Wednesday 7 August 2013

Sue Carrington #4 {special 10th Birthday Post}

Altered box with a little extra! 

The birthday excitement continues tonight on the PaperArtsy Blog. Not so long ago, we thought it would be a nice birthday touch if the final project from each of the Designers was to either work with brand new stamps that are being released this month, or contribute towards the creation of some new minis and work with those. Sue had a great photo of a French doorway that Mark waved his wand at that to turn into a great stamp, and between them they came up with 2 complimentary stamps to use with the door, the bricks and the distressed flourish. All these stamps are now available online, just click the stamp code below each stamp image.

So, I'll hand over to Sue, for her final post of this semester....sniff sniff...

MN94
MN95
MN96
"How excited was I when Leandra asked if I could make an extra project for the PaperArtsy 10th Birthday ! What’s more, I was sooo excited when asked if there was any image I would like to see as a stamp. I love anything related to France and there’s one photograph from a family holiday a few years ago that I hoped would look fantastic as a stamp, and guess what, it does. Tonight I'll show you what I have done with it"!

I decided to alter an MDF box for this project. 


I removed the lid and painted the rest of the box with Little Black Dress


I then spread Crackle Glaze over the black paint using a spatula, making sure it was a really thin coat. 


I painted over the Crackle Glaze with a mix of Inky Pool, Baltic Blue and Sky. I was aiming for the colour of the wooden shutters that you see at French windows. 


I sanded the top layer of paint a little so that it was more distressed, then I stamped the gorgeous new Mini 96 {Swirl} using Black Archival Ink, all around the box. 


Here you can see the stamped flourish and also the distressed paint.


I then used Moonlight with a baby wipe to knock back the colour a little and also to add an extra layer of distressing. 


I then moved on to the lid of the box. I added Grunge Paste on opposite corners dragging my spatula across it to create some texture. I left the area in the centre flat as I knew I would be adding an image over the top. I painted the opposite 2 corners with Little Black Dress as I wanted a dark colour to show through the crackle

I painted the lid with the same Fresco combination as the main part of the box and when that was dry I swiped some Sky across it. 


I then started to layer more paint using a baby wipe, starting with Pansy. I wanted a slightly different purple so I mixed Inky Pool with Blood Orange and again used a baby wipe to wipe it across the lid. 


I then took the new Mini 95 {bricks} and inked it up with Black Archival Ink but before stamping on to the lid I stamped onto a scrap piece of card. This made the image paler and created a great background. 


I added some text using Mini 44, again using Black Archival Ink.


I used the Mini Bingo Stencil with some Moonlight to add numbers in different areas of the lid. I masked off parts of the stencil so I didn’t get any extra bits by mistake! 


To make the centre piece I started by stamping the new stamp {Bricks} Mini 95 onto some Smoothy White Stamping Card. This stamp is fantastic at creating a continuous background! I used BlackArchival Ink and stamped onto a piece of scrap card first so that the image was paler.


I cut an arch shape using a Sizzix die and then used Distress Inks, Pumice Stone and Dusty Concord, around the edge. 


I blended some Stormy Sky Distress Ink over a piece of Smoothy White Stamping Card and flicked some water on to it. Then I stamped the gorgeous Mini 94 {doorway} using Black Archival Ink. Love this stamp! That's my photograph!!! Sooo exciting to see it as a stamp!


I then took a Tando shape and painted it with a mixture of Baltic Blue and Little Black Dress.


To make the shape look distressed I swiped some Moonlight across the surface. 


I used the same Fresco combination on the metal key and then brushed White Fire Treasure Gold over them both. 


I then brushed more White Fire TreasureGold over the raised and textured areas of the lid and the main box. 


I wanted to line the box so I cut the shape I needed from an A3 piece of white card and then blended Stormy Sky, Faded Jeans and Dusty Concord Distress Inks over it. I then stamped randomly using stamps from ESN06, ESN05 and ESN02 sets, using Black Archival Ink. 





I also used the Carte Postale stamp from the ESN05 set. I wanted the letters to be solid so I painted them with a mixture of Baltic Blue and Little Black Dress.


