Sunday 28 February 2021

2021 Topic 3: The Creative Laboratory {Topic Intro}

 

 2021 Topic 3 - The Creative Laboratory

 
Hi everyone, Keren here introducing The Creative Laboratory!

Experimentation with a laboratory feel is the gist of the topic tonight. Is it all about the wonderful 'eureka' moments you can get when combining products and techniques? Or could it be projects with a chemistry or laboratory vibe? Well, it can be both! In the spirit of experimentation, we're going to do something a little different. I'm combining some cool science-y themed projects along with a list of different PaperArtsy products (and more) and some links for you to explore and experiment along with us. Treat this as a reference post to maybe come back to when your mojo has gone missing or you're just in the mood for a little experimentation of your own.

We're beginning with the laboratory idea and the newest Hot Picks on the block which are a collaboration with Dounia at HQ who has a science background.


Sara Naumann has some stamps and stencils that were based on a vintage chemistry textbook she'd found.


Searching on the internet for interesting pieces of art, I came across this artist's impression of the periodic table.


I love these overlaid symbols over the portrait. So very cool.


This is a clever piece of art, called Atomic Love


How about some laboratory styled art?


Now from the laboratory style, to the experimental. We've got a look at lots of different products and tools with some ideas for how you might use them via links to some of your favourite PaperArtsy designers and bloggers.

Stencils:

One of the PaperArtsy designers well known for her use of stencils is Tracy Scott and this example is just beautiful with so much depth.








Techniques Using Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics:

These awesome paints are used in so many projects and renown for their quality, highly pigmented formula, being environmentally friendly and because they're water based, they're easy to clear up. Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics and Lutradur Fabric create a really amazing effect, as Chris Dark explores in this blog post and has me itching to get my hands on some.








Crunchy Waxed Paper:

Helen Chilton combined painted, scrunched and embossed crunchy waxed paper in one project, and the paper provides amazing texture to your projects.





Rusting Powder:

Fancy really having some experimentation? Have you tried PaperArtsy Rusting Powder yet? Sue Carrington tried out rusting fabric (amongst other things) and the post is a fabulous introduction.







Infusions Techniques:

Infusions came to market in 2017 and have been a real favourite ever since. This first post was their grand introduction and contains a video or two from PaperArtsy showing lots of ideas. This project is a sumptuous art piece by Lynne Moncrieff.







Grunge Paste Techniques:

Who doesn't love Grunge Paste?! You can paint it, use it through stencils, push texture into it, and as Nikki Acton did here, use it in combination with Infusions. What an an awesome textural effect!





 


Techniques With Tools; Acrylic Blocks:

PaperArtsy has some great clear acrylic blocks. How often do you use your blocks or mounts to do technique based projects with? Ellie Knol created a concertina journal (including a technique using clingfilm (or saran wrap), but thiss project was using colourwash and spray mists and leaving an acrylic block over the top whilst it dried. Intrigued? Follow the link!





Embossing Powder Techniques:

One of the real 'magic' techniques is using embossing powder and seeing it change almost instantly. Miriam Grazier produced a triple technique project using embossing powder. Such amazing effects!

Brayer Techniques:

With one of the cutest and niftiest brayers around, PaperArtsy has come up trumps whether you're wanting to brayer a quick background or use creating gel prints. For an introduction to some useful techniques, check out the blog post and the first two links which are videos by Leandra.







Hope you've enjoyed this look around the topic and it's inspired you to get experimenting.

If you want to create along with us while we explore this topic, please share your makes on our social feeds so we can follow along. Instagram @paperartsy or why not join us and post in the PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook. Make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!

3 comments:

Nikki Acton said...

A fabulous intro into an exciting topic - so many links to explore, thanks Keren

Miriam said...

This is going to be a great and interesting topic. And the inspiration is fabulous, thank you Keren. And thank you for mentioning a couple of my past projects....had great fun creating them!

Stampers Grove said...

This is a brilliant article. Too much to take in in one go. Will delve in properly later.