GD: Liz Borer Project #3 Mardi Gras Mask

"Hi again, Liz here! I'm back with my final project which is rather flamboyant! I thought we’d go out in style. It’s quite interesting because I have only used two stamps to create this design". 

I’m not sure where the mask came from (I found it hidden in a box!). It was white when I found it so I painted the whole mask, back and front, with Little BlackDress. 

 

I wanted to add some texture to the mask but I really couldn’t work out how to smooth Grunge Paste through a stencil over a curved surface. So I thought I’d try something different. I stencilled the Grunge Paste onto black tissue paper and dried it. 

 

The Grunge Paste and tissue paper was remarkably flexible and robust and it is possible to stick it to the curved surface of the mask using Matte Medium underneath the tissue and then again over the top to seal it in place.Tear the tissue paper into pieces that please you and attach to the mask. When dry, paint over the top with black paint again for a uniform background. Rub Sapphire and Gold Treasure Gold on to the textured areas of the mask. 

 

Next, I stamped and embossed with gold embossing powder the ivy image from EEB01 onto black tissue paper several time. This can be adhered to the mask in the same way as the textured tissue paper. I found that by tearing the image into smaller pieces it was possible to decorate the parts of the mask that were not textured. Using the flourishes from MXGC5, stamp several images onto black tissue paper and emboss with gold embossing powder. Cut one of these out carefully and stick over the nose. 

EEB01

Metal Xtra Geometric 05

Paint a piece of Grunge Paper black. Stick the remaining flourishes from MXGC5 on to the Grunge Paper and cut out. Cut off the base swirls, leaving a petal shaped piece of the flourish. Cut up the centre of petal shaped piece and fold one side ever so slightly over the other to create some dimension. Stick together. This picture shows that I then stuck three of these pieces together to form half a flower shape. However, I found that it wasn’t possible to stick this to the top of my mask. It is much easier to stick each piece on individually. Use some of the left over base swirls to add extra dimension to the three petal shapes at the top of the mask. 

 

Background of the mask finished. 

Here’s another picture showing the swirls and flourishes at the top of the mask.

This picture shows either the whole mask or parts of the mask. This is the part where you can go absolutely crazy adding embellishments! I have added pearls, chains and metal flowers to the mask to make it look very flamboyant indeed!!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed these last three projects as much as I have enjoyed making them. I hope to be back soon. In the meantime, may I send you seasonal good cheer. Enjoy the festive season!

~Liz~ 

A huge thanks from all at PA HQ Liz for sharing this flamboyant yet elegant project. The black/gold colour combination is striking and the ornate detailing of the flourish stamp is so beautiful. Pull out that party dress and go dancing.

We would love you to join in with our monthly challenge. If you are inspired by any of this month's guests who have blogged between Nov 1st 2014 and Nov 30^th 2014 then join in and link up your creativity HERE. You will go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. You need to add your link by 19:00 (London time) Nov 30th 2014.