Hi all! Happy to have you on this Ampersand and StencilGirl® Blog Hop where there are lots of fabulous ideas and techniques to learn about. And, we have a ***giveaway***! Scroll to the bottom for all the details!
For those of you have been following the “mystery” I have been showcasing on social media, the wait is over! The “case” has been solved, decorated or embellished and completed! And all the “evidence” has been tucked inside :). It has been an absolute blast to go somewhere I have never been before. The journey of discovery is the best part of art, and stencils make it even better. No two projects are ever the same and it’s never boring! For my project, I chose to use the Ampersand shadow box. I love working dimensionally and thought this was the perfect product for doing just that! Although the background surface is gesso’d and you are able to work directly on to it, I chose to work on a piece of mixed media substrate and insert it into the box. (Ok, I was a chicken to go cold “turkey” onto the background so I used a substrate but don’t tell anyone.) It is awesome to know that the work surface is ready to go as is! Bravery for me. I will get there though!
Like most of my projects, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I just know that I make it a priority to always try something different. Every time. I really feel like it makes me grow and stretch my skillset. This time I decided to use some cool ephemera I had gathered from my countless garage sale adventures and finally incorporate them into a project rather than a drawer. :). I gesso’d my substrate first then applied the vintage paper pieces.
When it came to the paint, I chose some colors that I loved but were a little out of my comfort zone. I picked Midnight, Buff and Terra Cotta Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics by Seth Apter for PaperArtsy and white acrylic paint. (Seth’s set of these 3 paints plus Mahogany can be found here.) I applied some on with a brush and others I used my fingers to move and soften the colors and edges of my ephemera. When I finally got them where I wanted, I came back in with Vintage Photo Ink by Tim Holtz and Ranger and added some defining edges. I misted it a little so it would run. Oh and I almost forgot to share that I scratched my pages a little to reveal the paper underneath.
I stamped Seth Apter’s “Journal Jargon 4“ and “Eclectica³ 09 Cling Rubber Stamp Set” using Hero Arts Intense Black Ink (permanent) here and there, added a bit of Vintage Beeswax Embossing Powder by Seth and Emerald Creek and that set the stage for stenciling.
I also used Seth’s new ATC Mixup collection by StencilGirl® and randomly applied some of the markings to my background using white paint. (The stencil designs I used on the stencil itself are found on the bottom, far, right-hand corner, the one to the left of it and the circles above it.) I thought it was also important to ground some of my work with a black charcoal pencil. Splattering several shades of paint was the finishing touch, as was the Cracks stamped image by Tim Holtz. (It’s a staple folks!).
I almost stopped here because I really liked the simplicity as it was. I am so used to adding dimension that I continued on but next time I just might be done.
Once my background was set, I collaged the inside edge of the box with various pieces of ephemera. Don’t hesitate to break up the sections. Things don’t have to be even to look good. More often than not, I go for the asymmetrical look. I feel like it keeps the eye moving around the art rather than settling in one specific area. I stained my box and then added these two old measuring tapes that I cut to fit. Notice one of the tapes has a hinge in the middle of the top edge. Again, trying to loose some of the predictability.
Lastly I added my little collection. I had all the pieces in my artroom. I know. Sick, right?
My favorite piece by far is the Fahrenheit gauge. It has a real unique history to it. Came from a man who flew the second plane ever, right behind Charles Lindberg. Lots of story there but that’s for another time.
Did you notice the placement of all the pieces? Not quite center :).
And there you have it. It’s ready to hang and I have just the spot. Just because my post is at the end, doesn’t mean there isn’t more! You will definitely want to see what Gwen Lafleur Is up to! And in case you missed one along the way, here’s the line up!
And don’t forget to enter the fabulous giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to Ampersand
AND a $50 Gift Certificate to StencilGirl® Studio!
Enter to win by leaving a comment below.
Then be sure to visit the other blogs in the hop and comment to win.
The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to WIN!
One winner will be chosen at random from all blog comments!
(One comment per blog please.)
Winner will be announced on
StencilGirl® Product’s Facebook page on Wednesday, November 21.
What a fantastic piece of vintage art! Thanks for showing us your process!
Another winner here. Absolutely love the background you created and want a feature wall exactly like that in my studio. And the assemblage is just perfect – looks like it was meant to all be together. Wonderful artwork in what looks like to be a very fun blog hop.
Great project, Debi. I especially love your background painting. And I love the Ampersand shadow box!
Love, Love, Love it Debi!!!! Awesome!!!
I also embrace asymmetrical work. It’s a challenge for me because I tend to like both sides to match. Love the box!