I layered the main image onto the arch and then arranged some more embellishments which I’ve painted with the same Fresco combination as the metal key. The words are from the ESN06 which have been stamped onto Smoothy White Stamping Card that I’d blended Distress Inks over. 


Here’s a close up shot of the finished lid. But wait....there's more....

 
I took the opportunity to make a little something extra. I thought I would make a couple of bookmarks to give to my Mum and sister who were on the same holiday. I cut 2 pieces of Grunge Paper and cut a fringe across the bottom. 


I painted the Grunge Paper with Moonlight and when that was dry used Cut N Dry foam to blend Pansy and Squid Ink around the edge. 


I stamped Mini 95 with Versafine Smokey Grey Ink and then stamped Mini 94 with Black Archival Ink. I also stamped Mini 96 in the corners with Black Archival Ink. The text is from ESN06 and I’ve then stitched around the centre image and around the edge of the bookmarks. 


Here’s my final photo of both projects. I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much as I’ve enjoyed making it! 

It just leaves me to say a huge thank you to Leandra for inviting me to be a part of the guest design team and also part of the birthday celebrations ! It’s been amazing! 

You are welcome Sue, thank YOU!

BUT wait there is more .... 3 lucky people who leave comments on this post, will go into the Sunday draw to each win a set of these 3 new minis; the bricks, the doorway, and the flourish used by Sue in tonight's project. The winners will be announced here on the PaperArtsy blog on Sunday evening. Good luck everyone!

Leandra Says: Wow, this is just amazing Sue. I know you hardly had any time to plan this last project, so under the circumstances, well totally WOW! It's a stunner. I adore boxes, and this one would look fabulous on display. We can't thank you enough for the amazing projects you have created over the last 4 months. An absolute joy to watch you. Thank you so much. xx I know we're bound to see you back from time to time! So I'm not thinking of this as goodbye at all! I'm in denial!

Gillian Says: Wow! This is a BEAUTIFUL finale project Sue. Thank you for all your amazing creativity over the past 4 months. It has been a real pleasure having you as a Guest Designer.






73 comments:

Julie Lee said...

How unspeakably beautiful this is! It really lifted my spirits. I wish I had to make something like it...I wonder? Julie Ann xx

Julie Lee said...

Sorry that should read 'wish I had time to make something like it...' Hmmn that is revealing, not even time to write all the words in the comment! Julie Ann x

Helen said...

oh, Sue, this is stunning! I love the colour of the box, and the doorway makes a great stamp, it is lovely! It makes me want to go travelling right away.... Thanks for some lovely lovely projects over your semester!

Darcy Marshall said...

Stunning!. I am in love with that brick stamp.

jojo79 said...

Wow that is amazing. Love the new mini stamps :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, stunning project!!! I love the layers of colours & TG. And I need that door stamp, it's gorgeous.

Kathi said...

Wow. That box is absolutely gorgeous and so are the bookmarks.

I love the color combinations you used, the new stamps, and the embellishments. I guess, in other words, that I love the whole thing.

Thanks so much for the step-out photos and instructions.

Congrats on your new stamps. They're beautiful. I love the doorway, the bricks, and that swoosh/flourish.

finnella03 said...

Looks stunning as all your projects have. Love the new stamps too, will you have them at Stevenage? pretty please and I promise to be good!!!

Lin said...

Wow Sue what a finale!!! Your box is absolutely beautiful...and those new stamps are yunmmy..well done on both count!!!

Janet said...

Stunning box Sue, all of your projects are fabulous you have given me loads of new ideas to try.
Loving the new stamps
Janet x

li-marie said...

Stunning piece of art - as usual. I love your creations, so inspiring and the stamps are fabulous too

Pinksparklegirl said...

Wow I think this is my favourite project yet. The colours are absolutely gorgeous and how wonderful to have your holiday memories preserved in a stamp.

Pinksparklegirl said...

Wow I think this is my favourite project yet. The colours are absolutely gorgeous and how wonderful to have your holiday memories preserved in a stamp.

Evil Edna said...

wow!ee

Lucy Edmondson said...

