Marvellous Metallics at The Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog

Hi everyone and welcome. It's the start of a new challenge theme over at the The Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog (formerly the Frilly and Funkie Challenge blog). It's my turn to host and this time the challenge is called 'Marvellous Metallics'. "There are so many ways to add metallics to your projects, from embossing powders and pastes, metallic finish cards and foils, metallic inks and paints to metal embellishments. And you can leave them untreated for a touch of glamour or alter them for an aged or more grungy look. Show us how you like to use metals on your vintage or shabby chic projects."

As ever, the Design Team will choose their top four picks, with the winner being invited to join us in a Guest DT spot at The Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog and the next three will receive Top 3 badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and follows the rules will be entered into the draw to have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

The obsession with creating notebooks continues - this one was the perfect vehicle for showing how metallic elements can make such a difference to a mixed media collage. Amongst many pieces it features a Metallic Confections Tim Holtz 3D Impresslits Leaf created as part of my recent Saturday Showcase tutorial over on The Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog.

This notebook began as so many have before with the Eileen Hull Designs Scoreboards Die Notebook, cutting the two covers and spine from mountboard for strength. After cutting these pieces apart and reassembling them with flexible fabric tape the covers had a layer of baking parchment applied to give that kraft colour to them. Adding sewing pattern tissue would give a similar look. After applying layers of calico fabric and old French book paper I added some paper lace, cut using the Tim Holtz Thinlits Die 'Crochet' and some beautiful Venise Lace from Linda's shop.

The main frame was also die cut, this time using Tim Holtz Bigz Die 'Trinket Frames' both from Metallic Confections Kraft Stock and from mount board. After layering them together for strength I altered the metal surface by adding black gesso, rubbing away some of it when partially dry, then adding a little dilute Dina Wakley Media Acrylic Paint in 'Ancient' and some Alcohol Pearls Ink in 'Smolder'. To finish the look Tim Holtz Ideaology Nailheads were glued into the corners. Hint - to get a better look to the finish paint the edges with black gesso and a little of the Ancient Paint to blend them with the Metallic Kraft Stock on the surface.

Inside the frame is a Tim Holtz Ideaology Large Keyhole with a little Alcohol Pearls Ink in 'Smolder' dribbled over it to alter the colour. Having stitched through the Metallic Leaf, Quote Chips words were added alongside a Tim Holtz Ideaology 'Bouquet Findings' flower (coloured with a little yellow ink).

Some black May Arts Crochet Lace was glued onto the spine and a metal key altered in the same way as the frame) was tied onto it using Burlap String. Linda stocks a great range of metal keys in different sizes which are perfect for adding to collages and for use as charms.

Inside the notebook has a text block inserted made up from a mix of different tea stained pages to compliment the neutral colour of the cover and vintage look of the metal.

That's my take on the theme 'Marvellous Metallics' for the current The Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog challenge. My talented team mates have created lots more amazing projects for this challenge so make sure you hop on over and check them out HERE. And remember to link up your own shabby chic or vintage projects to be in with a chance of winning one of the fabulous prizes.

Most of the products used to create this Notebook are available from The Funkie Junkie Boutique and are listed/linked below.

Thanks for visiting,
Jenny xxx

Sizzix Chapter 2 ScoreBoards L Die - Notebook by Eileen Hull 663635

Sizzix Chapter 2 Tim Holtz Trinket Frames Bigz Die 664186

Sizzix 3-D Impresslits Chapter 2 Embossing Folder - Leaf 663293

Sizzix Chapter 2 Tim Holtz Thinlits Crochet 664178

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Large Keyholes

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Nail Heads

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Bouquet Findings

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Quote Chips

Ranger Tim Holtz Alcohol Pearls - Smolder

Dina Wakley Media Acrylic Paint - Ancient

Dina Wakley Media Acrylic Paint - Black Gesso

May Arts 1.5 Inch Crochet Ribbon - Black

Burlap String - 12 Colors

Bronze Keys