Friday, January 20, 2012

Getting the Faux on..........

Hey People!  The E-Team is starting the New Year with a New Series:  Getting Your Faux On!! 



Of course, it wouldn't be an E-Team hop with out some goodies!!  All you have to do is leave a comment on each Team member's blog for a chance to win one of  THREE $25 eP gift vouchers!  You will have from today, Friday, January 20 until Sunday, January 22 to leave a comment.  Winners will be announced late Monday, January 23 on the eP blog.

E-Team Members
Me!

The lovely Wendy Vecchi posted a fabulous faux technique, Faux Crazed Porcelain, on her blog a while back, using Glue n Seal and Rock Candy Crackle Paint.  Our fearless leader, Daisy, challenged the E-Team to use this technique and see what we could come up with to inspire you to give it a try!!   

I did a lot of experimenting with this technique.  Let me first share my project, then I'll share some tips on what I discovered.

Let's just ignore the fact that I put my cage on base at an angle.  Yes, it really bothers me, as I was wanting it to be straight!  The bent "bars" would be my failed attempt trying to correct the angle of placement after the fact.  Obviously, sometimes you just have to let those little mishaps go. sigh.

I decided to make a decor item or wall hanging.  The base is a piece of foam board that was cut to 6x6".  Two layers of Pure Luxury Ivory card stock the bottom layer is slightly larger than 6x6") were distressed and form the base.  All the decorative papers come from My Mind's Eye 6x6 pad Madison Avenue.  The fall seasonal Distress Ink Gathered Twigs was used to add distressing along the edges of the papers.  The cage was die cut from Ten Second Studios Dark Chocolate metal. It's difficult to tell from the picture, but the cage was bent to form a 3D effect off the base.   The butterflies were punched using a MS butterfly punch and Alterations  movers and shakers  Mini Butterflies. The Clearly for Art modeling film was used to add dimension to the butterflies. 



Other accessories used were Old Lace Glimmer Mist (on the base design paper and the Fleur de Lis "lace", made with the Spellbinder's die), 1/2 back self adhesive pearls (from my stash) and the decorative pearl swirls, also from my stash.  The sentiment tag is just a scrap of Ivory card stock, distressed with Gathered Twigs ink that I wrote the saying on. 

NOW for the faux porcelain!!  One of the surfaces for this technique that I tested was the Clearly for Art modeling film.  I brushed a thin coat of Glue n Seal onto the film and after that had dried, I coated again with the Rock Candy Crackle Paint. I die cut the flower pieces with the Tattered Floral die and then used the reinker for Distress Ink Spun Sugar to color the  flower.  I just dropped several pools of ink onto the film and used a paper towel to rub it into the cracks and wipe off the excess.  The color and technique seemed to hold well, even with the heating of the film to mold the flower petals. 

The center of the flower was made with a Viva Pearl Pen in Cream.  I colored it with Copic markers to match the flower. 

The leaves were done the same way, only I used a transparency sheet from Office Depot for my base. 



Let me share some tips/tricks with you that I learned while exploring this technique.

Surfaces:  This technique works on a variety of "slick" surfaces.  I tested it on glass, transparency and Clearly for Art modeling film.  You MUST use the Glue n Seal (or perhaps Elmer's Glue) for a base for the crackle paint to adhere too.  Otherwise, the crackle paint will rub off!!  A thicker layer of crackle paint will yield larger cracks, but I have found it takes a VERY thick layer to get large cracks.  You can speed up the drying process with your heat gun once you notice the cracks appearing.  Just beware that if you happen to hit a thicker pocket of paint, it may bubble with the heat gun.  It can sometimes result in a different texture than the rest of the cracks.  I'm not sure if that is from the paint or perhaps the glue bubbling. 

I also tried this technique on Ten Second Studio's metal, using the same methodology. While the technique works on the metal, I found that the cracks were sooo fine, that they were difficult to see with the shine of the metal. And I'm still experimenting as to what type of inks I could use to highlight the cracks more. I really wanted LARGE cracking on the metal versus the fine cracking that I was getting more often than not. So far, I have found that it takes a VERY, VERY thick coat to crack large on the metal, but that is not consistent. I also tried to speed up the drying process of the paint, once cracking was noticed, with my heat gun, but it seems to have a reaction with the glue/paint/metal and results in a change in color of the metal. I will be experimenting more with this technique and metal and will let you know what I come up with at a later date!!

