph this without lots of shadows, so I've included shots from different angles. As you can see from my parka photobombing in the last shot, it was also VERY cold. 




That's all for me today! Please be sure to stop by A Vintage Journey to see how the talented Creative Guides have thought outside or inside the box! Then it's over to you! So put on your creative thinking caps and submit your entry for a chance to win a prize from The Funkie Junkie Boutique, who is our generous sponsor for this challenge. Of course, there's also three chosen as our Pinworthy winners.


I'm sharing with:
Simon Says Stamp Monday: Something New Mostly everything is old here, but the Seth Apter die cuts have never been used, and this style of mixed media is new to me. Ringing in the NEW Year with my 'intentions'.
Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #44 - "Ring in the New" New 'intentions' for the New Year, new technique for me and new die cuts (Seth Apter) to me.
Image may contain: text

Thank you for your visit today!
Hugs and Blessings!
Sara Emily

I used the following products, most of which can be found at The Funkie Junkie Boutique:





Additionally:  DecoArt Crackle Paint, Media Raw Umber Antiquing Cream, Prima Metallique Midnight Sky acrylic paints, Seth Apter Ring Around die,  Stencils by  Decoart (Short Circuit) and TCW (Mini Specimens), Idea-ology  Grunge Blocks

36 comments:

  1. It always cracks me up when I see the everyday things you start your creations with - your vision is unbelievable - and you layer them on and cover them with this and that and some more of that - and they become a wonderful cohesive beautiful work of art!! The colors and textures are gorgeous on this Sara Emily! Julia xx

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  2. This is totally fabulous Sara xx You have certainly been thinking outside of the box with this wonderful creation, which is full of amazing details...Love it !!!

    Huge hugs Annie xx

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  3. Wow, what an amazing transformation! I loved seeing how you created this steampunk piece; it looked such a fun make with all those lovely layers, paints and details - stunning 😁. Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog and wishing you a very happy and creative New Year! J 😊

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  4. Totally amazing project, Sara Emily! You really know how to think outside the box! H

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  5. WOW love the composition on this Sara Emily! So many fabulous textures and levels to see here. Great job!! Hugs, S@ndy xx

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  6. LOVE your project!!! It's wonderful!!!!

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  7. Wow, this is amazing, Sara Emily!! The texture is phenomenal!! I loved seeing how it came together!! You are so creative!! This is a work of art!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  8. All I can think to say is wow, wow, wow and wow again Sara, this is a fabulous work of art that could be found in an upmarket gallery! The textures are wonderful, the design is fabulous, the colours are amazing - one of the most wonderful mixed media pieces I have seen for a long time. Bravo my lovely friend!!! Hugs, Anne xx

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  9. Oh my goodness and WOW! WOW! WOW! This is totally awesome!!!! What a fabulous piece of artwork Sara. You have outdone yourself again my friend! The textures are amazing and the colours!!!! Oh Wow .. the colours!!! Love, love, love!!! Loved seeing the process .. I bet it was a lot of fun to put together! Simply awesome!!!
    Sorry I haven't come by for a while but I took a little break over the holidays. Wishing you and yours all the very best for 2018. hugs xx

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  10. What amazing box-work, Sara Emily - an triumph of construction with such a cool grungy night-time look. I love what you've done here, and what amazing inspiration for the theme - bravo!
    Alison x

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  11. An amazing post Sara Emily! Great recycling!
    Alison xox

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  12. *Squeals very loudly* This is absolutely AWESOME! Sara Emily. What a way to start the New Year with such a stunning piece of Art! LOVE in every which way possible - fantastic design, excellent creativity and brilliant execution. You nailed this one for sure and nearly had my circuit board fusing lol .
    hugs x

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  13. How I love this construction! upcycling objects, but also the arrangement and the colours you gave them. Amazing!

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  14. Oh you make me laugh and applaud simultaneously! So much to see and touch - a wonderful construction of eclectic items brought together perfectly! Fabulous Sara Emily xx

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  15. Wow Sara, I really don't even know where to begin with my praise on this project. I have to tell you that each time I visit you I am just so blown away by your creativity and skill with mixed media. You really have become an amazing artist my friend, this is nothing short of a masterpiece!!