Love this! Great project! Love Seth’s products. Your colors, emphera pieces everything perfect choices!
Loved seeing the process of your latest creation! So fun!
I absolutely love your piece! I collect lots of old hardware and junk….. maybe I’ve just found a way to use some of it!! Thanks for sharing!
Your artwork is hot! What a fun way to totally immerse yourself in a new medium.
Excellent. Reminds me of Seth Apter’s amazing work. You’re in good company.
I love Seth’s paint colors! The antique look is my favorite.
Fantastic project. Thanks for the
detailed directions. It would be
an honor to have something like
this on display in my family
room – hopefully I’ll be able to
make one for myself.
thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love the grunge! That background is amazing….the texture, the colors, the little details. And your found pieces are awesome! So very unique and wonderful.
Debi, Debi. You’re such an art Maven. Wow! Also, a person after my heart, as I love making assemblages too. This is a masterpiece. I like your explanation. Your design and colors is perfect. It’s incredible that it’s a gauge, a true vintage piece. I hope you keep this in a sacred spot.
That is gorgeous and unique! I love it.
Great assemblage!
What a unique and beautiful project!! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity, Debi!
Fabulous project. Thanks for sharing
Love your project and products used. So grungy and cool! Thank you.
Intriguing!
Love the colors of the background…
You must have such fun garage sale shopping! and what a creative use of found objects!
Just my cup of tea. Lovely!
Absolutely love this-especially the background! Wow!
Very interesting project
I love the detail in this – so wonderful!
Great piece, love the background!
This is fantastic! Love it!
So many wonderful layers and details! Wonderful project!
I love this project. You are such a versatile artist and creative person such beautiful art.
oh. my. gosh.
This is so amazingly gorgeous, Debi!!
How I wish I could see it in person because I am in love with the photos!
The colors, textures, all of it!! Wow! So happy you are part of this hop!
Wow Debi! This is awesome! I would’ve never thought you used so many techniques! Awesome project.
Debi as always you show us how talented you are but share with us on how to do something like it – Your amazing and Thank You for sharing the steps!!!
Like the historical artifacts used. The whole project is top notch.
Great project!
OMG! Such an awesome piece of vintage assemblage! Thanks for showing how to create that background too it looks awesome….Yep I am inspired!
What a beautiful piece with lots of wonderful layers!
What a lovely piece. Ampersand has some amazing products.
Very cool!
Nice vintage piece. Thanks for sharing your process.
The background alone would make a great art piece!
awesome!
Wow what an amazing project thanks for sharing your awesome creation with us ♡♡♡
Wow! What a unique piece! I really like the vintage look you achieved.
Fantastic artsy creation! Thanks for sharing it.
Love the distressed look of this! Thanks
Knock me out and leave me speechless why don’t you Debi- this is absolutely awesome ! The creativity , the antique finds and the well written post all come together to make an amazing whole! Needless to say I absolutely LOVE ! Tfs and keeping me hooked on SM over the last few days . x
This is just stellar! I really love the textures and the way you created your background. And the history of your assemblage pieces really pull everything together so well! Really love your project!
How lovely!!
Very fun project! I love how you can take old “junk” and turn it into some magical and storyful. Thanks for sharing!
Nice project!
Amazing! So many different vintage items put together to create a great piece of art. Love all the texture and muted colors!
redrider55(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow! How did you get your hands on those pieces???? They are beautiful. I love the piece you created with them.
Love it! I have lots of “treasures” picked up here and there too… great use for them!
Love all the beautiful texture! Good work!
It’s amazing!
I am not a 3d person myself, but this is truly inspiring!
Thank you for sharing!
Wowzers, this is extremely beautiful ! Love every detail of your project from the beginning to the end! Thank you so much for sharing!
Beautiful composition, very pleasant !
Wow what a beauty. I’m with you on the BG. you could have stopped right there. But it does look awesome with the ephemera too! Next time! Love the colour combo. Works a treat!
Debi, your art continually gives me pause. This piece is really amazing, from the collection of mechanicals for the inside to that gorgeous background you created. It’s a stunning piece. I am so inspired by your ability to push yourself in different directions and achieve success, it makes me want to try harder. Thank you for sharing your talents. xx
Wow! Love this! Great way to turn some old vintage treasures into something brand new to appreciate!
wow, this is so cool!!! I love it and all the vintage that you’ve incorporated. =)
Wonderful project! You created an awesome background (that could be a foreground it’s so cool) for all your incredible found objects. Just love how you put it all together!!
I love vintage art and this is amazing. Thank you for sharing.
Really liked the background and colors.
This is gorgeous!