Monday 20 March 2017

2017 #4 Through The Arched Window {by Lin Brown}

2017 Topic 4: Doors, Windows, Architecture

It's been a while since we've had a post from Lin using stamps other than her own. She'll be the first to admit she's a massive Lynne Perrella fan, and when we demo together, Lynne P's stamps are often what she grabs first when she's working in the 'vintage' genre.
Before Lin starts, this is probably a good time to share some ink pad tests I did recently with Lynne Perrella stamps to find out which achieved the most detail for stamps with super-fine detail such as these.


My conclusion is, if it's new or juicy, use a brayer to apply ink to your stamp, otherwise if your ink is too wet or too liberally applied you will simply lose all the detail in the stamped image. The best performing ink (directly applied to stamp from the pad) for me was an old Versafine (Onyx Black) - Picture B. You can see the notes above for more info.
Don't forget, smooth card-stock is also vital. ~ Leandra
I'll hand over to Lin with her gorgeous, and very clever project...enjoy!


Hi everyone Lin Brown from Yoursartfully here.

It's so nice to be back here on the PA blog tonight sharing my take on the current theme of Doors, Windows and Architecture. I decided to alter a book which I purchased from a charity shop a while ago. I fell in love with this book as it is about Samuel Pepys and is not only an interesting book about the man himself, it is jam packed with illustrations of buildings and maps.......perfect for this theme!

I knew that this topic would suit me down to the ground as I have a bit of a passion for arches so let me take you through my arched window to my project (if anyone remembers watching "Play School" when they were growing up, that phrase will mean more to you than anyone else). 




When I started this project I had the idea in my head that it would feature an arch as the focal point to the front cover but I also wanted to try to create a brick wall effect for the background.



Grunge Paste is my go to product for texture, I was able to stamp into it with a brickwork style stamp from one of my new stamp sets ELB31 to create this effect. I also love how with the addition of a little water, I was able to smooth out some of the texture as I knew I wanted to stamp some fine script on my faux wall for added interest.



I am still amazed after all this time that Grunge Paste texture is not  affected by adding a few drops of paint to tint it and I was thrilled with pop of colour achieved by adding a couple of drops of Turquoise Fresco Finish Paint.

You may notice that I covered my arch with fabric. I always use Egyptian cotton for this and although it has a very fine weave, you can see how well a spot of dry brushed paint can highlight the texture of the fabric.


There were so many fabulous Lynne Perrella stamps that feature buildings, I was spoilt for choice but this one from LPC015 happened to be the perfect size for my arch....


The inside of the book wasn't the easiest thing to photograph but I hope that you can see that there are actually four layers to create my landscaped effect.


For me, layers are important. Usually I'm talking about layers of paint but this time it's layers of pages which vary in height. I was particularly pleased with how this came together but it really was luck more than anything as the book already had a map of the river Thames in it, so that enabled me to place buildings both in front and above the river.


Originally, my idea was to completely cover the adjoining page with with bricks (I used the Verdant Moon stencil from Stencil Girl) but when I started to re-position the stencil, it dawned on me that this was definitely a case of less is more. By leaving this empty space, it will allow me to add some journaling which I think will enhance this page.


My final photograph is a close up shot of all the things I love. Contrast of colour and contrast of texture. Notice how the addition of a little bit of Archival ink applied to the Grunge Paste really enhances the texture.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process of altering this book and am looking forward to continuing to work in it. It's been a while since I altered a book and I do love to have what I call an "on going" project. Something that I can just pick up and spend ten minutes on if I want to or if the mood takes me, I could spend all day adding to it. I think my next addition to this book will be to add some fold out pages featuring more buildings. Maybe my Altered Book will inspire you to alter one for yourself.....I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.

Thank you for joining me this evening.

Lin
Blog: Yoursartfully
Twitter: @Yoursartfully

Flipping amazing how you made the texture look like bricks with that stamp and the GP!!It worked a treat! I can see that as my first experiment to try on the back of this post! You are just too clever ! ~ Leandra


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20 comments:

Helen said...

oh, Lin what a beauty this is! from the colours, the textures, to the stamps... I love this!

Hazel Agnew said...

Wow, Lin! What a great project. What makes your work so special are the tiny finishing touches, like the dry brushing on the frame to give a little texture!
Inside, the layers are wonderful! Think that I may approve? ........you betcha! Xx 😛

Ruth said...

It's serendipity that the book had a map of the Thames, a match made in heaven Lin!! The fabric covered arch frames what I thought was a new stamp at first, love it when images take on a fresh appeal. Simply stunning, love this idea xx

Craftyfield said...

The inside of the book in separate layers... brilliant work Lin! and the cover with grunge paste texture is beautiful too. The ink test is really useful, it's such a headache to find the right combination of ink/paper/colouring medium there are so many variations!

Kirsten said...

That is absolutely stunning.

Miriam said...

A truly gorgeous project Lin...Totally stunning

Miriam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lauren Hatwell said...

I love it. The colour scheme is just lovely and, of course, everything chimes beautifully. Lx

Artmadnana said...

Oh your signature colours Lin. I was loving exploring the altered cover but gosh when you revealed the inner pages, I was blown away. What a great idea to alter the shape of the following pages and what luck to be able to use the river. This is such an infectious idea. I must explore this one!

craftimamma said...

This is amazing and as Leandra said, very clever! You do have a very special way with LP images and this project works beautifully. As for the inside....all I can say is Wow!!! Absolutely exquisite project altogether Lin.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Julie Lee said...

What a brilliant project, Lin. I love the colour combo; the textures; the Egyptian cotton arch - just about everything! Opening the book is a dream come true! I love that it's about Samuel Pepys too. I was at Goldsmith's College near Deptford for a while and there is such a connection with Pepys there. You are so clever, Lin and so inspiring. This post was an absolute delight. Julie Ann xx

Art By Wanda said...

FABULOUS start to your altered book, Lin!!! Both the cover and your 4-page Page are outstanding!!!

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is so glorious, lin, such a pleasure to have the combination of a post by you and Lynne Perrella too,

Lucy x

Mac Mable said...

Amazing altered book. Love the brown and the blue colours. Great tips along the way and thank you for the comparisons on the different inks. Great project with lots of detail x

Susan said...

Gorgeous piece Lin! Love all the layers, the composition and those beautiful colors! Awesome!

SewPaperPaint said...

It's brilliant! The layered pages are outstanding! Such an inspiration.

Gail T said...

Absolutely stunning! Love it and all the texture!

Unknown said...

Wow! Love it totally.
Thanks for the ink pad testing too.

Etsuko said...

Splendid project Lin!! Fabulous colored background and lovely Lynne's image in the arch for the book cover.
Especially I love the inside page that the dramatic design using a map around the Thames river. Lovely embellishments for the arch too!! xx

Cocofolies said...

Brilliant project by Lynne as usual, this one is so beautiful once again!
And I love the effect of her new brick stamp into the grunge paste... fabulous! Coco x