2015 #2 Embossed Metal {by Pam Thorburn}

2015 Theme 2: Shiny Stuff

Hi everyone Pam Thorburn here, joining you this evening with a post about embossing with Aluminium tape. This is a technique I've been wanting to try for some time, and it so happens that I have just finished an art journal from 2014 which needed the cover to be prettied up. Most examples I've seen using this technique have a dark, forged metal look to them, but I was keen to try something a bit lighter and prettier. 

So here's is my finished journal cover:

Step One: My journal had a black semi shiny surface, so the first thing I did was to sand it back a little to ensure my texture elements would adhere well. Then I glued on some textured pieces to cover the surface. I used various patterns of punchinella (sequin waste), some plasterer's tape, some gutter guard (the black diamond along the sides) and some die cut chipboard shapes and letters. I knew I wanted to use the 'journal' stamp from ESN02 by Sara Naumann so I stamped a piece of chipboard and adhered it in place before covering it with the tape. That way I could be certain to have enough flat space for the stamp once the cover was covered in tape.I left it to dry under heavy weights overnight.

Step Two: Begin to apply Aluminimum tape. I bought my tape in our local Poundshop. I found it easiest to cut short patches of tape and to burnish each piece down firmly, before applying the next patch, and burnishing that down. Initially I used a cotton bud to gently rub the tape into all the textures. You do need to proceed slowly and carefully when burnishing or you can tear the tape. By burnishing slowly and gently you kind of stretch the tape into all the indentations. As the tape stretches you can use a paper stump to get into all the little crevices. There are about 5 patches applied below.

Continue applying patches and burnishing until you have completely covered the surface:

Step Three: Start to add Fresco paint. I applied the paint with a makeup sponge to make sure the paint got into all the indentations. After each application I rubbed back the paint to reveal the aluminium tape on the high points of the textures. Continue to add layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry, before adding the next, and rubbing back to expose the high points of the tape in between each layer. The colours I used were: Yellow Submarine, Bora Bora, Sky, Lake Wanaka, and Hey Pesto.  Look how pretty all those colours are!

Step Four: I stamped the word journal from Sara Naumann's Eclectica set: ESN02

ESN02

Step Five: Now it's time for Treasure Gold! I used Spanish Topaz, Sapphire and Olive Bronze. When you rub in Treasure Gold the magic happens-everything just pops and shines. It's gorgeous-even if it does get stuck under your fingernails!! I rubbed it into all the indentations, and used an old cloth to buff it up, and polish it.

So that's it-a very easy, fun project with texture and shine:

I had a lot of fun using this technique. My cover is quite ordered but I think it would be interesting to try to create an abstract design with different textures like string, and crinkled tissue paper. By using hot colours you could come up with something looking like a volcanic landscape. Wouldn't that be fun!! 

Thanks for looking. You can see more of my work on my blog; Waltzing Through Life.
Pam

Wow this is amazing Pam. All those different textures and patterns coming together perfectly. Thankyou for joining us this evening and showing a brilliant and cost effective alternative to real metal. 

If you fancy joining PaperArtsy challenge #2: Shiny Stuff, then you can link up your creativity HERE.  

NB.  you will get 3 weeks to participate in this challenge, as we will interrupt the usual schedule for our New Product Announcements which starts Feb 1st for a week.

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