Wednesday 29 June 2016

2016 #13: Art Journal Layout {a video from Vicky Papaioannou}

 2016 Topic 13: Paper Piecing

Hi everyone Vicky Papaioannou, from Clips and Cuts here.

Tonight I'd like to share with you this evening with a journalling video using a paper piecing technique.



My favorite technique when it comes to art journaling is paper piecing. It gives me the freedom to play around with my focal elements and when I am happy about them, I go ahead and commit by sticking them on my background.

This technique can save you lots of frustration especially if you are a beginner. When I make a background and love it the last thing you want is to do something directly on top of it that might not end up as you want it. But with paper piecing you are playing it safe!

I am happy to guest design for PaperArtsy today! I am sharing an art journal layout using many different techniques and featuring awesome stamp sets, as you can see from the clips above.

There is also a step by step video where you can see the techniques used, below.

When I first saw the whimsical flower stamps in....


 and EKD02 

...stamp sets I knew I had to use them to create a scene. Just use the stamps and add lots of different colors on them for a happy and colorful page.

I also like to add a frame around my layouts, I think that makes them pop even more! 

I used Darcy's stencil PS031

Here is a look at the finished project...



First I created the background with the brayer technique and using a couple of different colors of fresco finish paints. It goes onto the paper really quickly and gives a great texture. You will love this technique if you haven't tried it yet. To finish off my background I also did some stamping.



All the flowers and the clouds are paper pieced. I have stamped them on a separate piece of paper, colored them and them cut them out with scissors. This way I had lots of freedom to play around and decide where to stick what to look balanced.


You can enjoy the step by step video below...



I had so much fun making this project and it is really easy to replicate. Just remember that I used fresco finish paint on my background and focal points, which is permanent. 

This made it super easy to stick down all the elements since I had no smear or smudging of the underneath colors.



Thank you for joining me today! Go ahead and play along in the challenge below!
I can't wait to see what you will come up with by using paper piecing!.

Vicky Papaioannou
blog, YouTube channel, facebook, instagram, twitter

Vicky, this is such a fun and vibrant layout. Your layers are so beautifully done. I love how you use white pen to accent each flower, and create a perfect finishing touch! Thanks so much for sharing with us, your videos are woinderful. ~Leandra

I would like to encourage everyone to check out Vicky's videos with infusions, stencils and PaperArtsy Stamps linked below too! Make sure to subscribe to her YouTube Channel!


Art Journal Flower Garden (Infusions/ Jofy/ ESN/ Stencils) 14/4/16



We would love to see how you interpret this topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #13: Paper Piecing, on this page HERE.

All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were directly inspired  by their post. 

All challenge links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Paper Piecing link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, July 10th 2016. The winner will be announced 1  hour later at 18:00.

Tuesday 28 June 2016

2016 #13 PaperPierced Patchwork {by Keren Baker}

 2016 Topic 13: Paper Piecing

Hi everyone it's Keren Baker here tonight!

I'd like to share with you this evening a post about paper piecing/patchwork.

In theory I should be bringing you a beautifully crafted specimen of paper piecing or patchwork. Instead, I have 3 papercrafted items that followed on from a 'struggling to get started'. You ever been there? I sat looking at the completely beautiful Elizabeth Borer 08 set and nothing was happening.



So first up, I tried patchwork with paper.


A contemporary take on patchwork. Super easy; just colour the images however you choose (I used some alcohol based markers) then add some symmetrical shaped dies over parts of the image.


To create the structure behind the patchwork so it is above the card base, just add a little acetate. Once it's all shored up, just attach the bottom shapes to the top of the card blank.


Turns out that it didn't feel very complete as a project. So I sat and thought about paper piecing and started to create some paper pieced flowers. Rather than stick them straight down to the base just as normal paper piecing, I positioned them over the correct part of the base flower, but just in a more 3D way.
                                               

These were made using textural patterned paper and book pages and seemed to suit the coffee cup I made them next to, so I created a simple pen or paint brush holder. Cutting out the frilly flower layers and snipping around the petals towards the centre and then gluing the petals together in a tighter arrangement created 3D blooms.


Then, just as I finished, I remembered the Bargello style of patchwork and had an idea of using this same stamp set in a different way using Infusions and giving a vague nod towards the Bargello style. I began with the nearest thing I've ever got to creating a masterboard!


I stamped and white embossed the images from the set, then added in different coloured Infusions; 








 to the insides of the images.

