Wednesday 4 March 2015

2015 #4 Under the Microscope {by Penny Nuttall}

2015 Theme 4: Miniature Art

Hi everyone Penny here, joining you this evening with a microscopic look into the world of miniature art. I first started to experiment with Darcy's wonderful new stamps when I was happily asked to take part in her new product launch, and was inspired by the theme of "Cabinets of Curiosities". 


I discovered that it is very simple to stamp using Jet Black Archival Ink onto glass microscope slides (clean the slide careful with a soft cloth to remove dirt and greasy fingerprints!). Leave the ink to dry, or if you are impatient like me, use a heat gun.


Choose a selection of sizes of slides and images. I used Eclectica EDY12 and EDY13,



...but all the images in this collection are brilliant for this.

The next step is also inspired by something popular with the Victorians...painting in reverse!

This backward technique requires a bit of forward thinking :) You now paint over your stamped image using Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints and a small brush, letting each layer dry, in the order you want the colours to be seen when you finally turn the slide over.



When turned over all the stamped details are revealed. Detail the edge of the glass with a metallic gold pen.


Now to make the display.


For each slide, paint a cotton reel with Fresco Brown Shed, stamp the word labels on copy paper.

Glue short lengths of matchstick on the top of the reel leaving a gap of TWO glass slides thickness.

Back the painted slide with a matching plain one (to protect you art work!) and clip together at the top with a mini bulldog clip, then add this to the stand, with a bit of clear glue in the groove.

Why not remind yourself how you can make more microscope art on Darcy's launch blog.

I hope you enjoy making your own mini curiosities.

Bye for now,    Penny.     cuttingmycoat.blogspot.com

I loved the samples you made for Darcy, but these are very cool too!! Yes Darcy's stamps do look a bit like microbial organisms, you have latched onto a funky mini display! Thankyou for sharing this great idea with us!! ~Leandra

We would love you to join in with challenge #4: Miniature Art. 

Perhaps one of our guests has triggered an idea you might like to try, or perhaps you have other mini pieces of art you want to explore, whatever you decide, we'd love to have you join in our fortnighly challenge on this topic and link up your creativity HERE

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher (includes freight cost) to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Fresco Paints link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, March 8th, winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

29 comments:

massofhair said...

How fantastic are your miniature Cabinet of Curiosities slides Penny, sensational stamping and so easy. Thank you so much for your inspiring post :-) xxx

Helen said...

Fabulous!

Miriam said...

These are fabulous..... and Darcy's stamps are perfect for it. I think I've got some microscope slides still...may have to dig them out!

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is just amazing, so imaginative and well executed! Where did you get different sizes of slide from?

Love this Penny!

Lucy x

Unknown said...

Love these, full of colour and variety! Great project:).

Julie Lee said...

Really lovely and inspiring project! What a wonderful way to use Darcy's original images! xxx

Craftyfield said...

The slides look awesome and unusual too!

craftytrog said...

Brilliant!!! xx

Lauren Hatwell said...

What a brilliant idea! I love it! Your slides look really great together. Lx

Art By Wanda said...

These are fabulous, Penny!!!!!!!!

Etsuko said...

Fascinating idea!! lovely project I love the object and lovely colours. xx

Jane said...

What a great micro project and the painting is really clever. This has been such a fun theme, it's a shame it only lasts for 2 weeks I would have loved to have made another piece but I just don't get the crafting time. Thanks for all the brilliant inspiration x

www.deeadamsart.blogspot.co.uk said...

Beautiful. Dee x

Karen Petitt said...

Stinking cute! Another idea for me to try with what I have - thanks for the inspiration and sharing how you did them too Karen x

Kirsten said...

Wow!!!!!!!!! Penny, that is such a stunning project. The finished slides are absolutely gorgeous.

CastleKelly Crafts said...

Oh my Penny, these are just amazing !!! Something else I will have to try x

Liesbeth Fidder said...

Oooh wow, wonderful ! :-)

Cocofolies said...

Wonderful idea and project!! :-o)

Carol Rigby said...

I love these. What a great idea using the matchsticks in that way.

ellen vargo designs said...

Great idea and gorgeous execution! Really striking - love it!

Colleen said...

Penny,
This is a really great project and your instructions are perfect. Thanks for your inspiration.

Darcy Marshall said...

These are just the coolest thing ever! I love them, they work so well. they looked great on launch night, but these ones are even better.

pennylopes54 said...

Thank you! The glass slides are a mixture of normal microscope slides and Ranger Memoryglass slides. P.

Susan Battensby said...

Wow genius ! What more can I say.

craftimamma said...

Fabulous project altogether and genius is definitely an apt description! Love the use of the matchsticks to hold the slides and your stamping on the glass surface is perfection.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Unknown said...

I haven't seen anything like this before and wow it's amazing, so cool I want one xx

Unknown said...

wow-coolio!!

ionabunny said...

Oh my. So sweet. Loads and loads of glass bits here. Love this. Hugz

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow absolutely stunning awesome mini creations, I so love this idea, all of them look amazing together. Happy Art :-) Kezzy xxx