2015 Round Up: Faces, Triptychs, Abstract Art {curated by Hazel Agnew}

Good evening everyone. Leandra with you.

Here we are at the final summary post highlighting what a wealth of information our fantastic team of bloggers have brought to you in 2015.

I do hope you have appreciated it. They are a dream team to work with. And we hope to bring you another bunch of amazing topics for 2016. We have a few new faces coming to the blog too which is always enjoyable for us all! All will be revealed very soon!

I cannot thank enough the amazing team we have behind the scenes, from Darcy and Gillian who help with admin, editing and formatting, through to all of the 40-50 regular contributors, and the numerous less regular contributors. Every single person brings something new, exciting and interesting for us all to appreciate. We are all different, we all like different styles, genres, colours and that is exactly what this blog celebrates and encourages you to discover within yourself: your own precious individuality.

We are pretty sure that you enjoy how this blog works, and we certainly love how you have joined in the fortnightly challenges to show us your interpretation of the topics.

So here we are at the last night of reminiscing. Who better than Hazel to share with you her highlights for the final 3 topics of 2015. 

Kick back and relax as she guides you through her picks - oh so hard to choose!!

Leandra

Hi everyone, Hazel Agnew here guesting a review about some of this year's highlights. 

I have started by showing a picture of the item that I am most proud of this year. Tis my decorated bottle with clay stopper and surround. Good old Treasure Gold has transformed the clay into metal! I created it in January and it sits in pride of place on my mantlepiece!

This year for me has been very exciting creatively! The new format here on the PaperArtsy blog has suited me perfectly, enabling us to meet new challenges, enjoy instructional videos and guest designers and experiment with fresh ideas.

The interaction with like minded crafters continues. We are all learning and growing in confidence and Leandra has introduced us to some exciting topics and exciting people. I still need to calm down a bit and experiment with techniques more, but have found that the challenges have extended me out of my comfort zone.

Topic 19: Faces

With a wealth of stimulating ideas and cracking videos presented by Leandra, the faces topic took off like a rocket. People loved the "How to" video by Dina Wakley and debut faces popped up and thrilled us all.

Julie Ann produced this fabulous Butterfly with a face. To me, Julie Ann's work reflects an ethereal quality and her storytelling is incomparable. I love the way that she sketches, scans and prints her faces for a variety of topics. The combination of human faces and animal bodies adds a mythical touch, which I love.

Deb Wainwright's Broken Doll totally entrances me. What strikes me about Deb's work on faces, and, in her work generally, is her ability to present them in a myriad of mixed media ways.

This one develops from a patchwork background, has textured hair and the cracked face adds a mysterious fascination. 

What can I say about our own Darcy! Her attention to detail is awe inspiring. Here in her Clock Face, the shadows created by the butterflies and moths define her meticulous style, and the layering on this piece is brilliant...all finished off with the all seeing glassy eye!

When we get a topic like this, we get such diverse challenge entries. Did you see Tracy Easson's Art doll.She describes her methods so carefully and I really need to push clay through a garlic press! Bet that its really therapeutic. I think that we all fell in love with Gertie.

Did you see the challenge entry from Julie Bell. Soooo different, using crackle paste and rusting powder on her....but not literally....face! If you missed it, you can visit her blog HERE.

And here it is!

Topic 20: Triptychs

Next came Triptychs. This opened up so many exciting possibilities. Lynne Perrella sprung to mind straight away, but, as usual, there were triptychs coming from every style and genre. I did a little research and found that the work of Francis Bacon and David Hockney on triptychs was very thought provoking.

We kicked off with a stunner from the professor of techniques that is Alison Bomber and her piece entitled ....thrice blasted, thrice infected.

In my opinion, Alison has such an enthusiasm for the world around her, that she absorbs art from every aspect of life and interprets it into her work. In this piece, she combines snippets of Shakespeare with botany and a touch of nostalgia. How cool are those curved bottles! I must admit to having stalked Alison a little bit and have learned so much from her that I have considered creating a notebook just with tips from the maestro!

Later in the week, Florence Adam presented us with her elegant Vintage Parisian Trio.

I just love the elegance of this piece by Florence. The understated tones enable the images to sing together in perfect harmony. Her first blog post and I certainly look forward to further installments.

