Tuesday 5 November 2013

Alison Bomber Project #3 Moving In ....

Hello all!  If you were here yesterday, then you've seen the house being decorated, and a few of the embellishments being prepared, but today it's time for moving in.


As I mentioned, the stamps I'm using this month are the Urban Snapshots Nature plates, and this project uses stamps from all four plates.

    US Nature 1                                                         US Nature 2
                                            US Nature 3                                                         US Nature 4

But to start with, let's get back to those fabulous filigree Mechanicals flowers!  You saw yesterday that I used Rusting Powder on some of them, but I also tried out adding paint to some others.
I started with an autumnal look in mind, using warm reds and browns.
But, of course, once added to the rusted flowers, they all sort of looked the same.
Hmm, maybe we need a contrast instead ... so my next port of call was Vanilla - at that point the main neutral colour on the house background too, so I thought it would all tie together nicely.
I used a sanding block to knock back the Vanilla.
I like how in some places it rubbed back to the paint colours, and in some places it goes all the way to the metal underneath.
But then I decided to convert the Vanilla house to more of a Stone-y one, so I thought I'd better do the same to my flowers.  
While the flowers were drying (for the third time!), I got on with stamping the images I wanted to "populate" the house with.
The angel was always going to be part of it - Stone + Angel... got to be done!  And the leaf stamps from these sets are just lovely, so some of them were definitely in too.  And of course some sentiments too - all stamped on a sheet of A4 Smoothy Heavyweight Stamping Card and trimmed.
They're stamped in Sepia and Coffee Archival inks, blended directly onto the stamp.  And then I inked the paper, first with Pumice Stone (the leaf is at this stage), and then with Vintage Photo and Gathered Twigs (the angel has had the full treatment).
Back to those flowers... I think they look pretty good layered up now: the contrast with the stone really allows the rust to shine (as it were). I've added just a hint of blue-green inking to the stony flowers for a bit more definition.
I wanted to put my Stone Angel into a Stony Arch, so I used some more Crackle Glaze on one of the Tando Arches (again, you can see the method in yesterday's post - I'm trying to get in at under War and Peace length with today's post!).  
I used some pearl beads to mount the arch, so that it would stand well forward of the angel image, and I love that it's exactly the right size that the word "ANGEL" is revealed below the arch!
I worked to create as much dimension as possible with the mounting of all the images... Each compartment has its own method behind it.
I always keep those little sponges that come in the packet when you buy Alterations embossing folders.
Sliced up, they're really useful for adding dimension, rather than using layers and layers of padded tape.  So the "Remember what peace" motto stands well proud of the back wall.
Sadly, I didn't realise that I needed something to fill the space to the side of the sentiment until everything was stuck down... cue some very interesting "long-distance" stamping of the butterfly, heart in mouth trying not to smudge it!
More sponge slices, this time cut on an angle, so that I could mount the card into the corners of the compartments.
Some more rusted embellishments, rusty wire, and gorgeous little glass pebbles form the main additional items.
More heart in mouth stamping to get the butterfly in place next to the eggs - and I'm rather fond of what the rusting powder has done on this feather charm.
A bit of bendiness for the next couple of images - gorgeous leaf stamps. Here's the one you saw in preparation earlier, curled into position with just a touch of Glossy Accents on the tips to hold it in place.
And in the roof, the lovely delicate leaf cluster has been curved to create movement, and one of the rusted filigree rosettes takes pride of place as a kind of "rose window".
Also in the roof are a couple of the Mechanicals bottle tops. They've had the rusting powder treatment.
And the little hole through the centre of them means it was dead easy to add the little heart brad on top of the small one.
The curl of rusty wire is done just by wrapping it around a piece of dowelling or something similar.
Another segment of sliced sponge makes it possible for this leafy sprig to "hover" in mid-air over the egg (part of a set of real blown eggs bought in Germany last time I was there, and transported with great care across Europe) below.
Another egg sits under the watchful eye of the angel, alongside a little resin rose which I've also rusted. I think I saw that Leandra's just started stocking a range of resin flowers... just look what a touch of rusting powder can do!
Regulars at Words and Pictures know that I'm never quite happy without plenty of words to go along with my pictures (the clue's in the name!)... and I think the sentiments included on these Urban Snapshots Nature plates are just wonderful - the perfect, serene complement to the natural images.
And here are some of those flowers in situ...


I suppose I should really show you the whole house, shouldn't I?!
And just a little reminder of that texture up the sides...

