Sunday 22 October 2017

2017 #13 Pearlescent: Mosaic Frame with LPC {by Ruth Mescall}

2017 Topic 15: Pearlescent


Ruth shows you 3 ways with infusions AND how to make stunning pearly tiles in this post! Somehow she gets it all to work perfectly together - I can't help but wonder how long it took her to commit to arranging the tiles in such a perfectly random way!


Hi everyone, it's Ruth here from 'a love to create' and today I'd like to share with you a frame I've made using a faux mother of pearl technique...yes I've been experimenting again!

When I was looking at picture inspiration for this topic, I came across some mother of pearl mosaic square tiles and thought I wonder if you could create something like that with paint effects, Pearl glaze and something else to create depth? I wasn't sure at that stage whether the squares would be part of a background interspersed with lovely Lynne Perrella images or  a mosaic frame  around one bold image...or even how I would stamp the images, all I knew was that it was time to start experimenting. 


I thought there would be quite a lot of trial and error as that's what usually happens but it came together fairly easily.  I think smaller squares would be even more effective and would allow for different sized images to be used but on this occasion I used a large detailed image for the frame from this stamp set: 


Having looked at the tile photo and using shells as another reference I created the first layer, roughly blending lots of paints on Heavy weight smoothy card with cut and dry foam. The paints I used were Taupe, Vanilla, Nougat, Caramel, Snowflake, Concrete, Stone, Pewter (for the back board) and Pearl glaze.



So my idea was to mix Pearl Glaze with 3D transparent gloss gel approx 1:3 ratio. I spread it on with a palette knife and textured them all a little differently with simple tools. I thought I may have applied it too thickly but I was so pleased when they dried as it left a lovely soft  pearly, slightly milky glaze and  exactly what I'd hope for.



Now for the main image, I chose to stamp with Golden Sands infusions. Use Versamark, rub in the infusions and spritz with water. You get  such a variety of images with second and third impressions. The one on the far left more closely matched the colours of the tiles so I used that one and decided to seal it with a wax glaze similar to Distress micro glaze. 



I thought I'd also share the central image from the above photo which is surprisingly detailed, this is using the same method but after lightly spritzing with water I waited a minute before stamping and this is the result. In case you haven't guessed I do like experimenting with infusions and will be using this one as the main image on a card. 



Next bit is easy peasy, 1inch/2.5cm squares just glued and mounted but what about using a steel rule die and creating hexagons or other patterns? All the rough blips that happened when spreading out the gel just add to the mother of pearl effect.



Lastly I just needed to add the main image 'tile' and grout it in place. I had tried a painted gold surround at first but grunge paste was perfect and once dry a little pearl glaze was all that was needed. 



I really hope you can see the subtle sheen and different tones depending on how the light hits the frame and I think this effect would look lovely on a box maybe surrounding a stamped cameo. Are you inspired to create some mother of pearl? ...I hope so. Ruth x

Blog: 'a love to create'
Twitter: @argeum1
Instagram: argeum1
Pinterest: Ruth Mescall

I am amazed at how much colour still pops through the pearly layer you put on top of the painted backgrounds! The tiles look fabulous and the 3 images each have their own appeal too. It's hard to imagine you ever have experiments that don't work! ~Leandra


We always hope that you  learn something interesting from our blog

Our creative team love to read your comments so much, so please take time to let them know you've been inspired!  

Why not join our 2-weekly challenge by blogging your create response to the current topic and link it here?

The current topic link Topic 15: Pearlescent will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, 29th October 2017, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

All links go in the draw to win a £50 voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store.

17 comments:

Helen said...

oh, Ruth, this is gorgeous! the frame looks fantastic, and the Golden Sands infusions was the perfect choice

Corrie Herriman said...

Fabulous !

geezercrafter said...

Love the textures you have created with the 3D transparent gloss gel, shows off the pearl glaze beautifully. The Infusions stamping very effective. Smashing how you have put it all together.

Words and Pictures said...

Your pearl tiles are completely amazing, Ruth - I believe completely that they are glazed ceramic tiles, looking at them in the photos! What a difference that texture makes, a touch of verisimilitude. And I love the LP woman in all her Golden Sands incarnations. I love that you've set her into Grunge Paste "cement" to complete the illusion of an ancient mosaic on the wall.
Alison x

Hazel Agnew said...

Strewth Ruth, these are totally amazing. The effects that you have created are stunning! Much respect! Xx 😊

Flo Langley said...

Beautiful project. So unusual and unique. Love the effect you have created with the stamped image :)

Miriam said...

Gorgeous project Ruth - truly pearlescent

Marci said...

Pearly tiles are beautiful!

craftytrog said...

A wonderful project Ruth!!

Dorthe said...

Oh dear Ruth, this is so stunning.
I`m amazed how you have such a fantastic result stamping the beautiful L.P. woman , can`t imagine how you did, even I have read it ,some times now, :-) and your tiles are gorgeous, totally look ceramic tiles , with the beautiful 3-d gloss gel . I love it !!
Dorthe, Hugs xoxo

Mac Mable said...

What an ingenious idea to put the glaze with the 3D transparent gel and what an amazing result. When I first saw this I thought the mini pearl tiles where ones you had already (bought ones). That is why I love to read blog posts and digest all the information. Thank you so much for the step by step on this fabulous and interesting project. Learnt lots....Thank you x

SewPaperPaint said...

I am wild about this Ruth! How incredible are these tiles and your Infusions stamping. Love love!

Annie said...

Love your pearly mosaic tiles Ruth and they sit beautifully around the stunning LP image...wonderful inspiration xx

Best wishes
Annie xx

Jackie PN said...

Absolutely amazing Ruth! I so love your experimenting and then your sharing with us!
This is simply stunning!
Jackie xx

craftimamma said...

What an absolutely stunning piece Ruth. Those tiles are so beautiful and make the perfect surround for one of my favourite Lynne Perrella images. Gorgeous work,

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Art By Wanda said...

Really gorgeous, Ruth!!!! Everything!!!

Kirsten said...

That is beautiful. I love the tiles and the image is gorgeous.