Wednesday 17 June 2015

2015 #11: What the eye doesn't see {by Alison Bomber}

2015 Theme 11: Hidden Objects

Hello all, it's Alison here from Words and Pictures ready to reveal some Hidden Objects!  As soon as Leandra mentioned envelopes in her original outline of the theme, my brain hopped into action.  So today I've got a little wallet to share with you - one that likes to keep its secrets close to its chest.  It seems very simple and rustic on the outside...


But it's definitely worth digging a little deeper with this one to find the hidden depths...


I started by gluing two ATC-sized envelopes together so that the flaps created a double triangle fold.


I wanted to keep the outside as innocuous and simple as possible, so I blended Brown Shed and French Roast Fresco paints on the reverse before adding a layer of Crackle Glaze with a palette knife.


Once that was dry, I added Chalk Fresco over the top, allowing it to crackle, as well as some gentle inking to burnish the edges, and some simple rustic twine as a fastening.  The metal pick is both decorative and practical - you can use it to whittle the knot open if it gets too tight!


Heart-in-the-mouth stamping time on the inner flaps... I used the wonderful Lynne Perrella patchwork of images from LPC030.  They have some postal motifs involved, so they seemed all the more appropriate for my envelope wallet.  They're stamped in a combination of Vintage Photo and Rusty Hinge Distress Inks, which I then clear-embossed to preserve the image.  (Okay, one of them's not quite straight, but what's a few degrees between friends?!)


Next, I set to with my favourite translucent Frescos.  I love using these with lots of water,  spritzed into the paint on my craft mat and then blending onto the paper as I go, to create a watercolour look to the painting.  In action here we've got Blue Glass, Southern Skies, Hey Pesto, Limelight, Zesty Zing and, I think, a touch of Beach Hut.


I make no apologies for working with my favourite colour palette... I wanted a surprise blast of fresh zingy colour on the inside, and I knew these colours would deliver.  You also get the light-reflecting gloss of the clear-embossing for additional zhuzh!


I hope you like my simple wallet with its unexpected internal complexity... an oasis of colour inside a neutral exterior.  I rather like that you can see straight away from the flaps that there's something else in store.  It's not a completely hidden secret - though you don't know what might be lurking, you know there's something to find.  I think it adds a pleasurable sense of anticipation.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope you're enjoying hiding lots of things this fortnight.

Alison xx
Words and Pictures  


Ohh I love how it looks so simple and rustic on the outside, and then it opens up to a burst of joy and colour...like you say totally unexpected! And exactly as a hidden object should be...a wonderfully unexpected surprise! Thanks Alison! ~Leandra

We would love you to join in with challenge #11: Hidden Objects If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Hidden Objects link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, June 21st, winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

33 comments:

Helen said...

oh, Alison, what a wonderful surprise you get on opening your wallet!! Beautiful colours!

Julie Lee said...

What a beautiful little envelope wallet - just right for a secret missive! I love that Lynne Perrella stamp and the colours look fabulous. Oh, yes, and terrific crackle too! Loving that rustic outside! xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

How glorious Alison! I love how you have painted my favourite collage of images. What a great idea. I love opulent lined envelopes,

Lucy x

Kirsten said...

That is lovely, inside & out.

Keren Baker said...

What a lovely idea! And I love your zingy colour combo- you totally shouldn't apologise !

Lauren Hatwell said...

Great crackle! I love the way you kept the outside understated so you get a real wow moment when you open up to all the colour. Lx

craftytrog said...

Gorgeous!!! xxx

Hazel Agnew said...

A pleasurable sense of inspiration is just what I got Alison! Wonderful, and the injection of what was to come inside was fabulous ! Love your contrasts and love your ideas...as usual very inspiring! Xx

Redanne said...

Simple wallet - they are not two words that go together here Alison! Your wallet is beautiful, I love the gorgeous colours on the inside and the wonderful crackling on the outside - a stunning creation! Anne xx

Fliss said...

Really gorgeous Alison and just love the bright bursts of colour when all is revealed. Fabulous!
Fliss xx

pennylopes54 said...

A truly lovely surprise :)

Deborah Wainwright said...

Great ageing on the front of the wallet and the surprise on the inside is a delight. Hugs Debs xx

Unknown said...

Wonderful Alison! I love the contrast between the inside and outside of your wallet.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Darcy Marshall said...

Ohh this is gorgeous, such a serene outer and a brilliantly happy inner!

experiments in paper said...

Truly inspirational!! I absolutely love your concept, and I, like Lucy, love exquisitely-lined envelopes....which this is in spades! You've really got a knack with the new PA fresco paints in those stunning translucent colors....perfect for this project! xxx Lynn

rachel said...

wonderful work Alison - I love this idea and the execution is beautiful xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

A "simple" wallet Alison ??!! It is fabulous. I love the crackle and the gorgeous painting on the inside. I absolutely adore little envelopes like this, it reminds me of my childhood and making things to hide just in case somebody might find them! just fabulous! Jennie x

Rupa Swaminathan said...

wow! What joy to open the envelope Alison...burst of colors. You have blended two contrasting palettes so well.

Astrid Maclean said...

Wonderful little envelope! Love the outside and the surprise on the inside looks fabulous! Beautifully done!

SCarol said...

Stunning! Love the idea and must give it a go. Love how you've used the paints like watercolours, must give that a go.

Ruth said...

Perfect crackle and then that wonderful surprise! Fabulous idea Alison, beautiful little package of craftiness! Ruth x

Lys said...

Wow! I love how you manage to balance expected and unexpected things on your creation, Alison! Lovely wallett!

Marci said...

Your colors are so very pretty!

Marci said...

Your colors are so very pretty!

Cappuccinoandartjournal.blogspot.com said...

That is an excellent little project -- love how you made the envelope. Thanks for showing us.

Unknown said...

Lovely, Alison!! XOXO-Shari

Dorthe said...

A fantastic surprice envelope, dear Alison, with the inside "collage" in the wonderful colours ,- so gorgeous.
xox Dorthe

Etsuko said...

Fantastic envelope, the great cracked and the beautiful insides. I love the secret chest and I wonder what's hidden special ATC. xxx

Cocofolies said...

A fabulous envelope Alison!!! And your idea to glue two envelopes together and decorate the inside only with this great postage stamp is so clever... Fab colours too, thanks for the beautiful inspiration! Coco xx

Jackie PN said...

beautiful outside and such a fantastic treasure on the inside! Love how you achieved the watercolor appearance!!Beautiful Alison! xo

PaperArtsy said...

Quirky and vintage .... whats not to love Alison :)

Gillian

pearshapedcrafting said...

What a fabulous surprise this is! Chrisx

Mary Elizabeth said...

I've been watching you use the Fresco Paints for the last few years and I may just have to break down and buy some. Such beautiful effects (both opaque and translucent). What a beautiful hidden treasure inside those double envelopes! -- Mary Elizabeth