Thursday 10 January 2013

Treasure Chests

Welcome to a special post today! As you may know I was previously featured at the stunning blog Our Creative Corner for twice winning their Top Talent Challenge. For that spotlight I crafted 'A Christmas Tree'. I was lucky enough to win again there recently for my 'Vintage Santa' card and was kindly invited to feature once more and make a project to showcase. So I took the term 'showcase' literally!

I very much appreciate Our Creative Corner hosting this spotlight piece. Their design team are a platinum talented group of ladies whose crafting will ALWAYS inspire. Please do pop over Our Creative Corner for more details of my showcase today and a q and a session. My first spotlight interview from last November is here.

I have altered a pair of miniature papier-mâché suitcases to turn them into little vintage Treasure Chests. Apologies for photographs that were tricky earlier this week given Dublin's dark skies.






Firstly I gave each case a coat of Gesso. Next I applied a coat of Paper Artsy's Fresco Finish paint in Nougat. Then painted a thin coat of Fresco Finish Crackle Glaze. Once dry I followed with a coat of Fresco Finish Vintage Lace for one case, Ice Blue for the other. Also painted the corners and leather strap elements with Fresco Finish 'Old Gold'. The resulting crackle effect was super (thanks Alison). I then (for the first time) stencilled using Crafter's Workshop mini damask stencil together with Dreamweaver embossing paste in white. It wasn't possible to tape the stencil down flat given the raised 'leather straps' either side so the stencils aren't as clean as could be if they had been entirely flat. I sponged Distress Inks liberally over both cases.

Next stamped a mix of script and scroll stamps using Archival Rose Madder and gold inks. I then painted a coat of Fresco Finish Metallic Glaze - resulting in a gorgeous pearlescent sheen. However given that I had used pale colours at the crackling stage I lost some of the detail of the crackle and paler stamping as I applied the glaze. Paper Artsy's site does explain that the metallic glaze can be mixed with Satin Glaze to lessen the pearlescent sheen and I will follow their advice next time. I re-sponged a mix of Distress Inks for layering effect.

I 'recrackled' the leather handles and straps to 'age' and nubble further. Using my finger I applied a gilding wax (LeFranc & Bourgeois Pale Gold) over the damask stencilling and left to dry overnight. The next day I did a second stencil layer with the embossing paste to heighten. Again it wasn't possible to lay stencil flat but the second layer gave the pattern a better definition. I then did my gilding wax trick again. (Whole project done over several days).

Given the wonderful results achieved by Joanna and others and tip from Anne I just had to try out some Stampendous Frantage. For the pink chest I used Stampendous Shabby Pink embossing enamel speckled with Melissa Frances pink glass glitter. On the blue chest I scattered Aged Ivory embossing enamel flecked with gold glass glitter. I ended up covering some stamping again but I loved the jewel encrusted texture so much that I didn't mind! I also embossed edges of cases with Ranger Queen's Gold EP. Added the little pearls to the case corners and handles with Viva Decor pearl pen.

I die cut the tags with a mix of Cheery Lynn and Spellbinders dies and some Brenda Walton tag and Nunn Design embellishments and charms from stash. I gave them the same paint, glaze and frantage treatment and attached with gold cord.

I 'aged and gilded' the crown charm and Melissa Frances resin bird and fixed to the pink chest. Similarly decorated the blue chest with bird charm and butterfly by Brenda Walton.






During the early stage of the project I also made 'linings' for the cases using silk fibre tissue with petals. I stamped the tissue and then fixed inside with modge podge. Inside the pink case is a sentiment by Paper Bag Studios (PBS-038-C Beauty) and Justrite Stamps (Damask Background) - stamped with Worn Lipstick DI. The blue case has Flourishes Stamp (Antique Map) and the very lovely Crafty Individuals Stamp (CI-101). Stamped with Chipped Sapphire and Broken China DIs. Also stamped mini flowers, fleur de lis and butterflies and dabbed with DIs.