But lets not forget the talented Helen Chilton, who approached her gorgeous piece rather like a jigsaw puzzle. She carefully selects all the pieces to come together magically. The wired beads and snowflakes are the perfect topping to her Winter Wonderland.

Someone who underestimates her ability is Lesley Ebdon. Lesley produced some eye-catching wall art. 

Lesley's triptych is so delicately beautiful with watered down shades of the new Limited Edition paints. She has added touches of crackle that resemble cake icing, recently disturbed. The finished effect displays simplicity, but when you look carefully, Lesley has used many different techniques to achieve this.

The challenge entries were fantastic, I hope you saw this post by Sam Butler. Sam, to me, is the ultimate stamping pro. Her stamping is par excellence! Here, her clock triptych is just perfect. She lets the stamping speak for itself! You can find her HERE!

Topic 21: Abstract Art

Moving onto the topic of Abstract art....I think that a lot of us were confused as to the definition. It can be different things to different people. But, once again, fired up by the excellent examples and encouragement on the PA blog, we were treated to a wealth of talent and diversity.

I adored Jo Myhill's post of "Two Reeds", which kicked off the fortnight. Jo's ability to express moods in the simplest of terms is enviable. To me, Jo is the ultimate "Grungemeister" and her techniques are so atmospheric as she builds so much depth into her work. Whenever I look at Jo's work, I want to be able to touch it, and I am always inspired to get going and create something myself.

If you seek something a little bit out of the box, then look no further than the lovely Lucy Edmondson! Lucy can always be relied upon to come up with something a little different. Her Colour Block Christmas Tree is fresh, innovative and makes great use of old wooden stamp blocks.

Lucy has used the new Limited Edition paint colours, creating a modern, yet, at the same time, retro feel.

She obviously has loads more patience than me in carefully preparing the blocks. What a great tip to loosen the glue in the microwave!

A technique that I really want to try is the "Geometric Backgrounds" by Pavla Hozikora.

Pavla describes this as a simple trick, but the detailed layering, including stamping, painting, stencilling, the cutting of the shapes, inking, assembling is a true labour of love with exciting results. Open for plenty of free expression too!

I just could not leave out the work of Ruth Mescall ! I look forward to seeing her work, which has great style and elegance.

The proportions in her "Textured Canvas" are just perfect. The contrasts between the dry brushed grunge paste and the opulence of the gold and pink foiling are genius. I think that this photo does not do it full justice and the detailed pic from her blog shown below shows the metallic and texture detail much more clearly.

The first challenge entry for this topic popped up very quickly from the very talented Etsuko. Her abstract is stunning and would look most at home in the finest gallery!

You can look in more detail HERE.

And Finally from me....

How about an item that links all 3 of these topics? Well there's a challenge! I decided to make a large picture this time! I had rescued a large framed picture from a charity shop and created my work on the hardboard backing. It measures 15x20 inches. My work was inspired by 2 people. Lynne Perrella and Deborah Wainwright. It has random torn squares of mop up paper and bought paper as a background. I drew the face and then brayered bright fresco colours over everything. I stamped LP images onto dominoes and transformed the frame with Little Black Dress and Ruby Treasure Gold.

Finally, thank you for looking at my review of these three glorious topics. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your friendship and encouragement this year and also to apologise to anyone whom I have left out of this review! It's a bit like delving into a box of chocolates....soooo many favourites but not allowed to indulge myself with them all!

A great time to wish everyone the best 2016, health and happiness!

So, it's Hazel Agnew....@craftroomgran......Mellifluous Meanderings...and anything else that you wish to call me, signing out! Thanks for looking.

As a parting gesture to 2015, here is a summary video that Darcy shared of her journal in which she explored all the PaperArtsy Blog topics of 2015. It was created in a junk-journal style, ie experimental, so it was not intended to be a book of 'finished' pages, more a series of ideas and exploratory fun. Enjoy!

2015 #20 It Is Not In The Stars {by Emma Godfrey}

2015 Topic 20: Triptychs

Hi everyone Emma here, joining you this evening with a post showing you my take on a triptych. I love art journaling and making home decor items, and if you follow my blog or Pinterest pages, you'll know I also love quotes ... and this topic offers me the perfect opportunity to put all of those together!

