2016 #1 Fairy Cloche {by Helen Chilton}

 Topic 1: Transparent Art

Hi everyone, Helen Chilton here with a bit of fairy kitsch!

The topic is all about transparent things and being just after Christmas, I managed to pick up this bell decoration which I've taken apart to make a sort of fairy garden. Transparent surfaces can be both difficult to stamp on and to photograph, but it's worth persevering as they give you the opportunity to introduce lots of layers to your work.

I've used some of the Cat's Meow stamps which I've had for ages - I like them because the images are clearly drawn and also have a sense of fun. These stamps come as a DL size (1/3 of an A4 if you like) and are available mounted or unmounted - I suggest you get them mounted as there are loads on each plate.

Step One: Gently pull the bottom off the bell shape and sand the edge to smooth. Cut a circle of green card  and a circle of mount board to replace base.

Step Two: Stamp the images in permanent black ink and watercolour with Distress Reinkers: Cut out.

Step Three: Cut a length of wire and thread through green card, spiralling underneath to secure. Stick fairy to wire with double sided tape:

Step Four: Twist wire leaves and stems  to fit round fairy:

Step Five: Insert into holes in base and twist underneath:

Step Six: Stick the green circle to mount board base to hide wire. Add beads to base and stick butterfly, ladybird etc to wire. Finish with some angelina fibres:

Step Seven: Stamp rosebuds in black inside and outside bell, stamp text. Glue bell to base. paint round lower edge and dip in accent beads. add grass and leaf details with a cocktail stick and Granny Smith paint:

Here's a close up:

Have a closer look at The Cat's Meow range as there's some really good images in there. The sets have a wide variety of stamps: pictures, text, labels, fillers etc. And, although transparent surfaces (especially curved ones like this!) can be tricky, they are incredibly forgiving because you can just wipe off any mistakes and start again - have a baby wipe handy!

So, give it a go and see what you can make!

Helen

What a marvellous re-purposing of a Christmas decoration Helen! It's so lovely to see those stamps emerge for an outing too! It's a reminder of how massive the PaperArtsy back catalogue actually is! Thank you so much! ~Leandra

We would love to see how you interpret this Transparent Art topic by linking what you make to our 2016 Challenge #1: Transparent Art, 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. 

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