Very many thanks once again to all at Our Creative Corner for giving me the opportunity to shine. Being invited to produce a special project inspired me to push my boundaries. This is my first 'altered item' - I have learnt a lot in the process and had fun along the way!

Thank-you so much for spending time at my blog. Your visits and comments mean a great deal!

Nicola x

I wish to enter my Treasure Chests to the following challenges;
Fashionable Stamping Challenges - Surprise Us
Vintage Stamping Challenges - Vintage
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Embrace The Old
Crafty-emblies - Toy Box or Toy or Box
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday - #202 New (with flourishes stamp)
Live & Love Crafts - Something Old
Craft Your Passion - Vintage / Shabby Chic
Kaboodle Doodles - Vintage
Crafty Creations Challenges - Something New - new stencil
Little Red Wagon - Bring On The Bling

61 comments:

  1. Nicola, these are gorgeous..they are full of texture and I love the colour tones...just wonderful makes and congratulations on winning! trace x

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  2. These are so lovely, Nicola!

    Seems the chests themselves are the true treasures ;)

    Hugs,

    Claudia xx

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  3. Hi Nicola, wow, these look fantastic! They are dripping with vintageness...just beautiful
    Thankyou for joining us at Vintage Stamping Challenges
    Dot x

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  4. LOVE..LOVE! All the texture looks great!

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  5. Luckily, all I have to do is write...Can't speak. My chin is still on the floor! It's amazing, stupendously amazing! These chest ARE the treasures...I mean wow! See? Can't speak in complete sentences. Well done Nicola. Here's a big hug from me on your victory.

    hugs, Asha

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  6. Massive congratulations on being given this honour again. It is testiment to your crafting brilliance that you have another showcase. I was REALLY interested to see this Nicola as I have recently created an A4 gift box for my dad's present using similar principles (paint/crackle glaze/stencilling/Treasure Gold) but didn't use Frantage and that makes all the difference here. Love the idea of using fabric paper for lining too - far more flexible. The handles and little tags also make a huge difference to the look of these divine cases. A massive thumbs up from this part of a decidedly gloomy UK. Hugs, Jenny x

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  7. Wow Nicola these are so gorgeous, well done on your win! Elizabeth xxx

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  8. Outstanding - really outstanding. Such a wonderful project, I'm impressed.
    Thanks for joining us at FlonzCraft Vintage Stamping Challenge.

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  9. Wow, these are definitely worth a showcase! Completely stunning and I'm in awe of all the work involved. Just when I thought they couldn't get any better, I see the fabulous decorated insides - jaw-dropping :)

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  10. Your little suitcases are beautiful! I love the colors and the textures you've achieved on them! The straps and handles are such a cool addition to the already gorgeous suitcases. The silk linings and the stamped images you've done on the interiors really finish off the suitcases so beautifully. And I love the trinkets hanging from the handles as well. They are just wonderful! Thanks for sharing your work with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

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  11. Wow Nicola these are absolutely stunning I love everything about them !!!
    Kevin xx

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  12. Oh, Nicola, these are really special! Breathtakingly beautiful finish on the outsides, and the insides are a delight too... So - you'd buy mine - I'd certainly buy yours - maybe we should be going into business together?! Congratulations on your double OCC honour - as these prove, it's so completely deserved... I'm scrolling back up now to do some more drooling!
    Alison xx

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  13. Wow! These are gorgeous Nicola! So much work has obviously gone into them and I love the insides just as much as the outsides! Just gorgeous!

    Sheena
    xxx

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  14. These are so dreamy and wonderful! You did an outstanding job!! You are more than welcome to send them to me.....lol!

    Happy Crafting
    Tracie
    http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com

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  15. Absolutely stunning creations and just perfect for our challenge.

    Thanks so much sharing with us at FlonzCraft Vintage Stamping challenges this month.

