Pocket Shrine "Seth-style" with SA {by Ann Barnes}

Hello everyone, Ann here with you today sharing a folded "Seth-style" pocket shrine using the newest Seth Apter Stamp Release for PaperArtsy. 

I was thrilled to receive the three new Seth Apter stamps from PA HQ. Seth's designs never disappoint; and these newest stamps are some of my favorites! It's definitely worth checking out Seth's PaperArtsy Release Blog created for these new sets, it offers insight into the designs as well as inspiration from the designer himself!

Seth's stamp designs are so perfect for incorporating into backgrounds and creating mixed media abstract art. For this project I wanted to create something meaningful that allowed a few of the designs to become focal points. I decided to make a pocket shrine, combining my love for religious art with Seth's unique grungy, layered style. This is a special piece that can be used for prayer or contemplation. I drew color inspiration from the image of Mary, choosing PaperArtsy Fresco  Chalk Acrylic in Castleton (FF231), Admiral (FF233), Tomato (FF229), Buff (FF96), and Gold Rush (FF204).

Using images stamped onto PaperArtsy Printed Tissue - Blank (PT10), I was able to figure out the shrine sizing. I cut the shrine shape from a piece of primed canvas. Working on the outside surface, I began to add layers of paint first with a brayer, and then with a chip brush.

I started with a layer of Buff (FF96) then built up layers with the colors, each time brushing more Buff on top to create a muted and worn look. Partially stamping different images randomly onto the surface added texture. I stamped in Tomato (FF229) along the fold locations to create a binding appearance. I love how this looks when the shrine is folded.

The interplay of this lined image atop the canvas texture gives the surface a linen appearance. It's a good idea to put the stamps into water after using them with paint, they are much easier to clean.

As soon as I saw the frame image in Seth Apter Set 53 (SA053), I knew it would be amazing in 3D. Stamping into air dry clay allows you to create a relief of the image.

I rolled out the clay onto my craft surface. I kept the thickness to about 1/8". The thicker the slab you create, the longer it will take to dry. Also note that if it is very thin, it will be extremely fragile. Stamp directly into the clay with consistent pressure. (Note: spritz the stamp with water before stamping for easier release after impression.)

You can make various versions of the frame by cutting out different sections. The central opening can be removed or remain intact; while the outside can be decorative or square. There are many variations you can try. Adding color to the raised edges or within the recessed areas allows the design to stand out visually.

Once you select the frame style you desire, the rough edges are easily cleaned up with a small piece of extra fine sandpaper or by using a craft knife to scrape away any excess.

When the pocket shrine is unfolded, the beautiful interior is revealed. I chose the mandala style stamp image to balance the central framed piece. I stamped the image with Ranger Archival Ink in Watering Can onto separate papers and allowed it to dry. I colored the image using watercolor paints, then set it aside to dry.

 

I next worked on creating the main background for the interior of the shrine. I painted the entire surface of the canvas with Castleton (FF231). This color complements the watercolored images as well as the framed Madonna. Using a hardened paintbrush, I added streaks of Buff (FF96). This created a textured effect adding interest while also softening the appearance. The patterned areas were created using the repeating diamond shape stamp, and gold embossing powder. This surface makes me think of a wallpaper design.

With the main interior background complete I wanted to focus on the pocket. This is where the outside surface becomes an interior surface. To close the edges securely, I stamped some twill with the tread-like stamp. The twill ribbon was narrower than the stamp, which allowed me to create a unique pattern. I secured this around the right and left sides of the pocket with glue.

I wanted to add a special detail to the top edge of the pocket. This was created by stamping and embossing the DNA-like pattern onto a piece of paper then fussy cutting around the design to create a unique "Ric Rac" piece. This piece was trimmed to the correct length and attached to the pocket just below the red stamped edge.

I stamped out the bubble letter phrases onto paper with Ranger Archival Ink in Cobalt. Then using a small circle punch, I punched out the circled letters to form the word MARIA. These were glued in place along the base of the pocket.

When the two watercolor panels were dry, I added gold details with a metallic pen as well as some gemstones to embellish. I then attached them to each side panel with French knot stitches at all four corners.

I want to make the outside closure flap very special. To do this, I emboss the radial circular stamp in gold. Red stitches follow some of the rays upwards accentuating the design and mimicking the attached flaming heart Milagros.

On the inside of the flap, I added pieces of thread to balance the stitched threads and glued an accent piece at the center.

I love how the different patterns interact, can you spot at least 6 different stamps in the detail image above?