Once completed, I added in 2 different colours of Distress Ink and then chopped into strips. I embossed the sentiment onto matt Dura-Lar (a polyester film) which doesn't warp when heated, so perfect for heat embossing and I ended up with this


Granted, proper Bargello strips would have had layers of different colour going horizontally down each strip, but I'd have removed the beauty of the stamped images by cutting them up so small, so it's a nod to the style rather than a paper-crafted rendition of it.

Really, sometimes the creative process takes you places you weren't planning to go. My discontent with the first project led to creating other versions and the final 'Bargello' piece, which is definitely my favourite. I guess the moral of the story is keep thinking, keep searching for inspiration and you'll find it eventually. What styles of patchwork could you recreate a more arty version of? You don't need to spend hours with fabric, you can simply try a quicker version using paper/card and a die/template.

Hope you're thinking about new ways to take the theme now, 
Keren xx  (Twitter & Instagram @craftstampink)

Ah yes we've all experienced that no go feeling. So glad you persuad your creativity Keren ... You have managed to create three dimensionally stunning projects from this technique. Personally I can't choose an outright fav. ~Gillian

We would love to see how you interpret this topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #13: Paper Piecing, on this page HERE.

All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were directly inspired  by their post. 

All challenge links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Paper Piecing link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, July 10th 2016. The winner will be announced 1  hour later at 18:00.

Sunday 26 June 2016

2016 #13 Paper Piecing {Challenge}

 2016 Topic 13: Paper Piecing

Urtica
Well hello everyone, Darcy here bringing you a brand new topic. For the next fortnight we will be exploring Paper Piecing. We will be encouraging you to paint and decorate papers to use, or even better use up all your old scraps. If you like jigsaws then you will love paper piecing, and the arrangements can be as simple or as complicated as you wish. 


First let's clear any confusion about what paper piecing actually is and how it differs from Foundation paper piecing, which is a fabric term.



In fabric patchwork there are many patterns that require sharp,clean,crisp edges of fabric to be stitched together. In order to make this easy, there is a technique known as paper piecing, this has been around since the 1770's. Paper is cut, very accurately and then placed onto fabric and basted in place. The fabric is then folded around the paper and pressed. This gives the very sharp accurate edges to the fabric that are needed. Once the fabric pieces have been sewn together the paper templates from inside each piece can be removed. 
This is a fabric patchwork that has been made using the paper piecing technique inside the fabric to achieve those crisp lines and accurate points.

SchenleyP
Now for paper piecing as used in paper crafts. For this technique all you need is pretty paper, whether that be scrapbook paper or painted paper. Cut apart the paper and fit it back together, mixing shapes and patterns to create an image. Think of it as paper patchwork. Simple as that.. you can make it as intricate and as layered as you wish, but more of that later.


Before we start, let's see who won the Topic 12: Fabric Challenge...

We had some really great entries, did you enjoy playing with fabric? it is certainly very different to paper, did you discover a new love? Fabric can take your crafting in a whole new direction or just take your existing repertoire to a new level. PaperArtsy Fresco paints work brilliantly on fabric, if you didn't get chance to join in with the challenge I hope you will try out fabric soon. 

The winner of Fabric is: Julie from The Created Page


Email Darcy to claim your prize. Darcydotneedles@hotmail.com

Paper piecing can be lots of fun, this technique limits the need for intricate colouring in, though the cutting out can be time consuming.. of course this depends on your chosen image. Piecing can add lots of pattern, texture and interest.

Diane Salter uses Gelli prints to great effect to create this elephant. 



The end project is just wonderful, so full of interest. Follow the link to her blog HERE for the whole process. 



These are ATC's, they show perfectly how simple paper piecing can be. Even though they use relatively few papers and patterns they are still fun and eye catching.  You can see they utilise scrapbooking papers, but mainly just scraps. 


Memmu

This card from Carol again shows how much impact can be achieved from a relatively simple design and just 2 patterns. 

This next example uses piece photographs instead of patterned papers. This could be a brilliant way to create a memory from holiday snaps. 

Gerren Lamson
Note how the pieces are butted up to each other and they are of a similar weight/medium,style; this is where the technique varies from Collage. A collage usually comprises of pieces that are over lapping and built to form layers, also the pieces do not need to have anything in common. A paper pieced project will use similar weight papers only, whereas a collage utilises book text, fabric, scrapbook paper and all forms of ephemera. 