    B x

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  16. Hi Nicola, This is a stunning project, such beautiful finishes on the outside and gorgeous detail on the inside too.
    Just been catching up, so pleased Santa brought you the Big Shot.
    Avril xx
    Also, Thanks for sharing with us at FSC.

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  17. Gorgeous treasure chests! Love the gold touches and all the stamping details! Thank you for joining us at FSC.

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  18. Hi Nicola, I hardly know where to begin, I popped over to read all about you first. These treasure chests are real treasures in themselves. You have covered them beautifully and I love the frantaging, it adds so much lovely texture. The straps look like real leather and the insides are an absolute delight, as are the hanging elements. I truly love these and well done again on your triple win. I did do one of these suitcases for DH at Christmas in boring old colours - I may pinch it back again and make a pretty one like you! Thank you so much for the inspiration. Hugs, Anne x

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  19. These are both just fabulous Nicola and the textures look awesome. Love them!
    Thanks for your kind wishes too, much appreciated.
    Fliss xx

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  20. Hi Nicola, wow these turned out fabulous. I may have to investigate these potions, not like I need to add to my collection.
    Thank you for your comments on my blog. The base of my vintage card was a Martha Stewart punch around the edge punch. Hope that helps.
    Hugs Tracy x

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  21. Gorgeous work nicola! I love those lttle suitcases, you've really done them proud ! X

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  22. Oh my,these are just gorgeous!All your hard work and attention to detail has certainly paid off.So many techniques and demonstrated so beautifully.Thanks for joining us at Craft Your Passion.Hope to see you again next week :D
    Lisa x

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  23. Loving your gorgeous cases, x

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  24. oh wow these are absolutely fantastic nicola.really love the crackled effect and stunning details :D

    xx coops xx

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  25. Perfect! Absolutely amazing - I am speechless! ;o) xxxx

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  26. Nicola
    Congratulations on being featured.
    Beautifully transformed with that amazing texture and then the delight of stamped artwork inside. I can tell so much work was put into achieving that texture and well worth it.
    Thank You for sharing those with us at FSC this fortnight.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  27. Congratulations and what a fantastic, fabulous altered project! Such work of art!

    Thanks for joining us at Kaboodle Doodles’ “Vintage” Challenge! Happy 2013!!

    Kath - Admin
    Blog: Creo by Lady Katutz
    http://creobyladykatutz.blogspot.com/

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  28. These are so magnificent! Being featured is no surprise, Nicola, and well deserved. :-D

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  29. Wow, congrats on being featured. Simply stunning.
    Berni
    berni46blogspot.

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  30. Just one word....PINNING!!! That means this is EXCEPTIONAL!!!

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  31. WOW!! Love, Love Love these! Gorgeous textures, amazing work...Breathtaking! Hugs May x x x

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  32. Congrats my lovely friend,these creations are amazing^_^
    You are very talented,your style is so elegant^_^
    You deserve to win^_^
    Have a beautiful day,
    Sonia

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  33. These are so stunning Nicola. Well done on being featured.
    Hugs from
    Laine
    X

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  34. WOWZERS! Your work is stunning! What amazing transformations.

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  35. These chests are stunning!!

    Thanks for joining us at Kaboodle Doodles this week for our Vintage Challenge.

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  36. Wow Nicola, these two little precious suitcase are amazing!! Inside and outside, so lovely.

    Thanks for your kind words on my blog :-)

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  37. Wow, these are fabulous, love the texture on them, and the inside is great, and I love those tags.

    Thank you for joining our altered art challenge at Crafty-Emblies.

    Moira
    DT

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  38. A really beautiful makeover for the suitcases Nicola and I love the insides too. You asked a question about the rusting products I used on my tag earlier in the week and the product is modern masters rusting effects. Have a good weekend.