And just to finish off... this was a pretty chaotic make, as you'll see from the photo below, and a late finish, but - I kid you not - every single item on this desk (that's all of them, including the stuff in the background) had to be in boxes ready to move house less than 12 hours after this photo was taken.  
I took the "finished" pictures in between carrying boxes to the car... but I wouldn't have missed it for the world!  Thanks so much for all your visits and comments - every single one is so much appreciated, and this month I stand an outside chance of being able to repay the kindness!  See you in December.

Leandra Says: Oh la la, how amazeballs does this look ... the photography enhances what is already a beautiful project Alison. Great to see you using rusting powder to transform the metal embellishments. Thank you for another amazing week.

Gillian Says:So many different textures incorporated into this one project Alison. Love the distressed feel to the interior. You have showcased all the different elements beautifully. I adore this project. Thank you for another FAB week.


54 comments:

Hazel Agnew said...

It is an understatement to say that this is amazing. I need to save this blog and digest every piece. Love, love, love it. X

Unknown said...

Very cool! Love it! Great idea to cut the sponges into wedges to fit the corners. XxX

sam21ski said...

Stunning finished project Alison and still with 12 hours to spare - lol

Love the effect of that rusting powder, and the background it leaves behind, might have to invest in some of that sometime soon!!!

Sam xxx

Carol Q said...

ooh Alison - how gorgeous. I love the way you've coloured the wooden house and the edge stencilling is yummy. what a beautiful creation.

Paper Profusion said...

BRILLIANT piece Alison so beautifully put together. I love your "long distance" stamping! As for all that superb rusting - you really should get a tetanus shot as it looks incredibly realistic! That feather in particular is divine! Nicola x

Amanda said...

Alison a brilliant project, the whole combination is stunning. I need some rusting powder now off to do done shopping
Love
Amanda x

Alison said...

So much to look at...I love this project Alison xxx

Julie Lee said...

Alison, words cannot describe how much I love this project! Dinner is burning as I drool over it! I will return again to take it in fully when I have rescued my fish from the oven! Thanks for such exquisite inspiration! Julie Ann xx

Fliss said...

Just one word from me Alison - Amazing!!!
Fliss xx

Elizabeth said...

Fabulous project, Alison - love every detail and have so enjoyed watching the transformation. Most of all, I'm so impressed you did this whilst in the process of moving house. I, too, am moving house - 10 days to go to the big day - talk about working down to the wire :) Hope you get settled in your new home quickly and a craft area set up again soon. Elizabeth xx

Deborah Wainwright said...

Wow wow wow so much work on the detail. I am in awe picture this Im on my knees and bowing. The skill shown in this project is amazing I love it.

Siobhan Brignull said...

what a gorgeous piece of work and inspiring too . . thanks

Suzi B said...

Stupendous! and all the other adjectives above!!
Suzi b x

craftimamma said...

So many wondeful details to absorb Alison. The whole project is gorgeous and I love those little sentiments and quotes. Excellent stamping into awkward spots too, lol!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Unknown said...

Everything is amazing, going back for another look x

Unknown said...

Everything is amazing, going back for another look x

kjjc said...

Thank you for sharing this. It is amazing. I so enjoyed seeing all your techniques and seeing how you changed things you weren't happy with. We often only see the finished project and it was so refreshing to see someone change their mind. The finished project is fantastic and very inspiring. Fabulous. Thanks you.

Darcy Marshall said...

wow the rusted flowers are wonderful. I really must open my pot of rusting powder and have a go.

TAM said...

Wow what an incredible project, thanks for sharing and in so much detail too

Astrid Maclean said...

A really amazing project Alison, creating a house while dismantling another one, what a journey! So much detail to take in and admire, that's why I am glad you took the picture of the whole house in all it's glory at the end. The rusted embellishments are fantastic!

Lucy Edmondson said...

Such a wonderful project in all its details, Alison! I particularly love your ideas for the metal flowers. Thank you for all your work on this,

Lucy x

Rebecca said...

Super project and under such pressure too!
Happy craftin
Rebecca

Kelly said...

You and I create the same, under the last minute! So funny but you did a outstanding job on the house!! Love the outdoors details you created. Thanks for showing us how you did the metal flowers, They look great! I love the flowers and cottage feel, I hope this goes up inside your new home somewhere to be admired!!
Hugs Kelly

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

A real Alison!!! Amazing result again :-) Thanks for sharing

Yvonne Garner said...

Oh Alison! This is so impressive! Thank you for sharing with us! Hugs, Yvonne

Debi said...

lookin fab!!!! love all the rusted look details! Debi x

Unknown said...

j'ai beaucoup aimé la colorisation de la maison en bois qui prenait vie à chaque couche de peinture, cette poudre de rouille à l'air formidable. Felicitation pour beau travail magnifique!