This technique can be used in scrapbook layouts, on cards and as mixed media projects, but size it up and you can cover furniture too. 
Bryonie Porter
Or how about this utterly gorgeous paper pieced/patchwork wall, made with vintage wallpaper. 


Hen
So now that we have seen lots of 'flat' projects, how about adding some dimension and creating layers with your 'piecing' 

When choosing your papers it is important to consider the patterns carefully. Take into account the size and repetition of the patterns, and how they will look on a small scale project. Keep your patterns small, and mix in some plain papers to add balance. You could paint your own papers and add a patterned stamp to create patterned paper. 



Here is another take on the technique, more patchwork than piecing, but still it uses very pretty papers to create this sampler. The folded edges here add lots of dimension and the buttons really add lots of interest. 

Leeann Pearce
Here is another take on the subject, these are very much mixed media, but paper is involved. I love how they are joined. 

Donna Downey
This one is a bit out there with regard to the technique, is it paper piecing? Well it is pieces of paper, so I guess so! maybe that is stretching the technique a little far, but I really like these tags and I thought you might like them too. 


Christine


Paper piecing has been using in scrapbooking for a long time, it is a great way to add fun characters to a layout. There are thousands of patterns all over the Internet. Mostly they are characters like this snowman. See how each of the pieces has an inked edge, that is something to remember as it makes each piece pop and adds subtle dimension and shading. 
D . Anderson
Traditionally, paper piecing only involves glue, but why not add stitching? there is nothing to stop you, it will add interest and dimension, go for it!

Manuela
A brilliantly simple way to use this technique would be to create a journal cover, like this one by Els; you could go crazy with colours and patterns. 


Now how to categorise this one, is it paper piecing? or altered art, some of the pieces are collaged, and it is definitely mixed media. Wherever it belongs it is a great idea and would be a great way to use up paper scraps. 


SheepBlue
Finally let's look at how stamps can be used. This technique makes more out of your stamps, instead of plain images you can have instant colouring in and pattern, and each will be a little different. In this example Kalina has used a digi stamp, patterned papers and colouring in for the skin and shading. 



This is a great opportunity to take another look at your stamps, which ones will look good over patterned paper? Which ones have 'sections' making it easy to build up the image. 

This card from Jo Firth Young has utilised the technique and added great patterning to the flowers. 



Here is a short video from Ruth showing how to stamp and place your patterned, stamped pieces. 

One last example, I couldn't resist this pieced doggie, perhaps you could do this and create a pieced portrait of your own pet!

Simon Hart
Now we have seen lots of examples, what will you have a go at? freestyling your own images, using a pattern/template, stamping? There are so many ways to tackle this topic. If your thing is fabric then by all means have a go at the fabric foundation (paper piecing) technique. As collage, paper piecing and decoupage have many similarities and cross over areas it is perfectly reasonable to be able to use them all in your mixed media work. 

Don't forget to follow Darcy's and Leandra's pinterest boards if this topic pushes your buttons, you will see plenty more examples to whet your appetite there! 

However you choose to interpret this topic I am really looking forward to seeing what you create over the next 2 weeks!


Darcy


Topic 13: Paper Piecing PaperArtsy Blog Challenge


We'd love you to share your ideas and link up your creative response to our current blog topic. Take a minute to read the challenge guidelines below.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Paper Piecing link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, July 10th, winner will be announced 1 hour later at 18:00.








1. The challenge is a for you to show how you are inspired by the current blog topic.

Your entry should contain:
- a mention of which post inspired you and why, and 
- a link in your blog post to that original post on the PA blog.

The whole concept of this challenge is 'play along with us'. You are encouraged to put your own twist on ideas you see on our blog, do your own thing - whatever grabs you!

2. The link you put on our linky page must lead directly to the specific post on your blog where you have explored the technique/ idea mentioned in point 1 above. Don't link to the home page of your blog.

3. We prefer your challenge blog post is created exclusive to our challenge, but if our topic fits perfectly with another challenge, then you may link to both if appropriate.

4. You are most welcome to use stamps/ products/ substrates you have to hand from a variety of companies, we do not expect you to exclusively use PA products - it's lovely when you do though!

