Spools of Fish with Kate Crane Products {by Ann Barnes}

Hi everyone, it is Ann (@aksbarchitect) here with you today, and I am so happy to be sharing this fun project I have been working on using some of Kate Crane's stamp designs.

This year on the blog, we have free rein to do a deep dive into a PaperArtsy product ranges of our choosing. For this post I have been exploring some of the early Kate Crane Stamps. 

I had so much fun using watercolor pencils to add color to these whimsical fish and then exploring how different textiles can be dyed using PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paints in ocean colors, to create the most amazing substrates to hold all of the fishies.

Where I live, the arrival of August seems to signal the unofficial end of summer. I thought it would be fun to celebrate these last weeks of carefree beach days and summer vacations with some spools of fish.

While I was very excited to color these fanciful fish, I didn't anticipate how much I would also enjoy preparing the spools that would hold them.

I love so many of the details found in this spool trio, one being the embossed mixed media mark stamps that remind me of nautical imagery. I can't wait to share my process with you.

I used the Kate Crane PaperArtsy Mini Stamps 07 and 08 (KCM007, KCM008) as well as Kate Crane Stamp Set 05 (KC005). While I wanted the fish to be bright and fanciful, I knew that I would be keeping the spools and textiles in ocean colors, hoping that this would give each element it's own presence without taking away from the other. For the blues I chose PaperArtsy Fresco Chalk Acrylics in Glass Blue (FF102) Inky Pool (FF46) and South Pacific (FF45). All three of these paints are in the translucent category, meaning that the color allows visibility through to what's beneath it. I chose the translucent paints because I was hoping that the wood graining of the spools would show through, and perhaps with a bit of sanding give the appearance of an old, well-used boat tied up to the dock.

First, I selected three different spools based on the size of the fish stamp that I wanted to create the school of fish with. The two smaller spools would contain only one type of fish each, while the largest spool would contain a larger "school" of fish that utilized multiple types of fish. I painted each of the spools with a couple layers of PaperArtsy Fresco Chalk Acrylic. The layers of translucent paint actually created a more opaque appearance, but I really love the colors.

While the paint was open I decided to color the textiles that would wrap around the spools and hold the fish. To do this I added some PaperArtsy Fresco Chalk Acrylic in South Pacific (FF45) to a shallow tray with water and mixed it together. Then I dipped different types of textiles into the watery paint mix and hung to dry.

I tried a few different types of material, ranging from silk remnants, cotton gauze, and seam binding ribbon. Each fiber accepted the color differently, the cotton gauze turned out a lot darker than both the silk and the seam binding. I am so excited that I have extra pieces I will be able to use later too!

I am really pleased with the results, reminiscent of a beautiful ocean, the perfect backdrop for the fish.

 

Now it is time to get creative with the fish stamps. I want to use the five fish from Kate Crane Mini stamp 07 (KCM007) separately. This could be accomplished by masking; but because of the amount of images I will be using and the fact that I want them in one straight line, I think it will be easiest to simply separate them. To do this I cut the block of fish into five separate pieces. This is not difficult to do if you are careful. I recommend using a sharp knife but it can be done with scissors as well.

Knowing I wanted to align the fish so they would fit onto the strip of seam binding, I marked a line at the center on the back side of the stamp from tip to tail. When I line the images onto my stamping block it is easy to create a straight long strip using my markings.

It's best to stamp the images onto watercolor paper using an Archival ink. This will ensure that the markings will remain crisp when I add water later on. Once the ink is dry, I begin to color the images with watercolor pencils. Since each spool will contain a school of fish, I limit my color palette to create a unified appearance while allowing myself to play with different variations for each.

These fish were cut out as a strip, leaving the middle parts attached. I had initially envisioned simply sewing a line down the center and winding the group around the spool; however, I loved the color of the dyed seam binding ribbon and couldn't resist using it!

The middle spool contains the fish from Kate Crane Mini Stamp 08 (KCM008). I stamped the initial fish complete, then for the remaining images, I masked off the dangling heart. I used the same theory regarding color selection for this grouping. Once all of my coloring was complete, I used a fine detailing brush to add water and spread the pigment.

Each of these fish were cut out with an Exacto knife and attached to the dyed gauze strip with a fabric glue. I love the way the pinks and the green play off the South Pacific color!

The largest spool contains a mix of fish from both mini stamps (KCM007, KCM008). Similar to the medium spool, the fish were stamped, colored, and then cut out individually and attached to a piece of dyed silk remnant.

With my schools of fish complete, it was time to add the finishing touches to the spools. For this, I use the PaperArtsy Kate Crane Stamp Set 05 (KC005). This set is a favorite of mine. It contains some wonderful mixed media marks that work with so many styles. The circlular images gave me all the nautical feels, and I thought that they would be awesome on the flats of the spools.

I added a bit of PaperArtsy Fresco Acrylic in Chalk (FF83) around the edges of the spools as well as a very light coat at the flat areas (top and base).  I then sanded all of the surfaces to give the spools a worn feel. Using VersaMark Embossing ink, I stamped on the spools and coated with gold embossing powder then heat set.

I also used the long lines image around the surface of the mid sized spool. Since it is a flatter design, it was easy to ink up the stamp and wrap around the core to get a clear image. This was also embossed with the gold powder.

Once the embossing was complete, I attached each school of fish to their respective spool and used pieces of jute for a finishing touch.

I love the way this medium sized spool turned out! The cotton gauze accepted the color so well and the colors of the fish together are so fun.

The embossed lines around the spool remind me of ripples of water at the shore.

For this spool I added an eyelet at the end of the gauze and tied a jute pull.

The smallest spool is fairly simple with just a bit of embossing and all the littlest fish in a row.

I tied a piece of jute through the spool to act as a catch for the wound piece.

