Steampunk Papillon for IndigoBlu

Hi everyone and welcome! A few weeks back Kay Halliwell-Sutton launched IndigoBlu's new Steampunkesque collection featuring a dedicated set of stamps, mixed media paper pad and stencils. After turning around the TV samples I got the germ of an idea that was going to require more time to complete (you know, one of those that sits in your head and refuses to go despite all the other deadlines you have to meet!) There was also added inspiration from a purchase of some stylish, tarnished cutlery at Retford's weekly vintage market and a discovery of small frames ideal for altering. So finally, letting my imagination take flight so to speak, I came up with this altered canvas...

You'll see the A4 canvas background has been stencilled with lots of cogs - Super Thick Slap It On is ideal for this as it dries raised and solid, so perfect for adding layers of paint (and abuse in the form of sandpaper!) I also added a rough layer of Fine Modelling Paste to the frame before sticking it firmly to the canvas. Many, many layers of IndigoBlu Matte and Metallic paints followed until I got the look I was happy with.

The central panel has a built up corrugated built up base showing glimpses of the deep base colours that underpin the paler and metallic layers on top. I also added a torn book page, altered with gesso, paint, heat embossed stamping and more of that cog stencilling. A little Rust alcohol ink across the canvas and frame helped to age it all and added lowlights to the spoon. That was wrapped with a combination of coloured burlap string and various wires to create a 'body', with the colours then echoed in the wings. Anyone who came along to the Make n Takes at Ally Pally will recognise the use of the Wild Butterflies stencil with Super Thick Slap It On and silver Luscious pigment powder. By using them on transparent modelling film I was able to add a mix of Raven Black IndigoBlu metallic paint and more of those Luscious pigment powders to get the perfect match of colours to the body binding on the reverse. To finish a scattering of old watch parts was used to enhance the design.

I'm entering this into the following challenges;
Creative Artiste's Mixed Media Challenge #18 - Anything Mixed Media Goes
Mixed Media World #18 - Magic/Fantasy
SanDee & Amelie's Steampunk Challenges Sept '16 - Anything Goes - Steampunk/Industrial

The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #28 - Rustic
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Powder Power (Pigment Powders)

Thanks for joining me today. I hope you feel inspired to get creative and realise some of those arty ideas that have been on your mind. With the weekend fast approaching have a great one and take care of yourselves. Jenny xxx