Step One: I used three 4"x6" wooden blocks as my base. I stuck some torn book text onto each one, and covered them with gesso. I then stenciled stars randomly (from PS018) over the three blocks using Jet Black Archival Ink and a piece of Cut'n'Dry Foam. I stamped the quote (from ESN13) onto Smoothy card twice - this allows me to cut out alternate lines leaving the largest possible border around each one).

ESN13

Step Two: I applied Mermaid, Smurf and Lilac Fresco Finish paints using a piece of Cut'n'Dry foam. Keeping the three blocks together and working as if they are one piece, will give you a more cohesive finished piece at the end.

Step Three: Now to build up some more layers. First, Eggplant Fresco Finish through The Crafters Workshop Mini Circle Grid stencil. Then Limelight Fresco Finish splodged on with my finger. I stamped the small dots from ESN09 using Beach Hut Fresco Finish, and stamped the text stamp from ESN13 in Jet Black Archival Ink.  The last layer for this stage was Golden High Solid Gel (Gloss) through The Crafters Workshop Mini Tile Texture stencil.

ESN09 

Step Four: Once the Golden gel has dried, I added some Snowflake Fresco Finish with my finger to tone some areas down, and also with the wrong end of a paintbrush to create small dots. Little Black Dress Fresco Finish was applied with the paint pot lid to create the circles.

Step Five: I painted the edges of all three blocks with Little Black Dress Fresco Finish., and then went around the edges and over the gel texture with Treasure Gold Brass.

Step Six: I stuck the quote down and outlined it with a black pen. I painted some wooden stars with Golden Iridescent Bronze (it's so metallic - I love it!), and glued those in place. To finish, I decided I wanted a little extra texture, so I smeared some Golden Glass Bead Gel around some of the corners.

Here's a close up of the first block...

I really enjoyed making this piece - it was going to be a present for someone, but I'm thinking I might keep it for myself - it looks rather nice on the shelf above my desk! I love this colour combination at the moment too - turquoise and purple - and the Limelight really makes it pop.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my project - I'd love to see what you make if it has inspired you.   You can find me on my blog, facebook and twitter.

oh definitely keep them Emma, they are so pretty. The colour combo is lovely and the touches of texture are yummy, esepcially once highlighted with treasure gold. ~Darcy

We would love you to join in with challenge #20: Triptychs If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE. 

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Triptychs link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Nov 8th winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

2015 #20 Three Wise Monkeys {by Trish Latimer}

 2015 Topic 20: Triptychs

Hi everyone, Trish here, joining you this evening with a post about triptychs!

When creating anything at all, 3 always seems to be a magic number. The whole 'rule of thirds' thing, the fact that embellishments always seem look better (to me!) in threes...I could go on! 

I find a triptych of any kind is just as pleasing to the eye, and I love creating them! My project today was born from a relaxed playing session, simply going with the flow and doing what I love: messing about with paint and background stamping! 

You may recognise the loose theme I was going along with! I think you will see this better if you click the picture.... long rectangles are always fun to fit into a blog post!

Step One: To create the background on my wooden coasters, I smeared on paint with my fingers. To begin with, the lighter colours in my colour scheme: Snowflake, Zesty Zing and Captain Peacock:

Step Two: I then smeared on the two darker colours, Eggplant and Professor Plum, and added splats of Snowflake.

Step Three: I stamped a collaged design randomly on the edges. Not too much, or it overwhelms the main image! I used a variety of circular designs, taken from...

 ECL04...

EEG07...

...and EEV06

Step Four: I decided to use a hand drawn character as my main image, so sketched her out onto a scrap of card...

Step Five: I wanted to used a paper-pieced bit of card for her dress. The easiest way to do this is to trace the dress first. I used some deli paper, then cut it out.

Step Six:  I painted a scrap of card with turquoise paint (a discontinued JOFY colour), then over-stamped in white. The deli paper dress shapes can then be drawn around, cut out and pieced onto the finished figure.

I really love playing about with paint and finding new colour schemes, and the addition of crisp black stamping is always a nice contrast. Don't forget that nice effects can be achieved by not pressing the whole design onto the background when stamping, partial prints with a faded edge can look cool!

I haven't quite decided what to do with my 3 coasters, they are definitely a set, but could just as easily work separately! I may find a shadow box big enough to take all three, and keep them as a triptych. 

Whether the triptych you create is joined together or separate, it's always fun to have a theme running through all three elements, and I tried to come up with a new twist on an old favourite today! 