Coloring:  Surprisingly, Distress Stains and the Distress ReInkers seem to color the faux porcelain without rubbing off.  I found that I could get a second layer of color on if I allowed the first layer of color to dry.  I still need to test permanent inks to see how those will color.  The mottling effect of darker Alcohol inks tended to obscure the detail of the cracks since the ink will adhere to the smooth surface under the cracks.  The lighter color of inks look FAB!

Other:  I also tried using the glue as a base for other crackle paint on these same surfaces.  Worked well, but you obviously don't get the transparency as you do with the Rock Candy crackle paint. 

 Tip:  If you by chance find that your crackle paint has dried up, mix in some water.  It doesn't seem to affect the crackling compound of the paint.  DO NOT  use a glaze to thin the paint.  That, DOES seem to affect the crackling!!  Also, Linda L, had a great suggestion to store your paints and Distress Stains upside down to help prevent air from getting into the jars and bottles.   Just tip the paint jars upright for a minute or so, before using them, and the paint will drip off the brush back into the jar.

I hope that you found this technique inspiring and will give it a try! 

'Till next time.................explore a new technique or experiment, with a twist, using an old favorite technique!!
 

65 comments:

Nan G said...

Wow! I love the bird cage! An d the flower is fabulous! Well, I can what I'll be doing next week. LoL thanks for the tips.

littlethings1 said...

Your project is fabulous ! And I hate when I do mistakes like that and try to fix it and it goes worse ! Still is great !

rush said...

wonderful technique. i will have to experiment, too.

Anonymous said...

Love your project it's just lovely, thank you for sharing it.

Lisa Somerville said...

Beautiful home decor - love how your blossom turned out!

JoanneO said...

Love this! Even the bird cage!

Anne said...

What a beautiful card! Great technique.

Margie said...

That flower is fabulous!! I love it!

bethann said...

like the crooked cage, i thought it was on purpose and i LOVE that you add all the tips/pointers that you learned while doing this, makes me feel better when i create and end up going "um, is that supposed to happen?"

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

I actually really like the bent bars on the birdcage, and the fact that it is crooked...looks more artsy to me. Thanks for all the great pointers!

connie said...

This turned out beautiful! Thanks for the tips.

DWD said...

Love this flower. I think this technique would be beautiful for bee or dragonfly wings. Thanks for sharing!

Luv 2 Create said...

Loved your wall art piece Starla. Thanks for all the tips and techniques you tried out. I loved the flower and leaf turned out on the modeling film. Is it the same as transparency like the packaging???
Oh, and you are to fussy about the bird cage. I think it gives your project real character.
Marcie

SusanK said...

Super cool project and many thanks for sharing your tips/comments on the process. I always find them helpful.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty and I liked the crooked, bent bars cage! When I first saw it I thought, "how different"!

Nancy S said...

I loved the technique on the art film! Thanks for sharing the results of your experiments. Beautiful.

Sylvia said...

Wonderful wall hanging! You are too hard on yourself, Starla, or critical! I love it like it is, would not have noticed a bent metal piece. I find your flower technique fascinating! Have a wonderful weekend.

Noreen said...

Actually, I think the bird cage is more interesting with the bent bars! From craft mistake to craft great!

Danee said...

The flower is pretty.

Stef H said...

girl, you just keep amazing me! this is gorgeous - crooked bars and all! and you are such a good teacher!

like your idea on my monogram - only there's no room on my desk. may have to hang it in my craft room anyway!

have a fantastic weekend!

hugs :)

Leslie said...

Beautifully done! Thank you

julie case said...

This is beautiful!! Love the flowers and the cage!! Thanks for sharing your tips and techniques along the way!!

Jennifer said...

This is incredible! Your mistake really adds to the charm of your escaping butterflies! awesome flower! Love your technique!

Cathy Y said...

Oh, your crackled clear flowers and leaves are just gorgeous!

Christine said...

OMG your creation is beautiful and has all the things I love. Bling, butterflies and that gorgeous flower. I am sure mine won't be that pretty but I have to try. Thanks a bunch.

Janet L. said...

Great project! Thanks for all the tips, I hope I can remember them all when I start playing!

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Wow..quite the post and what a great project. Love the effects and all the fun layers.

MORMOR said...

I love the bent bars on the bird cage. I think it gives it real character. I am surprised that you were able to heat the modeling film after applying the crackle paint and not end up with a liquid mess. I am so glad that you gave it a try because I would have thought not possible and moved on. I truly love your project

Dee in N.H. said...

Great tips!! And I really love how the cage turned out!!! Don't ya just love a happy accident!

Ruby Craft said...