What an amazing project,Sue! Love all the texture on the box. I think a door and flourish are a great addition to the PA stamp range. I spend a lot of time in France and I love that this door is just the sort of thing I see down alleyways leading to lovely bistrots. Congratulations!

Lucy x

Unknown said...

Beautiful projects Sue & what fabulous stamps! I have to say the brick one is my fave... xxx

massofhair said...

Stunning project Sue, you have definitely done your best work here. Perhaps because your heart & soul are in your favourite place you have managed to transport us all there too. Love making grunge paper bookmarks too.
Favourite stamp is the swirl and your door :-)

Dawn said...

Stunning projects Sue, beautifully crafted my lovely. What gorgeous stamps too, lol more for my wish list!!
Hugs x

Siobhan Brignull said...

what fun to have your image made into a stamp and you are right it is a gorgeous one and the two co-ordinating ones are also brill, Im definetely a sucker for swirl and that is a great one. Love the piece you did, with so many layers to create that antiqued feel and the blue of those shutters, yum yum

Dame Jeanne Marie said...

Amazing project - wow!! The doorway is my favorite stamp too! I have a thing for architecture.

Carol Q said...

fabulous project Sue. what a high note to go out on. love your new minis too. (will be adding them to my collection!)

Glennis F said...

OMG - that is a totally amazing transformation. How wonderful to have a stamp made from your photo

Fliss said...

Wow! I'm in awe Sue. A totally amazing project and the amount of detail is staggering. Such fabulous colour and texture and love the door stamp to bits.
Hugs, Fliss xx

margaret said...

Sue it is amazing you have worked so hard thank you for all your inspiration... Margaret

rachel said...

this is amazing - I altered one of these boxes last week - it doesn't look like this though lol!!!

krcmasterpiece said...

Every project you have done is wonderful! I love the vintage-grunge look you've created.

Thanks for all the hard work Sue!

Jules said...

Wow! That box is stunning and I love your fench doorway stamp! :)

Sarah B said...

I've loved all your projects this week but this is my favourite - the doorway stamp will definitely be making it's way into my stash ! reminds me of Eze in the South of France.xx

Unknown said...

Love the crackle and colours. Really nice!

Unknown said...

Love the crackle and colours. Really nice!

Craftyfield said...

The box is fantastic! Great stamping, great textures and great colours... The new minis are so up my street, I can hardly contain myself!

crazy4atc said...

Great work,beautiful color combos!

Brenda Brown said...

A wonderful work of art, such a fantastic box and I love the new stamps. Congrats Sue, you have done an amazing job.
Hugs Brenda xxx

Cindy said...

Congrats on getting an image made into a stamp! It is a beauty! The projects you created for it show it off beautifully! HUgs!

vinny said...

stunning box , I`ve loved looking at all these projects. That doorway makes a fantastic stamp

Meggymay said...

Wow, an amazing alteration, it looks gorgeous, loved the new stamps and the way you showcased them.
Yvonne

Deirdre said...

Another fabulous project - I love the stamps, especially the door:)

Unknown said...

Have I enjoyed this project - you bet - its fantastic as all your projects have been. And so professionally photographed and described. You are so generous with your descriptions - so often when I admire and project it's not clear how all the stages are done! But never ever that problem with yours.

Thank you so much

Claire said...

A fantastic project to finish up with! I love the colours used and the brick stamp is my fav. How amazing to have a holiday photo turned into such a beautiful stamp too! Claire x

Rebecca said...

Well this is just glorious, love the project and the love the stamps defo on my wish list :)
Well done Sue :)
Happy craftin
Rebecca

ionabunny said...

Your box is fantastic. The doorway stamp is so dimensional. Great everything. Thanks for all the inspirational projects you have shared.

just Bea said...

Happy Birthday PaperArtsy! May the years to come be the best yet.

Mrs. B said...

Lovely project. Thanks for the very clear step by step instructions too!

Mrs. B said...

Lovely project. Thanks for the very clear step by step instructions too!

Cec said...

Sue, the box if fabulous and chock full of great techniques. Thank you for the wonderful tutorials that you have done with your projects over your term as Guest Designer. Thank you also for introducing me to Paper Artsy and I can't wait to see the Fresco Finish paints.