I had great fun in doing so, so thank you so much PaperArtsy for inviting me back for this theme!

Take care, 

Trish x

www.inkpaintbeads.blogspot.co.uk

What a lot of fun this looks Trish! Love the coaster idea and how you effortlessly have created a cheeky background and put such a fun series of linked collages on top! Thanks for sharing with us! I think you've nailed a couple of recent themes in this triptych too; circles and faces! ~Leandra

We would love you to join in with Challenge #20: Triptychs. If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE. 

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Triptychs link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Nov 8th winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

2015 #20 Wall Art {by Lesley Ebdon}

 2015 Topic 20: Triptychs

Hi everyone, Lesley here from Crafty Love n Hugs and tonight I'm sharing a wall art Triptych.  I love texture and layering but I also love 'clean and simple' elegance so I combined both to create my wall art using the latest release of fabulous Limited Edition Fresco Finish Paints and Lin Brown's wonderful new stamps that I had the privilege of playing with for their launch.

Step One: I started by applying torn strips of white paper and card to two small canvases then applied a coat of Gesso over the top.  I also gave the larger canvas a coat of Golden Gesso.  (Snowflake Fresco Finish would cover beautifully too but I'm a bit precious with mine).

Step Two: Next I applied Deco Art White Crackle Paste to corners of all the canvases and took it over the edges slightly.  I used a crocodile effect stencil in some areas and just applied with my finger over the edges.  After allowing this to dry, I painted all three canvases with a layer of Teresa Green Fresco Finish from the new set followed by a second layer slightly toned down with Honey Dew.  I gave them a third layer adding more Honey Dew and blending with a wet wipe.  (apologies for colour quality on some of the step photos as I was working at night)

Step Three: I made a very watered down mix of each of the new Limited Edition Frescos...

...in spray bottles and then used a pipette to dribble a little of each colour over the crackled areas allowing it to run.  Love the way it moves into the cracks and these new paints created such pretty shades!  I then added a very light spritz of the Captain Peacock and Granny Smith mixes.

Step Four: I finished the small canvases by stamping the birdcage from ELB21...

...twice onto acetate with Black Stazon Ink, cut them out and then coated them with the new PaperArtsy Frosting Glaze on both sides to dull the shine before sticking them to the small canvases.  I stamped two little flowers from ELB22 onto card, coloured and cut them out to embellish the top of the cages.

Step Five: Next I turned my attention to the main image ...... the beautifully elegant Bluebell from ELB22 !

Firstly, I stamped the flower several times onto copy paper manipulating the stem each time so that one flowing stem with several flowers could be created.  I cut them out very roughly and played around with arranging them on the large canvas until I was happy and then restamped each one onto tissue and painted them with the watered down Frescos.  I then fussy cut each flower and stuck it to the canvas with Golden Soft Gel (Matte).

Step Six: Next I used the Golden Gel again to adhere some linen fabric from my stash onto white molding plastic and when it was dry I stamped 5 flower heads, again painted them with my paint mixes and when they were completely dry I cut them out and shaped them with my fingers after heating with a heat tool.

Step Seven: I then used the same Gel to layer them over the images on the canvas, offsetting them slightly to create more depth and dimension.  I also added a little soft smudged pencil shading along the bottom edge of the stems.

I'm pleased with how my triptych turned out and I am really happy with the effect of using different sized canvases.  There are one or two different combinations that can be used when arranging them on a wall which is why I didn't want to join them together.  Lin's latest stamp releases include several fairly large elegant flower images just perfect for clean and simple and their bold lines make them ideal for stamping onto fabric.

If you're not a fan of clean and simple you could always add background stamping or stencilling and add something to the canvas edges.  I'd love to see your take on wall art triptychs.

Lesley

http://craftymammalovenhugs.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook : Lesley Ebdon

Twitter : @Craftymamma2

Wow Lesley, the effect of the paint in the cracks is so easy but oh so effective with the gorgeous drips and dribbles. Such a gorgeous understated way to start a canvas. Love the bluebells, one of my fave Lin brown stamps too, and I might have done a little 'ohhhhhh' at the genius idea of using frosting glaze to soften the shiny acetate! Thankyou ! ~Leandra

We would love you to join in with Challenge #20: Triptychs. If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE. 

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Triptychs link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Nov 8th winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.