These little fish make me happy with their bright colors and smiling faces.

A view of the largest spool from the top with the "ship's wheel" embossing.

I love the combination of all the fish done up in blues and orange.

So many fishies...

One of my favorite details: the embossing around the spool edge highlights the school of fish.

I had so much fun imagining this project. When I was first considering a project I kept thinking of a school/spool connection and this idea was born. There are additional fish stamps that Kate Crane has designed for her PaperArtsy line, it would be fun to incorporate those fish (or any other little creatures as well). Maybe you are inspired by this project? I would love to see your ideas.

Wishing you a creative day. 

xx

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2024 Topic 8 : White {by Ann Barnes}

Hi everyone, Ann (aksbarchitect CREATES) here with you today. I feel like the days and months tend to go by faster and faster as I get older, and I find myself wanting it to slow down. Summer in the U.S.A. has come and gone and we are now officially in the season of Autumn. 

Not quite wanting to let go of those summer vibes, I decided to create a bright and airy art journal spread highlighting the wonderful Kate Crane stamp set (KC005) (available from a PaperArtsy Stockist) filled with different mark making stamps. 

The current topic, White, gave me the perfect opportunity to keep everything clean and bright, and as I began to create pieces that I would be collaging into my journal, I thought it would be great to experiment with different ways to allow white to take a leading role.

Whenever I work in my art journal, I don't usually have a final vision in my head, I tend to let the pages go wherever the art leads, this spread was no different. The inks guided my color choices, and then I let the composition flow.

I think one of my favorite aspects of this journal spread is the way that I was able to take the stamp designs and create repetitive patterns with them. The patterned paper I created could  then be torn or cut into perfectly sized pieces for use. Many of the Kate Crane (KC005) stamp designs consist of small groupings of shapes and marks. Repetitive stamping can easily modify the appearance, creating your own designs. I look forward to sharing some of the tricks I use when doing this.

I love working with inks, and am generally up for trying new and different products. The current PaperArtsy theme: Nature, gave me the perfect opportunity to play with some special inks that were derived from nature; or plants and bugs, to be exact! These inks from Fiber&Mud were so fun to experiment with. I also used VersaMark embossing ink, Ranger Industries Embossing Powders - white and clear, PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic - Snowflake (FF15)  and white POSCA paint pens. 

I began with a blank page in my Mixed Media Art Journal. I don't usually gesso my pages when I am using inks, I like the way that the unaltered paper absorbs both ink and water. Since I know that I will be highlighting the color white, before I add any color to the page, I go ahead and stamp the triple circle with axis lines multiple times using VersaMark embossing ink and then heat emboss the images with clear embossing powder. These images will appear as white when I add ink and water since the embossing will create a resist.

I love the way that the inks settled around and within the stamped images, in some cases remaining quite pigmented and others diluted. Within the divided circles, the colors vary and create a lot of interest. 

I can't wait to begin adding more collage elements to the page to give it structure and carry the eyes across the spread. It's easy to create elements that coordinate by using the same colors with a different stamp or stamping medium.

 

Using a base of wet strength tissue paper that I have colored with Fiber&Mud ink and allowed to dry, I align the stamp onto a clear acrylic block. I always try to line up at least one element with the grid pattern that is etched into the acrylic. If your stamp block does not have the grid pattern, you could create your own lines with either a Sharpie marker or even with wash tape. The point of alignment is important as this is how you will be able to line up rows or columns and easily create a repeat pattern.

Stamp the initial image onto the paper, then move the stamp (vertically or horizontally) adjacent to the original stamped image. It's a good idea to note approximately how much space you need to leave as a gap between imprints to create a continuous flow. Using the grid (etched or improvised) align the design and stamp again. Depending on the type of ink you are using, you may need to re-ink your stamp between each step. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to re-ink prior to stamping a new section. Once you have created/completed the desired pattern, Coat with embossing powder and heat emboss.

I created another long pattern on white tissue using the tiny open circle stamp design with white embossing. These little circles were so fun to drop a bit of the Fiber&Mud ink into and let dry. The random intense color inside gave this pattern an entirely new look.

I also stamped the long lines image onto white cardstock and embossed with white. After the heat embossing had cooled, I used a paint brush to paint swaths of ink perpendicular to the white lines.creating a brand new pattern.

When I have an assortment of patterned papers complete, it is time to start laying out the pieces. The top left and bottom right corners containing the sectioned circles and flowing ink areas create the background, and dictate the direction of the layout.

I want to keep my pages fairly monochromatic with the Indigo and Cochineal Purple tones. When I search through my stash of papers, some botanical images catch my attention. These will work with both the Nature theme and my color scheme. I start with a large block of color towards the center of the page and work my way out, trying to work in both directions outward to maintain balance. Many collage artists have a personal style. I have learned that my style always tends to be axial (containing horizontal and vertical elements). I also have a thing for using circles in my art. You will see many of these elements in my work.

Once I have all of the pieces attached, I add some PaperArtsy Fresh Finish - Snowflake (FF15) splatters to both pages using a Distress splatter brush. Once the splatters are dry, I then go back and add small details with gold. I love how this spread turned out. The way that the botanical elements tied in with the "marks" was refreshing. I don't often use a lot of white in my work, yet after completing this piece, I may rethink that. I love the clean look that is achieved when using white.  

It is always fun to create in my art journal. I find it a great place to experiment with new techniques or even just to practice making art each day. Whether you work in a journal on a regular basis or just sporadically, or even if it is something you have never done, I highly recommend trying it. It's a safe place to create that never has to be shared, if you don't want to. If you find you create something that you are very proud of, you can display it. There truly are no rules. So grab your supplies and enjoy the experience. Thanks for stopping by today. ~Ann

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