Maggie said...

Amazing project Alison I love it all the textures the rusting fabulous techniques you have shared thank you. I'm off to re read both days and might just have to invest in rusting powder lol

MaggieH

Sid said...

Super lovely design and use of techniques. It's a masterpiece !

Von said...

What a fab end result ! and an amazing tutorial :)
Von ♥

chrissie said...

Amazing and so great to see how it was made

Love Chrissie x

Sobre el Arte y otras Aventuras said...

This is an amazing project! Thanks for the detailed explanations, easy to understand and perfect with the pics. love the result but also the journey you have shown. Hope the move went well. Cheers, Vron

Cestina said...

Bah, I hate that one can't edit comments on blogger. I made a mistake in the one that I deleted so here it is again, correctly this time:

The house is sitting next to me as I write. It's even more enchanting in real life than in the photos. A stunning piece of work - and doesn't it look good in our new living room?
x

CreativSpirit said...

Absolutely gorgeous Alison, every little detail just makes it so special. Well done considering that you were in the middle of moving house. Hope that you are able to get settled and back into making art very soon.

massofhair said...

Beautiful Project with so much to see. Am enjoying seeing all the flat little glass marbles bringing colour and sparkle to some of the rooms. Not going to ask what you used the Zhuh on lol!

A beautiful new house:-)

cathylynn said...

Wow I'm speechless and in total awe! Outstanding sums this up and I love it all. So much thought and love went into this house. Great colors and textures too. Your tutorials are priceless and I really appreciate seeing how in the world you do this stuff! Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

May said...

WOW...What a project... Love the texture, colour & elements...the finished piece is outstanding... loved the tutorial... Brilliant work as always.... Hugs May x x x

Sarah B said...

so many brilliant ideas and tips - the step by step pics are wonderful. Can't believe all this was done so close to moving house, hope the rain holds off for you. xx

Anonymous said...

In all seriousness, I have no words to describe just how beautiful I think this is. It is one of the most gorgeous pieces I've ever seen & it's worthy of a place in a gallery.

froebelsternchen said...

an extraordinary and beautiful project Alison! AMAZING!

Art By Wanda said...

Alison, this is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! I love every part and detail!! And thanks for the tip on the sponges!! I've saved every one with no idea what I was going to do with them, just knew I could not throw them away, lol.

Dorthe said...

Your house is totally amazing Alison-what a fantastic little home of nature and lovely items. I love your arch- and rusted pieces and the eggs and things you added.
So gorgeous!!
xo, Dorthe

Linda Hart said...

Bravo!! Love the rusting powder effects and also the high-mounted pieces - especially the ones going across the corners. Well done - just love it!

Cocofolies said...

This is terrific, love each and every detail on that !!!!! That's so beautiful and well done ! And thank you for all your tips Alison, I often use recycling cardboard instead foam tape, but I would never have thought to use the sponges in the embossing folders packets !! (Although I kept them too like you LOL). thanks for all Coco xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

An amazing project! Just love the way you finished it! I'm thinking I need to get some rusting powder though heaven knows what hubby will say about rusting things deliberately!!! Loving the colours you have used too! Chrisx

Nan G said...

What a magnififcent piece! I am in awe of all the little details and touches you've incorporated into this house! And in the midst of moving!! You are truly an inspiration to us all, Alison!

Dianne said...

*****KABOOM****** I did give a warning you were going to blow everyone's mind, what can I say that already has been said but Miss Alison your are THE BOMB*******, thanks for inspiring the world...

mamablitger said...

Oh dear....what an amazing piece of ART... I just love every single element. Also amazing you took time to make the fabolous tutorial. Thanks a lot for sharing and inspiring all of us,
Hugs from SPAIN

finnella03 said...

Lovely piece and great use for the sponges.

Silvia(Barnie) said...

That rocks, a fantastic project.

Sandy said...

Talk about creativity, talent and wonderful art - you have it all here. I love every jot and tittle about this make Alison. Stand up and pat yourself on the back - you have hit the jackpot with this wonderful artsy fartsy house!
Sandy

Etsuko said...

Oh! This is just wonderful! I love every details and techniques. I have learned many things.Thank you for share of us this week.


Etsuko xx

Margaret said...

Your house is amazing!! I love the contrast of the rust and vanilla!

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow absolutely stunningly gorgeous, I love what you did with the flowers and all the insides are brilliant and truly beautiful that I can't pick a favourite. Kezzy :-) xxx