The frames I created are truly beautiful. I am looking forward to using the extras in different projects.

The connections between the "DNA strands" created the perfect spot to attach additional Milagros.

Here is a close up view of the stamped twill used to secure the pocket sides.

I made a few cards that can be tucked into the pocket, for a prayer or special intention. I love the way that the designs look embossed in gold and colored with watercolors.

I love the way this turned out. I have so many ideas for using these new stamp sets from PaperArtsy, and look forward to sharing more! I can imagine creating a pocket shrine to hold a treasured coin or good luck piece to carry with you. I think I might try my hand at making some of the "bits" Seth shares on the blog. There are so many possibilities! If you are interested in grabbing any of the newest stamp sets, there is a list of stockists on the PaperArtsy site where you can find one that's located in your area. Hopefully you are inspired to get creative.

I'm so happy you stopped by,  Ann xx

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Summer Party Pennants with ESC {by Jenny Marples}

Hello everyone, Jenny here with you today to share my ideas for creating fabric pennants, perfect for decorating your garden at a Summer party. Fabrics are such forgiving surfaces to work on so it's actually easier than you might think to get great results! 

The new collection of stamps and stencils from Raquel Burillo (Scrapcosy) are just perfect for this purpose, with beautiful floral images, lovely words and clever accent pieces.

Here's a peek at what's coming up...

The stamp sets used all come from the latest release and include ESC56, ESC57 and ESC58, combined with stencils PS528 and PS529. These are all available from your local stockists now.

The pastel palette of colours used for these pennants include PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints (Cloud 9, Sand, Lemon Meringue, Guacamole, Spring, Cloudy, Mauve and Dolly Mix) which combine so well with Mattints (Acid, Fern, Bellflower and Foxglove).

To get started on these pennants you need to raid your fabric stash, ideally looking for non-patterned pieces in complimentary shades. I chose a neutral, vintage selection, dying some scraps with diluted Just Walnut and Lemoncello Infusions, though you may decide on a different colour scheme to suit your party theme.

Now grab those stencils and get to work, repeating patterns if needed to fill space. The fabric may absorb more paint than you are used to with paper so lift the corner of your stencils to check before you remove them completely.

I find ironing my fabrics before stencilling really helps to achieve that crisp finish. You can also re-iron them once the paint is fully dry. I know, ironing, but it's the fun sort!

Tear apart your stencilled fabrics into smaller pieces and begin to assemble them into rectangular pennants, adding in other scraps as required. A piece of muslin and a damaged lace tablecloth did the trick for me.

Make sure to overlap your pieces and I highly recommend temporarily attaching them together with a fabric glue pen.

A quick running stitch along the edges helps to make those joins secure and you can add extra translucent layers over the top to break up some of the larger areas.

Now it's time to add some colour with those floral images.

 

I felt nervous about stamping directly onto the fabric pennants so decided to make use of PaperArtsy's Blank Printed Tissue (PT10) using grey permanent ink to transfer the images onto one side.

It's a lot simpler to paint in blocks of colour on the reverse of your stamped images - the tissue allows for the colour to show through.

On the right side add a touch of shading with your Mattints.

Try adding a coat of Acid Mattint to the centre of your unpainted glass to make it look like it's been filled with an enticing beverage!

The Acid Mattint with also add that pop of yellow when painted over Cloud 9 paint.

You end up with a much larger range of colours to play with by adding Mattints over your painted images and it's worth experimenting on a scrap of tissue if you are unsure about any of the combinations.

With coloured images at the ready it's time to add them to your fabric pennants.

Use a matte medium like PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Matte Glaze to stick your tissue images to the pennants. Be generous with your application because the fabric will absorb more than paper. And notice how the colour becomes slightly stronger with the glaze applied.

Your tissue images will take longer to become fixed in place so allow for drying time. The upside to this is that you have a small amount of 'wiggle room' to reposition your images needed.

 

The ticket image from set ESC56 is perfect for letting you add some lovely sentiments. I added some extra pieces of lace trim to the pennants and repeat stamped the Greek key motif from set ESC56 on grosgrain ribbon to join them together. You can disguise the joins with little flowers for a seamless look!

And with that these Summer Party Pennants are complete.

Let's give you a closer look at my finished examples;

You can divide your images up to extend across several pennants - I did this with one of the butterflies, some tickets and the mixed flower clusters. 

I'm now thinking this could look good with a warm colour palette, possibly even more vibrant! Which colours would you choose?

Thank you for joining me today.

Jenny

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