6. You can enter as many times as you like. We don't want to restrict your creativity! 
NB. Link closes at 17:00 Sunday July 10th (London Time)

7. The winner of the random draw will receive a £50 credit voucher to be redeemed on the PaperArtsy Website. The credit voucher includes VAT and postage. We request that one of your purchases is an A5 rubber stamp. You can add any other items to your basket, but the final total should not exceed £50.

8. Each fortnight on Sunday, the winner will be announced at 19:00 (London time). In the same post, the link for the next fortnight will be posted. 

9. It's your responsibility to claim your prize coupon from Darcy. 
email: darcydotneedles@hotmail.com

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Saturday 25 June 2016

2016 #12 Fabric Pendant {by Kim Dellow}

 2016 Topic 12: Fabric

Hello guys, Kim Dellow here and for my contribution to the fabric topic I thought I would make one of my fabric necklaces. I don't often get time to make them so this seemed the perfect excuse to make some time!

For my fabric necklace I've used old jeans and calico and some of my own stamps from the PaperArtsy Eclectica³ EKD 01 set.

Step One: Iron a piece of Bondaweb to both sides of a piece of calico then iron one side to a piece of stiff craft interface, keep the paper backing on the other side. Use a circle die to cut out a small circle from the stiffened calico and keep the negative to hand too. Now cut two larger circles from denim using circle dies.


Step Two: Colour the calico circle with Teresa Green, Coral and Bubble Gum PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paints and a palette knife. On the negative cut-out piece of stiffened calico add a strip of the Teresa Green with a strip of Coral on either side of it.Then paint the rest of this piece with the Teresa Green paint. Let the paint dry.


Step Three: Darken some Blueberry PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paint with a very, very small amount of Little Black Dress PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paint. Spread this paint thinly on plastic and dip the stamp into it, mask any bits you don't want stamped with Washi Tape and stamp the image on the coloured fabric. Work quickly once the paint is on the stamp as you don't want it to dry. Once you have finished wash the stamp with water straight away.

I like stamping with paint like this as I think it adds more texture to the stamping then using a piece of foam to add the paint to the stamp, but there is nothing to stop you using the foam if you prefer.
Stamp one of the large circle 'flowers' stamps on the painted calico circle and the hedgehogs stamp on the Teresa Green / Coral coloured strips on the negative cut-out piece.

EKD 01 

Step Four: Now paint around the edge of circle flower with Bougainvillea PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paint using a brush. Once the paint is dry stitch a bead in the centre of each of the 'flower's' inner circles and stick the piece to one of the denim circles from Step One using the iron. Cut out the two hedgehogs with scissors and iron these to the painted circle to activate the Bondaweb on the back and glue them in place.

Cut the second denim circle into a spiral and roll it into a rose shape then stitch to hold it together and also stitch a large bead in the centre. Cut the last piece of the negative cut-out into two leaves and stitch them to the bottom of the rose.


Step Five: Add Bondaweb to both sides of a piece of craft interface then iron a piece of denim onto one side of the interface. Arrange the circle and rose in place on spare paper and draw around the shape, this will be the shape of the finished pendent. Cut this out and use it as a template to cut out the shape from the craft interface / denim combo making sure that the denim side is the back of the shape.

Place the shape onto a flat surface and use a pencil to draw in where you want the holes for the jump rings and punch these with a small hole punch like the Vintaj hole punch pliers. Add the jump rings to the holes before moving on to the next step.


Step Six: Place the circle and the rose onto the Bondaweb side of the shape from Step Five and carefully iron all the pieces in place. You will need to work around the beads and on uneven surfaces. Make sure that the tops of the jump rings remain accessible as you work. You may have to be a bit patient to get a good fix with the Bondaweb as the heat needs to travel through several surfaces.


There you have it a finished fabric pendant, now all you need to do is to add the chain to the finish the necklace and wear it.


I do love using denim in my wearable art and I love stamping on calico too! Hope you have fun with this and give it a go yourself. Do give me a shout if you do as I would love to see your make. As always you are welcome to get in touch with me with questions or to show me what you have made via any of the links listed below.
Catch you later!

Kim
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube

This is great Kim, a perfect piece of fun jewellery to wear with summer clothes, it would be ideal too as a charm for a bag. I love that we can design and make jewellery and trims in the exact colour and style that we need. ~Darcy

We would love to see how you interpret this topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #12: Fabric, on this page HERE.

All of our bloggers love to see your twist on their ideas,  particularly if you were inspired directly by their post. 

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Fabric link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, June 26th 2016. The winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.