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.