I got an email from Tim inviting me to play along in the Melt Art Mania with Ranger.
We could use UTEE, or Bees Wax, embossing powder, shrink plastic...whatever.
I pondered, thinking I wanted something "different" that wouldn't be a lot like everyone elses....maybe.
And so I decided to make.....EARRINGS! And I did, but then, then I had an Epiphany again. GEARS and the BUCKLES on a box with the FOUNDATIONS embossed!!!
So, you get 2 for the price of one today......and a chance at a PRIZE package!
This is actually an Eyeglass case.
I took some paper from the 8x8 Collage pad and ran it through the Vagabond with the Gears Texture Fade to emboss, then added Clear Embossing Ink to the raised areas in spots, added Verdigris Embossing Powder and heated it up.
Add Distress Inks and Antique Bronze Distress Paint for some contrast.
On the ends you see the Clock Key and a Gear with various UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Powders) on them. I LOVE the way the Keys look pitted and old.
Just push the flat side of the key, gear or the face of the knob into the Clear Embossing Ink pad and then dip it into the UTEE jar. Remove carefully and heat it up.
I did use Tiger Lily on the Foundations, a color that's been discontinued, but many of you may still have the Brightz colors from Suze.
Push them into the ink and use a cloth to wipe the raised area clean. Then sprinkle the UTEE into the area to be embossed. Heat with Heat it Tool.
REMEMBER - Metal gets HOT when you heat it up, let it sit to cool before touching it!!!
The end papers have the Verdigris powder, brown Distress Inks and Antique Bronze Distress Paint.
(To check out the products used, just click on the links as you go along. Most products are carried at Inspiration Emporium)
Here I used Stream Alcohol Ink on the wings (Regal Adornments are on sale!) and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.
You can see I polished the Spinner and Gear here with the Reliefing Block (see later in post). The Front Flap has Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink, Verdigris powder, and some Brown Distress Inks.
I used the Worn Text set to stamp LIFE onto a paper from the 8x8 Collage Paper Stash collection, and embossed with Super Fine Black Embossing powder.
This side has the Riveted Metal Texture Fade with Ink, Paint, and Embossing Powder.
I layered the LIFE onto black chipboard for the back of the box.
The embossed Gears on the papers really show up great for the background.
You lift the flap using the Faucet Knob to open the lid of the box.
So there's the 1st project, "LIFE - enjoy the journey"and now for the Earrings!!!
Yep, these pieces that look like enameled brass are actually very easy and reasonable to make.
I used 2 pieces of Brass Vintaj metal to make these, PLUS embossing powders.
This is a daylight/Ott light picture. Some of the others taken in progress are at night...you know how I am.
First I ran the 25guage natural brass blank Guitar Pick, through the Vagabond Machine using the a DecoEmboss folder Deco Motif.
This is so easy it's almost sinful!
Then I polished it with the Metal Reliefing Block. This tool is A-Ma-Zing! Worth every penny when it comes to polishing brass or other metals.
I use it on my Idea-ology Keyholes, Gears, and Keys as well to brighten up the piece.
On the left is the piece that's just embossed, on the right is the piece that's been polished with the Reliefing Block. (shown below)
So you can see the difference this makes on the embossed blank! It polishes the top and leaves the recessed area dark. Gorgeous!
This tool is for jewelry generally, so it's much finer than a sanding block, and it has a side that just polishes.
OK, now to the "Melt Art" part.
I pushed the blank face down into the clear embossing ink pad. Got it real juicy, and then used a soft rag to "gently" wipe the ink off the raised area of the blank. I used my shirt tail! Hey, it's old and it's cotton! I should use that info just to see if anyone read this whole tutorial as a test to win.
Just Kidding!
Next you sprinkle Verdigris Antiquities onto the blank and tap off the excess. Carefully remove any on the raised area with a soft cloth. (Or your shirt, Crafters!)
Then use your Heat It Tool to melt the embossing powder. You can also lay this piece in the Melting Pot on a Craft Sheet to melt the powder. Either way.
Polish it again with the Refining Tool, and it's pretty impressive! Melts right into the recessed areas.
I decided they were pretty, but they needed some contrast to show up better.
So I tried the Fern Curving Right...to me it looks Left, but what do I know?
These are a couple of the things I embossed.
The top charms are with Verdigris and Gold UTEE.
Heat it up and while it's still hot, lightly sprinkle more colors on top of your base color to melt in.
DO NOT OVERHEAT! It will all blend in together and become one color if you do that.
The Ferns are with Verdigris, Tiger Lilly, and Gold UTEE. I made the final set with just Verdigris and Tiger Lily...no Gold.
The Tiger Lily shows up COMPLETELY different on the Brass than it did on the Silver Foundations. Darker.
I used Tiger Lily UTEE that I had on hand, but you can use clear and mix with Coral Heat It Inks in the Organic Set to get an orangy color.
Add 2 gold-plated ear hooks and some jump rings and they're "out the door" DONE!
Now for the exciting part....leave a comment and we'll have a drawing for a PRIZE box from Ranger with:
2 texture treads, 1 set of heat-it inks, an 8oz. jar
of clear UTEE, and a Melt Art Project Craft Sheet.
We'll have a random-generated drawing and Ranger will send out your box of Goodies!
So, what are you waiting for?
Leave a comment, and make sure I know how to contact you if you win, or just check back when we have the drawing on June 1st.
Take Care and Create ART,
Linda