Beautiful project. Love the way the pink shows up in the cracks on the translucent flowers.

Broni said...

Gorgeous card, Starla! I love your metal birdcage and the dimensional butterflies, but especially the crackle flower and leaves! Awesome!

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

This is fantastic. And I love the bent up bird cage. Just makes it look old and beat up.

Barbara Mason said...

Crooked is just fine -depends on how you tip your head!!! Love all your experimentation and will keep your tips in mind!!!

Holly said...

Great ideas and I love the flower!!!

newfiecrafter(Marilyn) said...

Wow love this project your flower is beautiful and hey who says a bird cage has to be straight. Thanks for all the tips on doing this tech.
Marilyn

McStamper said...

Great project!

April said...

Gorgeous piece! I love all the elements. Great job!

Pam said...

This is gorgeous! love how the flower turned out. Thanks for the tips on this technique. It's on my to do list.

jengd said...

That flower is amazing! Interesting some of the things you found about heating the metal and the different colors of alcohol inks- thanks for the tips!

Bunnyfreak said...

Love your project. Thanks for the tips.

Pambi7 said...

I love this project, broken cage and all. The flower is so very delicate. Very beautiful!

Bast said...

This is stunning! I love the birdcage. The bent bats give it a 3-d effect :). I love the butterflies and all the embellies you used. Thanx for sharing and the great tips.

KimMJ
bast830@comcast.net

Dara Lynn said...

Starla...cannot thank you enough for ALL the tips and tricks on this posting for the blog hop. I am totally taking the porcelain technique to my cards and pages!!!! I loooove it!

Glenda said...

Just gorgeous! I can't wait to try!

Unknown said...

Fabulous creation. That tranparent flower is stunning.

land of ahz said...

This project is way way cool, i like the bird cage just the way it is perfect! and the flowers are quite awesome love your work!! hugs candy

Caroline D. said...

This is absolutely beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing the great technique

Deb Neerman said...

What a gorgeous piece of art!! And your flower is just stunning. Very inspiring; tfs!!

Kathy said...

Your creation is beautiful. Thanks also for the tip about the dried crackle paint. I was unsure if you could thin it with a little water. Now I will try.

Carol from La Crosse said...

I LOVE your wall hanging. Looks just like something I would display in my home!

Thanks even more for all the tips!
We crafters need all the help we can get!! :)

Thanks for the Blog Hop!

Suzanne Bouchard said...

Starla! ton projet est simplement magnifique! ANd I think that with the metal it is on "Clearly for art" plastic that the technique is the most spectacular. Merci pour l'inspiration!

MA said...

I love your birdcage. Thanks so much for sharing your tips, too.

Renie said...

This is an absolutely beautiful piece of art!! The second I looked at it, I thought, "what a clever idea, the butterflies breaking free of the cage." Then I read on and discover it is one of those happy accidents!! Gorgeous!! I really like how you have incorporated so much into it. Some I am not sure I "get" yet. Need to study it some more, and some product I'm not familiar with, so need to do some research. Thanks for sharing..it really is so pretty.

Denise Bryant said...

Very cool look! Love the flower!
DeniseB

Linda K said...

You did a great job on your faux workshop. Thanks so much for the suggestions and tips; I read through them all and learned alot. Now if I can only remember.....:)

slbt17 said...

beautiful!
Sandra ltb

PlumTuckered's Paper Plays said...

I love your crooked bird cage! I can never seem to glue anything straight myself :-) I love LOVE LOVE your flower!! I've not had a chance to use the modeling film yet and was intimidated by it, not anymore! Your project is gorgeous! Thank you for the extra tips!

Indy's Designs said...

Amazing!

BethW said...

Your project is beautiful.Thank you for all the tips and hints.I am really looking forward to giving this a try.

Cheryl C said...

I love everything about your piece - vintage, butterflies, the colors, it is beautiful. And a really big thank you for working so hard to work out the "bugs" and then sharing with us your tips for success.

Mary said...

Thanks so much for sharing your amazing creativity and tips!! The flowers (and everything else!!) are just beautiful and so unique!!

Kathy Ethington said...

Seriously, I have messed up more than one of those dang birdcages...and the Rock Candy crackle paint is lovely...You must have patience, and let it dry!!!
I know, sometimes we just can't.
Love what you did, and more on your blog...

Georgie Horn said...

I love your use of distressed inks, I'm such a sucker for a birdhouse!

Kaye said...

I love this technique...so glad you are highlighting it this week!

Michele Kovack said...

Love this! The flower is so dreamy!