    I haven't been out for a walk in almost 2 weeks. We still have lots of snow, but we've had such cold weather that there hasn't been any fresh snow fall, so the old snow is all brown and yellow now. The wildlife is all hiding during these cold temperatures, so not much to aim my camera at. I've been sticking to the patio and taking care of the little ones instead. Hope 2018 has started well for you! sending hugs :)

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  16. OMG!!! Dear Sara, you had a great inventiveness and inspiration to start off your new creative year!
    An immense and absolutely unique work, I love this project full of layers, textures and small objects of daily use.
    I wish you a happy new year!
    Hugs
    Stefi

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  17. Oh My! This is the work of a creative genius! Yes, dear Sara, I do mean you!! Oh what scroll back and to I have had with not a hope of making ANYTHING like this!! Wishing you a creative and Happy New Year! (Oh It will be!!!) Chrisx

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  18. Absolutely stunning...this is an amazing piece of artwork and I love every single element about it! Thanks so much for sharing and for playing along with us over on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog... x

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  19. Oh my goodness Sara Emily, your box is just amazing!! What an incredible transformation! The effects you achieved just look incredible, - what a stunning project, - wow, just wow!!!

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  20. Oh meant to say still, - thanks so much for adding this beauty to our challenge at MMM!

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  21. Sara Emily, you are the queen of creative upcycling! I can't believe how you used so many elements to create this very cool creation! Love the colors and textures and just how you put it all together. Awesome! Hugs!!

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  22. Sara Emily, you are one inspiring and clever artist! Well done to you on taking this theme and literally running with it! You've managed such a beautiful composition, incredible depth, and so much visual interest with each layer and detail. I'm in awe! Great job on this challenge, a show stopping contribution! Hugs, Autumn

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  23. Oh wow, pure genius! If I were half as skilled as you, I'd try to case it. Only in my dreams. So well done! xoxo

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  24. What an amazing recycled creation, Sara Emily! A wonderful use of the boxes and colors! Thanks for your incredible tutorial! XXOO

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  25. WOW this is truly amazing, stunning piece of art.
    Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
    luv
    Debby

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  26. A stunning piece Sara Emily, the arrangement and textures you've created from trash are amazing.
    Avril xx

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  27. wow! what a gorgeous piece of art! totally love it :) thanks a ton for visiting my blog and your kind feedback, really made my day. Happy to be your new follower :) Stay Blessed!
    Hugs
    Preeti

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  28. This is absolutely amazing!!! I love it!!! I love how you built up this piece of art!!! I also love your recycled objects... Apple USB cable (LOL)!!! The final colour is great too!!! xx

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  29. Oh my gosh, well first of all I have to pick my jaw up off of the floor, this is Awe-mazing Sara Emily!! Incredible layers, textures, colours ... what an inventive and fabulous creation, talk about thinking outside, inside and all around the box! Thank you so much for your amazing tutorial and sharing your fabulous make with us all, Deb xo

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  30. Amazing piece of art ! thank you for your participation at Sandee & Amelie steampunk challenges.

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  31. Thanks so much for joining in with the challenge this month at Country View Challenges - good luck and hope to see you again. Teresa DT

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  32. Wow! This is an amazing project! At first look, I thought it was a journal with a super creative cover. This is really thinking outside the box. I love how you used so many everyday objects and turned them into a super cool work of art. Absolutely LOVE it!

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  33. simply an amazing project! i love creating freely as well and sometimes, okay just the one time, i thought i was using an old cord and turns out that oppsy it was a current and much needed charger cord...... love all the bits and bobs and the step outs you have shared! thanks so much for playing along with us at Mixed Media Monthly Challenge!!

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  34. Blimey, this is amazing. I really enjoyed reading about how you came up with such a fantastic looking creation. Thank you for sharing.

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  35. Ridiculously amazing!!! Love all the details. The colors, all of it.

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