2017 #13 Pearlescent: Mosaic Frame with LPC {by Ruth Mescall}

2017 Topic 15: Pearlescent

Ruth shows you 3 ways with infusions AND how to make stunning pearly tiles in this post! Somehow she gets it all to work perfectly together - I can't help but wonder how long it took her to commit to arranging the tiles in such a perfectly random way!

Hi everyone, it's Ruth here from 'a love to create' and today I'd like to share with you a frame I've made using a faux mother of pearl technique...yes I've been experimenting again!

When I was looking at picture inspiration for this topic, I came across some mother of pearl mosaic square tiles and thought I wonder if you could create something like that with paint effects, Pearl glaze and something else to create depth? I wasn't sure at that stage whether the squares would be part of a background interspersed with lovely Lynne Perrella images or  a mosaic frame  around one bold image...or even how I would stamp the images, all I knew was that it was time to start experimenting. 

I thought there would be quite a lot of trial and error as that's what usually happens but it came together fairly easily.  I think smaller squares would be even more effective and would allow for different sized images to be used but on this occasion I used a large detailed image for the frame from this stamp set: 

Lynne Perrella Set 009.

Having looked at the tile photo and using shells as another reference I created the first layer, roughly blending lots of paints on Heavy weight smoothy card with cut and dry foam. The paints I used were Taupe, Vanilla, Nougat, Caramel, Snowflake, Concrete, Stone, Pewter (for the back board) and Pearl glaze.

So my idea was to mix Pearl Glaze with 3D transparent gloss gel approx 1:3 ratio. I spread it on with a palette knife and textured them all a little differently with simple tools. I thought I may have applied it too thickly but I was so pleased when they dried as it left a lovely soft  pearly, slightly milky glaze and  exactly what I'd hope for.

Now for the main image, I chose to stamp with Golden Sands infusions. Use Versamark, rub in the infusions and spritz with water. You get  such a variety of images with second and third impressions. The one on the far left more closely matched the colours of the tiles so I used that one and decided to seal it with a wax glaze similar to Distress micro glaze. 

I thought I'd also share the central image from the above photo which is surprisingly detailed, this is using the same method but after lightly spritzing with water I waited a minute before stamping and this is the result. In case you haven't guessed I do like experimenting with infusions and will be using this one as the main image on a card. 

Next bit is easy peasy, 1inch/2.5cm squares just glued and mounted but what about using a steel rule die and creating hexagons or other patterns? All the rough blips that happened when spreading out the gel just add to the mother of pearl effect.

Lastly I just needed to add the main image 'tile' and grout it in place. I had tried a painted gold surround at first but grunge paste was perfect and once dry a little pearl glaze was all that was needed. 

I really hope you can see the subtle sheen and different tones depending on how the light hits the frame and I think this effect would look lovely on a box maybe surrounding a stamped cameo. Are you inspired to create some mother of pearl? ...I hope so. Ruth x

Blog: 'a love to create'
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I am amazed at how much colour still pops through the pearly layer you put on top of the painted backgrounds! The tiles look fabulous and the 3 images each have their own appeal too. It's hard to imagine you ever have experiments that don't work! ~Leandra

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