Michele said...

This box is so bleeping cool. I wish I had one percent of the talent that is on this website. Oh we'll, you can only dream. The tutorials are awesome and so very helpful! Thank you paper artsy for the chance of being a winner of these fabulous prize. Michele from Florida.

Michele said...

This box is so bleeping cool. I wish I had one percent of the talent that is on this website. Oh we'll, you can only dream. The tutorials are awesome and so very helpful! Thank you paper artsy for the chance of being a winner of these fabulous prize. Michele from Florida.

Kate Yetter said...

This is an amazing box. The texture and embellishments are stunning!! Happy birthday Paper Artsy!

Linda Hart said...

Just fabulous, Sue. Love all the detail on the lid.

Mark said...

Fabulous project! Love the crackle and the image of the door on the lid. Thanks for the detailed description.

Astrid Maclean said...

What an amazing finale Sue, in every respect.... The alteration of the box is just perfect, - love that blue colour you have achieved! The stamps are stunning, all thee of them and you have demoed their versatility so well, and I love the embellishments! That key on the Tando chippy looks fabulous! Loving the bookmarks too!

Mooffie said...

I liked the box before you touched it, but WOW, it is GORGEOUS now you have finished. And you did this under pressure?! I think your doorway is pretty lovely too -won't it be lovely to keep seeing it on other people's work?

kaybee said...

Beautiful box - and in my favourite colours too! The 3 new stamps are stunning. Fab project.

Jenny Marples said...

That was a fantastic choice of image for the new stamp Sue and I love what you've done with it. You have done an amazing job for PaperArtsy. Glad you've enjoyed it so much. Hugs, Jenny x

Karin said...

Stunning!

sam21ski said...

WOW Sue, how exciting that you got to create your very own stamps.

Love the brick one and as you say, makes a fabulous background.

Love what you did with all on your box. They shall have to go on my wish list!!

Sam xxx

snazzyoriginal said...

Simply stunning xx

Karen said...

WOW! what beautiful creations! The step by step tutorial is so clear and makes it all look so easy. But I know I could never make anything like this! x

Terry said...

Gorgeous, Sue! Love the crackle background and all the details you shared. I have never applied crackle with a spatula, so will try that one! Love the arch as well! Hugs!

Sandy said...

Good Golly Miss Molly - what a wonderful creation - I am speechless - well obviously not quite. Really a fantastic art box!
Sandy

Sid said...

What a fantastic arty transformation !!

Yvonne Garner said...

Hi Sue, Your memory box leaves me nearly speechless. Every step shows your talent and love for what you do. I really like how you lined the box too. How clever! Most of all, congratulations on your own inspired stamps! Wow, how awesome! Best, Yvonne

Anonymous said...

I am loving the colors and that brick stamp! Just beautiful!!

Trish said...

Oh how gorgeous! I love the stamps, and the memory box - all so stunning!. Going to miss you... thank you so much for your inspiration!

silvergran said...

Happy 10th Birthday PaperArtsy!
Fabulous box Sue! Amazing mix of textures and colour.
The stamps are awesome also!

darcydaydream said...

I have to say this box is stunning...x

Kezzy said...

Wow wow wow this is truly stunning gorgeous box, the colours you have used are fab. But another wow for the arched doorway photo that has been turned into a stamp its awesome I can't wait to buy it lol :-) Kezzy xxx

Words and Pictures said...

Absolutely gorgeous textures and colours - completely stunning work from Sue!
Alison x

Unknown said...

Totally stunning!!!

jo said...

This is a really gorgeous project and I love the doorway stamp!!!

Alison said...

I adore this project Sue! The colours & the texture are wonderful!
You just inspired me to make an arty plaque!
Thanks,
Alison xxx

Beccy said...

oh wow that box is amazing the colour combo is great and I just love the door stamp.
Maybe I might have to go to stamparama and invest.

Beccy x

Sandy said...

That box is just stunning and what a great tutorial on how to make it so many little elements go into this and it is just amazing. TFS..
Sandy :)