This is a unique challenge blog where we are inspired by and focus on the Vintage; shabby; mixed-media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn and steampunk genres and encompass the talent, flair, expertise and ideas of many artists that we are inspired by. We welcome all types of projects - cards, journaling, assemblage, layouts, albums, atcs, altered art in fact whatever you want to share (as long as it is in good taste).

Friday 19 July 2019

'Precious Metal' Canvas Tutorial .

Hi Everyone and Welcome

Amanda (ink-a-pink) here to share a short tutorial for my 'Simplify Life' mixed media canvas that I created for our current challenge 'Precious Metal'. My original post can be seen here.
I will be focusing on the main creative process today. There's nothing too complicated about it and its probably something you have all done before be it intentionally or unintentionally. 
 'Paint blistering', 'Paint bubbling', 'Superheating paint' ring any bells? 
They are all terms I have heard used for this process and when done 'intentionally' its great fun and creates some fabulous texture, detail and interest. 


So lets begin....
The canvas is a 5x7 inch board canvas
Apply a couple of coats of PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Paint.


Scrape white gesso onto the canvas randomly using a palette knife


Apply silver metallic paint to the canvas quite randomly and in variations of thickness using a palette knife or brush if you prefer. 
Dry the paint with a heat gun ensuring the heat is in close proximity to the paint, i.e hold the heat gun super close to the canvas. 


As the paint dries it will start to bubble and blister - you will both see it and hear it as the paint crackles when it starts to blister. The size of the paint bubbles will vary dependent on the thickness of the paint application and the heat intensity. 


Repeat the steps above with gold metallic paint. 


I was multitasking here- taking photos with one hand and working the heat gun to bubble the paint with the other! Not so easy but hope I've managed to capture some shots that give you the general idea. 


 The bubbled and blistered paint can (if you want) be popped simply by using a pin or they can be flattened using your finger -once the paint has cooled of course!! Some may pop/flatten of their own accord but that's ok as you will still retain texture albeit in a slightly flatter form. 
The next steps are optional ....
Sponge very lightly and randomly onto the textured painty surface with touches of DecoArt Quin Gold, gesso and black acrylic paint, drying between each. 


The result 


Add some stamped detail using stamps and permanent inks of your choice. 
The stamping isn't at first obvious to the viewing eye but if you look close you will see 


that its nestled within all the fabulous 'paint blistered' texture. 


I used the same creative process for the slim central panel, the only differences being I worked with Tim Holtz tarnished brass distress paint instead of gold metallic paint and smooched the card through the paint to get an initial layer of colour. 


The focal feature is what I call a piece of 'street swag'- a lucky find that I came across when I was out clocking up some steps earlier this year. It took no real creative effort at all as it was already 'well weathered' so I simply added a few light touches of paint and gilding wax before adhering it to a double mount made up of a die cut (Seth Apter Loop de Loop) and a painted ATcoin (That's Crafty) 


The canvas is embellished with some of Tim Holtz metal ideology pieces, some of which were treated to touches of metallic paint like the ruler or silver gilding wax like the game spinner. 


The words on the philosophy tag and typed token were emphasized with black soot distress crayon and together they provide the title for my canvas

'Simplify Life' .



I hope you have enjoyed your time here with me today and that maybe I have offered some 'metallic paint bubbling/ blistering ' inspiration. 
If you would like to join us in our 'Precious Metal' challenge head over to the launch post where you will find all the details you need to enter. 
We love when you share your creativity with us and are really looking forward to seeing all your entries.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend 
Take Care 
Amanda 
x

9 comments:

  1. Incredible textures, Amanda. All those bubbles and blisters are beyond cool - great to see "behind the scenes" on this fabulous panel.
    Alison x

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  2. Great tutorial Amanda! I love all of your wonderful rusting techniques shown here - a great mix of colors and textures! What a wonderful precious metal project! Julia xx

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  3. A great technique (one I had completely forgotten about!), the textures you created are fantastic and your project is stunning! Anne xx

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  4. Wonderful to see how this came together Amanda - great colours and techniques and your usual fab layout. xxx

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  5. What a fabulous tutorial Amanda. This background and techniques used are fabulous and I shall certainly give it a try.


    TFS and huge hugs
    Annie x

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  6. Thanks Alison, Julia, Anne , Nikki and Annie for visiting my post and for your kind words and support . Much appreciated x

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  7. I so enjoyed reading the post and learnt lots. Thank you fro the fabulous inspiration x.

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  8. Amanda, your tutorial had me on the edge of my seat! What a fabulous textured canvas and great painting technique you have shared with us! Sorry to be late; I've been on vacation with little to no internet service. Once home, household emergency!

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  9. Wow, I love this piece and following along with your tutorial, it looks like you had such fun! The precious metal look and feel that you created is amazing 😁. Happy and creative wishes! Jo x

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