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  39. These little cases look amazing Nicola! I love all the texture!
    Thanks for the kind comment you left on my blog :)
    Alison xx

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  40. Wooo hooo, well done hun, you're a crafting celebrity now! yay - well don e you! Looove your altered suitcases and the touch of Frantage looks absolutely gorgeous! Love, love, love!!! hugs xxx

    Ps. Thank you so much for joining our FSC challenge! Mwah x

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  41. Holy moley Nicola this is stunning & so fricking cute!! Love love love it

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  42. Nicola, these are amazing little suitcases. They are the treasure, not what they could hold. Absolutely love the combination of mediums and techniques you have used. Just incredible...no wonder they keep wanting you to come back. Thanks so much for joining our Vintage/Shabby Chic Challenge at Craft Your Passion. It's been a delightful visit.

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  43. Wow, wow, wow! What an awesome project! They're lovely. Thanks for joining us at Little Red Wagon.

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  44. Wow, these are stunning! Love the fabulous designs and the colors you used. So great.

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  45. WOW! Just WOW!! I love them!! They are amazing and so creative! You really wowed me here and I love how you designed and created them!! And I love how you used the Flourishes Antique Map on the inside lid, that's creative :)

    Thank you for playing along with us in Flourishes Timeless Tuesday!

    ~ Amanda :)

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  46. Wow my jaw is dropping and I can't get it back up! This beyond gorgeous and outstanding!!

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  47. Oh Nicola, I have not enough vocabulary in english to tell you what I think of this fabulous creation... Your two suitcases are so, so, so wowwwwwww....and the colours you chose are just uncredibly beautiful and shining. Of course I LOVE THAT !!!!!!!!! And thank you for all the photos and step by step howto, I think I will keep it in mind as a perfect realisation to try one day. Sure you will win some challenges !! :) Have a fab week-end, coco xx

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  48. Oh wow Nicola these are fabulous, so much work has gone into them and it sure has paid off they are so lovely.
    You are one very talented girlie :)
    hugs Mandy xx

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  49. Oh dear! What stunning treasure chests! Lovin' all the texture and Vintage Vibe! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  50. Went and had a look at your OCC post, lovely to read more about you Nicola and these little suitcases are just fantastic, such a great project.
    hugs {brenda} x0x

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  51. Wow, Nicola these are fabulous! I love the detail on them and well just WOW!
    Hugs
    Laurian

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  52. Oh my goodness Nicola, these little cases are absolutely stunning - gorgeous vintage finish and such beautiful attention to detail. They are really breathtaking. Thanks for sharing them with us at VSC this month
    Claire xx

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  53. All I can say is wow... These are just awesome..
    Sandy :)

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  54. I'm back again Nichola, this time with my DT hat on. Still gorgeous and very vintagey. Love them.
    Thanks for joining us at LLC.
    Hugs Tracy x

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  55. Well... no real surprise to me, but huge congratulations on your Top Pick at FSC - no way they could leave this one out!!
    Alison xx

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  56. These are really stunning, I love the vintage look and the textured effects
    Lindsay xx

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  57. Your treasure chests are gorgeous. Great to see you featured again and get such well deserved recognition. Debbie

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  58. The Top Pick at FSC is sooo truly deserved, Nicola! Congrats on this! Love your treasure chests very much!!! They are so gorgeously heartfelt in their makings! (Hope this is an English sentence...and the one that expresses what I mean *lol)

    Hugs,

    Claudia x

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  59. OMG Absolutely a Play of Art........youare really talented,,,,love each detail here,,,,,,,,,,,woww,wowwww applauses..Thanks for your comments to The Doll House Collector at Alison Bomber' blog with my adorable doll sheet,,,so feel free to choose your favorite product from all my stuff for free e-mail me to nicecrane@yahoo.com

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  60. WOOOOOOWW!!! What a masterpiece! I can´t take my eyes off these beauty´s! wow!

    Thank you for joining at LLC`s January challenge :)
    Hugs,
    Karita

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  61. Wow, these are most definitely works of art, so much work but so worth it! All the details are gorgeous, and I love the texture.

    Maria xxxxx

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Thank-you! Your visit and comment is very much appreciated. Nicola x