2019 #4 Tick Tock: Time is Golden with Ink & Dog {by Miriam Grazier}

2019 Topic 4: Tick Tock

There's nothing more satisfying than a bunch of layered clock parts, and Miriam has done that beautifully within an MDF clock frame. Love how the texture is highlighted by Treasure Gold so perfectly too! ~Leandra.

Hi everyone, it's Miriam with you today, and I'd like to share with you a MDF pocket watch that  I have altered using the Ink and Dog Clocks series of stamps.

I chose to use these stamps as they remain one of my favourite sets since I clapped eyes on them when they were released.  I've always had a fascination with clocks and time stamps and so they have always be perfect for me, in fact they are timeless (ok, ok, I know you are all groaning at that!).  I love the variety of clock heads and they layer up beautifully.  In fact, they are so versatile that I since I started to plan my project a few months ago I have changed my design several times.  Teaming these stamps with newer products such as the Fresco acrylic paints, Grunge paste and infusions was wonderful to work with.

Every time I use these stamps I remember just how much I love them.  From the Ink and the Dog series of stamps, these are from the 'Clocks' Family: Clocks 1 (C1), Clocks 4 (C4), Clocks 6 (C6).

They never age in my stash and I always spot something I had forgotten, for example, the small text stamp which I used to stamp into the wet Grunge Paste.

I love stamping into Grunge Paste.  I love the texture that it creates.  A warning for those of you who have not tried this before..... make sure you clean your stamp immediately.  Once the Grunge Paste dries it could prevent a clear stamped image.  I also spray the stamp with water before I stamp into the Grunge Paste.  This ensures an easier release from the paste, and you only need a very thin layer of paste, then the detail will be really sharp.  

I loved how the Rusty Car Infusions dried on top of the Grunge Paste. 

  

I did pat the Infusions with a paper towel before I dried it.  This gave a softer look.  The first time I did this it was too pale so I repeated this step.  I often prefer to do this and build up the layers than create a heavier background first time.  It makes me feel more in control.

The MDF was painted with layers and layers of watered down Fresco Paint which I dried in between each layer.  I stopped counting the layers but think it was about 15 in the end. 

  
I loved how the paint dripped into the stamped Grunge Paste.  Once fully dry I added a very small amount of Treasure Gold to my finger and highlighted the script texture.  I also added Gloss Glaze to the clocks so that they stood out from the rest of the project.

 

I had so much fun creating this project.  It took me back to the excitement i felt when I first got these stamps at the Artisan Show.  The project brought together everything that I love about crafting and mixed media.  It also showcases how everything works so well - Fresco acrylic paints are perfect to stamp on, emboss, and really layer up.  Just perfect!

I think if I was creating this project again I would add Grunge Paste and stamping on the top of the watch.  I did consider going back and re-doing this but I didn't want to do anything that could potentially ruin my project if I made a mistake.

If you haven't got these stamps I really encourage you to get them - they can be used for so many projects.  And if, like me, you haven't used them for a while, dust them off an have a play.  I really hope that I have encouraged you to have a play.  It was so wonderful to just not think and paint and stamp and really enjoy myself and get lost in my project.  I had so much fun.

Thanks for joining me this evening.  
Miriam

Blog: Miriam's Creative Dreams