2020 #4 Mighty Mica: Abstract in the Round with ECF {by Helen Chilton}

2020 Topic 4: Mica

Introduction:
Spots of sparkle are the focus of this post, and Helen leads us into this new topic with a perfect round up (see what I did there?) of numerous mica products that you could use to add pazzazz and bling to your crafting game!
~ Leandra

Hi everyone, it's Helen with you today, and I've gone mica mad! I've used mica powders, embossing powder, metallic paint - it's a shame that the photos don't pick up the full sparkle, but I've done my best!

I'm using Courtney's stamps for this post and this set has got some really good texture and background images which I've used to the full to create an abstract canvas. 
One of the most fun techniques was making a mould from one of the stamps using Black Texture Paste from That's Crafty! - you can then 'mica' the pieces as you wish.

Eclectica³ Courtney Franich Set 02 (ECF02)

PaperArtsy Stencil 090 (PS090)

I've used Cosmic Shimmer Pixie Powders, which are like Brushos but have mica added to them for a bit of sparkle. I blew them around with a straw:

Add the yellow which has lots of gold in it at the end.

Then dip your stamp in the wet bits and stamp round the edges.

Add more mica with some stencilling - here I've used Starlights Platinum paint from Imagination Crafts.

For the Black Texture Paste mould, spread the paste thickly over your stamp - don't panic, it won't ruin it.

It needs to dry for at least 24 hours. Then you can peel it off.

Proof - the stamp's okay! The ragged bits are where I didn't put it on thickly enough. Just look at that texture!

Decorate with powders and paint.

Here I've got various circles, stamped, embossed and stamped into, moulded, just ready to go on my canvas.

I've enjoyed creating an abstract project for a change - Courtney's stamps are brilliant for this. I love the way the background image stamped into the embossed ATCoin with so much detail.

We often tend to use products with mica in without really thinking about it, but combining lots of sparkly media is great fun and a good challenge. Have a root through your stash - you'll be surprised what you find.

Helen

Blog: A Splash of Colour

2018 #17 Colour - A Box of Eggs: Mottled Egger with ECF {by Bryan Evans}

 2018 Topic 17: A Box of Eggs (Colour Topic)

Our Bryan is back! Using his pretty egg-shell colours - hence this new exploratory colour-theme 'a box of eggs'. He's contrasted with a fabulous structural collage arrangement. I love his approach to creating art! Enjoy and welcome to a new topic! ~Leandra

Hi everyone, it's Bryan here from GeezerCrafter with you today, and I'd like to share with you my collage using some of the new Fresco Paints and Stamps from Courtney.

12 New Fresco Paints - stockist links here

 Eclectica³ Courtney Franich Set 2 (ECF02) stockists here

I found inspiration for my background colours from a picture of a range of eggs on the Internet.

Ameraucana Eggs have colours similar to Seaglass and Mottled Java, similar to Blah Mange. I used part of an Impress Mono printing plate to apply the paints, I normally use this for transferring inks to card. Love the marks and textures.

I wanted some of my collage elements to be part of the substrate, must remember the three's motto!! Love the colours against the brown packaging.

Another egg I came across is called Olive Egger...

I applied Distress Ink Old Paper direct onto some cream card, then dropped some reinker onto the Impress Mono printing plate and swiped across the card, this gave me a cool mottled, speckly effect.

These stamps are great for cutting up into smaller elements, as I wanted them smaller than my focal image.

I used this stamp to guide the viewer in.

And to stop falling off the page.

Found some old tickets relating to Liverpool Street, just used the numbers. Remembered the three's motto!!. Added some Fresco Acrylic Chalk paint in Cheesecake to highlight my focal point.

I had a lot of fun playing with some of the new paints and stamps from Courtney, looking forward to investigating some more of the new colours. There are so many egg colours and variations, plenty of the Fresco range will suit. Looking forward to seeing your creations and the colours you choose to use.

Thank you for joining me tonight. Bryan.

Blog: Geezercrafter.blogspot.com

Instagram:bryanevans7772

 

To join our challenge and win a PaperArtsy £50 gift voucher:

Simply make something arty relevant to the topic, and link your creation from any social URL (eg. Instagram, Pinterest, Blog Post etc) sharing your original make to this challenge page.

The current topic link Topic 17: A Box of Eggs (colour topic) will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, October 14th 2018, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

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Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!